I am Alive by Ashley Lloyd Shaw

Meet Ashley Lloyd Shaw and her book I AM ALIVE. This book is about a mother and son who both get diagnosed with cancer at the same time, combined with the quote "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain" - (Vivian Greene) "Could it be true your life is the conversation you are about it?"

Ashley Lloyd Shaw

I Am Alive

http://www.ashleylloydshaw.com/b--a--d--love--projects.php

www.ashleylloydshaw.com

FB: Ashley Lloyd Shaw

Instagram: @ashley_lloyd_shaw

1. Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

   Hey, I'm Ashley and I'm a big fan of self-expression. When I'm not acting or writing I'm coaching; helping men and women in their dating lives and self-expression. I'm a big believer in keep things simple and following your heart as much as possible. I'm currently living in London where I grew up but have also lived in America for a little bit both in New York and LA. Growing up it was mainly me and my mum and my gran. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when I was thirteen which at first seem to be a 'curse' but during the process of dealing with it, I came to realize it's actually a blessing in disguise and part of my guidance system for Life.
2. What inspired you to author this book?

   The idea of wanting to act in a film that could be meaningful and encouraging. 
   
   My mother having been diagnosed with ovarian cancer when I was 21 (I'm now 33) and the quote I saw on Facebook when I was living in LA. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to dance in the rain".
   
   I thought to myself what could a story look like if both a mother and son were diagnosed with cancer at the same time combined with this quote which I find very powerful.
   
   Real-life events, what's possible and my imagination are my main 3 ingredients when I'm writing or just being creative for that matter.

   
   

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3. Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

   My cousin is a creative digital art designer so we worked together with our imaginations and this is what we came up with.

   
   

   

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4. Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

   Ooooh, that's a tough one. There have been very few people who have significantly influenced me. I would say my mum is one of my top role models due to the strength, courage, and resilience I have watched her have and use throughout her life. My gran is another big influence for being such a calm, loving and peaceful human being.
5. What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

   Having to relive some of the moments when my mum was diagnosed with cancer. As well as just continuing to show up to the pen and pad or laptop even if I didn't think I had anything more to write.
6. Tell your readers about your book.

   The book is a very simple but powerful story about a mother and son who both get diagnosed with cancer at the same time. Combined with the quote - "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to dance in the rain".
   
   The book is written as a film script/screenplay vs your traditional book.

   
   

   

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7. Who is your target audience, and why?

   12+. Both male and female. Because anyone and everyone can find encouragement from reading this book if you are, ever have or ever will deal with life's challenges.
8. What do you consider your greatest success in life?

   Not giving up. Not giving up...
   
   On dealing with Crohn's disease.
   
   On my mum with certain health issues, she had to deal with in life.
   
   On staying on my Acting and creative journey.
   
   On me in moments when it could have been very easy.
   
   And being able to contribute to others through the coaching I do. It is one of the most rewarding things I could do with my life.
9. What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

   I'm not sure if it sets me apart but when I write I don't write as a writer. I write as an actor as if I am acting as I write. As if I am playing that particular character as I write.

The Poetry of Azenth Rose

Now I want to introduce you to another author and their poetry. When I was a child, I wrote poetry almost every day. I loved it. As I became an adult, I stopped writing poetry, although I love it. That is why it pleases me to showcase Retzde Brooks' book THE POETRY OF AZENITH ROSE.

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BOOK BLURB

Are you feeling down and it seems like no one can turn your frown upside down? 

You have gone all out of your way and yet nothing ever brightens up your day? 

You just don't get it and you feel like you just want to quit? 

Let the poetry of Azenith soothe your soul and spirit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

1.  Retzde Brooks

                                                                                   The Poetry of Azenith Rose

   
   

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azenithrosethewriter/

   Other: Instagram: azenithrosethewriter

   
   

                                                               

   
   

   
   
2. Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

   I am a very passionate, risk-taker and a stubborn person when it comes to something that I want, I can’t stay in one place so I move quite often. That’s why I love my life being a freelance language coach where I can do my job anywhere in the world and write at the same time as much as I can. Fascinated by the beauty of the Alps, Austria is the place I see myself raising a family. It has caught my heart. I have a degree in Business Administration and an undergraduate in Law at the behest of my loving parents.
3. What inspired you to author this book?

   Truth be told, I started writing at the age of nine but I put the dream of being a writer on the back burner because times were tough, I needed to help my parents raise our family at a very young age. I held a huge responsibility so I told myself, once things are settled with them, I will come back to this dream and so here I am, fulfilling a promise I made to my 9-year-old self.
4. Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

   The cover of my book is inspired by how beautiful it is to turn our back on things to find inner peace, that there is beauty in silence. What they call boredom is actually freedom. Noise is temporary, silence is our sanctuary. My short-lived marriage taught me that- there is beauty in TURNING OUR BACK on things that will never happen no matter how hard we try. We just have to let go and let life take over sometimes.

   
   

   

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5. Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

   Personally and as a writer, I can't point out one specific person because every person I meet has their story and I truly believe we all have stories to tell and so each of them has influence in me as a person and in my writing. I am a patient listener and a compassionate one. So each person that comes and goes in my life, they hold a spot and they influence me one way or the other.
6. What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

   Crisis of confidence and the lack of support from people around me. When I told my family and close friends that I will soon publish my book, my family was not really thrilled about it and that I should keep my day job and focus on what keeps the finances afloat. They sort of thought I was kidding. I know they mean well but that really made me doubt myself a lot, but I did what I wanted anyway. So here I am publishing my first book, stubborn as I can be.
7. Tell your readers about your book.

   I wrote this book not for the market but for the people who need encouragement and inspiration when the world no longer makes sense. Some of us have huge responsibilities, sometimes too much is just too much and we have no one to turn to but we can't afford to be weak because a lot is expected from us. This book is intended for those people who carry the world on their shoulders. I wish someone told me those words I have written on this book when life kicked me in the gut and left me crawling on the ground alone- yet no one did, no one came to my rescue so I decided to be my own hero. I then wrote this book hoping no one will ever feel the same way I feel when life seems unkind. That is my simple words and chapters, one can find a companion and a friend in the form of a poem.

   
   

   
   

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8. Who is your target audience, and why?

   People who have no choice but to be strong, people who burn themselves just so they can give light to others, the single mothers, parents, those who wanted freedom from the chains of life and lies, those who won't take off their mask and let go of disguise, those who are tired, those who give up their lives so others may live- this book is for all of you. To let you know somehow that you are appreciated, loved and that you are not alone. My verses will take the journey with you.
9. What do you consider your greatest success in life?

   Seeing my siblings with their diplomas, reach their dreams, seeing my parents happy as it is my turn to take care of them and my little mini-me growing up in the right path as a very fine adorable little girl despite the fact that I have to raise her alone by myself is my greatest success. No amount of money or recognition can ever replace that. I may have achieved academic or work-related recognition but these pale in comparison to the joy of seeing the people that I love contented and free from the worries of this world because I got them, I got their back.
10. What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

    I believe that there is nothing to lose in doing what I love. I write without borders, I write from the deepest desires of my heart. What makes me different is, being a writer for me is not a label. I write for the readers, that's why I keep my lines simple and relatable because I am one of the masses. I am one of the readers, I just happen to hold the pen.