Author and Writer

If wielded with precision and sensitivity the pen really can be mightier than the sword. I have always been fascinated by the power of the written word and the way it can change the way we think and act. I am fortunate to have been published now by Hamlyn, Hodder & Stoughton and Prentice Hall, each an excellent partner in their way. My books are translated into many languages and I regularly hear from my readers around the world.

So far I have written:

‘Achieving Business Alchemy’ - Hodder & Stoughton, Aug 2002

‘Copywriting in a Week’ - Hodder & Stoughton, Nov 2003

‘How to Sell’ – Hamlyn, Aug 2004

‘The Entrepreneur’s Book of Checklists’ - Prentice Hall, Oct 2004

‘The Life Plan’ - Prentice Hall, Nov 2006

‘Teach Yourself – Life at 50 for Men’, Hodder & Stoughton, Jan 2007

‘The Entrepreneur’s Book of Checklists 2^nd Ed’ - Prentice Hall, Aug 2007

‘I Know Someone Like That’ - Turnpike Farm, Oct 2008 (Foreword by Stephen Fry)

‘Instant Entrepreneur’ Prentice Hall, Dec 2008

Right now I am working on a new business start-up guide that will be published in Summer 2009. I have also launched my own publishing business (a social enterprise) that focuses on works that will help people understand and value the diversity of experience and advantage that so enriches society today.

I am also regularly commissioned to write for a wide range of publications. These include New Start - a magazine that covers regeneration, Third Sector - which is widely read in the charity world, Social Enterprise - which delives what is says on the cover, Start Your Business - the UK's leading business start-up title, Park Home Magazine - which is read by retired people.

I am not afraid to investigate and report on controversy and in my time have been commissioned to carry out some very diverse assignments. For example I researched then wrote a feature for the Independent about Gunther von Hagens and his company that turns donated corpses into teaching aids and artworks. I also wrote a balanced piece about a traveller who had been slated on BBC Watchdog for buying residential parks and terrorising the residents into leaving so that he could redevelop their homes. This one earned my some reader ‘hate mail’! There is a positive side to every story and sometimes, it needs to be written.

I am also quite skilful with a camera and so can modestly work myself as a photojournalist if pressed!


The Life Plan is published in the US as The Life Guide - (with amendemnts for a US audience) Here are a few readers' comments: "A good reference guide that deals with most of life's (YOUR) daily problems, like parents,relationships,stress, and all the way into retirement. This book just takes your common sense approach of dealing with problems and puts it into written text.. Common sense is not something they give PhD’s for, so some people need to read it to believe it." "Easy to get through in an evening - there is nothing earthshaking here... Just a good compilation of common sense suggestions. Mr. Ashton is never overpowering with his advice - just persuasive. His topics for advice run the gamut from how to define personal success to setting goals as you get older." "I keep this book on my coffee table and it's been a great way for me and my honey to start discussion about our life and things that matter to us individually. There are many lists of ten for 13 different topics in life (success, time, change, health, stress, work, leisure, relationships, children, parents, home, & retirement" "Ashton's guide is perfect for the sound byte generation. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his book of lists. All kinds of fundamental advice necessary for the young person. I'm giving my copy to my daughter, and she'll love it. (Just starting University as I type!) It never hurts to read about things that matter in life, regardless of age, but this book is absolutely geared to the younger market" You can read more reviews from the US on Amazon here

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