What other writers are saying…

 
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Kirsten Dunlap

Contemporary Fiction Writer

Before working with Ashly, I felt alone and out of my element. Lost in the process. I felt like writing was so solitary and I couldn't see what I couldn't see about my own writing. But at the same time, I knew enough to know that there were things that I was missing and that realization made me feel constantly unsure. I had a background in Journalism writing and personal essays and had always been considered by myself and others to be "a great writer." I read a ton of fiction so I figured that writing fiction would be so similar. It seemed like if I were a real writer I should be able to do it on my own. (I now know how dumb this thought was) I now realize that as much as I knew about writing didn't know very much at all about "storytelling". There is a big difference! 

I had followed Ashly on social media for almost a year. I had always thought "well, maybe someday..." then I heard a podcast where they were interviewing a life coach (okay, fine, it was my podcast and I was interviewing a life coach!) and she was talking about taking small actionable steps toward achieving big things. She asked us to think of one big goal we had for our lives. I thought "My goal is to write a book". Then she said "What's one small actionable step you can take TODAY to work towards that goal. And I thought, "I can fill out that form for a free info 30 minute writing chat and learn more" I did the call and immediately knew that I would never write a book on my own, but if I hired Ashly, it might really happen! 

My favorite part about working with Ashly was getting feedback on my work, having the accountability of deadlines to meet, and having someone to guide me on this journey. Ashly was so knowledgeable about the craft of story that I basically feel like working with her for a year was the equivalent of a one-year MFA program where we workshopped a project start to finish. I loved our calls when I would present problems and we could work through them together. It was great to have someone to brainstorm with about different ideas. 

Ashly was super professional yet also warm and personal. She was great as setting up expectations so I always felt like we were on the same page. She was always able to get to the heart of what was wrong with the work. Also, her delivery style was excellent. She could tear apart my work and show me all that was wrong with it while still helping me to feel good about myself as a writer.

Since working with Ashly, I understand so much more about the art and craft of fiction writing. I have so much more confidence in my ability to construct a story. I also felt like in working with Ashly I was able to have a co-worker of sorts to provide a voice of comfort and assurance that I was not the only one who struggled with their writing. I appreciated having someone to talk to about the struggles of writing life. In sum, she just flat out made me a better writer. Now when I write I hear Ashly's voice in my head keeping me from making mistakes. Frankly, sometimes when I am reading I hear Ashly's voice and think "I can't believe that got published! Ashly wouldn't have let that lazy writing slip by."  I am certain that if I need help on future projects, Ashly will again be my first call. 


Before working with Ashly, I felt a little stuck and a lot of all over the place. I know about book coaching but was worried about $$ and whether it would be worth the investment. (Spoiler alert: it was totally worth it :) )

 I chose to hire Ashly because we connected right off the bat. I loved how down to earth and knowledgeable she was. And that she was also in the process of working on her own work in progress and could relate to what I was going through. 

My favorite part about working with Ashly was the accountability and how light she kept things. I loved her constant support, especially when coming to her with various writing struggles. She encouraged me to take that much-needed step back from my manuscript and make sure my foundation was set before diving in with the necessary groundwork. 

Using her tools and guidance, I'm able to look at things from a new perspective rather than just writing to write. I'll always remember her advice that my allegiance should be with my story and not with my words. She always encouraged me to dig deeper into the WHY of each detail and plot point. At first my instinct was to answer these kinds of questions as "Just because..." but she helped me look at everything as being interconnected and tied back to the arc, which is the base of every great story.  

Since working with Ashly, I have a much better sense of direction and being able to think outside of the box and into the heart of the story. 


Before working with Ashly, I felt lost and discouraged, like I could keep trying [to write my story] and still get it totally wrong. And feeling like that made me want to give up. I needed someone to come alongside me in this process. I'd tried doing it on my own and felt like I was only finding new ways to fail.

I chose to hire Ashly because she was within my budget, she had a program tailored to what I needed, and I liked the vibe I got from her. Ashly helped me see what my story could be if I let it go where it needed to. She answered the questions that were tripping me up in ways that were specific to my story.

