Interview with Ashley Mays!

Last month, I had the great opprotunity to interview Ashley Mays, formor staff writer for Brio Magazine. Read this interview to find out how Ashley's life has changed after the discontinuing of Brio, how she feels about God and some fun facts about her!

1) What has inspired you to be a writer?

 

It's just how God made me. Some people have a passion for animals and become vets. Some people have a passion for acting, so they go into theater and movies. Some people have a passion for music and do the recording artist thing. God just gave me a passion for writing. For me writing is an extension of who I am.

 

2) What we some of the hardship you had to face during this journey?

 

Breaking into the writing world can be difficult and discouraging at times. I've submitted things and been rejected, just like every other writer out there. You just have to keep learning and getting better. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work to become a writer, but it's not impossible!

 

3) How did you land your job with ‘Brio’?

 

I went to the Focus on the Family Institute (now the Focus Leadership Institute) in 2006. When you attend the Institute, you're given an internship. I was selected to be the intern for BRIO because of my writing experience and my love of working with teen girls. After I graduated college, a job at BRIO opened up and I applied for it. I interviewed for it and ended up getting the job! I moved out the day after I graduated.

 

4) How did your life change after ‘Brio’ was discontinued?

 

I had to find a new job. :-) It was really difficult for all of us who were on BRIO staff. We'd become a close family during our time as coworkers, so it was hard not to see each other every day. We were also sad because we loved every single one of our readers. We didn't want them to feel like we didn't care because BRIO had ended. So Susie, our editor, started a brand new magazine called SUSIE. I contribute articles every once in a while, as do the other girls who were part of our BRIO team. If you were a fan of BRIO, you'll definitely enjoy SUSIE magazine.

 

5) What are some exciting things that have happened in your life this past year?

 

I got married about a year and a half ago, so that's pretty exciting. Other than that, the most exciting things going on in my life have to do with making edible meals and getting a new vacuum cleaner. :-)

 

6) Are you still working on writing?

 

Of course! Like I said before, I still write every once in a while for SUSIE magazine. I also have a few projects tumbling around in my head. Writing is a passion of mine, so you rarely find me without a pen (or laptop) in my hand.

 

7) How do you stay grounded in your relationship with God?

 

By remembering all He's done for me, and making sure others are able to see that in my life. It's very humbling to catch a glimpse of all He's given me. I'm extremely blessed and I'll spend the rest of my life working to share those blessings with others, hopefully showing them the love of Christ through my actions.

 

8) What is your favorite attribute of God?

 

His trustworthiness. He is who He says He is. I don't have to wonder if He's going to switch things up on me or fudge the truth to make me feel better. I might not always be able to trust other people 100% of the time, but I know I can trust God. He never changes.

 

9) Do you have a favorite place to go and be alone with God? If so, where?

 

Not really. :-) God tends to grab me when I'm serving other people. When I'm able to take a step outside of myself and pay attention to what other people really need, I feel like my heart's much more open to what God wants for me. One day I do really want a nice room with a rocking chair where I can sit and pray and read my Bible, but right now my life is more conducive towards keeping my Bible in my purse and reading it when I have a quiet minute.

 

10) What were some things you struggled with when you were a teen? How did you overcome it/them?

 

I didn't fit in very well when I was in high school. I was the kid who'd sit and eat my lunch by myself in the hall. I had great friends from camp and from church, but I didn't feel like I connected with any of the people I went to school with. I felt so different from everyone else. It was a really difficult time for me and I had some stretches where I felt very depressed. But I was able to remember that high school wasn't forever. And I tried to make a concentrated effort to focus on the great things I did have in my life, like my relationship with the Lord, my fantastic family, and the friends I did have. Eventually things started looking up, and I came away from it all as a stronger person.

 

11) Who are some people you look up to/admire?

 

My mom, of course. She's my best friend.

 

12) Who in your life has helped you in any aspect of your life? Tell us about them is you wish.

 

My mom's always been there for me. I know I can talk to her about anything. She's always given me great advice. And of course, my dad's a great encouragement as well. He's reminded me of my goals in life when I have wanted to give up. My parents have always believed I can do great things. It's really empowering to have people who believe in your dreams.

 

13) How did you meet your husband? (Sorry, I tend to like to know! LOL!)

 

At his sister's Halloween party. My roommate and his sister were friends, and my roommate invited me to go to this party with her. I went. It wasn't love at first sight, but he and I did become great friends. We started hanging out on a regular basis. When he asked me out, I decided to give him a chance and we fell in love.

 

14) What are some of your favorite hobbies?

 

Writing. I'm also a really artistic and musical person, so I like to draw, paint, and play the piano and guitar, too. And if I have a free minute, you'll find me with a book in my hand.

 

15) What is your all-time favorite movie?

 

"The Emperor's New Groove"

 

16) What would be the perfect day to you?

 

Sleeping until noon. Going horseback riding. Then spending the rest of the day just hanging out with my parents, brother, and husband.

 

17) Coffee or Tea?

 

Tea. I'm not a coffee fan. Even if it's Starbucks.

 

18) Cake or Pie?

 

Ice cream. :-)

 

19) What are your plans for the future?

 

I don't know. I'd like to do some traveling, write a few (hundred) books, and live closer to my family. Maybe get a puppy. :-) I try to hold my plans with loose fingers, though. God tends to think a little differently than I do, and His plans usually trump mine. :-)

 

Visit Ashley on her blog!