Meet Ashley Aya Ferguson of Cincinnati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Aya Ferguson.

Hi Ashley Aya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been writing since I was seven years old. I loved and still love books and magazines. I used to want my own magazine, but by the time I graduated college, a lot of great magazines were folding, or shutting down operations. I wrote for a trade magazine for a while before pivoting into a more secure marketing role. This was important as I had to earn money to support my daughter. I wasn’t done working with words yet, so I started freelance writing and editing on the side. I edited books for new authors and I wrote copy for articles or for small businesses. Eventually, I started a business called Copy & Content Boutique. Although I was a single mother, I still spent some of my time writing for myself and I eventually wrote a poem to my daughter and turned it into my first children’s picture book titled, Girl You Are Magic! Soon after that book, I wrote another poem and dedicated it to my brother titled, Boy You Are Brilliant. I had a new idea to merge a childhood memory with inspiration from a poem and turned that into another book titled, I Am Not Afraid of Spiders. Today, I still work full time in marketing, but I love to write children’s books on the side and share them with students and classrooms when I can. I am so fortunate that God had a bigger plan for me as books outlast magazines.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been mostly smooth, but anything that has been difficult has been a great learning experience. Sometimes no one comes to an event, or you may haul 30 books and sell one after a four-hour day. All of the bumps and no’s and heavy book boxes have been worth it. Additionally, funding my own operations can get difficult. No one writes to become rich, but it is very rewarding when someone recognizes your book, and even better when they have a nice memory attached.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Books are forever. I am a children’s book author and I take every book that I write very seriously. My first two books are inspirational illustrated poems; they are rooted in things I felt needed to be said. My third book is a narrative poem; it has a very important message about not hurting something or someone just because you don’t know them or are afraid. I am most proud when my book content jumps off the page. For example, my first book was made into a dance number, the second book was used for a recital with the Cincinnati Boychoir; and the fourth book, which is forthcoming, has already been turned into a dance musical.

Any big plans?
I will continue to refine my craft. I would like to be well-known as a multi-genre writer. I write poetry and creative nonfiction as well. I don’t know what the future holds, I am just enjoying the journey. It is amazing to meet so many talented people in the city or that come to visit the city.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleyayaferguson.com/
• Instagram: ashleyayaferguson
• Facebook: ashleyayaferguson