My favorite part about working with Ashly was feeling like I was finally getting it—those elusive pieces that make or break a book. I loved having someone who knew what they were talking about telling me that I was on the right track, or telling me that I wasn't there yet and to keep pushing. On my own, I would have said, "Good enough," but the end result was so much better for Ashly pushing me to go deeper.

After finishing my program with Ashly, I feel like I can finally do it! I finally got "the thing." I don't know that I'll ever write a book without coaching again. There's just something about having the perspective of someone who's informed, invested, and not so darn close to the thing. I feel like I finally understand what makes a book work—that whole narrative drive thing. For me, this has been the most elusive part that I couldn't find an explanation for, but now, I at least know what it is.

Ashly 100% met my need and her feedback was excellent. She explained why things were working and why they weren't. I especially appreciated her responses to my questions when I was stumped, and that she was willing to work through ideas without it costing me more. :)

I wish I could go back in time and hire Ashly two years ago. Seriously, I spent a huge amount of money for a manuscript evaluation and for that amount I could have worked with Ashly through the entire planning and writing of my book!


Molly Brumfield

Writer

When I first decided to hire an editor, I was so eager to get feedback from someone outside of my circle - someone who wouldn't feel compelled to tell me what they would think I'd want to hear. Of course, I was also afraid that I’d find out from said person that I had pointed myself in the wrong direction.

Working with Ashly was great because I could tell she really understands and cares about what it feels like to be a writer struggling to actually write. Right away, I connected with the content she shared on her website about the inner critic, not waiting to develop a writing practice, and the importance of believing in our unique stories.

Since Ashly edited my picture book manuscripts, I feel like I have a solid set of next steps that I can begin working on to improve my drafts, and then continue toward publishing.

I recommend working with Ashly because she was enthusiastic, easy to communicate with, and delivered feedback that was truly valuable to moving me forward. I felt that Ashly cared about me, my stories, and my voice. She was encouraging and positive, and also honest, constructive, and direct. I feel reinvigorated to pursue my writing goals after having received such helpful feedback from Ashly.


Stephanie Ascough

Fantasy Writer

Before I worked with Ashly on my fantasy novel manuscript, I felt confused about my plot and unsure of where to start my revisions. Though I was initially afraid that I wouldn’t be able to afford the services of an editor, I decided to pursue it anyway. I hired Ashly because I knew she was a skilled editor and all around amazing person! 

Ashly’s feedback was the kind of talking I try to use with myself: clear input about areas of weakness and how to address them, sandwiched between affirmation and praise. She was also easy to communicate with! 

I’m so glad I worked with Ashly because she clarified some muddy issues for me which tied up the whole manuscript on exactly what I needed. She was fun and helpful to brainstorm with as well. She did what I needed most for my story, helping me patch things up without taking over, giving me better tools and another approach to work with—and her pricing was perfectly reasonable! 

My novel looks more like a whole story now and I’m excited about finishing this next draft!


Leighann Penn

Fantasy Writer

Before I hired Ashly to edit the first twenty pages of my manuscript, I felt nervous about writing a novel—and nervous about sharing my work with someone. After reading Ashly’s blog and several of her posts, I felt like she would be a good fit for my work and my personality.

Ashly was so encouraging and positive about writing. She understands my target audience and was a positive voice of encouragement. After I received her feedback I was able to follow her tips and suggestions and continue them throughout my work going forward. Now I’m so excited to finish my novel and have the entire work edited!


Alyssa DeRose

Nonfiction Writer, Author of Momoir Coming Fall 2020

Before I hired Ashly to edit my manuscript, I felt disorganized and overwhelmed with the task of completing my book. A good friend who I trust recommended Ashly’s services—and when Ashly and I spoke for the first time I recognized that working together would be a great partnership. 

Thanks to Ashly, I went from a disorganized manuscript to a cohesive first draft. Ashly provided excellent support and honest, constructive feedback. She was always nimble in her offerings and adjusted her services along the way to fit my developing needs. 

