Hello & welcome
I’m an Australian writer of various things. After an extended hiatus, I’m jump-starting this blog to focus on my love of fantasy books.
In the past, the blog has celebrated the fantasy genre and other aspects of the creative life — including the wonder inspired by travelling to far off places, both real and imagined.
(There’s plenty in the archives about my early writing journey, travel, books, Dungeons and Dragons and more…)
I now write fantasy as Ellen Starsmore and indie-published my debut novel, Beyond the Humming Downs, in July 2025.
Beyond the Humming Downs
Beyond the Humming Downs is a romantic fantasy adventure with a dash of hopepunk, quiet rebellion and earth magic.
A fateful meeting. A forbidden bond. A fight for the future… When Adehl meets Roh under the summer-blue sky of the Humming Downs, they’re bound by ellir, the storm of energy in the heart of the world. Their unprecedented bond sparks a quest for survival and equality that exposes unjust lore. Will they risk everything to build a more inclusive world?
“A lyrical adventure full of humanity.” (Amazon review)
My thoughts on books
Book Review: The Silent Paths of Night
The Silent Paths of Night is the sequel to Dark Moon Shallow Sea. Epic fantasy that’s intimate, exciting, hopeful (even when things get dark), and laced with all kinds of love.
Book Review: A Bond of Thread
A Bond of Thread is a romantic fantasy about a Faerie Queen, Skye, who is running from her destiny, and a winged Fae warrior, Ilyas, hiding from his past.
Book Review: Dark Moon Shallow Sea
Dark Moon Shallow Sea is an atmospheric, darkish epic fantasy book filled with creepy, blood-sucking ghosts, demons and flame-wielding knights of the sun god.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Ellen. I live with a feline animal companion and a horde of carnivorous plants in Melbourne, Australia (Boonwurrung Country).
I’ve loved all things fantasy since my teens, especially stories set in imaginary worlds. I have a passion for adventure and exploring new places in the real world too.
I also provide writing, editing and communications services for businesses, with a particular interest in industry, technology and engineering. Visit me on LinkedIn for more information.
Ellen Gregory 