“Creating realities, losing myself in them, it helps me deal with life. And, if one day my books get published, all I hope for them is to help someone else.“
— Ashley Scritchlow
A member of the Writers’ League since 2021, Ashley lives in Austin, TX.
Scribe: Welcome, writer! Tell us — what do you write?
Ashley Scritchlow: I enjoy writing a multitude of genres. My favorite is anything fantasy related. I also love writing creative nonfiction and historical fiction. Eventually, I would like to attempt to write a suspense/horror novel.
Scribe: If you could choose one author to blurb your book, who would it be, and what would you want it to say?
AS: If I could have any author blurb my book I would love for it to be Tolkien. His work inspired me to chase my lifelong dream. I would want it to say something about the in depth world I created. Obviously, I know this isn’t a possibility, but to even have an author blurb my book comparing it to his would be an absolute honor.
Scribe: You have one book you’re allowed to push onto all of your friends, and they’re forced to read it to remain your friend — which one would you choose?
AS: Kneller’s Happy Campers by Etgar Keret would definitely be the book I would want my friends to read. It’s very different, kind of dark and twisted. It’s about an afterlife for people who have committed suicide.
Scribe: Tell us your WLT story.
AS: My professor suggested joining an organization for writers. I had actually been thinking about finding some networking opportunities, and when I found this group on Google, it seemed like a perfect fit. I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. I’ve only been to one Monthly Meet-up, but it was great talking to other writers. All of the people I’ve interacted with so far have seemed warm and welcoming.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
AS: I know this may seem like a cliché answer, but honestly it’s never been about where it takes me. It’s completely about the process. Creating realities, losing myself in them, it helps me deal with life. And, if one day my books get published, all I hope for them is to help someone else.
Scribe: Here at the WLT, we love sharing book recommendations. What’s one book that has come out within the past few years that you couldn’t put down? (Bonus points if the book is Texas related!)
AS: The books I’ve been reading lately didn’t come out within the last year. I have one on my reading list that came out recently called All Are Welcome by Liz Parker. (I’ll have to let you know how it is later!)
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
AS: I’ve wanted to be an author since I was in kindergarten and I started writing short stories and poems (not very good ones) when I was eight. I’ve written multiple short stories and flash fictions, although I haven’t had anything published yet. I’m kind of a perfectionist so I don’t feel like any of them are ready to be sent in. My plan is to have at least one published by the end of this year and to have my first novel finished by next summer.
