Ashleigh Bell Pedersen
Founder & Writing Coach

Hi! I’m the author of the novel The Crocodile Bride (a New York Times Editors’ Choice) and a long-time educator who loves connecting with people of all ages—especially as a writing coach.

My classroom experience runs the gamut, from universities (University of Pittsburgh and Quinnipiac University) to middle and high school (Headwaters School in Austin, Texas, where I was also chair of the English department—an aspect of the job I sort of hated).

In 2014, I formally founded Write Well Austin, where I offered writing tutoring and adult writing workshops/retreats for nearly a decade before my big move to NYC.

At Write Well Brooklyn, I’ve leveled up.

• I regularly collaborate with the Parents League of New York to offer essays, talks, and workshops.

• I’ve formalized my processes into concrete strategies, such as the Messy Model, mini-prompts (a student favorite!), a read aloud policy, and more.

• I’ve created programs rather than offering one-off or as-needed tutoring sessions that don’t do much for the student long-term.

• I’ve established a mission: I want to help young people access their voice and creativity…because I believe authentic self-expression helps heal the world.

• I started a YouTube and TikTok channel with free content and am actively working on (as of Spring 2025) building accessibly priced options into my business model, from a video series to a college essay guide and more.

I currently live in Brooklyn with her sweet and mischievous dog, Ernie, and her writing is represented by Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic.

Visit www.heyash.org to learn more about my publications and various creative projects!