Not writing related. This is in memory of my baby sister.

Please visit to read & share little Charlee's story

https://www.facebook.com/Ashley-Ford-1557687327863963/

Or visit her shop  &  fund directly

Gofundme.com/helpforlilcharlees

Cafepress.com/inlovingmemoryoflittlecharlee

The Diary of Caroline Book 2: Love Bites ((Coming Soon))

 The Diary of Caroline Book 2: Love Bites will be the continuation of my Kindle Worlds story "The Diary of Caroline Book 1: Bloodlust."
    When the first volume of Caroline's story ended, she was letting Stefan in her window.
    However Caroline didn't know that Stefan had a blood addiction; or  that Elena had just fed him her super charged magical blood.
     Love Bites will follow Caroline after the attack, into her new life as a vampire.... Her jealous feud with Elena will escalate; but her love affair with Stefan is just beginning....

Available soon! Only on Kindle Worlds by Amazon.

You can find the first volume here:.The Diary of Caroline Book 1: Blood Lust

Self Publishing Success Tips ((Updated))

       I'm a self published author, i have been working on my writing career since I was still in highschool, at fifteen.

    
          Now I'm 22 with two successfully books published with Amazon, Kindle & Nook- I also have written a great many Vampire Diaries short stories, for Kindle Worlds.

    I feel like as a self-published author I get discriminated against alot when certain people, especially traditionally published authors, hear that I am my own publisher.

     Does this mean that self publishing should be forgotten, simply because we don't get a fancy publishing label on our book, because we sell mainly online, and because stores and libraries typically have little interest in our work?

NO.

      It means that if we want success, if want a spot on the best- seller's rank, if we want to make this a career- it has to be a full time job.

      We don't get fancy promotions and ads handed to us like those who go the traditional route, we have to  be our own advertising teams, w have to be the ones to get out there and sell our books!

I've sold a huge amount of my books, I'm no best seller, but I have seen quite a few royalty checks, and I still have a little party in my head every time that one sells.

So what are some great tips for selling books?

1. EDIT.
I cannot say enough how important it is to get a good editor, on my books I did all of my edits- and I won't lie... I'm not perfect.

They ended up flawed.

     Because of those flaws, I have received some horrendous reviews, however I used them to motivate me to do better.

    Since then I have made friends with a great editor who had taught me alot, and my best advice is that if you do not have an editor on your side and can't afford one; find a good friend or someone who is pretty intelligent- and ask them to proofread  and point out any mistakes.

2. Build A Following.
Facebook is the greatest place to begin building a follower base, you should work on a fan page for yourself, and every book that you have the rights too.
     Selling yourself and your content is extremely important, create a sharable link and ask your personal friends to like and share your work- I have over 2,000 likes on my author fan page.. And the more content I post, the more active my fans stay.

3. Use Everything To Promote.
Twitter, Blogger, Instagram, Tumblr, anything that offers you an audience and people to connect with! As a self publisher, you have to have a personality, make friends, and not be afraid to sell yourself.

If people like you, they will be more wiling to become a fan.

4. Have A Support Team.
   Whether it's family, your significant other, friends, or just awesome fans- make sure that you have people on your side willing to share your content, read your content, and REVIEW your content.
     It's important that you're not the only person who is trying to promote your work.. People respond better if you already have fans.

5. Get Reviews.
   This is really difficult, I have issues with it all the time! But when someone you personally know buys one of your books, ask them to please leave you a review.
     You can also score reviews by joining Facebook Reviewer groups and sharing your book(s) with others who are willing to review for you, there are also websites dedicated to this. Reviews are important, they are one of the first things that your customers will see.

6. Physical Promotion.
   Don't rely on technology and the web to sell your books, while this is a great avenue, you absolutely must be willing to do book signings and make fliers, to sell tee shirts and wrist bands.... Physical promotion isn't dead y'all, in fact it's amazing how many people it  will reach.

7. Be Different.
    Example, I recorded myself reading the first chapter of my Dis-Functional Family book, and I used that on Youtube to get views- and I did happen to sell a few books. 
   So figure out what works for you, don't just copy everyone else.... Do your own style of writing and promoting, just the same.


8. Have The Time
   Make sure whether you use free promotions or spend a good amount of money, that you have the time to dedicate to promoting your books and making them thrive; otherwise your books will die on the vine.

Have Fun :)

Once Upon A Dream (Part 4)

    This is the continuation of my ongoing short story saga of a love story that transcends through time.

