Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - R.K. Ashwick - Comforting Fiction.
Where were you born?
I was born in the U.S.A. (East Coast, Beast Coast).
Where do you live?
I live in the U.S.A. (West Coast, Best Coast).
Do you have fur babies?
My writing assistant, a tuxedo cat named Leia! (like Princess Leia).
Do you use a pen name?
Yes! Because I thought my regular name was too boring.
What kind of writer are you?
- Old School Notebook and pen Writer.
- Modern Day Laptop/PC Writer.
Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.
- As a kid, I was obsessed with anything Tamora Pierce.
- As a new adult, Hunger Games punched me in the face.
- And now, one of my favorites is The Night Circus.
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
I had the honor of seeing Tamora Pierce speak at my college and she is just so darn cool.
How would you describe your craft in one sentence
Comforting.
At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?
Both are really important, for both writers and readers!
For writers to talk about their own experiences and perspectives, and for readers to feel seen and heard, maybe for the first time ever. Portrayals of different experiences also increases empathy in all readers - something
I think we need more of right now.
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
I can't stand the surprise pregnancy trope and I have a hard time vibing with childhood bullies to lovers arcs.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
Someone said they needed ten more books in the Side Quest Row series.
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
Because otherwise, I'd just run into the forest and start eating leaves.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
While A Rival Most Vial is my most successful book, I have to give a nod to The Stray Spirit, because without my very first book, none of the others would exist.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
Read a lot, find a writing community (online or in real life), learn how to graciously and constructively give and receive feedback, and enjoy what you're writing.
If you're not enjoying it, don't be afraid to pivot, whether that's to a different genre or even a different mode of storytelling!
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
I'd love to find a better writing-work-life balance.
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
I'd love a library with a spiral staircase and a sliding ladder.
Do you have a message for your audience?
If you haven't treated yourself to a cookie yet this week, go and do that.
