Ashley H Koch

As an emerging writer, I strive to bring creativity, adaptability, and depth to every project I take on. I am an English major at the University of Colorado Boulder and a self-published author since high school. These experiences have strengthened both my craft and my commitment to storytelling. My work ranges from short, symbolic narratives to long-form, immersive fiction. It demonstrates skills in creative expression, critical thinking, and audience engagement. I use writing not only to entertain, but to explore themes of perspective, resilience, and human connection. My writing reflects both my versatility in the workplace and my dedication to refining my craft. I am eager to contribute my voice and ideas to a professional environment.

A young woman with blonde wavy hair smiling, leaning on a metal railing, wearing an off-shoulder cream sweater and jeans, with a cityscape in the background.
Cover of a book titled "Intellect" by Ashley Koch, featuring a stylized blue bird with a mechanical, robotic component on its body, and a cracked black line running through the image.

Intellect

Intellect is a dystopian narrative set in a world devastated by “The Evanesce,” where humanity has vanished without explanation, leaving survivors grappling with loss, survival, and identity. The story follows Embrie Whitewater as she navigates self identity, isolation, and the unexpected discovery of an academy shaping the remnants of society. This project demonstrates the ability to craft immersive worldbuilding, sustain narrative tension, and develop layered characters across a long-form work. It reflects interest in resilience, survival psychology, and the search for meaning in fractured worlds.

Currently undergoing a rewrite, Intellect was originally self-published in 2023 as Koch’s debut novel.

Click cover for synopsis.

Book cover titled "The Second Sense of Life" by Ashley H Koch, with a black background, white border, and a white sketch of a flower in the center, with additional floral sketches in the corners.

Prose Fiction

The Second Sense of Life is a short story exploring symbolism, contrast, and perspective. Through the metaphor of a lotus trapped between light and darkness, the story examines the dualities of love, philosophy, and human perception. The interplay between an angel and a devil illustrates the richness of opposing viewpoints and how conflict can also nurture understanding. This work highlights an interest in blending lyrical prose with philosophical themes to provoke thought and reflection.

Click cover for manuscript.