Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Conn.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, I started writing poetry when I was very young. Whenever I got in trouble, my mom would send me to my room as punishment. I wasn’t like other kids, though. Getting TV or video games removed didn’t bother me.
I’d start writing poetry with how I felt and why I did whatever got me in trouble in the first place. I’d write as my way of apologizing so that I could get off punishment. Later, ironically, I learned about poetry in my English class by my teacher, Ms. Hammett, when I was in 4th grade, and it grew to become a desire to know more. I was taught about Langston Hughes, Sojourner Truth & Maya Angelou. Reading their poetry inspired and uplifted me. I not only enjoyed the art, I wanted to be like them as well.
I have entered poetry on the International Society of Poets, and I used to read my poetry in church. I often dreamt of publishing my book, but the possibility always alluded to me. It wasn’t until I was older, more like in my 20s, that I finally had the courage to publish a poetry book. However, in doing so, I had to endure some trials and tribulations to use that poetic voice I had fallen in love with.
In 2014, I wrote my first poetry book, Tears of a Giant. I called it that because we are all giants, and cry through our pain. Standing tall as a giant gets us to the next destination. I wanted to look and feel more powerful than the things I had experienced. That first taste of publication sparked fuel in me for more writing. I realized that I am powerful behind a pen. So I also tried my hand in writing screenplays and social media content. Even pursued a degree in Social Media & Broadcasting at Ohio Media School in 2018.
While in school, I developed a series of talents and abilities. One of my biggest accomplishments was Best Microphone Performance. Along with that, I developed the idea for my mom & me to create a podcast, which at the time was Lyrical Truth Podcast. We were successful and had the mindset to show the powerful bonds between mother and daughter. And to show that their relationship can be one of growth, friendship & maturity.
In 2021, I published another poetry book called Reflections. Little did I know that later that year, I would lose my mother to Covid complications. After her passing, I ended the podcast, all writing, and plans to grow in my career. Here in 2024, along my healing journey, I have become a Certified Screenwriter, Motivational Speaker & Podcast host for the new revamped Legacy Truth Podcast: Let Your Truth Be Your Legacy.
The losses & pain I have experienced, whether in family loss, anxiety & depression, have shaped me into who I am now. I essentially have been reborn into something way stronger than I was before. I intend to share my stories and my life with the world. My ultimate goal is to uplift, encourage & inspire.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The struggles I have experienced in my journey to becoming this new version of myself were the murders of three family members, homelessness, grief, two sudden losses, depression, heartbreak, and suicide attempts. Through everything I have been through, it has taught me that I am not only strong but I am resilient, brave, and driven.
I have learned that when my back is against the wall, I am more focused. Most have often said to me “I don’t know how you’re still standing”. But truly, it’s God and his favor and purpose over my life. Nothing was ever smooth. The ability to stand when you feel your most broken is very powerful.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Now, I work on screenplays and urban fiction. I also have been rebooting my podcast.
I specialize in remaining positive and using my story to encourage others. Giving them a sense of hope and the ability to see themselves for who they are and uplifting them to become more.
I am most proud of my successes. The books I have written, the podcast, the screenwriting projects. I am also proud of being able to inspire people to pursue higher versions of themselves regardless of what they have endured.
What sets me apart is I am honest. Sometimes brutally honest. And I aim to keep that as my niche and my main quality. I love talking to people and remaining humble.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
I learned to live life to the fullest and don’t allow what you can’t control to control you.
Losing my mom taught me that I can handle anything. I had to accept that the things that were happening were not my fault and were not in my control. I spent the first year and a half blaming myself and feeling guilty.
Now I am at a point where I promised her the day she passed that no matter what I would grow and keep going. That regardless of how I felt or what the situation looked like, it was out of my control. I had to keep going. I had to focus and push through my hurt. Not only for her but also for myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @authora.m.conn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.conn.357?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: Legacy Truth Podcast
- Other: @ash_ofalltrades06
