Tuesday Guest Blogger-Ashley York

Our first guest blogger of March is Ashley York…

When did you begin writing?

I began writing in Elementary School. Our teacher had us write to “publish”. We would create our story that she would “edit”, we’d draw the cover that she would laminate, and we’d have a little book of our very own. Making the booklets wasn’t anything new but the shiny laminating was. That made it seem real.  My parents and my older sister, Carol, were always readers so books were everywhere in my house. The idea of being “published” sparked inside me then, I suppose.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge to writing has been the loss of my dad, then my sister, and now my mom. It hurts to lose that part of you. I know it’s part of life, but I’m finding it a challenge to get back into the writing. They were all big supporters of me in their own way. I don’t think I realized how much.

Why did you choose your genre?

I chose to write historical romance because it’s what I love to read. Our family vacations always included trips to some historic spot because both of my parents loved history. I dreamed of the “olden times” with the long dresses and pipe curls. I learned history from these books back in high school. I remember one book that opened up in the midst of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille. I was riveted. I had no idea the actually history but that author had me riveted. I’ve since learned much more, even receiving my Master’s Degree in History.

What writing tips would you like to share?

One writing tip I’d share is to be consistent. If you can only writing Saturday morning for two hours, then write every Saturday morning for two hours. Lose yourself in your writing, know your characters, know your setting and feel your way through the story. So many people jump to “how will I publish this” or “is it any good” or “who will read this”. Honestly? It’s not finished yet so who cares? A writer friend gave me that advice and I stand by it. FINISH THE BOOK. And how do you do that? By consistently writing.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a book I hope to publish this spring. Lachlann’s Legacy. This is a character that’s first introduced in The Gentle Knight. It takes place in the eleventh century in the highlands of Scotland. I spent a lot of time researching the area on my trip two summer’s ago, especially the caves which I find fascinating.

http://ashleyyorkauthor.com/