TBR: Ashley Schumacher

About the Author: Ashley Shumacher

What would you like readers to know about you?

Honestly that I’m a regular person. It sounds so silly, but I used to think once one became a published author, everything changed: Their process, how they look at the world, etc. For me, that hasn’t been true at all. I mean, I certainly try to optimize my process and make sure I’ve viewing the world in the most empathetic, kind way I can, but I was doing that before, too.

What music do you listen to (if any) when you write?

It totally depends on the project! I know a lot of writers don’t like to listen to music with vocals/lyrics because they find it distracting, but I’d say I’m about 50/50 on instrumentals and soundtracks versus songs with vocals.

What books or authors inspired you to become a writer?

There are far too many to list here—and still morethat continually inspire me to be a better writer—but I will say that I read Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun in college and it altered my writing path from adult fiction to young adult fiction and I am forever grateful.

About the Book: The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway

What is your book about for those who haven’t read it?

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway covers a lot of ground: Body positivity no matter your size and build, grief, the art of moving on, and fate. But when I think about it, I mostly think about a bard who plays Olivia Rodrigo on his lute, a reluctant princess who’d rather write in her journal than watch a joust, and inflatable alligator floaties in a lazy river moat.

What has been your inspiration for writing it?

I wanted to explore the grief of place. What is it like to always be on the move, to have your home be mobile and have less “permanent” and physical touchstones in your life? The Ren Faire circuit—the artists and performers who travel from faire to faire all year long—made the perfect backdrop, not to mention I just lovefaires. It was fascinating researching and interviewing people who grew up like Maddie, doing homeschool and living on the road as teens.

What was your favorite scene or part of your book to write?

I don’t want to spoil, but there is a scene with a certain bard and knight who “fight” for honor and it is easily my most favorite scene I’ve ever written.

Where can your book be purchased?

Anywhere books are sold! (Support your indie bookstores if you can!)

To the Future Writer:

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write a book?

Find your community. I know it’s easier said than done, but I wouldn’t have published one book nevertheless four without the writers and critique partners in my life!