![](https://media.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/people/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/29143252/Ellen-Brown-80x120.jpg)
Name: Ellen Brown
Website: www.literarysoc.com
Age: 63
Title: President, Literary Society of the Southwest
Married/Single: Married to Fowler for 41 years
Kids: Fowler Jr. 34, Peter 31
City you live in: Paradise Valley
A typical day in my life includes… miles of walking with our labrador and my husband, reading, handwork, cooking and baking. Well, and volunteer work for the Literary Society.
I was born… in Connecticut, lived there for six months and have never been back
My favorite thing about Arizona… is the vast open expanse of the state surrounded by mountains in this fabulous climate.
I’m listening to… an audio book at twice the recorded speed
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… our 14 month old grandson
One thing I cannot live without… dark chocolate
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a librarian
I’m inspired by…. the extreme patience and acceptance of my grandfather, who developed a degenerative disease in his early thirties. It cost him his marriage, his career, his mobility, his binocular vision, and impaired his speech, but he read several newspapers a day and retained his sense of humor, sharp wit, amazing patience, and kindness well into his eighties.
The one person who motivates me is…. my husband. He introduced me to new adventures and ways of approaching challenges, which assist me in arriving at better solutions.
The perfect day would be… waffle Saturday every day!
My first job was… babysitter and nanny
My favorite escape… a beach by a warm ocean with a book
My life… is very full and wonderful!
I’m currently working on… being the best grandmother I can be
Always… be prepared.
Never… forget to check your references or be late
Favorite Quote… A well-read woman is a dangerous creature
Biggest Dream… finding my next baking adventure
My Pet Peeve(s)… not being prepared
Bio-on yourself/company: Literary Society is in its fourth year being run by an all-volunteer board and we have made such progress! We have exceeded our membership goals, introduced our members to incredible authors and contemporary literature, engaged so many of our members in our volunteer efforts, and since 2008 granted close to $300,000 to nonprofit literacy programs and student scholarships within Arizona.