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My First Author Event & Book Signing Went NOTHING Like I Expected...

When I showed up at The Nook yesterday, I expected to sell a couple copies of my books. Maybe have a little handful of people show up to support. And honestly, I expected to feel a bit nervous! After all, it was a whole new experience and way of putting myself out there.


Sure, I'd hosted events before... held classes, gatherings, and retreats. But this felt different. I was sharing a piece of myself in written form. What if nobody cared, or nobody came? What if I stumbled over my words, or got all flustered.


This first Author Book Signing & Poetry Reading event went nothing like I could have expected... because it was so, so much more than I could have ever expected or hoped for.


I was greeted with joy and support from my friends at our local indie book store. My new friend Maggie, who had helped coordinate this day and encouraged me along the way. The kind young couple Abby & Brandon, who'd grown their dreams of this very book store we were standing in. The new, friendly faces behind the register and counter smelling of delicious coffee and baked goods. So. Much. Warmth. The shop was already busy with Cedar Valley folks meeting up to chat and wandering the bookshelves. Mmm, what a place to be!


We chuckled together over the newness of the day, my first author event was also theirs! Chairs were set up around the comfy couch and seats already there. And then more chairs brought up... and a few more, for those who circled up in support filled the entire back section of the shop.


As I began sharing & reading I found that after I settled into speaking, those nerves I'd expected were nearly nonexistent. I felt at home, in my element. And safe, among this group of women who were opening their hearts to myself and each other as much as I was to them.


I sold completely out of the book copies I'd brought.


But so much more important than that to me was the togetherness and community fostered. Two of the women I'd thanked within the first pages of this book were there, looking at me with pride as they knew this journey leading me here had been a winding one. Friends who had been at my classes, attended my retreats, sent messages of encouragement, and saw me for the light I carry were there. And beside them were beautiful souls I'd only just met, who simply decided to join in and see what this was all about.


I heard "mmhmmm"s and saw smiles, nodding heads in understanding of these words shared. I felt the rising of tears as I met the eyes of others glistening with emotion.

Woman holding the book Poetry of a Phoenix upon her lap

Before and after the reading, brand new faces, new friends, and those who'd become soul family were all getting to know one another.


Even after our organized time together, I finished signing a few books with one-on-one conversations and peered back to the cozy area in the back... figuring most had cleared on and gone about their day. Instead, I wandered around the bookshelf to find the majority still there sharing in community together!


There was chatting about books, yes, but also mental health, recent challenges and joys, motherhood, and invitations to places where we felt safe to express our true selves.


This day went nothing like I could have expected.


I never expected to feel so loved... so encouraged to share the vulnerable parts of myself, and to be met with such sincere acceptance and celebration!


To our friends at The Nook & Reader's Cup, my dear community who took time to come and share in community and inspiration, and YOU, taking the time to support and read this now...


My heart, warm and uplifted, thanks you.

Women gathered around author Ashley Kay Andy as she reads from her book in the book store

Love & healing,

Ashley Kay


P.S. Dont worry, you haven't missed out! If you'd like to get your hands on your own copies, click HERE for Poetry of a Phoenix and HERE for Empaths at the Edge.

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I'm a writer, energy healer, and plant-obsessed meditating mama on a mission of guiding women to Heal & Rise! For more about my story...

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About Ashley

Ashley is passionate about helping you heal and rise into all you're here to be.

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From guiding your somatic therapy sessions to writings that touch your heart, she aims to support your journey of healing naturally in body, mind, and spirit.

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With her bachelor degree in health sciences, her massage therapy licensure, reiki master level attunement, meditation teacher certification, and yoga teacher certification, she has studied and practiced the art of holistic healing and somatics for 11 years. She loves reading and adding to her "healing tool belt" along the way to pass her acquired wisdom on to you.

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When not guiding healing or writing, she enjoys making music, gardening, dancing and going on adventures exploring our nature home with her two young children

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© 2021 by Ashley Kay Andy LLC. Professional photos of Ashley by Jenny Marie of meetjennymarie.com

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