My Fantasy Author Life

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual practices that nourish the soul and celebrates the journey from relationship to romance.

My Fantasy Author Life:

In many ways I live that right now. I love to write and the stories easily flow through me. I actually enjoy most of the revising and editing because I want my books to shine, to be the best I can write at the time. My workspace is inviting. The view out the window by my computer is inspiring—even in winter when the flowers and leaves are gone.

However to make My Fantasy Author Life complete this would happen:

Gabriella is dedicated to these women

The exact right word would always appear to show the reader the setting and character description.

Visceral Response and Body Language descriptions would flow where the reader needed it to stay within the context of the story but some things (just the right amount) would be left to the reader’s imagination.

Punctuation and grammar would be perfect.

Rose Quartz pillar next to computer

Tasks would cycle through in 20 – 25 minute time frames so I always get up and move around to keep myself limber and in shape.

And, I’d easily and effortlessly create exciting and engaging promotional campaigns that drew reader fans to my books.

My excitement and pleasure to be on Social Media would carry across the internet and everyone who saw my posts would become intrigued with my books (if they weren’t already).

My Master Mind Sisters

I’d spend at least an hour a day engaged with reader fans through emails and closed Facebook and Google groups building relationships.

My assistant would take care of all tasks I find onerous or boring leaving me to do only those tasks I really want to do.

Another one of Lois's displays

Lois, who creates fantastic displays

When I had an image in mind for a cover, blog post or newsletter, I easily found it (that’s not quite right, my assistant would easily find it because searching for images on the computer is not a task I like at all.

What is the One Thing you definitely want in your Fantasy Author (or other Profession) Life?

If you are interested in reading Lily: The Dragon and The Great Horned Owl, email me at Judith@JudithAshleyRomance.com with your request. I’ll send you a link to download your digital copy. You will be asked to sign-up for my mailing list and to write a review but that is a choice. The free digital copy comes to you with no strings attached.

Although my first love is writing Contemporary Romance or Romantic Women’s Fiction, I’ve also ventured into writing non-fiction. My first book, Staying Sane in a Crazy World is available at your favorite e-retailer. 

Do you ever feel as if the world around you is tumbling out of control and there is nothing you can do to make your world a better place?

Do you ever wish there was?

Staying Sane in a Crazy World may help guide you toward stopping the tumbling and choosing how to take effective control of your life.

The reality is there is no One answer that fits all but we each have Our answer.

In this short guide, Judith Ashley leads you through a straight-forward process that allows you to find Your answers.

Answers you’ll use to craft a Personal Staying Sane Plan that will help you regain and keep your balance whenever the world around you is out-of-whack.

Learn more about Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series at JudithAshleyRomance.com

Follow Judith on Twitter: JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

© 2018 Judith Ashley

My Fantasy Day

Time out is time off

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual practices that nourish the soul and celebrates the journey from relationship to romance.

My Fantasy Day:

Starts with no alarm. I wake naturally after a comfortable and restful sleep.

My first cup of tea awaits. Perfect temperature and strength.

Am I dressed yet? Hmmm. That depends. Or Maybe, maybe not. When I do dress, my clothes fit well and are comfortable and attractive.

First thing? I write out at least 10 things for which I’m grateful.

June 2018 Gratitudes and Blessings

06/18/2018

1.

My house is clean, organized. Food is healthy, prepared and ready for me to dish up or maybe heat up in the microwave if it is better hot.

My houseplants are healthy, green and vibrant with life. The ones that flower do so with abandon.

Clematis: A Favorite Flowers
Easily Grows Inside

Want to stretch my legs? The weather is just perfect for a quick walk through the neighborhood. I see some of my dog-owning neighbors out for a walk so I get my “doggie fix” on my way home.

Television? Inspiring, uplifting, funny with a touch of educational content is readily available on the channels I watch.

Commercials? Yes, in my fantasy day, I see a few commercials, but they are fun, uplifting, creative and add entertainment to my day.

Reading? Choices, choices, choices abound. Just the right blend of humor, heat and history or maybe the story is contemporary, thoughtful and I learn something about people or myself through the skilled portrayal of characters.

Did I mention there are never dirty dishes or pots and pans for me to wash? Nor do I have to load or unload the dishwasher or do laundry. 

Okay, I do get up and fix something cold to drink after I’ve had my tea.

I’ve time to write, walk, talk with friends and enjoy my space both inside and out. My home is my haven, my cocoon where I dream about people who metamorphose into my characters.

