Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Ryan
Hi Ashton, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had an unshakable love for reading, whether it’s the latest bestseller, a classic novel, or something more off the beaten path. While many literary works are hailed as the best of all time, I often find myself drawn to books that feel more personal or lesser-known. These unexpected reads often resonate more deeply with me, and I’ve found that they teach me new perspectives and ways of thinking. This approach of exploring beyond the mainstream has helped me develop a more open-minded and creative outlook, qualities that I believe are valuable in the publishing world.
Wild Press started with a simple yet powerful idea—bringing more diverse, authentic voices into the world of publishing. I noticed that many stories were being told by the same small circle of authors, and there was a whole world of untapped talent and unique perspectives that deserved a platform. It became clear to me that there was a need for a space that celebrated not just the conventional, but also the unexpected and underrepresented. So, I set out to create Wild Press as a space where storytelling could break free from the norms and find new forms of expression.
From the very start, Wild Press has been built by women for women—whether it’s the authors we work with, our editorial team or our community of readers. We focus on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where women are empowered to tell their stories on their own terms. It’s not just about publishing books—it’s about amplifying voices that have too often been overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream publishing.
That’s been the heart of Wild Press, and it’s what continues to drive us forward.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome is actually myself. Early on, I found myself held back by fear. But I’ve learned that these fears are just part of the process, and embracing them is crucial to growth. The real challenge was pushing through those fears and allowing myself to be open to learning, even when things felt uncertain or uncomfortable.
By shifting my mindset to one of curiosity and openness, I’ve been able to not only grow as a creative but also as a business owner and a leader. I now see obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. And this approach has allowed me to embrace challenges with confidence, knowing that each lesson, even the hard ones, is shaping me into a better version of myself and ultimately strengthening Wild Press.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a creative artist, reader, and writer, Wild Press feels like the perfect intersection of my passions. I’ve always been drawn to stories—whether I’m reading them, writing them, or helping others share them. But as I continued in my own creative journey, I started to see the gap in the publishing world for women’s voices, particularly those that didn’t fit the traditional narrative. I realized that there was so much untapped potential in women’s stories, in the raw, the real, and the unexpected. That’s when the idea for Wild Press really took shape.
For me, Wild Press is more than just a publishing company—it’s a creative outlet where women can express themselves freely. As a writer, I know how hard it can be to find the right platform to share your work, especially if it doesn’t fit the mainstream. So, with Wild Press, my mission became clear: create a space where women’s voices can thrive, whether through fiction, memoir, poetry, or any other form of storytelling.
As a reader, I understand how important it is to discover stories that feel authentic and personal. So, I’ve built Wild Press with that in mind—working closely with authors to amplify their unique perspectives, while also creating a community where readers can find stories that truly resonate with them.
I’m really embracing the journey of learning as I go. Wild Press is something I’m deeply passionate about, but it’s also a work in progress, much like any creative endeavor. I’ve had to trust the process and remain open to learning from every experience, whether it’s working with authors, understanding the business side of publishing, or finding new ways to support our community.
I think the beauty of Wild Press lies in the fact that we’re constantly evolving. As I continue to grow and learn, I’m discovering new ways to support women’s voices and make sure they have a platform that’s truly authentic to their stories. I’ve learned a lot along the way, but I’m excited for the lessons ahead, especially as we build a space where creativity and storytelling can flourish.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking a risk when it comes to supporting writers and artists feels like a no-brainer to me because, at its core, the creative process itself is about taking risks. Every writer, every artist, takes a leap of faith when they share their work with the world, and if I’m truly committed to supporting them, I need to be willing to take those leaps alongside them.
In the publishing world, there’s often a lot of pressure to stick with what’s known, what’s safe, or what fits into the mainstream. But if we want to see new, exciting, and diverse voices, we have to be willing to support creators who might not follow the traditional paths. These are the voices that challenge the status quo, that bring fresh perspectives, and that have the power to change the conversation.
So, for me, supporting writers and artists means backing their vision—even if it’s unconventional, even if it’s a bit risky. It’s about creating a space where creativity can thrive without fear of being boxed in. When you believe in someone’s work and you see the value in their voice, taking that risk doesn’t feel like a risk at all—it feels like the only option.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wild-press.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_wild_press
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/wildpresspublishing
Image Credits
Photo credits: ALR imagery
