Lucy Ashe is the author of CLARA & OLIVIA (Magpie, Oneworld publications, UK)/ THE DANCE OF THE DOLLS (Union Square & Co, US)

Her second novel, THE SLEEPING BEAUTIES, is out now in the UK and is coming to the US in September 2024.

Lucy trained at The Royal Ballet School for eight years, first as a Junior Associate and then at White Lodge. She has a Diploma in Dance Teaching with the British Ballet Organisation.

She studied English Literature at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, while continuing to dance and perform. After graduation, she obtained a PGCE teaching qualification and became an English teacher.

Her poetry and short stories have been published in a number of literary journals and she was shortlisted for the 2020 Impress Prize for New Writers. She reviews theatre, in particular ballet, writing for the website PlaysToSee.com.

In this episode we talk about Lucy’s training at the Royal Ballet School, her journey from dancer to 2x published writer and where she draws inspiration for her novels.

Key Moments:

• Early training at The Royal Ballet  [1:45]
• Transitioning from dance to college [9:55]
• The process of writing your first novel [14:05]
• A look inside Clara & Olivia/The Dance of the Dolls [19:15]
• A look inside The Sleeping Beauties [23:06]
• How Lucy stays motivated as a writer [26:58]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [36:05]

Connect with Lucy:

HER WEBSITE: Lucyashe.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/lucyashe_author

Links and Resources:

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Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]