At the end of the day before snuggling down to sleep, I hold my Gratitude Rock and recount all that I’m grateful for, everyone and everything that graced my day.

How would your Fantasy Day start and end?

If you are interested in reading Lily: The Dragon and The Great Horned Owl, email me at Judith@JudithAshleyRomance.com with your request. I’ll send you a link to download your digital copy. You will be asked to sign-up for my mailing list and to write a review but that is a choice. The free digital copy comes to you with no strings attached.

Although my first love is writing Contemporary Romance or Romantic Women’s Fiction, I’ve also ventured into writing non-fiction. My first book, Staying Sane in a Crazy World is available at your favorite e-retailer. 

Do you ever feel as if the world around you is tumbling out of control and there is nothing you can do to make your world a better place?

Do you ever wish there was?

Staying Sane in a Crazy World may help guide you toward stopping the tumbling and choosing how to take effective control of your life.

The reality is there is no One answer that fits all but we each have Our answer.

In this short guide, Judith Ashley leads you through a straight-forward process that allows you to find Your answers. Answers you’ll use to craft a Personal Staying Sane Plan that will help you regain and keep your balance whenever the world around you is out-of-whack.

Learn more about Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series at JudithAshleyRomance.com

Follow Judith on Twitter: JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

© 2018 Judith Ashley

My Fantasy Wedding Dress

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual practices that nourish the soul and celebrates the journey from relationship to romance.

June is traditionally a month of love, romance and weddings. I will confess there are times when I watch Say Yes To The Dress because I love to see the looks on the bride’s faces when they find “The One For Them.” There are also times I turn it off because I’m in judgement of the friends and family who are also at the appointment. Seeing a smug look on the face of a friend or family member as they make a snarky or cruel remark is a big turnoff for me.

So, what is My Fantasy Wedding Dress?

When I married in 1962, I wore my navy blue suit with matching shoes. It was the smartest outfit I owned (we eloped). At this point in my life I can’t imagine I’ll get married again but if I did, these are the elements I’d want in My Fantasy Wedding Dress.

Scoop or V-neck? Will have to try them on to make final decision. Those are the necklines I wear the most and that I like. But which one will look best with the Bling? That's the deciding factor.

Bling! At least around the hem if not around the neckline and wrists because I want long sleeves. Floor length dress I’m thinking three to four inches of sparkle along the hem with more like two inches around the neckline and wrists.

Color and Fabric? A watered silk in pale pinks and lavenders with a bit of rose feels just right.

Shoes? Comfortable so no stilettos.

Flowers? A mixed bouquet of my favorites. Clematis, geraniums, salvia, peonies, roses, honeysuckle, chrysanthemums, with lots of baby’s breathe and ferns.

These are the elements of My Fantasy Wedding Dress. But...no picture. Not a one.

Why?

Because 1) I get hives and headaches going on photo sites and looking at images 2) Even if I saw something that looked like it might work, unless I tried it on - felt that watered silk against my skin, looked at the flash of rainbows from the bling, saw how the V or Scoop neck looked on me in That Dress, I'd not know if it was The One. Being a kinesthetic person, a challenge I have is it's all about how something Feels first. Then, if it feels right, how does it look. And in the end? How it feels triumphs over looks every time --- but this is my fantasy wedding dress so I can have both the feel and the look.

Aren't fantasies wonderful?

One of the great things about writing romance stories is I always get to include a wedding. Some are fancier (Gabriella’s is the fanciest) and some are less so (Hunter’s would be that because they got married – well, you’ll have to read it to find out). In each the bride has that glow about her that comes with experiencing unconditional acceptance, support and love.

And if you read all seven books, you’ll know even more about me. Yes, I can see myself as the bride in each of their weddings.

If you are interested in reading Lily: The Dragon and The Great Horned Owl, email me at Judith@JudithAshleyRomance.com with your request. I’ll send you a link to download your digital copy. You will be asked to sign-up for my mailing list and to write a review but that is a choice. The free digital copy comes to you with no strings attached.

Although my first love is writing Contemporary Romance or Romantic Women’s Fiction, I’ve also ventured into writing non-fiction.

My first book, Staying Sane in a Crazy World is available at your favorite e-retailer. 

Do you ever feel as if the world around you is tumbling out of control and there is nothing you can do to make your world a better place?

Do you ever wish there was?

