Welcome to the Weekend With.... C. Ellene Bartlett

Today we welcome the weekend with the lovely and talented C. Ellene Bartlett. I recently read and reviewed her charming book Letters to Rosy. Click here to read the review.  Born Charlotte Ellene Bartlett in Clarkston, Georgia. After WWII  she moved to Stockbridge, Georgia. Divorced with two children was hard and then she met Air Force Sergeant and spent 34 years traveling the U.S and four years in Berlin, Germany. She now resides in New Port Richey, Fl. and has taken up painting again after 40 years and started writing. “Letters To Rosy” is a first novel.

What was it like growing up in a small town in Georgia?


Actually, it was fun and it was terrible. Living in the country offered a wholesome and healthy atmosphere in which to start a young life on the road to growth and adventures. Being with family is so important to a young life. The terrible part was not being able to do the things the city girls did. I felt we were poor, but realistically, we were really better off than the city folks were.

When you were a little girl what did you envision for your life? Who did you want to be?

Like most little girls, I wanted to be a movie star. I remember producing little stage plays in my neighborhood during WWII while my father was overseas. We lived in Atlanta at that time. Naturally, I was always the star in all my creations. That actually paid off. I played an important part in two plays in high school and my son and I had a part in the play “Macbeth” in the Berlin/American Little Theater Group.

You’ve lived in many places. Do you have a ritual when preparing to go to a new place and or for when you arrive?

No, I don’t have a particular ritual. I understand moving often was a necessity and we accepted it as part of the military life. I have a reputation for moving, in the military and in civilian life. Whenever we move, the first question is from my daughter, who always ask, “Is the house dirty again?”

Of all the places you’ve lived which one was your favorite and why? Is there a place that you wish you could have lived?

Our family adapted well at the many places we went. The most fun adult place was North Syracuse, NY., where we retired from the military. We made so many friends there, those friends are still friends, and I visit as often as possible. My thoughts often go back to my childhood in Stockbridge, Ga., where I grew up. I still have some family there and the memories are priceless.

I know that you paint. What inspires your paintings? Is your art now the same as the art you did when you were younger?

Oh no, there is no comparison. I entered a drawing at the Famous Artist. They said I had talent therefore, I signed up for their course. Two of my instructors were Norman Rockwell and Albert Dorne. Little did I know then that Norman Rockwell would become so famous? Due to unforeseen circumstances, I did not finish my course at Famous Artist. After 40 years, I finally picked up a brush when I saw Bob Ross paint on TV. My painting now is from the heart. I prep a canvass follow the brush and watch to see where it goes. Sometimes the journey hits the mark and a reasonably good painting emerges.

Do you plan to ever publish your paintings, say in a coffee table book?

That’s a great idea. I may pursue it some point. A short story connecting the paintings to each other would be a thrilling possibility.

What is your favorite adult hiding place? Guilty pleasure?

It is in my bedroom at the computer or on my sun porch daydreaming about some exotic adventure.

What is your writing process? Do you have any special rituals?

I have no special rituals. I choose a character, put it to work and see what kind of mischief it can get into.

Are any of your characters or events inspired by real life (yours or someone you know)?

Only the idea of a small southern town, its indiscretions and life as they know it.

With all the different elements in your book, how do you classify your novel?

I would say my book is mostly a mystery with Sasah missing, spiced up with intrique with the abduction of Mendy and Misty and mischief sprinkled with some indiscretions.

When writing, Letters to Rosy, did you already have the plots outlined or did you let Rene and Rosy speak to you and lead the story?

No, like many other writers, I believe I had divine intervention. I knew nothing about writing when I sat down at the computer and Rene started daydreaming in her garden. One thing led to another and another and the results a completed story. The mind can create some fascinating characters if you let it and capture it on paper. However, writing a book is difficult. You must be disciplined and set aside time every day to devote time to writing, research and reading.

Will we get to hear from any other characters from the book in the future?

Oh yes.

What’s next for you?

I have almost finished another thrilling book titled “An Orchid Among Evil.” I hope to have it published early in 2010.


Ellene, thank you so much for taking the time to tell us a little bit more about yourself. To learn even more visit her website. 

Be sure to leave a comment  and become a follower for a chance to win a copy of her book Letters to Rosy as well as a leather bound journal, stationary and pen. Contest will end on December 12th at midnight. As an extra bonus if I get twenty commenters I'll throw in a book of Forever stamps as well.