                                    Once Upon A Dream

                                      (Part 4)

        After that night I felt different, everything felt different in my life.

         I couldn't help but wonder if it was just a dream, a vision, or some other kind of sign that maybe we were truly meant to be?

         The man from my dreams was called differently than he was in my life time, but his soul was very much the same.

         One night, months after my initial visit to my other life, I had nearly given up any hopes of visiting this time again---

When it happened.

          I was lying cozied into my bed all alone, it was chilly outside so I had my covers pulled up around my neck, my long satin-y blonde hair was sprawled out around my pillows and as I closed my eyes- seeing the life I lived long ago, was the last thing on my mind.

           Yet, when the abyss took me, I immediately felt something different from my other dreams, a feeling took me over that was like nothing I had ever felt before.

            It was a sense of belonging, a sense of dejavu, and a sense of longing; when I seen a beautiful forest surrounding me.

             It was right at sunset, the sky was a deep royal blue color and the big ball of sun was sinking below the whistling green trees, it was a ball of golden, pink, and purple all mixed together to create the most lovely of sights.

"Darling?"

         His voice took me off guard, as the other version of me turned my body for me, she made my mouth smile, but my  heart leaped of its own accord.     

        He was far more attractive than he had been in my other visits here, his hair was clean-cut and he was well shaved, she spoke with my voice, and I wished I had some control.

"What are you doing, here?"

      I couldn't help but wonder what had happened since that sensuous kiss they-we- had shared on my last visit.

        The green smell of the woods and the sound of a bird whistling overhead nearly distracted me from their conversation, being trapped in my own head was a strange feeling, when he finally replied;

"I have been looking for you."

          He motioned behind him, for the first time my, er our, eyes fell upon two big stunning horses, which seemed to follow my beloved.

         She laughed, it was remarkable how much of my laugh it was. My eyes lingered down to see a brown-gold dress flowing down to my ankles, bare feet kissed the stubble and grass on the dirt floor, and I was in amazement by how much I hadn't changed, through out my lifetimes.

"Ride with me," he challenged.

           In my own time I had never ridden a horse, and so of course I was panicking, but the girl whose life I was visiting seemed to be an old pro, she took off sprinting for the pretty pale yellow horse, jumped atop it and began kicking it in the butt!

       The horse jumped for a second, but my counterpart held on tightly, we hallowed for a few seconds, then she yelled back to "our" lover; "catch me if you can!"

        The ride was bumpy and slow but I praddled on for all of a minute, it was such a peaceful and lovely ride that I secretly considered taking up horse back riding when I returned to my life; when he caught up.

"Follow me," he called as his horse took off running, I was afraid to challenge the beast I was riding too far, but the girl from this world seemed utterly confident as she pulled roughly on the horse.

         We followed him to a beautiful stream, a meadow surrounded it, the sunset was almost done, a blanket of stars was starting to creep across the sky.

         He jumped off the horse and pulled the blanket he had been using to ride with off the horse- I realized I was riding bareback to my surprise- as I looked over to see him.

         His handsome face was intent as he spread the wrinkles out, he stood  and gracefully reached for my hand, "come along, beautiful."

          He carefully guided me down from my stallion, his hands were strong and loving- just as the always were.... My heart nearly exploded as I straightened up and out eyes bore together.

  
        Gently, he leaned down as if he was about to kiss me, her, and his piercing eyes were almost too much to take. I could feel how badly he wanted me, as he took the back of his hand and traced the length of my face.

         I shivered in response to his lingering touches, his breath teased me, dancing across my lips- and yet his kiss hadn't yet come.

      She couldn't take it any longer, the girl he loved took my lips and pressed them roughly against his, his hand knotted in my hair and he pulled me violently into him.

      The passionate hunger between us ignited as we clawed at one another, I had never in my life been so drawn to one person in every way.. When he pulled away.

       My feelings slapped me hard, as he seemed to be feeling some kind of way. He wouldn't look at me again, she obviously felt just as hurt as she bit into my lip, that didn't hurt-- but I was annoyed with how she controlled me so thoroughly.

"I think I should go," she said, not looking for an argument, I guess.

        Personally, I would have demanded to know what his freaking problem was.

But to each their own.

"Please, wait." he said almost pleadingly. 

    There were tears in our eyes when she turned using my body.. 
Then my jaw dropped, all on it's own.

                                          ((To be Continued))

Love Bunnies (An Easter Short Story)

         It was a bright spring's day, the sky was alight with color, the grass was green and plush, birds sang overhead and the flowers were all in bloom.

