Ashley Elston on reinvention and writing her second bestselling book Anatomy of An Alibi

She Said/She Said Podcast with Laura Cox KaplanEpisode 369Guest: Ashley Elston, author "First Lie Wins" and Anatomy of an Alibi"Author Ashley Elston joins host Laura Cox Kaplan for this episode of the She Said/She Said Podcast Summer Reads Series to discuss the unlikely career journey that led from wedding photography to becoming a New York Times bestselling author twice over.Before First Lie Wins became a Reese's Book Club pick and a runaway bestseller, Ashley spent years teaching herself how to write, collecting more than 80 rejections from literary agents, and learning to trust a creative path she never imagined for herself.In this conversation, Ashley and Laura explore the power of reinvention, why success can make the next project even more challenging, and how experiences that may seem unrelated often become the foundation for our greatest work. Ashley also shares the surprising storytelling lessons she learned while photographing weddings, the visual process she uses to build intricate psychological thrillers, and why she believes one simple mindset has shaped her entire career: "Just assume you can."Whether you're navigating a career pivot, building something new, or looking for the confidence to begin before you feel ready, this conversation offers practical wisdom and an encouraging reminder that meaningful reinvention can happen at any stage of life.In this episode, Laura and Ashley discuss:Ashley's journey from wedding photographer to bestselling authorThe 85 rejections that never convinced her to quitWhy being self-taught became one of her greatest strengthsThe unexpected connection between photography and storytellingWriting First Lie Wins and Anatomy of an AlibiManaging self-doubt after major successAshley's unique visual process for organizing complex plotsCreativity, curiosity, and learning new skillsWhy reinvention is available at every stage of lifeThe advice Ashley gives anyone considering a big career or life changeBooks MentionedFirst Lie WinsAnatomy of an AlibiIf this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be considering a new chapter of their own.MORE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCAST LISTENERS: Use the link below to shop all of our special offers and receive exclusive She Said listener discounts:Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/1w7dBe sure to use our Promo Code: SHESAID at checkoutFEEDBACK & COMMUNITY:Which part of this episode resonated with you most? We’d love to hear! Contact us using the links below.LOOKING FOR MORE SHE SAID/SHE SAID? You’ll find all our episodes & lots more content: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comLET’S CONNECT!Instagram: @lauracoxkaplanLinkedIn: Laura Cox KaplanContact: shesaidshesaidpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW SHE SAID/SHE SAID PODCASTLove the show? Please consider leaving a review on Spotify, iTunes, GooglePlay, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Your feedback helps shape the podcast and brings more amazing content your way!Note: She Said/She Said Podcast is a weekly production of She Said/She Said Media.