An award-winning author, Reverend Deacon Ellen L. Ekstrom is well-regarded for her expertise in medieval history and church history. Since 2013, she has served as the owner of her own small business, Whyte Rose and Violet, Scribes, through which she publishes her creative works and demonstrates her dedication to the literary arts. Drawing upon several decades of professional experience, Rev. Ekstrom is likewise well-versed in a myriad of historical subjects, her knowledge of such taking the helm of her creative endeavors. In addition to her creative work, she has served as a legal secretary at various law firms since 1982.
Some of Rev. Ekstrom’s published works include “George of Grasmere” in 2024, “Ascalon” in 2018, “The Shop Girl of Flowergate” in 2017, and “St. Edmund Wood: A Cheshire Tale” in 2016. Earlier, she authored “What She Wished For: A Cautionary Tale” and “The Legacy” in 2015. In 2014, she penned three prominent works: “Scarborough: Quinn’s Story,” “Tallis’ Third Tune” and “Armor of Light.” Among her many works, Rev. Ekstrom is especially proud of “Tallis’ Third Tune,” as it was birthed from her own experiences and serves as a personal reflection of her past.
Earlier in her career, Rev. Ekstrom was one of Central Avenue Publishing LLC’s first authors. Despite facing rejections due to market trends in the literary industry, she persevered and continued writing, eventually finding a niche that celebrated her work. After serving in the field for several years, Rev. Ekstrom decided to independently publish her work through Whyte Rose and Violet, Scribes, through which she has been able to assume creative control and responsibility for her work, as well as receive adequate compensation.
Outside of her literary efforts, Rev. Ekstrom is an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church and holds a Bachelor of Theological Studies, with a concentration in Christian Mythos and a subspecialty in Christian Social Ethics, from the Episcopal School for Deacons, which she earned in 2002. As such, she has lent her wealth of knowledge to various institutions, including service as a chaplain at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California, and past appointments as the parish deacon at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley, California.
Looking toward the future, Rev. Ekstrom endeavors to continue expanding her expertise in literary pursuits and pastoral care. She also aims to explore the role of women in the early church, leveraging her knowledge to write additional works on the subject. In 1991, Writers Digest Magazine recognized Rev. Ekstrom for her literary prowess.