Local author to debut her first novel at Betty’s Bookshelf later this month

Laura McAsh with her debut novel, Alison’s Adventures in Time. Alex Hunt photo

By Alex Hunt

St. Marys Public Library clerk Laura McAsh has finished her first novel, a project she credits to self-belief and perseverance.

Alison’s Adventures in Time is a book McAsh has been writing since 2015. Following the publication of her novel later this month, McAsh will host a launch event at Betty’s Bookshelf on Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Loosely inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, Alison’s Adventures in Time is a whimsical young-adult, science-fiction novel featuring elements of time travel and self-discovery. Set in 2007, the book centres on a 17-year-old girl named Alison who struggles to find her purpose in life. Alison embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she aids a time-travelling organization in helping to overthrow their corrupt leader.

“It’s not addressed, but it’s alluded that Alison is somewhere on the spectrum, and I’m neurodivergent myself,” said McAsh. “Writing this book has been a true healing process for me. I wish a book like this had been around when I was her age because I really struggled with what I wanted to do with my life.

“I hope this book resonates with the (young adult) group. The book is about finding confidence in yourself while retaining who you are.”

After facing rejections from traditional    publishers, McAsh explored the idea of self-publishing but decided that wouldn’t work either.

“There was a lot of math and business involved with self-publishing, and I’m not good at any of that; I’m a creative,” McAsh said.

McAsh connected with Contrarian Publishing, a hybrid publisher that was interested in publishing the novel. For a fee, hybrid publishing provides services such as editing, formatting and cover design. The process allowed McAsh to collaborate with editors while maintaining creative control.

“It’s important to believe in yourself. Writing is an isolating experience and it’s easy to be hard on yourself,” said McAsh. “Book two is in the works right now, and I plan to make a trilogy; each book will focus on a different member of Alison’s family.”

Alison’s Adventures in Time will be available in paperback on Jan. 27 at the library and Betty’s Bookshelf. Readers can also purchase it online on the Contrarian Publishing website, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

“If you’re passionate about something, then do it. You’re expressing yourself creatively, and who you are, and if one person benefits in any way from your creativity, then it’s worth it,” McAsh said.