Ashley Scott grew up in the Deep South with a head full of stories, a bookshelf full of fantasy, and a deep belief that cats are wiser than most people. She discovered The Lord of the Rings as a teenager and has returned to Middle-earth more than forty times since—usually with a cat in her lap and a highlighter in hand. After earning her doctorate from the University of Alabama and spending 21 years in federal service, Ashley retired and finally gave herself permission to do what she’d always dreamed of: write books that spark wonder, healing, and a little bit of magic. She now writes from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband and a sassy tortie cat. Her late tabby Rudy—who lived to the extraordinary age of 24—inspired The Marvelous Cats of McFarland Park, a heartwarming fantasy series where cats lead the way, and humans would be wise to follow. Ashley is also the creator of the Enchanted Pages Series, a collection of guided journals that blend reflection, ritual, and creativity. Her first two, The Purr of Gratitude and Awaken Your Inner Goddess, invite readers to slow down, listen within, and color outside the lines—literally. More feline adventures, magical journals, and even a children's book are on the way. Until then, she’ll be reading (at least 100 books a year), sipping tea, and taking dictation from her cat.