Ashley Wilkins has been professionally dedicated to the literary world for the majority of the past decade. Known for her passion for creating inclusive writing spaces and seamlessly blending the creative and practical aspects of literary events, she specializes in writing workshops focused on the business of writing and the best tips on writing from established authors to emerging authors.
At the Piper Center for Creative Writing, where she spent three transformative years, Ashley revitalized the Visiting Writers Series by introducing distinct literary themes, including a young adult series and a literary icon series which was notably launched by a visit from legendary children’s horror author R.L. Stine. She also built out a more robust line up for the yearly Desert Nights, Rising Stars conference expanding the workshops to include romance, mystery and fantasy leading to the conference making money for the first time since its inception. Her efforts in developing targeted partnerships and expanding their audience were pivotal in enhancing the center's reach and impact, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ashley’s work extends beyond institutional settings. Her involvement coordinating author and writer tracks at conventions like DragonCon and Phoenix Fan Fusion showcases her commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers. Working alongside established authors, she assists with a range of writing workshops, helping aspiring writers develop their craft.
Ashley’s personal love for fantasy and horror genres fuels her professional endeavors. When she’s not working, you can find her catching up on her reading pile, adding to her pulp collection, or slowly getting back into lifting. Her enthusiasm for novels, comics, and graphic novels not only inspires her work but also connects her with a broader community of literary enthusiasts.
Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.