Writing

When people talk about the Olympics the conversation often centers on the spectacle of elite competition. But the Paralympic Games deserve just as much attention, admiration, and celebration. The Paralympics showcase extraordinary athletes whose determination, skill, and resilience redefine what strength and excellence look like. For me highlighting disabled athletes is especially important. Over the past few years my own disability diagnosis has reshaped how I see representa

Fantasy is a genre with endless possibilities. Some stories invite you to settle into a warm and magical world where the stakes are gentle and the atmosphere feels comforting. Others pull you through a doorway into something unfamiliar where adventure, danger, and discovery wait on the other side. As a writer I love exploring different corners of the genre. Two of my published fantasy books reflect that contrast perfectly. While both contain magic and imaginative worlds they

There is a particular kind of magic in discovering a new fantasy world for the first time. The moment when the ordinary suddenly cracks open and something vast and unknown waits on the other side. That sense of stepping somewhere unfamiliar has always been one of my favorite parts of both reading and writing fantasy. Because of that I wanted to do something special for readers this week. From Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12 my portal fantasy novel Between Worlds wi

Every writer has a folder, notebook, or half forgotten document filled with earlier ideas. Some are unfinished drafts while others are short pieces that never quite reached their potential. For a long time I used to see those older works as things left behind. Once I moved on to a new project I rarely looked back. Over time I realized those earlier pages were not failures. They were foundations. Going back to previous work can be one of the most rewarding parts of writing. Wh

My book Between Worlds is on Amazon available for purchase here: https://a.co/d/09tvW1Ug Today feels a little unreal. After countless drafts, late nights, and moments of doubt, I’m beyond excited to finally share that my new fantasy novel is officially out in the world. This book marks not only a debut, but the beginning of a duology. It’s a story that has lived in my head and heart for a long time just waiting for the right moment to be told. This novel began as a spark. It

Every story starts with a spark. Sometimes it’s a single image, a line of dialogue that won’t leave your head, or a simple “what if” that...

Writing can feel like a lonely pursuit. Just you, your thoughts, and a blinking cursor that doesn’t care how long you stare at it. But the truth is that even the most independent writers need connection. Stories may begin in solitude, but they flourish through community. When I first started writing I thought I had to do it all alone. I was hesitant to share my work, afraid of judgment, and unsure if I even belonged in the writing world. That changed the moment I connected wi

If you are a book lover, you know the thrill of discovering a new author or a fresh release from a favorite writer. Ashley MacKinnon is one such author who has been making waves in the literary world. Her unique storytelling and relatable characters have captured the hearts of many readers. In this post, we will explore her latest book releases, diving into what makes each one special and why you should add them to your reading list. Who is Ashley MacKinnon? Ashley MacKinnon

Spellbound Sugar is finally here

I am absolutely ecstatic to share that I was recently featured in an author spotlight on Wrote a Book ! Being highlighted in this way...

My publishing journey was a challenge

Every writer from someone new to experienced faces the strange feeling of writing about “nothing.” It might be a day where no plot twist...

At the heart of every great story are characters that feel alive, flawed, layered, and real. Readers may not remember every plot twist,...

Balancing life with your writing can be challenging

If you’ve ever stared at your manuscript and thought, Who am I kidding? No one will want to read this , you’re not alone. Every writer I...

Being an independent author is a lot of work. You wear the hats of many different positions: writer, editor, marketer, designer, and even...

About Ashley’s monthly newsletter

Every author has a unique story, and Ashley MacKinnon's journey is no exception. Ashley’s path is filled with passion, perseverance, and...