Barely Famous Podcast Episode Summary Title: Sounds Like Love With Ashley Poston
Host: Kale (Kail Lowry)
Guest: Ashley Poston
Release Date: July 25, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of Barely Famous, host Kale welcomes best-selling author Ashley Poston, known for her diverse range of works from YA romantic comedies like Geekerella to more unconventional titles such as The Dead Romantics. The conversation delves into Ashley's unique journey in the literary world, her creative processes, and how personal experiences shape her storytelling.

2. Ashley Poston's Career Journey

Ashley shares her transition from working in publishing to becoming a full-time writer. With a background in English from the University of South Carolina and experience in marketing design, she naturally gravitated towards writing, her true passion.

• Ashley Poston: "I've always wanted to write books and I've always known that was my end goal." [02:10]

She discusses the challenges of moving from a stable career in publishing to the uncertainties of writing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to her creating The Dead Romantics.

3. Navigating Publishing Paths

Ashley explains her initial foray into traditional publishing with Geekerella, an IP (Intellectual Property) project for Quirk Books, and how it preceded the sale of her own work, Heart of Iron.

• Ashley Poston: "Paths are always different, you know." [05:55]

She distinguishes IP writing from ghostwriting, emphasizing that while both involve writing under different parameters, IP projects still allow her to infuse her unique voice.

4. Writing Across Genres: YA and Adult Fiction

Ashley discusses the nuances of writing for different audiences. For her YA novels, themes revolve around first experiences and fitting into the larger world, while her adult romances focus on reinventing oneself and deeper emotional connections.

• Ashley Poston: "For me, that's what adult romance is—finding out who you truly are and who you want to surround yourself with." [15:02]

5. Incorporating Personal Experiences

Personal experiences deeply influence Ashley's writing. She candidly talks about incorporating elements of grief and loss into her narratives, using her own feelings and family members as inspiration.

• Ashley Poston: "Writing kind of helps me explore thoughts and feelings that I have, from the outside looking in." [34:37]

Her book The Dead Romantics serves as a cathartic outlet for processing her grandmother's passing, allowing her to weave genuine emotions into her story.

6. Impact on Readers

Ashley highlights the profound connections she forms with her readers, many of whom find solace and understanding in her portrayal of sensitive topics like suicide and grief.

• Ashley Poston: "When people come up to me and say, 'I really appreciated what you wrote...'" [45:39]

She believes in the transformative power of books to bridge the isolation felt during personal struggles.

7. Creative Inspirations: Music and Fanfiction

Music plays a significant role in Ashley's creative process. She often curates playlists that reflect the mood of her chapters, enhancing the reading experience.

• Ashley Poston: "I wanted to write a book that just filled me with the kind of joy that I have when I listen to my favorite song." [30:11]

Additionally, her roots in fanfiction provided a foundation for her storytelling skills, allowing her to experiment freely without the constraints of commercial publishing.

8. Overcoming Writer's Block

During the pandemic-induced creative slump, Ashley revisited fanfiction to rekindle her passion for writing. This approach not only helped her overcome writer's block but also reinforced her ability to craft compelling narratives.

• Ashley Poston: "I wrote a 50,000-word fanfic in two weeks... and it filled me with so much creative energy and joy." [26:32]

9. Advice for Aspiring Authors

Ashley offers valuable advice to new writers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal creative projects separate from commercial endeavors to preserve the joy of writing.

• Ashley Poston: "Always keep something sacred just for you... to remember that you love doing this, that this is like freaking awesome." [28:16]

10. Success of "Seven Year Slip"

Seven Year Slip unexpectedly went viral on BookTok, significantly boosting Ashley's readership and bringing attention to her backlist. This surge highlighted the unpredictable nature of literary success and the power of social media in today’s publishing landscape.

• Ashley Poston: "Seven Year Slip is now so many people's favorite books... it was completely by surprise." [44:28]

11. Future Projects and Adaptations

Looking ahead, Ashley is open to the possibility of adapting her work into other mediums, such as film, provided the creative vision aligns with her storytelling ethos.

• Ashley Poston: "If they wanted to make it into a film, I'd 100% sell the rights... it has to have good music." [53:17]

12. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Ashley sharing where listeners can find her work and connect with her online, including her presence on Instagram and TikTok. Her authentic approach to writing and her ability to intertwine personal experiences with relatable fiction make her a standout author in the contemporary literary scene.

• Ashley Poston: "You can find me online at @AshPoston on Instagram and also @ash_poston on TikTok." [53:43]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I've always wanted to write books and I've always known that was my end goal." [02:10]
• "Paths are always different, you know." [05:55]
• "For me, that's what adult romance is—finding out who you truly are and who you want to surround yourself with." [15:02]
• "Writing kind of helps me explore thoughts and feelings that I have, from the outside looking in." [34:37]
• "Seven Year Slip is now so many people's favorite books... it was completely by surprise." [44:28]
• "Always keep something sacred just for you... to remember that you love doing this, that this is like freaking awesome." [28:16]
• "If they wanted to make it into a film, I'd 100% sell the rights... it has to have good music." [53:17]

Final Thoughts: Ashley Poston's candid discussion on Barely Famous offers a profound insight into the life of a multifaceted author who navigates various genres while staying true to her personal experiences and emotions. Her ability to connect deeply with her audience through authentic storytelling underscores the timeless power of literature to heal and unite.