Meet Ashley Lloyd Shaw and his 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
I Am Alive
http://www.ashleylloydshaw.com/b--a--d--love--projects.php
www.ashleylloydshaw.com
FB: Ashley Lloyd Shaw
Instagram: @ashley_lloyd_shaw
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
