Published in About Me Stories·PinnedMember-onlyAbout Me — Ashley J.J. WhiteMy journey from a colourful childhood through a rocky adolescence and a wayward young adulthood to the balanced and happy thirty-something writer I am today. — A Colourful Childhood It all starts with family, so here’s a snapshot of my family history. My mom and dad had me out of wedlock (yes, I’m a bastard), when they were kids themselves (eighteen). I have no memory of them being together, they split up under dramatic circumstances when I was two…About Me8 min readAbout Me8 min read
Oct 14, 2022Member-onlyI Got a Short Story Published!Will you read it? — Hey Medium fam, You might’ve (or might not have) noticed I’ve been pretty quiet lately. I’ve been focusing on some other projects outside of Medium and school has been ramping up. But, I miss you all and hope to get back into the swing of things soon. I think my…Short Fiction2 min readShort Fiction2 min read
Published in The Orange Journal·Oct 6, 2022Member-onlyThe Empath’s JobIt’s not easy work, but it’s essential. — Energy. Such a loaded word. Scientifically, it is the capacity to do work. Spiritually, it’s so much more. It’s tiring being overly susceptible to energy, when the weight of a room can physically drag you down. Being an empath is a blessing and a curse. It’s exhausting to take on…Empathy2 min readEmpathy2 min read
Published in The Shortform·Oct 6, 2022Member-onlyPeace is in ResolveInspired by the Stoics — Clarity of vision is easier said than done in this distraction-laden world. Traps of self-doubt are set for us everywhere; as soon as we decide something, there are imps all around prattling in our ear making us question ourselves. Tranquility is found in having faith in our decisions. Not to…Philosophy1 min readPhilosophy1 min read
Oct 5, 2022Member-onlySeptember RoundupMy top 10 favourite stories on Medium from September. I’ll be honest, I’ve been pretty quiet on Medium for the past couple of months. I’ve been trying to juggle too much — school, work, writing, reading, parenting, socializing… it’s a lot to fit into a day! But I still managed…Reading3 min readReading3 min read
Published in Move Me Poetry·Sep 21, 2022Member-onlyMagicWhat happens when you pay attention. — They say magic doesn’t exist; I say they’re profoundly wrong. …Poetry2 min readPoetry2 min read
Published in Move Me Poetry·Sep 9, 2022Member-onlySunshineAn ode to the sun. — A grateful recipient, I sit feeling her warmth on my face knowing she’ll grow distant soon. She’s a summer lover, a fling whose affections are intense and short-lived. We know she’ll soon be warming the face of her mistress, and we must accept it, enjoy her love while we have it. While she’s away, she gives just enough to hold us on…Poetry1 min readPoetry1 min read
Published in Dialogue & Discourse·Sep 7, 2022Member-onlyGood Deed or White Saviour Complex?Examining the fine line between an act of kindness and a harmful ideology. — At the supermarket the other day, the woman in front of me had her card declined. She looked at her phone — presumably at her bank account — and asked how much the watermelon was. The cashier told her it was seven dollars, and she asked to take it off…White Savior Complex3 min readWhite Savior Complex3 min read
Published in The Book Cafe·Sep 2, 2022Member-onlyA Garden of Earthly Delights by Joyce Carol OatesA historical fiction coming-of-age novel. — My first introduction to Joyce Carol Oates was her short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” which I read during a writing course I took in London a few years ago. I was struck by her clean, beautiful prose, her believable characters, and the imaginative story. Last…Book Review4 min readBook Review4 min read
Sep 1, 2022Member-onlyAugust RoundupMy 10 favourite stories on Medium in August — I love being part of the Medium community. I love sharing my words and thoughts with you all and perhaps even more so, I love reading yours. Here are my 10 favourite stories from August. This piece by Mehek Kapoor is so interesting, I love learning about other cultures. …Reading List3 min readReading List3 min read