Got something to say? Send us a text! In this Holiday Replay episode of Write Out Loud, we revisit our unforgettable conversation with Kristen Ashley, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose career has helped redefine modern romance publishing.With more than 90 novels published, over 5 million copies sold, and translations in 14 languages, Kristen shares a candid look at her journey—from years of rejection to massive success—by trusting her voice and writing the stories she wanted to ...
Got something to say? Send us a text!
In this Holiday Replay episode of Write Out Loud, we revisit our unforgettable conversation with Kristen Ashley, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose career has helped redefine modern romance publishing.
With more than 90 novels published, over 5 million copies sold, and translations in 14 languages, Kristen shares a candid look at her journey—from years of rejection to massive success—by trusting her voice and writing the stories she wanted to read.
✨ Episode Highlights
📚 Writing Your Own Rules
Kristen discusses why she embraced first-person POV in romance despite industry resistance, how breaking “the rules” helped her find her voice, and why readers can tell when a story is written authentically.
🚪 Rejection, Persistence & Indie Publishing
She opens up about spending over a decade submitting to traditional publishers, writing more than 25 books before publishing, and the pivotal moment she decided to self-publish—leading to a sudden and explosive rise in readership.
🔥 Voice Over Trends
Kristen emphasizes the importance of writing for an “audience of one,” trusting your instincts, and resisting the pressure to chase trends. Her advice: readers can feel when a writer isn’t enjoying their own work.
💔 Imposter Syndrome & Success
Even after selling thousands of books and landing on the New York Times Bestseller List, Kristen shares how success didn’t feel real at first—and what finally helped her believe it.
💘 Romance That Feels Safe
From expansive epilogues to external conflict, Kristen explains how she creates relationships that feel secure, earned, and lasting—giving readers emotional reassurance without sacrificing tension.
🎨 Creative Control & Covers
She talks about avoiding faces on book covers, letting readers imagine characters for themselves, and balancing creative control across indie and traditional publishing.
📖 Books Mentioned:
- Smooth Sailing
- Own the Wind
- Rock Chick Series
- Chaos Series
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