Path to Published

Is it really worth it to invest in hiring a professional graphic designer for your book cover design? Spoiler alert: YES! In this episode, I'm sharing behind-the-scenes details on the design process for the cover of my new book. Listen in for the meaning of my cover design and why we really do judge a book by its cover. I'm your host, Ashley Fenker, bringing you the Path to Published podcast with...

How can we stay focused and energized in loud spaces? How can we carve out space and time for quiet creativity? In this episode, I'm sharing how I've switched modes between engaging my creativity for online and digital creations, and retreating for offline creativity. Both modes—quiet and loud—are essential for business success as a working artist. Together, let's find ways to switch gears from pu...

What if I told you that there's one simple way to land your next big "YES"? I'm dramatically oversimplifying this, but seriously, there's one small thing you can do today that you don't want to skip. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 steps to follow when asking for endorsements or testimonials (also known as "blurbs") from authors and editors who agree to read your book before it's published. Listen...

Ready to make a plan and hold yourself to it? In this episode, I'm sharing 4 steps to making your plan for your next creative project. Listen in for a discussion about understanding your "why," sketching out a plan, and tips for holding yourself accountable when no one is there to ensure you get it done. This episode is perfect for anyone on the path to publication, or looking to tackle any creati...

Have you ever felt like building a platform as a writer is a numbers game? Or, as a reader, have you been quick to unsubscribe to an email list because it simply clutters your inbox? In this episode, I'm diving deep into how we can reframe platform building as a connection with readers—and real humans on the other side of the screen. Listen in for 3 ways to think about connection with readers on y...

In this episode, I'm sharing a recent lightbulb moment that led me to walk away from a successful project. Listen in for your own permission slip to evolve and follow your creative energy. Why do we keep moving certain tasks further down on our to-do list? When is it time to walk away and admit that we've outgrown a project? I'm your host, Ashley Fenker, bringing you the Path to Published podcast...

In this episode, I'm sharing the discipline that I've learned in following a slow publishing journey and 5 reasons why I've chosen to avoid the instant gratification that's available to us today with the help of technology. Many will teach that self-publishing is a quick way to share your work with the world instantly, but I'm arguing that we can slow down the process to invest in learning skills...

In this episode, we're discussing what happens once you've written your essay or piece of creative nonfiction. I'm sharing 7 things that a good editor will do for the quality of your work. Opening up and inviting feedback can feel incredibly scary, but it's a sign of maturity and growth in all areas of your life. I'm your host, Ashley Fenker, bringing you the Path to Published podcast with a solo...

In this episode, I'm sharing a few signs for you to look for to know if you're ready to move beyond writing in your private journal into a space of crafting a piece of work that you intend to publish. I'm also walking through the different approaches that I use to move from brainstorming to writing a first draft. I reveal some of the hard decisions that I've had to make on my own path to published...

In this episode, I'm imagining we're meeting at a party for the first time and you ask me, "What do you do for a living?" I'm revealing why I dread this question, how I wish I would answer it, how many years I've been working on my essay collection, and why this feels like the perfect time to publish and share this body of work with the world. I'm your host, Ashley Fenker, kicking off the Path to...

Hi! I'm author Ashley Fenker. The Path to Published podcast is where I'm sharing my insights into the self-publishing journey for writers of creative nonfiction. Listen in for a deep dive into the intersection between creativity and business. My book, Good (Enough) Mother: Stories and Essays, released on March 11, 2025 as a #1 Top New Release on Amazon. Kirkus Reviews Magazine distinguished it as...