   

         Butterflies were starting to fly about and the day couldn't have been more perfect, as Hoppy the bunny raced around looking for Easter. Hoppy and Easter had known each other since they were old enough to hop- and Hoppy finally had decided to tell her how he felt.

    Hoppy loved Easter and he wanted to marry her and have lots of little baby bunnies, so today he straightened his whiskers and went for his afternoon hop, in hopes of spotting Easter out nibbling on her favorite sunflowe patch.

   Easter was the most beautiful snow-white bunny in all the woods, and Hoppy knew that if he didn't lock her down before mating season;  one of those other handsome bunnies would offer her a carrot, and make her their own.

    He went out by the sunflower patch where Easter loved to hang, they were the best of friends and he knew her very well, as he sniffed a strange scent and then saw it; Easter was cornered by Fluffy, Hoppy's mischeivious cousin, he had his furry face pushed into Easter, and she was giggling, hysterically.

      Her fuzzy cottontail wiggled in delight and Hoppy's heart filled up with fear as he seen Fluffy hiding something in his paws, and he feared the worst.

"Easter!" Hoppy cried out, hoping with everything that he wasn't too late, as he saw her moving closer to the other rabbit.

  Easter turned when she heard his voice and her pretty face turned into a happy grin, "Hoppy! You're just in time," Fluffy said with an air of menace before he whipped out the shiny orange carrot.

"Easter, Will you be my Bunny Bride?"

   Hoppy felt his heart sink down into his belly, as Easter looked between the two bunnies, "Fluffy-"

"I love you, Easter." 

    She didn't look at Hoppy when she answered, but he just hung his head, and hopped away, as Easter replied: "yes."

     The love of his life has agreed to marry Fluffy and Hoppy was destined to be alone-- suddenly that beautiful spring day didn't seem so lovely anymore.

"Hoppy?"

   He turned to the sound of her beautiful voice, it was almost lyrical, and he found himself at a loss for words, as he stared upon her infinite beauty.

"Hi, Easter."

Her big eyes were full of light and love as she spoke, "you seem upset. Are you okay?"

"Why did you say yes, to him?" He asked, and Easter looked offended.

"Because I'm a female-"

He shook his head, "no... I mean why him? Why not me?"

"Because you didn't ask."


                            1 week later

    Things happened very quickly beween the love bunnies after that, and one faithful day; Hoppy was surrounded by family and friends, it was nearing dusk and the birds of the woods were making a love song.

    Easter appeared in the clearing as Hoppy waited for her to make her way down to him, Elder, the oldest bunny alive in their home, was overseeing their ceremony.

    Hoppy patiently waited as Easter hopped to him, with her daddy at her side, she looked glorious with little flowers tied around her ears, the father bunny kissed Easter good bye, as Hoppy took her by the paw.

   Marrying her was the greatest day of his young life,  and as Easter pledged her love to him, he knew that this was everything he could have ever dreamed of.

"Do you take Easter as your Bunny Bride?" Elder asked, and Hoppy nodded in excitement, "always." 



                            THE END

The Boy Who Cried Dog Part 2

The Boy Who Cried Dog

Part 2

By Ashley Ford

After that faithful afternoon when Jayson's life was first saved by the snow white dog with the golden eyes, and then bitten as the dog escaped- he went upstairs to write Mick, and tell him how strange his day had gotten after school was over.

That night passed by in a blur. He couldn't get his worries for that poor abandoned creature living in the woods out of his head; after all he hadn't even been able to feed it.

When his parents got home, Jayson came down for dinner, his mom- a pretty auburn haired woman- and his dad who featured brown hair and glasses, were not thrilled by his bandaged hand.

The dining room was small, but bigger than their kitchen, the walls were a basic tan color and the floor was wood like most other rooms in their mid 80's built home.

They were the second family to live here, and had moved in when Jayson was two years old, the big oak table they were eating at had been left behind by the former residents.

"Jayson!" his mother exclaimed and he hung his head- "what has happened to your hand?"

He sighed.

"I met this dog on my walk home- "

His father cut him off.

"Son, are you telling us that you were attacked by a dog?"

Jayson still his head, a look of horror etched across his boyish-round face and he quickly started to explain, "a car almost ran me over, the dog kinda saved me."

Mom gasped.

"The car did this? Did you get the tag number? I'm calling the cops!"

He stopped her, laughing.

"No Mom, the dog got hurt. I brought him home to try and fix him him, that's when he nipped me and ran off."

Jayson's mother raced over to him touching his head and fussing.

