Ellie was born in Bristol, but raised in a hamlet on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea by a family of avid readers. So avid, in fact, her mum enrolled her in the local library before she'd even emerged from the womb, which was awkward for all concerned. Ellie's passion for writing stories flourished aged seven, when her parents bought her a Petite Super International typewriter for Christmas, and there was no stopping her.After studying for a Broadcasting Degree at the University of Leeds, Ellie realised there were too few home makeover shows in the world, and worked on a number of DIY and Garden programmes for UK Style. She then returned to studying and completed an MA in Screenwriting in 2008.She lives in London.

Matilda is a great character, a brilliant role model, and the book is a real affirmation of women as scientists

Ellie was born in Bristol, but raised in a hamlet on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea by a family of avid readers. So avid, in fact, her mum enrolled her in the local library before she'd even emerged from the womb, which was awkward for all concerned. Ellie's passion for writing stories flourished aged seven, when her parents bought her a Petite Super International typewriter for Christmas, and there was no stopping her.After studying for a Broadcasting Degree at the University of Leeds, Ellie realised there were too few home makeover shows in the world, and worked on a number of DIY and Garden programmes for UK Style. She then returned to studying and completed an MA in Screenwriting in 2008.She lives in London.

Matilda is a great character, a brilliant role model, and the book is a real affirmation of women as scientists