Shh… The Secret Is Out: My Journey Writing and Publishing a Book

I’ve been keeping a secret… I’m writing a book! WHAT, WHAT?!

YES! Writing and publishing a book is a dream that I’ve had on my heart for as long as I can remember. After I shared an essay that I wrote that was recently published, someone commented, “You should really write a book! Have you ever thought about it?"

Honestly, my mouth fell open. Have I thought about writing a book?! It’s almost like asking, Have you thought about breathing?!

Trust me, I’ve had ideas for writing books in hundreds of notebooks and random documents hiding on my laptop.

I’ve spent a lot of time recently exploring what’s holding me back. Why am I waiting for permission to write and publish a book?

So, guess what? We’re done with waiting for permission! If you have a secret dream of your own (whether it’s writing a book or something else entirely), I hope you’ll join me in this era of shouting your dream from the rooftops and GOING FOR IT.

Here are the specifics: I’m writing an essay collection that will be published in early 2025. GASP!

This project has been bringing me back to life. That sounds dramatic, but I’m so serious. It consumes my mind and my heart in the best ways possible.

I’m deeply passionate about writing authentic stories about our ordinary lives. I have read essays that have radically changed my life and the way I see the world because of everything that the writer says and doesn’t say—all that’s left unspoken in the white space.

I’m on a mission to gather curious and reflective people who share this enthusiasm for how words shape us.

Will you join me?

Every week, I’ll be sending out an email to people like you who want to name what they want to achieve, build the courage to share their deep desire out loud, establish habits and routines that support their vision, and walk forward with confidence as they GO FOR IT.

I’ll share exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the process of writing and publishing a book. This is the kind of VIP stuff that I won’t be blasting out to the world on social media.

You ready? Drop your email here and meet me in your inbox.

Here’s what I know is true: when we wait for permission to step into going after our dreams, we aren’t living as our best and truest selves. I’ve been there. Years ago, I got a BIG YES when I wrote for Oprah! What a rush to share that by-line.

But sometimes after a big yes, your life can grow really quiet. The adrenaline fades. Life gets busy and our dreams get pushed to the side.

Life is too short, friends.

Help me shout it from the rooftops: Now is our time. Let’s not wait for permission.

I’ll see you weekly in your inbox for this wild journey of writing and publishing a book. We’ll explore creativity, courage, and confidence (and I’m sure a million other words that start with c and also don’t start with c…)

xo. Ashley

P.S. You’re reading this blog post on my fresh new website! It was a labor of love to build this beauty :) To celebrate the launch, I’ve made you a couple free resources that I don’t want you to miss. Check out my journaling guide, 5 must-read memoirs and essay collections (my favs!), and a guide on processing what you need to show up as your best self today. All of these tools are excellent places to start as we jump into our weekly journey on naming our goals and GOING FOR IT! Grab your free resources here. Cheering you on, friend!