Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Finley.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Fort Worth and grew up in different parts of Tarrant County. I spent a brief amount of time in Dallas County, and graduated high school in the city of Irving.
As a child, I always thought I hated reading, but that wasn’t the case. I just had a really hard time connecting with the characters in the books that I had access to.
Now, as an adult, I understand that there is a big problem with cultural diversity in children’s literature. I founded JJ Carson Press, LLC, a children’s book publishing company, to help be a part of the solution.
In my teaching and clinical social work experience, I have seen first-hand how important it is for children to see themselves in the books that they read. I have also seen the importance of social-emotional learning in the development of well-rounded children. The books that we publish will not only feature black main characters, but they also have social-emotional concepts highlighted throughout the stories.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Getting here has been a struggle, but there was definitely purpose in it. I believe when you are first-generation anything, like I am, the learning curve is quite steep, and sometimes you find yourself “winging it.” But, as you progress, you see that you are capable of doing more than you thought you could have.
Six months ago, I knew absolutely nothing about how to publish a book, and now my first project, Jade’s Secret Ingredients: A Recipe for Managing Feelings, is available at Barnes and Noble, Target, Amazon, and other book retailers. There are still many things about publishing and being an author that I am still learning, but I am grateful for the progress that I have made thus far.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Picture books are my jam. What sets my books apart from others are the black protagonists and the social-emotional concepts that are explored.
I don’t just write about mental wellness, I am dedicated to it myself. I hold a master’s degree in clinical social work, and I also have a therapist of my own. I am all in when it comes to mental wellness, and I practice what I preach.
I am also very proud to write books that celebrate my cultural background. I write books that I needed to have as a child and ones that I want to read to my own children.
Any big plans?
I am currently working on my second project, No Limits: A Story Celebrating the Unconditional Love of a Father. This story is about the boundless love that a father has for his son and the project is set to be released in October 2021.
I also have many other books that I plan to publish in the future. You can keep up with me by joining my email list at www.jjcarsonpress.com.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashley@jjcarsonpress.com
- Website: www.jjcarsonpress.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleyfinleywrites
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleyfinleywrites
- Other: www.ashleyfinley.com
Image Credits
Kaniography
