Ashleigh Bell Pedersen
Founder & Writing Coach

Hi! I’m the author of the novel The Crocodile Bride (a New York Times Editors’ Choice) and an educator of almost 20 years who loves connecting with people of all ages—especially as a writing coach.

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

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

• Top private schools in NYC refer 8th grade students my way for admissions essay guidance.

• 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 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 my writing is represented by Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic.

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