Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio but was never content with staying in one place for long. That sense of wanderlust led her to Chicago, Illinois, Washington, D.C., and eventually to the lights and bustle of New York City.
I’m a legal professional with over a decade of experience and who always rises to the next challenge. In addition to working in the legal field, I am a member of several professional organizations, from the local Bar Associations, Mindfulness in Law Society, Military Spouse J.D. Network, to the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society.
My creative side emerged after I began to understand how important wellness is to each of us. As a freelance writer, my work has been featured in the Huffington Post and several legal industry magazines. My passion for the legal and wellness community has landed me speaking events at community colleges as well as societal groups in various cities.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Rise Up: Be Resilient Like You’re Running Out of Time’ is my first book and I wanted to put the concept of resilience into words, emphasizing its importance, while making it truly accessible to the reader.
During these unprecedented times, I was inspired to write about resilience and must thank the client, mentors, family, friends, and acquaintances who, in some way, provided me the opportunity to observe resilience first-hand.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any “unusual” writing habits, but I do enjoy listening to an array of different music while writing and find myself most creative at night when I can glance over at the lights and skyline of lower Manhattan.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m constantly being inspired by others. There are so many talented writers who I am in awe of and inspire me every day. International author Céline Santini, author of ‘Kintsugi: Finding Strength in Imperfection’ helped inspire me to write about resilience and was so thoughtful to take the time to read my book and even provide an endorsement!
What are you working on now?
I’m always writing, jotting down ideas, and phrases or lines that I come up with during my day-to-day life. Now that my book is published, I’ll likely start working on freelance writing for some platforms again, while considering some ideas I have for my next book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say word of mouth. I am grateful for the amount of encouragement and well wishes I received from people I have never even met thanks to others speaking to them about my book!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, write, revise, write some more and stay motivated to keep writing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a hard one! I’ve had some great mentors throughout my life. There are two pieces of advice that immediately come to mind: 1) Don’t run until you have something to run to and 2) Don’t love anything that can love you back.
What are you reading now?
I have several paperbacks and eBooks that are on my list, but at the moment, I’m reading “Hamilton and the Law” edited by Lisa A. Tucker, which is a fantastic read about today’s legal issues through the hit musical “Hamilton.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue writing and hopefully inspire others along the way!
Author Websites and Profiles
Ashley M. Stephenson Amazon Profile
Ashley M. Stephenson’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account