Working with Ashly pushed me to be a better writer and enabled me to reach my goal of finishing the first draft of my book by the end of 2017. Thanks to Ashly, I hope to have the final draft completed in the next six months!


Sarah Funk

Author of How to Start a Flower Farm

I can't even begin to say how amazing working with Ashly has been! My book wasn't more than an idea on 30 pages, I had no idea what to do to make it better, and I felt completely overwhelmed at the thought of actually finishing it. 

Four months ago I told my husband my book wasn't happening: I just couldn't do it. Today, I have almost 600 people on my book launch team. 

Ashly is the one who made that happen. 

And the best part? Ashly didn't come in and tell me exactly WHAT to write, instead she taught me how to WRITE:

-she helped me clarify my vision
-she encouraged me and helped me validate my ideas
-and she showed me how to polish my writing and make it clear

Wherever you are in the process of writing your book, you need to contact Ashly. I can't recommend her highly enough!


 

ShaeLynn Watt

Writer, My North Stars Stories

I first reached out to Ashly for book coaching because I really liked the way she talked about writing, and because her flexible services let me create a coaching package that really worked in my writer's journey and my budget. I actually felt a little silly hiring the first coach I came across without really vetting very many other options, but Ashly’s words just resonated with me, and my gut was 100% right. From our very first conversation she had useful feedback, and I literally cried happy tears when I got her first edits, because her questions opened up my character to me in ways I didn't realize I could explore. She cut straight to the heart of what I needed to learn in every submission I made.

My favorite part about working with Ashly was that she easily assessed the style of coaching I needed, and was able to match that style from my first submission. I am sure when you need a cheerleader, Ashly is there 100%, but what I needed was a quick assessment of what I'd done well, and a deep dive into what was weak and where to look so I could fix it. She was generous with her time and gave me not only detailed feedback on my submissions, but continued to engage via email as I worked out the best way to address the holes in my story. Also, a measure of our success is that over the course of our time together, my writing process shifted dramatically. I ask myself totally different questions before I sit down to write, and I even came up with a new outline structure that better prompts me to write with her feedback in mind.

I feel like I have Ashly in the back of my head as I write every word now, steering me back on course when I start to make a mistake she has helped me correct in the past. Since working with her, I use my time much more effectively. I write short stories, and I used to doubt that I knew when a story was finished. Now I have a clear sense of how to trust my instincts, so I can feel confident moving on to the next story or sticking with a story until a mental red flag is resolved.

Ashly's feedback is clear and from the heart. She wanted me to see the problems in my writing as areas for growth. She was clear about what was missing from the story and gave me the framework I needed to fill in the different layers to pull it all together. 

The only thing that could have made my experience better was if I lived near her and we could have had coffee WHILE I read her edits!


Lyndsi

Fantasy Writer

I was hesitant to hire a book coach at first because I worried that maybe I would be paying for something that I could do myself if I could just dig into it a little more. I have never been more wrong!

Before working with Ashly, I felt like I did not know how to get from the beginning to the end of my story or even how to find out what the end was or should be. A few thousand words into my previous attempts at writing my novel usually had it dissolving into rambling side notes rather than forming a cohesive story. Internal and external structures were a complete mystery to me. 

Since working with Ashly, I have finally found the story that I want to tell, both the internal character arc and the external plot, and my understanding of these elements has improved tenfold. They were so hidden by my own preconceived notions and personal hang ups that I do not know how I would have arrived where I am without Ashly's feedback. Now I understand more about my creative process, the types of exercises that help me get to the answers I need, and the tools available to me when I am stuck. I also know some of my strengths as a writer and the places I need to dig in to more.  

My favorite part about book coaching with Ashly was her perfect balance of encouragement and critiques. She never let me get away with any nonsense, generalities, or confusion while still shining light on all of the things I had improved or done well. We clicked. Her feedback style and my learning style complimented each other. When one thing wasn't working, she was always ready to change it up and figure out what was best for me and my story. 

I have learned so much about my own personal creative process as well as how stories are structured and what drives them forward. I can't wait to apply what I've learned to future revisions and new stories and to build on the foundation Ashly helped me develop!