This interview is published on March '23 issue of
The Reader's House Magazine.  
Click image to see interview
on the magazine page.

Ashton Stevenson grew up in the cornfields of NW Ohio. She attended West Virginia University majoring in Parks and Rec. She adventured across America for the next few years living in Maine, Wisconsin, Wyoming, California, Oregon and more before moving back to Ohio. In her spare time, she reads every fantasy and romance book possible, participates in BJJ/MMA classes, and spends every second she can on the water. 

Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time?

A friend just suggested to me a couple of books. I recently read Shadow of the Conqueror and The Way of the Kings. 

You’re organizing a party. Which two authors, dead or alive, do you invite?

Wow... That is an incredibly hard question. I may say, the Disciple Paul, and Robin Jones Gunn.

Which writers — working today do you admire most?

Robin Jones Gunn, Rick Riordan, Kiera Cass, Kasey West, Becca Fitzpatrick, Cynthia Hand, Anne Ursu, Stephen King, R.L Stine, and so many more. 

What do you read when you’re working on a book? And what kind of reading do you avoid while writing?

Honestly, if I am actively writing, I am pretty hyper-focused on writing. However, if I do read, it tends to be one of my easy rereads.  Something I know I love and have read a thousand times. Or, if my brain truly needs a break, I might go to the kids section and pull out a Goosebumps or Magic Tree House because I know it will be quick and won’t require my brain to work much. I would definitely avoid any new large novels that I know will take my focus away.

What moves you most in a work of literature?

The books I get pulled into and can’t put down tend to be ones where I feel like I am the character and truly feel in the story. The book that comes to mind first when you say moved would be so many different books of the bible. Also, I will say I may have cried the hardest while reading the Boy In The Striped Pajamas. I think I read that for the first time around 6th grade and did not see that coming. I cried my eyes out. 

What genres do you especially enjoy reading? 

I read a lot of young adult romance/ fantasy. I enjoy The Wheel of Time Series, LOTR, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and more. I have a particular love for Angel/ Mermaid fantasy such as Unearthly, Hush Hush, Halo, the Siren, and more. 

Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine? 

Am I cliche if I say Hermione Granger? I also especially love Bilbo Baggins and Jim Hawkins. 

What kind of reader were you as a child? 

I was a very active reader all growing up. Never going anywhere without a book. I was the kid who spent every spare moment reading (I still do). I often got caught reading in class and would even be reading in the Marching Band stands of a football game.

What books do you find yourself returning to again and again?

Percy Jackson, Unearthly, Halo/Hades/Heaven, Hush Hush, Treasure Island,  The Siren, Harry Potter, Of Poseidon, Love and Luck, The Fill In Boyfriend, Black Ice, On The Fence, etc. 

What else do I do in my spare time?

My soul will always be an adventurous spirit. I love spending time on Lake Erie, kayaking, backpacking, and watching movies. Spending time with friends is always a favorite. I paint, dance, and participate in BJJ/MMA classes.