"I'm taking you to the hospital! The dog may have had rabies-"
Dad cut in, "don't overeact honey. They boy looks fine!"
His mother made a sour face.
   
Later that night Jayson had finally gotten free of his parents' crazy worries. He was lying in bed trading Facebook messages with Mick, when he started thinking.
   That poor dog was out there hungry and maybe even cold, with no one to love it while he snuggled into the safety of his bed. All because a canine mutt saving him from certain death.

He made a snap decision at that very moment, Jayson decided that he would scour the Earth until he found that dog again, and no matter if his parents agreed or not; he was bringing it home.

The following day Jayson had just finished school and was about to start walking home, when Mick called to him. For whatever reason he hadn't gone home yet.
"Hey man, how's the hand?" called Mick, he was a scruffy looking dude with burly shoulders- the polar opposite of gangly and, clean-cut Jayson.
"It is what it is," Jayson muttered as Mick studied him, he knew that his buddy meant well, but he really just wanted to go.
"I can probably swing by after awhile."
Jayson paused,
"I'm probably not going home."
Now Mick looked perplexed, he reached out to touch Jayson, who flinched at the assault, on the head.
"You okay?"
He nodded, "bro, I gotta find that dog... I couldn't sleep last night. I want to bring him home, make him my pet."
Mick snickered, "are you going all humane society on me?"
Jayson shrugged, "I owe him.."

      That's when she walked by, the most gorgeous girl in school, the girl that Jayson had secretly been in love with since she moved here last year- Olive Aden. 
        Olive had long flowing white- blonde hair and big dark eyes, her skin was pale almost albino...And he wished he could find the nerve to talk to her.
"Earth to Jayson."
His eyes lowered, almost in embarrassment, and turned to glare at  Mick,"yeah, what man?
"You're drooling."

"I gotta go,"

He walked toward the parking lot. He was almost to the side walk when a high-girly voice spoke out, "umm.Jayson?"

Jayson knew the voice, though she had never said his name before, she was really smart and always answering questions in class.
 He turned his head and seen Olive standing there holding his small silver cellphone in her black-nailed fingers,
"You dropped this."

He ent to take the phone from Olive, their fingers touched for a brief second, and he felt his knees to weak.
He jumped back, not wanting her to see how effected by her he was, then he looked her over one good time, and Jayson noticed a cast on her skinny ankle.
"What happened, there?" he casually asked, Olive looked around nervously. Jayson knew she had to feel something when their eyes locked together.
"I..umm.. Car accident.."

Immediately he was reminded of his mission to find the scoundrel who had risked its life to save him. 
He nervously smiled,
"Glad you're okay, thanks for grabbing my phone."
He was just about to walk away and go on about his busines, when Olive spoke sweetly, "what about your arm?"
He laughed, "dog bite."
Olive made a face suddenly, "oh. You have a dog?"
"Actually, it was a stray."
Olive laughed, "you often play with strays, Jayson?"
Her laugh was a nice sound, Jayson really enjoyed hearing it, and she was so pretty...
"No, it was kind of a freak accident- the dog actually saved my life." 
"Oh.."
At that moment, Jayson realized that he was probably worrying sweet, beautiful Olive, who was only being polite by asking.
"I'm actually gonna go and find the dog- I'm worried about him."
"Him?"
Olive repeated, an almost flirty- teasing look glimmered in her deep brown eyes, eyes that were splash in golden waves, out here in the light.
She was glorious.
"Well," He replied, feeling foolish for having categorized the dog as any sex, "I'm not really sure... I just assumed..."
Olive grinned, "oh clearly... Because only a man can be a hero!"

Eleven Eleven 2.0

       So I have been thinking a lot about my first book. I'm no longer happy with the ending in it, I also feel like I failed in a few spots (random unnecessary characters and events, I also dragged some things too far, without emphasizing key points, more so.) 
    Therefore, until I can find the time to revitalize Eleven Eleven, there won't be any more work on a sequel- the entire book feels like a grammatical horror fest & the more I look at it, I also am not happy with the sour ratings.
   I'm on the fence as to whether I will delete the original and replace it with my new Eleven Eleven novel, or if I will simply rename the new version to Eleven Eleven Saga or something catchy, so that I can keep my first book alive- but another part of me feels like it should die on the vine, and be forgotten just so that I can not have the bad reviews working against my name.
I'm so confused.

Like Eleven Eleven on Facebook
Eleven Eleven Facebook , & dont  forget to click the share button :) 

Can't wait to get started on my new adventure :)