Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlie Gibbs.
Hi Ashlie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Virginia. I don’t reside in Atlanta, GA, but I frequently travel there for my Ph.D. residencies and my NFL podcast – attending the Atlanta Falcons games each season.
I started writing when I was ten years old. I had all these fresh ideas for stories and no way of remembering them all so I wrote them down in a little notebook. Before I knew it, all the pages (back and front) were loaded with a fiction-based story. Since that moment, I have published three books – a mystery spy thriller series called #iRemember. I started my company and published everything under my company name, including my podcast episodes on all streaming services – iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
I embarked on wanting to turn my books into a movie. It has been a dream of mine since I published the first book. To reach that goal, I studied screenwriting and produced/wrote my first short film, “I Remember,” which was shown in multiple film festivals and won.
From writing in a little notebook as a 10-year-old girl to now doing book signings in Los Angeles and making award-winning short films with an amazing director and team of dedicated people who trust me and my vision.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No. There were many moments when I wanted to quit. Publish one more book and leave it all behind. I think it was the meetings that were supposed to happen that didn’t and not seemingly getting the support of many people where I’m from that discouraged me. My best friend Crystal reminded me to keep faith in myself and those who show me love and support. Remembering the ones who were with you from the very beginning and keep working. It’s so easy these days to give up, man; I was close…very close.
I almost quit hosting my NFL podcast. It didn’t matter that I was rated in the top 200 sportscasts in America (with no representation) and 382 cities. I was done. I felt like I wasn’t getting to where I wanted to be. Then I read a review left by a twelve-year-old girl who said she listened to my podcast every day and loved hearing a girl talk about football too. It made me cry, and then I realized I couldn’t quit. There were people out there I was inspiring every Tuesday morning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an award-winning published author and screenwriter of the mystery spy thriller #iRemember & the short film “I Remember.” I specialize in screenwriting and NFL podcast hosting/interviews.
I am proud of so many moments – my first book signing at the popular The Last Book Store in Los Angeles in front of amazing people who had questions about my author journey. I worked with amazing actors and actresses, plus a talented director, Joseph Walters, to make a twist-turning short film featured in the Las Vegas Film festival. Finally, I interviewed two Super Bowl champions for my NFL Podcast “Not Your Average Cheerleader,’ Tony Adams (New England Patriots) and David Long Jr. (Los Angeles Rams).
I think what sets me apart from other writers/creators is my willingness to go out and conduct research for my books and dig for information to ask thought-provoking questions to guests. I don’t limit myself as a writer, and I don’t believe in fluff. I listen to feedback and support my readers/listeners…they’re the reason why I do what I do.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Check out my NFL podcast, “Not Your Average Cheerleader,” available on all podcast platforms or if you love a mystery spy thriller, order your copies of the #iRemember book series from Amazon or digitally on all platforms.
I appreciate all the love and support and thank you for the chance to share my story.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashliegibbs.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashliegibbs/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/theashliegibbs
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/m18BkLpt-mE
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Melissa DeJardin
