Ashland Pym has been telling stories since she could speak and writing them down since she could lift a pen.  She recalls that the love of story telling originated from a baby sitter who, when Ashland asked to hear a story for bed, challenged the three-year-old to tell her one, instead.  Needless to say, she created a monster.  Her love of theatre she attributes to her mother, who enrolled her in a Theatre Day Care at age five in which she made her acting debut in a production of ‘Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes.’

Twenty years later Ashland was seeing her plays come to life before her and enjoying a modicum of success with awards and productions and the glowing reviews of her audiences.  Inspiration, she claims, comes from the tradition of a seafaring family, most notably her Grandfather, Captain Jack Pym, as well as the love of myth and story her mother instilled into her at infancy.  Most invaluable, however, was her exposure to many cultures across the world as a child and witness to the best and worst of human nature.

I was lucky in that my family supported my career goals from Marine Biology to Elficology (to those unfamiliar with the term, the study of mythological beasts) and finally to my longtime passion of Playwriting. My mother, Deborah, especially wanted me to do whatever it was I wanted in pursuit of true happiness.  A great artist, herself, she urged me to pursue writing even when I thought I should follow a more fruitful career.  My father Tom Jensen, another talented artist, also pushed me to continue in the arts and helped support me through college and unemployment.  My stepfather Jack gave me love and support whenever I though I would fail.

Of my friends, three people come to mind who have strengthened me and dedicatd time and patience to my cause.  Michele Schutte, Joseph Prause and William Cole, all wonderful writers of their own, have each sat down with me and told me exactly what they though, be it good or bad.  I am blessed to have their support.

My education and honing of my talent I owe to professors and writing team Arnie Johnston and Deborah Ann Percy, and of course my beloved mentor at Western Michigan University, Steve Feffer.  You have all been invaluable to me and my career.  Without you I would have nothing.  Thank you.

~Ashland Pym