Ixtila

I am an Australian Fantasy Author, publishing independently under the pen name Ella Stradling. Ella Stradling is a pseudonym derived from two sources: Ella is my real middle name, given by my father in honour of his favourite singer, Ella Fitzgerald; Stradling comes from a legend about a girl who was the last of her line who married into the family.

I grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia and finished high school in 1988. I graduated from University as Bachelor of Arts with Honours in 1994. I worked for over ten years as graphic designer, editor and proof reader in the pre-press department of a small offset and digital printing house.

My first novel, a fantasy titled "Revealing Rexa" and its sequel, "Awakening Sand", are both available on kindle and in paperback. A manuscript comprising these first two novels was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, placing in the top 1% of the competition.

My patchwork bears are made as gifts for all the children in my extended family. Perhaps one day I will make them to sell but, as in all crafts, the price can never recompense for the time and effort it takes to make them.

My character sketches are a personal project to illustrate the characters in my books. I know they are not perfect but it helps to visualise them when I am writing.

I love to crochet, mostly for family. The character dolls were a birthday present for my daughter. The digital photo art is a bit of fun, usually inspired by my children. The book covers are my own work for my own books.