Have You Met (#14) - Jen Ashton

Perhaps the most common misconception about achieving success in any artistic endeavor is the fallacy of the "overnight success" - the idea that some people just magically poof themselves into fame and glory, riches and popularity, seemingly without any effort on their part. Generally speaking, this idea doesn't hold up in any career - a one hit wonder, perhaps; often we can see those types fade away after getting their Warholian minutes and are quickly forgotten or see them as a cautionary tale. The fact is, most people get where they want to go through a combination of natural talent, personality and fricking hard work. And that's why I'm introducing you to Jen Ashton. 

I met Jen several years ago when I was just getting starting in publishing - we hit it off through our shared interests in art, comedy and being nerdy, and, since she had already accrued an impressive amount of experience in publishing, reached out to me, a novice and acolyte, and helped put me on the path to the DIY-verse. Spend five minutes talking to this woman and you will understand exactly where you are in your professional goals - her no-nonsense, plain talking and boldly blunt manner when addressing matters of business make it impossible (or at the least extremely unlikely) to bulls**t your way through a conversation. And, honestly, if you want to manage your way professionally, you need that. Don't kid yourself.

Also, Jen falls into that glorious category I love so much - the renaissance entrepreneur creator. She paints, she writes, she runs companies - in fact, her latest work includes offering services and consultation to writers and publishers. From concept to cover, she knows the whole process, the business and the evolution of the industry - she's my go-to book Buddha, and I honestly can't say enough good things about her. 

And more than anything, I'm very happy to call her my friend, so there's that. ;)

Go check her work out at www.jenashton.com !