About Page of Anne Ashby Writing Warm Fuzzy and Fun Stories

Who am I and where did I come from?

Nah, sorry, this isn't about the birds and the bees or the evolution of the human race. It's just a big hello and welcome from me. I grew up in the tiny town of Colac Bay, in New Zealand's most beautiful province, Southland. Books and my widowed mother's storytelling filled a huge part of our family life when I was young, mainly because it felt like we were the last family in New Zealand to get a television set. I guess I'm a chip of the ole block.

For years I was a closet romance reader. All through a very satisfying career with the Royal New Zealand Navy I dreamed of writing but never imagined those dreams might one day materialise.

Temporarily living in USA in 2000 I found the courage to attend a romance writing course - after all, no-one would know me there - instructed by multi-published Silhouette writer Loree Lough and my life changed forever. Not only did I throw open the 'romance' closet doors, but I wrote and had accepted for publication my first 100K story. I'd become a romance writer.

I'm so lucky my husband supports my writing ambitions. Both he and our four children are always ready to give me new ideas or supply the odd word or phrase that might be escaping me. Their help and encouragement is invaluable. Now, if only I could figure out how to convince them housework is great for the soul.