I’m proud to say that I was born and raised in the Great State of Louisiana by wonderful, much-loved, hardworking parents. They encouraged my imagination. They wanted me to succeed in whatever I wished, and my wish, at age 12, was to become a novelist. I wrote fiction stories to entertain myself and my friends. Like thousands of other dreamers, I wanted to become a much-hyped New York Times Bestselling suspense/thriller author. I wished Hollywood would turn my books into movies. Then reality hit. I suffered grand Mal seizures and my brain got rewired. No matter the setbacks in my way (although some of them hurt like hell) I’ve kept the dream of creating fiction alive ever since I wrote and “published” my first book called, “Ninja Revenge”, or something like that, I don’t have it in front of me–a choose your own adventure story handwritten and illustrated in pencil on one of those book-shaped cardboard templates filled with 12 blank pages.

Banking on the success of ringing praises from my mom and sister, I went on working, staring out my bedroom window at pine trees and wondering how I’d scratch out that first sentence wielding my trusty #2 pencil. Started writing notes feverishly, like a madman. I’d fill each blue lined space with words that were meaningful and fun and said something to me, creating a fantasy world where anything goes. I thought I might contribute something special to the craft of writing and the literary world at large–if even within a 10 mile radius of my driveway. I remember those encouraging words from my uncle when he said: “Ash? Only smart people write books.” Lovely. But I kept on.

I’ve been turned down by so many literary agents that I just gave up on receiving any type of acceptance letter that might allow for a greater audience, so I started publishing independently in order to get my work out to the thirty or so fans who actually read my books–these stories filled with drama, comedy, suspense, and horror-edged adventure. I want people to see these movies in their head, immerse themselves in the characters, wind through the plots under high-voltage (sometimes dimming) light, engage and laugh out loud and perhaps feel helpless along the way . . . then come out on the other side satisfied. I try my very best to see that you enjoy the journey. Creating is a pleasurable affliction that controls a great percentage of any writer’s daily thoughts and actions. It makes us believe. Remember things. Cope. And much like kissing the soft lips of a woman while she grips the back of your head, we love the feel of it all. –Ashley Blake