We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Being a writer was never a challenge. As a child, I always loved writing. However, publishing my work independently and professionally was the craft I had to learn. I needed to become familiar with editing, building a website, and hiring an illustrator. I wanted to be respected in my industry, so I reached out to authors, researched youtube videos, read articles, listened to podcasts, etc. As a result, I released Makayla’s Book World in August 2020. I spend a lot of time building awareness around my brand, learning to be an author, and running my business alone. Knowing what I know now, I think I wouldn’t have put so much time into trying to build and grow my brand quickly.
I would’ve been more patient than I am today. My advice to upcoming authors is that appealing to your audience is essential, but you don’t have to invest much in it. I relaunched my brand at least 3-4 times, but the last attempt was the best because I didn’t overthink it. It appeals, and my fans know what Makayla’s Book World is when they see it. If you decide to become a self-publish author, the essential skills are time management and outsourcing. Your personal and career life can be a lot, but building an effective schedule will relieve stress. Also, when you need to learn how to do something, find someone who already knows. There’s someone who can complete the job better. My work-life balance is the obstacle that stood in my way of learning more. However, it can be improved with better time management. Regardless of any challenges I may have had during my journey, I’ve never let them interfere with my continuing to release my books. I have two children’s books: Makayla’s Blues: Hip-Hop You Never Stop and Makayla’s Blues: Hip-Hop Ninja Crew. I have one more to release anam’m excited to complete it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am Ashley G Smith, better known as msashleyg in this industry. In 2016, I became a blogger. I entered into women and wrote about careers, beauty, and relationships. In 2020, I released my first children’s books series, Makaylas’s Book World’: Hip-Hop You Never Stop. My children’s books aim to provide artwork that motivates children to be the best they can be. In addition, I inspire children to never give up on their dreams. I am proud to connect with all the children exposed to Makayla’s Book World. Their excitement for the stories pushed me to create more.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creator is connecting with the children. I genuinely don’t know the impact that I have in influencing them to never give up on their dreams. However, when it is expressed to me, it is the most beautiful feeling,
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
A quick illustration of my journey is one I haven’t given up on. Whenever I face obstacles, I find a way to fix them, even when expected to perform during children’s events. I try to keep myself confidence and remember that I was here for the children; it’s all rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makaylasbookworld.com
- Instagram: makaylasbookworld
- Facebook: makaylasbookworldandappreal