Hello! You may know me as Elise Estrella. My real name is Denise. I write.

ABOUT ME: Romance author. Freelance writer. Former communication coach but still retains the snobby trait of correcting people’s grammar and pronunciation (but only in my head). I can speak English with an American accent. Former text book writer/editor for a US editorial services company. Does not know where to put dashes in words written in Tagalog. Bookworm. Romance junkie. Pseudo-psychologist. Antukin. Gutumin. Near-sighted. Chocoholic. Romantic. Dreamer. Idealist. Pessimist. OC (Organized Chaos). Quiet. Generally nice. Can be inherently evil. Fiercely loyal. Believes in comfort and can be a whiny brat. Tougher than I look. Don’t disturb me when I’m writing. I snarl.

I chose the name Elise Estrella because 1) my mom, Elizabeth, always complained that none of her children were named after her; and 2) “estrella” is the Spanish word for ‘star’. I have always been fascinated with stars (and the moon). To me, they symbolize dreams. Becoming published was one of my first, highest and fiercest dreams. “Elise Estrella” actually represents one of my dreams fulfilled.

Writing, making a living writing, becoming a published author, for me, is my very own Elysian Plains, a version of my very own heaven.