EDUCATION
Eastmoor Senior High School, Diploma (1969, Columbus, OH)
The Ohio State University, BS in Elementary Education (1973)
Walden University, MS in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (2007)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Middle School Math (1973-74, Spencerville School District, OH)
Title 1 Reading (1974-1975, Riverside School District, OH)
Substitute Teacher/Tutor (mid 1990s-2002, Bellefontaine City School District, OH)
High School English (2002-2013, Bellefontaine City School District, OH)
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE
Zell Freelance Services, Writer (mid 1990s-2014)
Central Ohio Renaissance Productions LLC, Writer (2014-current)
FAMILY
Husband–Merlyn K. Zell (d. 2012), married in 1974
Children–John, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Jennifer, William, Lillian, and Megan
Grandchildren–Mara, Lauren, Elisha, Andrew, Ethan, Amelia, Brant, Isabella, Grace, Jackson, Dominic, Zachary, and Luke
FAMILY ALBUM
Q & A
1. When did you start working with your characters and their stories?
My first attempt was a novel in the mid 1980s. The main characters were Stephi Grant, Mark Daniels, and Ed Bradford.
2. Why didn’t you continue to write your stories as novels?
I got bored with the editing of the two novels that I did write. Also, I dislike writing the descriptions that are so necessary in novels.
3. You have written and self-published two books about God. Is Journeys faith-based?
Journeys is not faith-based. The main thrusts of the stories are family, friendship, and romance.
4. You used a quote by James Baldwin on this site’s home page. Why did you select it?
Mr. Baldwin’s words reflect the main theme of the series: love brings out the best in people.
5. What kind of training have you had in the art and craft of screenwriting?
While I gained knowledge from multiple books and videos, I also invested in several rounds of coverage.
6. Why have you taken so long to reach this point with your characters and their stories?
I needed to gain life experience–my characters and their stories have more depth than they did in the early days. I also needed to learn the how-tos of screenwriting and filmmaking.
7. Why are your characters so diverse?
From my junior high school years in Columbus throughout my adult life, I have interacted with a wide range of people. My high school English classrooms had a wonderful mix of students, so I based the diversity of my series on those classrooms.
8. Which character is your favorite?
I love all of my characters equally. I have enjoyed working with all of them and their stories.
9. What is your goal for Journeys?
My top goal for the series is to entertain the viewers. I want people to enjoy my characters and their stories.