Interview with Saundra Ashby

Author of My Daughter’s Soul

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from Norfolk, VA. Now I reside in Northern VA.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was an Army brat moving around every 2 – 5 years until eventually our family settled in Virginia Beach, VA. At that time I was a teenager and finished out my high school education there. Once I graduated from high school, I decided to go to the local Community College and from there, the local University. Since my mind wasn’t focused on school at the time but more concerned about my life with my then boyfriend, who is now my husband for 42 years, I withdrew from school to start a family. Five children later, my youngest and only daughter became ill. Her follow-up cancer treatments led us to Children’s Hospital in DC which eventually led to our family taking up residence in Northern VA.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

Initially, I decided to write the book because of the anguish of my daughter’s experience with leukemia. I penned a few things venting due to frustration and pain. But over time, I stopped penning my thoughts and started searching for answers for myself. Before I knew it, I was periodically journaling for twenty years realizing my heart intentions where changing over the journey my daughter and I went through. I started realizing it was a family thing with a higher purpose than mine. So, twenty six (26) years later, I picked up writing my book and vetting out the publishing process.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My book is about being able to get through anything in life that seems as though it is meant to take you out; physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Because we are living in an increasingly anxiety ridden world, we have to get back to the basics that will sure up our spiritual existence to remedy any attacks. I re-introduced myself to who God is in my life and learned how to weather what I went through then, present and future. My book is specifically designed to take you where I went but also where you are going or have gone to defeat any strongholds tying you down and prevent any coming your way.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I feel anyone can connect to the topic I wrote about. We breathe air and have to get up everyday to live out our life with some type of struggle(s) sooner or later. I call it “life itself”. How to live it abundantly is what we all strive for.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The most surprising thing I learned during the process of writing and publishing is that I was swept up into a space and place where it was all I could do. My thoughts and pen were engaged at random times of the day and night. In between my thoughts, I relived my them reflecting on what they were over the course of 25 years and how they had evolved and what they had matured into, feeling grateful and blessed for timing.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Hind sight is always better. However, I don’t think I would give my past self any advice from where I am now, because I would have lost something along the way. Self reflection is a beautiful thing if you allow yourself the discomfort of seeing what and who you are at the time to make the heart attitude changes needed to become a better person. It is about establishing and building your relationship with God.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I would like to ideally reach those that need it. A number I haven’t thought about. But for those that need it to help themselves along the way, I expect will be reached.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge to date in this process is knowing who is sincere in helping and guiding me along the way to get my book in the venues it is destined for.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strength in book writing is waiting to hear what I need to write about. It is heartfelt and heart-strengthening for those that read it so I spend a lot of time digesting what to say and how to say it. In publishing and marketing, I’m new at it so can’t say I have any real strengths yet.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness for book writing would be how long it takes me to come up with another book. My book is an easy read. So length is not as important to me as value of content and application. Not dismissing lengthy books at all. I’m just one who does better with easy reads and my writing style reflects that. However, I spend time being sure of what I need to write next. So, when is still not clear to me yet. In publishing and marketing I’d have to say my weakness is knowing who to trust to establish loyalty with and putting the work in to market my book.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am working on a book now hoping it won’t be another 25 years.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I used a hybrid publisher to publish my book.