Interview with Ashley Nicole

This month our featured author is AshleyNicole. She has recently become an author I'm literally obsessed with, and I have promptly added her to my list of one-click authors. She chopped it up with Hopeful Heartbreakers in an exclusive interview. Check it out and then check out her catalog.

1. What inspired you to start writing?

I read a lot growing up and didn’t see many stories geared towards my generation. (That’s totally changed in the last few years)

2. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Staying true to who you are and not trying to emulate what’s popular. There’s a spot in the literary world for every single story that will ever be written, so there’s no point in trying to recreate what’s already been done. Write what moves you as the author, and your passion will draw people in for you.

3. Describe your writing space.

CHAOTIC. Lol. It’s a second bedroom that I use as an office. Nothing special. I have an L-shaped desk because I need space to jot notes down away from my keyboard. Two monitors. A light-up keyboard because I’m childish. And paper everywhere because when I try to organize, I can never find anything.

4. What is the most difficult part about writing for you?

Having consistent discipline. I can set up a detailed timeline to finish a project, but if I don’t have the discipline to stay on task, I’m just sitting here wasting time. Especially as an independent author. The only deadlines I have, are those I give myself, and those can be ignored. That’s when discipline comes in handy.

5. When you write an emotionally draining scene (Specifically Gravity… lol), how do you get in the mood?

I pull from experiences I’ve had. Unfortunately, grief is universal. I may not have gone through specifically what was in the book, but I know the pain of losing someone. So, on the days when I know I kind of have to go dark, I sit in that emotion.

6. Out of all of the characters you have created, who is your favorite?

This question is so rude. Lmao. If I have to choose, I gotta go with Jayson from Mine to Have. He exemplifies perfection for me.

7. How many plot ideas do you have that are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

I have 50 files in my notebook app alone. Plus, somewhere around 9 projects I started between 2020 and 2021 I’ve been unable to flesh out. One that I tried to get into but couldn’t was about a woman who recently got out of a long term relationship. The idea is kind of like one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. In theory (because I doubt if I ever finish it), it would follow her into a new relationship with someone who does everything right, teaching her what it is to really be loved.

8. Who is the author you admire most in your genre?

I don’t read as much as I used to, so I can’t give anybody current. I’ve been in a bit of a reading moratorium for a while. Overall, ever, though? The incomparable EJD.

9. What is your favorite book you have read as an adult?

It’s a tie between A Heartbeat Away by Maureen Smith and Give me Fever by Niobia Bryant

10. Where can readers find out more about you and your work?

My amazon author page or my website www.authoringash.me. You can also find me on Twitter at authoringAshNic and on IG at AuthoringAshleyNicole

Bonus Question: Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter? Why?

I live up north, so we experience both extremes, so I’m torn. I enjoy the Winter. I love a good snowstorm, but I think I’d have to go with endless summer. I’ve recently uncovered a love for snorkeling, and it’s not possible in 15-degree weather.