Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hogans (Elaine Hogan).
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I suppose this is the most tantalizing question of them all. Who we are, where we’re from, and how we got where we are. It’s so challenging because we can start at any point in our story and still leave details out. I don’t want to miss anything. When I tell how I started writing, I always recall my 8-year-old self with tears painted on her cheeks and a pencil in her hand. I didn’t know what I felt then, but I knew it would be special. I knew I had it in me—whatever “it” was.
I began writing when chaos hit my family. I was always a quiet, studious child, so to have my head buried in a book was a common practice. Like many readers and writers, reading took me into another realm, and I stayed there as long as I could. And as I grew confident in my writing, I typed up a poem/song and printed it, which my dad later discovered. I was so embarrassed that he read my thoughts, so I stopped writing and returned to it years later. I determined to never be “embarrassed” again, but that changed.
Once I hit high school, however, writing felt like a chore or punishment. Writing academic essays tainted my view of true creative freedom, because there were always too many rules and stipulations that told me I was wrong. Or, that I needed to write like some other person to get a good grade. So, I wrote the essays, got the grades, and pushed my creativity away when I needed to. But thankfully, I had writing teachers who cared so much about MY mere thoughts that they saw my starvation for creative freedom. They began to water it, urging me to read my “heartbreak” poetry in front of the class, or to write outside under the sun, breathing in nature’s musk. I knew I would love this craft when I was the new kid in class and my teacher said to me, “I don’t remember names well, but I remember writing,” as she handed my paper back to me. So, Ms. Morrell and Ms. Royer—thank you.
But the dream didn’t truly begin there. Once I got to college, I decided that because I was “smart,” I should be a doctor. However, I soon abhorred the STEM classes and dreaded classes, tests, and labs. I was miserable and only got excited when I got to see my English professor, Ms. Pinchero. After many years, much prayer and reflection, I changed my major from Biology to English. I had never felt so relieved. This was where my life truly began. So, I dove into my English courses, raving over new writers (and some old), and quickly became obsessed with Medieval Literature. Chaucer and the Virgin Martyr stories excited me- Beowulf and the like awakened my adoration for writing. I felt like myself again.
So, after much deliberation and internal conflict, I realized that the main thing I enjoyed and excelled in was writing. Shakespeare suddenly made sense, and George Orwell didn’t seem so “crazy” after all. Neither did Virginia Woolf. And I realized that I could be as smart with a pen in my hand as I would have with a scalpel. So, now, I write in any state I am in and am actively sharing it on purpose this time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has been anything but! I don’t believe anything in life is ever smooth, especially if it’s something you believe you are called to. I happen to think I got stuck in a few potholes along the way, but I made it out alright. While I am aware that not all successful writers have an English or Creative Writing degree, I felt that I needed to have one. A college degree has always been the goal for me, so when I hit a 1.5-year plateau, my world fell into pieces. I couldn’t afford to continue my education, so I was forced to take a break. Working job after job, trying to survive, killed my will to write or be creative, for survival was only necessary at the time. I didn’t know anything else.
And once I did start to write poetry again, I stopped because I didn’t feel good enough. My school wouldn’t accept my writing for article submissions, and I felt hopeless. I figured that if a college magazine or newspaper doesn’t want my writing, then no publisher ever would. But I believe that’s the difference in some of us who struggle. Either we can stay down and take the punches, or we can get on our knees and ask God to help us. It’s a fixed fight anyway, though, because God has already won every single battle for us. So, while I struggled, I kept reminding myself that the Lord’s promise is true, and whatever He desires for me will happen in His time. We may struggle, but we don’t do it alone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
First, I am a daughter and servant of Jesus Christ—this is the main thing that sets me apart. I don’t trust in who I am or what I can do, because God created me and gave me the ability to do and be who I am. I trust in Him only. That is who I am first and always.
I am Ashley, the writer, the poet, the dreamer. I simply see stories in my mind and record them on paper. That is who I am and what I enjoy most. I am most known for my poetry, especially about God’s love, freedom, and love or the lack of it. Because of the obstacles I’ve faced (and do face), I am most proud that I am still standing and trying after I’ve gotten so many nos. Many people give up on their dreams and accept the destiny that society has chosen for them, but I refuse to do the same.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t believe in luck, only God-given favor and grace, so I don’t think luck, good or bad, has impacted my life. I believe that life happens to us all, whether we like the outcome or not, and we have to choose how to respond. If I am granted favor, I thank God and keep pushing. But if negative experiences occur, I understand that it is all part of a much greater plan, and I must exercise patience and wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thediaryofelaine/
Image Credits
Image Credits: Miriam Hogans (headshot)
Poetry Images: Ashley Hogans (Elaine Hogan)
