Interview With Author Ashley Rice
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer and illustrator of inspiring books for tweens and kids. I have written 11 books. I made my living for many years as a creator of these books, along with a line of greeting cards and related products. Now, I also work for a nonprofit website as a concept and character artist. I work on educational video games for elementary school-aged kids.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Believe in Yourself, Girl. Books buoyed me when I was a kid. I wanted to put something out there that might help other kids as they were growing up and facing challenges, or just inspire them to keep on dreaming and believing in their futures.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes write standing up with my laptop on top of my bookcase.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is the first book I remember reading by myself. I like the simplicity and the repetition. And also the one-of-a-kind art. I liked the drawings and poems in Shel Silverstein a lot, and the stories in Judy Blume’s books. Charlotte’s Web was too sad for me, but I still liked it.
What are you working on now?
I am working on redefining my style now that everything has changed and I have gotten older.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In the past, I posted them on my own website, www.ashleyrice.net. I am learning more about promotion across different channels now. I am still figuring that out. Awesome gang seems like an excellent place to do that!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Trust your own voice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid of failure – it’s necessary to learn and grow. Keep learning.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading HTML5 for Masterminds and Waterman: the Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to write something longer.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can I bring my kindle app?
If I could bring only paper books, I might bring The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson, The Little Prince, Eloise at the Plaza (for the drawings) and the biggest book on learning languages that I could find.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ashley Rice’s Social Media Links