Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
In fourth grade, my teacher, Mrs. Young, asked us to write a story. At my desk, I plunged into a world of aliens and adventure. My pencil could hardly keep up. Afterwards, Mrs. Young asked us to share our stories at the front of the class. I walked up to the front and read my story with a pep in my step. Though I tended to be shy, something about my story spurred on an eagerness in me. As I read, my classmates cheered and laughed at the silly dialogue I created between the characters. I couldn’t believe how happy a small story made my friends and teacher. My little story made people happy. It was in that moment that I knew I wanted to be a writer.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Ashley! I am a writer, swing dancer, and lover of the sunlight in the branches of the Jacaranda trees.
I have my BA in English with a speciality in writing. I’ve written two collections of poetry and contributed technical writing skills to many places around the world!
Right now, by day, I work as a technical writer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and I moonlight as poet.
As a technical writer, my job is to create clear documentation for complex procedures. I work hard to discover the best ways to convey important information in the most accessible way possible.
As a poet, I get to explore beauty, grief, resilience, and so much more.
Despite the stark difference between my roles, there’s a common thread that binds them together – a profound love for language and its power to connect, to uplift, and to inspire.
Whether I’m penning poetry for weddings and church services and books, or crafting manuals for brilliant engineers, I write with one purpose in mind: to serve my audience with excellence.
In every word I write, I strive to illuminate, to elucidate, and to enrich the lives of those who read them.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The most rewarding part about being a writer is telling stories that help people connect with their emotions. Some of the work I’ve written on grief have been the ones that people have sent me messages about resonating with and understanding.
I think writing also helps us learn, grow and expand our compassion for each other.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2020, at the age of 23, I was diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer. I decided to respond with poetry, writing through hospital visits and on waiting room chairs. It was hard but I challenged myself to use the moment for good. I asked the nurses if I could do a book drive for the center. They laughed and told me that the kids would prefer tablets! There is much to be learned by listening. My family, friends, and church community raised money to buy tablets and toys for patients in treatment. I wrote a poem about this moment in my new collection because it taught me a lot about listening and the power of community coming together, resilient despite hard circumstances. Something about that was really beautiful to me then and has grown more so with time.
Contact Info:
- Website: ashleykendalljones.com
- Instagram: @ashleykendalljones
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleykendalljones/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshleyKJones
- Other: Newsletter on Substack: https://ashleykjones.substack.com/