About the Author:
Ashleigh Marie is a New England based artist, writer, poet, mother, entrepreneur, small business owner, and healing practitioner. She grew up in Keene, New Hampshire and has lived by the sea in Rhode Island since 2018, where her inspiration to write again and return to her poetry roots was sparked.
Ashleigh has a deep love for art, music, nature and community. Her latest project, Where The Woods Meet The Sea, is an anthology of poetry that captures the depths of emotions through her growth and healing journey. Nature themes and their teachings through the seasons are interwoven throughout her writing.
What is the title of your book?
Where The Woods Meet The Sea, a poetic journey home
Tell us about your book!
Where The Woods Meet The Sea, a poetic journey home, is a 130-page collection of original heartfelt poetry written through a half decade of my healing journey, intertwined with the wisdom of nature. Through the depths of love, grief, transition, transformation, healing, and more, there's pieces written for the soul through the human experience for reflection and remembrance. It’s the book I needed when going through these experiences, so I decided to finally release it.
What inspires you to write?
Inspiration is truly all around as well as within us all the time. All it takes is one moment, one spark, and noticing! Taking the time to notice the smallest of details can unlock an entire poem, chapter, song, painting, you name it!
What is one piece of writing advice you would give to other authors?
It’s a poem in my book actually: Keep Writing, Anyway. Continuing to write through any barriers, even if that’s one line a day, will keep the creative flow, flowing. Not through force, but as a devotion, a ritual, practice, and discovery. Even if it’s never shared with anyone else.
What is the most difficult part of the writing process?
I find editing the most difficult! I’ve learned not to over-edit, to trust in the original energy of the piece/ poem and allow that to come through.
Have you ever experienced writer’s block? If so, how long does it usually last, and do you have any tips on how to overcome it?
I have. In the past, it’s been something that I’ve experienced in the summer when the world is loud, bright, and overstimulating. I’ve learned through those times what I need as far as nourishing the creative flow throughout the seasons, and how to best utilize my energy. Yet the deeper I’ve wintered over the years, the less the block has hit in the summer. As far as how to overcome it, that’s a long answer and different for everyone, but in simple form, keep going, even if it’s “bad” or not your best. Some of my best pieces have come through continuing to write through those times. And rest when you need to. We are not machines or factories and aren’t built to continually pump art out. It needs time to germinate and grow.
Describe your writing process. Do you have a routine?
Mornings are my jam! Although, poems come to me throughout the day, sometimes even wake me in the night. I love exercising my writing when my mind is fresh in the morning. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, continually nourishing the creative flow. For me it’s a ritual and a lifestyle. It’s not a separate part of me, but the way I see and navigate the world.
Who are some of your favorite authors or who inspires you?
Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost were two of my earliest, most inspirational influences as far as poetry goes. Elizabeth Gilbert, I love her book, Big Magic! I also love discovering old poetry books. Amie McNee, Inspired To Write, has been a huge inspiration to my journey as well. And so many more!
Why did you choose to self-publish your book?
Many reasons! My book is a work of art and very personal. I felt intuitively self-publishing was my path forward for this book, and perhaps all of my future books.
As a self-published author, what was the most difficult part of the process?
For me it was the editing process and deciding which poems to keep and which to take out. As well as organizing/ composing the book, I did it all by hand, actually because I wanted that hands-on feel and natural flow to it.
How did you conceptualize the look of your book? Can you tell us what kind of binding or cover design you used and why you made that decision?
I had a very strong vision for this book. Once I found the illustrator for the covers, that vision was able to come to life more. I have a hardcover version as well as a paperback and both have a soft texture feel. That was important to me for the nature of the book.
How did 48 Hour Books support you in the self-publishing process?
48 Hour Books made what can feel like a very overwhelming process as a first-time self-published author, a truly enriching experience! From start to finish the team was available for any questions, prompt to respond, knowledgeable in their field, and so kind! I was thoroughly satisfied with the experience and look forward to future self-publishing with 48 Hour Books!
Do you have any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers or authors looking to self-publish?
Keep going and do it! You’ll never regret bringing your dream to life.
What is the most rewarding part of releasing a book?
The feeling of bringing a long-time dream in my heart, soul, and vision to life. Something that didn’t exist before and is now made tangible in my hands and the hands and hearts of my readers. Hearing the feedback of how the pieces, poems, and the book, has spoken to people has been a very cool experience.
Where can people find your book and follow you?
My book is available on my website to be shipped, as well as locally at my artisan event pop-ups / unofficial book tour! I’m on Instagram and Substack - you can follow me there @afearlessworld, and/or sign up for my newsletter! :-)
We want to thank Ashleigh Marie for sharing her insight as a writer, her experience self-publishing, and her experience printing with 48 Hour Books! If you would like to be a featured author, you can send us your information through our opt-in form.
If you are ready to print and self-publish your book, contact us today to get started! Visit our website for more information and get an instant quote on book printing.
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