Staying Sane in a Crazy World may help guide you toward stopping the tumbling and choosing how to take effective control of your life.

The reality is there is no One answer that fits all but we each have Our answer.

In this short guide, Judith Ashley leads you through a straight-forward process that allows you to find Your answers. Answers you’ll use to craft a Personal Staying Sane Plan that will help you regain and keep your balance whenever the world around you is out-of-whack.

Learn more about Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series at JudithAshleyRomance.com

Follow Judith on Twitter: JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

© 2018 Judith Ashley

Fantasy Vacation #2

Judith Ashley is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual practices that nourish the soul and celebrates the journey from relationship to romance.

If you missed my post about Fantasy Vacation #1, you can read it here!

Fantasy Vacation #2: Because of my involvement with The WilliamGlasser Institute I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure to travel to the east coast of Australia, several cities in Canada, Croatia, England, Ireland, Scotland and Slovenia. I’ve also visited Italy and stopped in Switzerland on these travels.

My fantasy vacation would start with a month in Ireland. I’d stay at the AshfordCastle, drive around The Ring of Kerry, spend time at New Grange and tour Galway and Waterford crystal factories.

Since I have a great-great grandmother who came from Ireland, I’d spend some time researching my Irish roots. Oh, and I’d love to spend a few hours or a day at an Irish stud farm and see some races. Traveling on to Northern Ireland, I’d tour Belfast and the Belleek Factory.

I’ve never been to Wales so I’d rectify that next. I’d take a week to explore the areas where, according to legend, Merlin’s cave is. I know I’d love the rugged coast line, villages and I’d have fun trying to pronounce the names of towns and landmarks in the old language.

Glastonbury Tor

On to England. A week in Glastonbury with side trips to Avebury’s stone circle. Just sitting by The Chalice Well for as long as I wanted would be amazing (I’ve been there but as I was on a tour, my time was limited).

My ancestor, Edward Rawson arrived at Plymouth Rock on the first ship after the Mayflower. He came from Gillingham, England. Exploring my English roots would be fun (although, truth be told, I’m not Celtic/English as much as I am Northern European which means my ancestors came to England in 1066 with William The Conquerer.

One entrance to Rosslyn
Chapel - 2009

Now to Scotland: I’ve been there before and went on tours of castles and Loch Ness. What I want is to spend the day (or most of it) at Rosslyn Chapel. I felt an energy when I visited there in 2008 that I’d like to explore.

On now to Croatia and Slovenia. Beautiful countries. A week at the seaside in Rijeka, Croatia and another one at Portaroz, Slovenia. I’d love to go to Zagreb (Croatia's capital) and also down the coastline to the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. When I was first there, the Balkan War raged and that drive was dangerous. Can I find the small restaurant in the hills with the wonderful potato wine (no sulfites)? I’d make the effort to do so…and send a case home! 

My time in Slovenia would end with a few days in Bled. When Zagreb was bombed and we were ordered out of Croatia, the Glasser group I was with spent a few days in this idyllic setting before heading home.

What’s so much fun about a fantasy is we can make it anything we want. So in this at least 10 – 12 week dream vacation, I have a driver so I can go where I want and stay as long (or short) as I want without worrying about a tour bus leaving me behind (did that once while in Australia and that was one time too many)!

I’d stay in Castles and comfortable, friendly Bed and Breakfasts on my travels. Of course the food would be fantastic and I’d never gain a pound. And, since this is my fantasy, I think I’ll go by charter private jet and by-pass those long security lines.

Coming with me?

Although my first love is writing Contemporary Romance or Romantic Women’s Fiction, I’ve also ventured into writing non-fiction. My first book, Staying Sane in a Crazy World is available at your favorite e-retailer. 

Do you ever feel as if the world around you is tumbling out of control and there is nothing you can do to make your world a better place?

Do you ever wish there was?

Staying Sane in a Crazy World may help guide you toward stopping the tumbling and choosing how to take effective control of your life.

The reality is there is no One answer that fits all but we each have Our answer.

In this short guide, Judith Ashley leads you through a straight-forward process that allows you to find Your answers. Answers you’ll use to craft a Personal Staying Sane Plan that will help you regain and keep your balance whenever the world around you is out-of-whack.

Learn more about Judith's The Sacred Women’s Circle series at JudithAshleyRomance.com

Follow Judith on Twitter: JudithAshley19

Check out Judith’s Windtree Press author page.

You can also find Judith on FB! 

 © 2018 Judith Ashley