SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR: M A R C E L L A A S H E
Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? I am from Dayton ,Ohio
What is your occupation outside of writing?
I am retired from General Motors with 30 years of service.
I care for children after school with homework assignments and meals.
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
I am certainly an extrovert as in being an active sociable person.
Do you have any pets?
Just sold my cocker spaniel Harley a few monts ago.
What are your favorite books to read?
Norman Vincent Peale, The Bible. The Brick Digger's Daughters
I am a founding member of a great book club Soul Of The Pen Tour . I read all of the work produced by our members. I am also a
member of the Dayton
Where is the most unique place you have traveled?
Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?
My life experiences in being able to through my writing offer some solution to the moral outrages our young people have. Wisdom in conducting my behavior in knowing that it is mandatory to grow old but it is optional to grow up with an understanding that life is what you allow it to be.
How many books have you written and how many of those are published?
I am thankfully to my creator that I have authored three books and revised one. I am currently finishing my fifth book. My first book an Author House Publication,'When The Red Brick RoadTurned Yellow" A poetry book. My own publications include 'Granny Says" Granny Says with a Spanish Translation and "Those Hog Bottom Days" This book reflects the 70's as my focus point emphasizing the concepts used in the area that I grew up in . An era in my life where morals were what you grew up with. I am currently finishing my book, Granny Says Restoration Pieces for Peace.
Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.) or do you write in many different genres?
My interest are with children and juveniles. My reading material however can be shared with the entire family.
How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?
I never fly by the seat of my pants in doing my work. I have a passion for children and therefore I am directed by God to what I write. It may sometimes sound silly but when running into areas of writing that I do not quite understand , I pray for the wisdom of creating something special and beneficial to the learning of those reading what I have created, and it works!
That doesn’t sound silly at all! No question there is power in prayer! Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive? How did you handle the rejections?
Not so much a rejection of my work, but little clarity to my work in the presentation of my work. This is why I became a self-published business in producing my work the way I wanted to. I am responsible for every area of my work down to the printing. I have not found a way to print my work but have hired a local printer to do that part. Being self-published you do not get recognized as fast, but you are in control. In answering your question, “Rejections are part of improvements." The way rejections are presented have a lot to do with how I respond to the rejection.
How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?
Being a spirit inspired artist, I would say while the muse is with me.
If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.
Because I am an individual first my work is based on my observation of character and environment, with imagination and realism. My new not yet released," Granny Says Restoration Pieces for Peace", has been uniquely designed for readers starting from nine to beyond adult. This book has inspirational short stories and poetry that will serve as a tool for young people looking for some personal connection in highlighting the traditional use of grandmother's wisdom.
If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?
My advice to any writer is that you should have a passion for writing. With a passion for writing you will be driven to get the information to write. Library visits and reading how-to books is the best advice I received in writing. Everyone has a book in them I am sure, everyone has something to say. Unfortunately book writing is not a day job for most writers. If you are serious and not just being informational or using writing as a hobby, I would suggest following the mistakes of others that have been published. What kind of publishing are you interested in? Do you want to spend time in self-publishing? Do you want to Ghost write your story. To give advice on getting published covers the answer to questions as to what genre' of work are you interested in? Some people like doctors or lawyers , pastors or other source of informational groups like to inform the public of what they know. On the other hand fictional and inspirational writers share a different porch. My first question would be how much time and money are you willing to invest?
What's up next for you and your writing? Networking geograhically! I am doing well locally but would like to be heard of beyond a lot more.
Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?
Keep reading , keep listening. There is so much information shared out there that was never available before. Read anything you can on your potential genre of writing. Ask question, compare answers. Step out and try for yourself anything you have a passion for doing. Trust God for answers .
Where can we read more about you and your work?
You can go to my web -site http://www.marcellaashe.webs.com/ I am also on FB as Marcella Ashe and of course I am on Linkedin. Most of the sites I just mentioned carry promotional ads about where I am in terms of selling and autographing my books. Also if anyone would like to, feel free to write to me @ marcellaashe@sbcglobal.net. I answer most of my mail within 24 hours. I try to anyways.
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