The best stories are those that inspire, educate, provoke emotions and move you to action. Whether it's standing up for a cause you believe in, taking measures towards preventative healthcare, redecorating your living room, or creating a new cuisine, these stories are your stories.

Stories revolve around people and Laura Ashley thrives in conversing and sharing their stories. Asking questions, listening to the answers, digging for truth, and discovering unique tales make stories memorable.

Laura Ashley began her journalism career at the Daily Southerner newspaper in the small town of Tarboro, North Carolina. Covering local and state politics, arts, healthcare and education, she developed a knack for working with everyone and bringing quality reporting to a daily routine.

Now, more than a decade later, she an award-winning journalist with her work having been showcased in the North State Journal, North Carolina's only statewide newspaper and the Welcome to Tarboro magazine, as well as the publications and websites of various community organizations and colleges in the East. She's discussing politics, business, news and features on a statewide level. She's carved out a niche in the features realm bringing one-of-a-kind conversations with chefs, fashion designers, actors, philanthropists, and decorators in a way untold in other news outlets.

We all have a unique story to tell. As freelance writer, she's happy to share the stories of you and your organization with people across regions.

Read her portfolio for the stories about the people of the South -- their triumphs, tragedies, passions, traditions, and most importantly, their resilience.