Family
February 2026
Hello everyone!
A short and sweet update ahead, as this is the first time I’ve sat at my desk properly for almost two weeks now—read on for more…
The Projects In Progress
God Words Book 1 is officially off with beta readers!!
*Cue existential raptor shrieking as I cower under my desk*
But honestly, I am so humbled and excited to send God Words off to some trusted people to read and give me their thoughts and reactions. Writing, especially for me, has been a very isolating experience—aside from my husband, no one really knows much about God Words except for what I’ve said about it here on Substack and what I have posted on my socials.
That being said, 2026 is the year I start to share more about God Words with you. You’ll finally meet my characters, learn a bit more about what the God Words are… and maybe even see some character art!
As I wait for beta readers to do their thing so I can go back in and edit, I am planning God Words 2, with a goal to have started drafting before the end of March.
The Other Worlds I’ve Gotten Lost In Lately
I finally started reading The Strength of the Few by James Islington, which I’ve enjoyed the beginning of so far.
I did set it aside recently to read a beta copy of Bloomed by Tegan Fairley, which is definitely an author to watch out for in the near future. So far, I have fallen in love with her characters, her vivid settings and fascinating world building—I can’t wait to see it out in the world!
Off On Tangents
The tangent I’ve been off to lately has been a family holiday to sunny Queensland—well, at least the second half of the trip was sunny. The stormy days actually gave us the slow start to the trip we all needed, and a chance to introduce the younglings to escape rooms. They’ve fallen in love, it seems, and have walked away with 2/2 wins.
Of course, a writer never really stops working. I did spend a bit of time thinking about ideas for new stories, and where God Words is going to go from here. I cannot wait to get stuck into the first draft of Book 2, and ready Book 1 for the road to publishing!
Feeling well-rested and ready to go,
Ashley Marasco
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