arts AND
Author'sNotes
CULTURE
We asked Southern Woman Book Society member and Southern author Ashley Chewning to give us a little insight on her journey to becoming an author and what it’s like co-authoring the series of novels, Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things, with M.L. Bullock. The short answer: Very few things go as planned, so get ready for an adventure!
"I’ve had a great life, and it all happened because I didn’t plan any of it." ~ Eugene Walter I used to envy those people that knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up. They took a clear path to get there step by measured step. Those folks followed a specific outline to fulfill dreams and goals, with no deviation from it. I have, however, come to the realization that I’d much rather be on a path that meanders a little. I need the occasional change of scenery. Those unexpected moments in life tend to be where the magic happens and where the greatest stories unfold. The journey of me becoming an author was far from carefully planned or executed. It meandered through some very unexpected paths. Between my mid-thirties and forties, I graduated from college, ran a marathon, began training as a hula dancer in Hawaii, and began an acting career. That last one surprised me, too. Eventually, I landed a guest star role on a popular television show. What’s my point, you may ask? Well, just like any good, interesting story, mine has been full of unexpected twists and turns that brought me right where I needed to be. I didn’t realize it at the time, but each of those unexpected twists brought me closer to becoming an author. Earning my degree taught me how to do research. Hula taught me about storytelling from a different perspective. Acting taught me how to delve deeper into the mind of the characters within my stories. My transition into the world of the self-published author began in 2019 through Kindle Direct Publishing by Amazon. After my grandmother passed, I began to feel this urging to tell the stories of my family. I wanted to share them with the world because they had such an impact on my life. Placing their unique personalities within the pages of a book to be memorialized forever has been an honor.
20 SOUTHERN WOMAN
I conquered my goal of publishing my first book, but then as usual, my life never goes as planned. During the middle of the second book of my trilogy, I fell into a bout of imposter syndrome. Fortunately around the same time, I came across fellow Southern author M.L. Bullock’s (she prefers Monica Leigh) Facebook LIVE. Her words resonated with me and as always I meandered off the path, went outside of my comfort zone and reached out to her immediately. She’s been my mentor, confidant, and friend ever since. The Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things series that Monica and I have collaborated on has been such a wonderful experience. We both enjoy the paranormal world and are constantly throwing around ideas for stories. What works for us in writing our series is that each of us has our individual characters that we develop and write from their point of view. With the help of our committed editor, Katie, somehow our exchanges come together into something magical. If I had any tips to give on becoming an author, I would echo the advice Monica gave me. Write the book you want to read, be true to your story, and never give up. Monica and I continue writing in the Devecheaux Antiques and Haunted Things series with no end in sight. It’s a joy sharing the South and Southern culture with so many people around the world. Honestly, there’s still no clear plan or path for me. Who knows what the future holds? Whatever it may be, I’ll happily put a Southern spin on it. Because that’s what us Southerners love to do.
