I’d like you all to welcome to debut author Ivy Asher of The Lost and the Chosen

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Aw man I never know what to say to this question. I took days to write my Author bio and it’s like 4 lines…lol. Hiya I’m Ivy Asher: I’m a writer, reader, mom, wife, friend, woman, human, and not always in that order. I love books, animals, people who make me laugh, or just love to laugh In general. I like to be real about life, the good, the bad, the brutal, and I value people who feel the same way.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I am one of those people who just kind of floated around, not really sure what I was meant for. I have always been creative, but I never thought being a writer was an option for me. I grew up a bit rough and it forced me to focus on basic needs and not so much goals or dreams. It wasn’t until I became a mom and I was isolated, a bit lonely, and reading a lot… that I just felt this story sitting inside of my soul. So I wrote down what was there in a note book and I started researching programs to use when writing a book.

What was your inspiration for The Lost and the Chosen?

I had this idea about a story of a girl who was tough, but empathetic, and owned who she was. I wrote the kind of girl I wish I could have read more about growing up. The kind of woman who isn’t just one sided but encapsulates all the incredible things that I think most women are comprised of; our mother hearts, and get shit done attitudes, our resilience, and unique compassion. I wanted to write about a raw, bruised but not down kind of girl, because those are the women I know, and what I’m all about. I knew who Vinna would be and then the rest came as I wrote. I personally love Paranormal and RH, so I knew those would be key elements. I just wrote and then I would go back and edit and then write some more, and then one day I typed, the end, and I had a book!

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I listen to music. Not always, sometimes I need quiet to focus, but for all the badass scenes and fights, I have music on. When I wrote the final scene with Talon I had this one song on repeat. I see things like a movie in my head and then I write it down. I’m very visual in that sense. I need to see it and how it plays out and the soundtrack and all of that, and then I put it all in the computer how it plays out in my mind.

What are you working on now?

I am working on book three, getting merch sorted, and putting a website together… all things other authors have told me I need to have…lol. I’ve been approached about the audio rights to this series, so I’m working on that, and I have two other projects in the works. One is a secret and for the other I was asked to participate in an Anthology for charity so I’m brainstorming ideas for that. Mostly I’m getting ready to publish Book 2 and legitimately terrified that it won’t live up to Book 1. So I’m wrestling with some worry and self doubt, and hoping I don’t shit the bed or let any of the amazing readers down.

What are your hopes for the future?

So I’ve never been a big dreamer or goals kind of girl, but I’ll finish Vinna’s story this year, and then I have some other things planned for that world and stories that I see playing out in it. I have some new stories sitting in my soul, waiting to be written, and I’ve started notebooks for them but they’ll have to wait their turn. I’m going to keep writing and hope that people want to keep reading. I never want to do anything else. It fulfills me and calls to me in ways I never knew “work” could. It was what I was always meant for, but never knew to hope for.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Oh man advice…Write… if it calls to you or you have a story sitting inside of your soul, go for it. I didn’t go to school for this, I throw commas around like glitter, most days I feel a little bit like a fluke to be honest, but I had this story that I needed to write. I don’t outline or pre-plan I just sit down and go for it and one thing that has helped me in that process is that I write something that I would want to read. Last but not least I would advise, not to hire people to do anything with your book without a contract; I learned that the hard way, but it was a very valuable lesson. Make sure what’s agreed on is in writing, so that you, your work, and your reputation is protected. A lot of this indie publishing business is referral based and not everyone is trust worthy. Be smart, trust your instincts, and protect yourself with a contract.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

There are no words that truly express just how grateful and humbled I am by your support. You’ve made my dreams come true and I will never be able to repay you for that! I love and appreciate all of you so much, and I’ll work hard to be worthy of you! Thank you to all of you for reading, for reaching out, for the laughs, and the heart felt words. You’re fam now and I fucking love each and everyone of you!!

And now to you Helle…Thank you for your support…seriously I see you recommending the book and showing me so much love and I just want you to know how much it means to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

About Ivy:
Ivy Asher is addicted to chai, swearing, and laughing a lot (but not in a creepy, laughing alone kind of way). She loves the snow, books, and her family of two humans, and three fur-babies. She has worlds and characters just floating around in her head, and she’s lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing people who support that kind of crazy.

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