Check Out Ashley Hattle-Cleminshaw’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hattle-Cleminshaw.  

Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a freelance writer. I write full-time for a medical marketing company and do a wide variety of freelance work. I’ve always enjoyed putting thoughts and ideas on paper (or screen), but my path here was kind of a strange one. When I was 18, I developed episodic cluster headaches. They are a different type of beast than migraines. They come on suddenly and feel like an aneurysm, only you don’t die – you just wish you would because the pain is unbearable. 

I was a photographer for seven years before my cluster headaches progressed to the point where I could no longer work such a social and outward-facing career. I pivoted to my other passion: writing. I went back to school and got my journalism degree, and then wrote a book on cluster headaches. “Cluster Headaches: A Guide to Surviving One of the Most Painful Conditions Known to Man” came out in 2017 and has been a best-selling book in the headache genre. I won two awards for the book in 2017 and 2018, and it’s currently available on Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1543912370) 

My experience with cluster headaches and the book opened a gateway to a career I never saw coming. I’ve spent the six years since the book was published growing my freelance business and working full-time writing for various surgeons, lawyers, marketing companies, and other businesses. My cluster headaches are well managed now, and they gave me opportunities I would never have had if I didn’t experience this pain and the adversity that came with it. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I touched on this in the previous question. My medical condition stole my photography career but returned me to my true passion of writing. I’ve written for Nature Magazine, INvisible Project Magazine, Migraine.com, non-profit organizations, medical device companies, and more because of my history with head pain and my drive to understand how the brain works. Ten years ago, I was at my worst and wondering if I could graduate college, let alone have a flourishing career, but finding other patients like me and a strong support system turned my life around. It even helped me find the love of my life. I met my husband at a cluster headache conference by Clusterbusters, Inc. in 2014. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m known for my medical writing, which is why I often go by “Ashley Hattle” instead of “Ashley Cleminshaw.” Neurologists, headache specialists, and non-profit organizations recognize my accomplishments under my maiden name. I also enjoy writing fiction and have been recognized by NYC Midnight judges for my talent in spinning a compelling tale. I’ve received awards from the Association of Migraine Disorders and Clusterbusters, Inc. for my book on cluster headaches. 

What sets me apart from other freelance writers is my passion for learning. I enjoy reading research articles and interviewing professionals to understand how their industry works. I love turning that information into an easy-to-read article, blog, or web page that helps that business bring in more clients or educates patients on their condition or procedure. 

How do you define success?
I define success as loving what you do every day. It brings me great joy to wake up and know that I get to learn something new and share that information with others. 

Contact Info:

• Website: ashleyhattle.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyshattle/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-s-hattle-cleminshaw-2b4789113
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshleyHattle

Image Credits
Leff2Deff
Jeff Gaston