July 18, 2019

Meet Ashley Banks, up and coming Author

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Banks.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since I was a child, I’ve always loved writing. I saw it as my outlet. I’ve always been told I have a way with words. Once my mother passed away from breast cancer, I spent my life feeling lost. No one in my family ever took the time to sit down with me and explain what happened or why. When I finally got older, I started asking the right questions, but received answers like “that was long ago” or “I don’t really remember.” It began to make me think about how many other children, every day, may feel just as I did. So I wrote a book for them… for us.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Becoming a first-time author was overwhelming initially. Not in a bad way… I just didn’t know that so many things and collaborations would have to be done between, writing, illustrating, editing, publishing, and marketing. I wouldn’t necessarily say there were “challenges”, but it was all a new learning experience.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As an author, I’m happy to just put out a book with substance. Something that I’m passionate about professionally and personally. Not too many people can say they have that. This isn’t a fictional story. This was my life, my childhood. I think the thing that I’m most proud of would be the platforms this book is selling on: Kindle Ebooks, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. That’s a huge accomplishment to me.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom… hands down. I wouldn’t be where I am in life right now if it wasn’t for the strength I believe she passed down to me. And of course my son. He inspired a lot of this book. He’s always known that my mom died of breast cancer, but this book allowed him to really comprehend my world and what I went through. I think it’s important for him to know that. I’ve had many friends encourage me to write this when I first mentioned the thought. I have a really good story. So, to my best friends Che, Ari, & Troy… thank you guys for that extra encouragement.

Pricing:

Paperback $19.95
Kindle Ebook $8.95

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Cam Mitchell of C. Mitchell Studios

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