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An image and an idea: Science fiction author Ashton to visit Perry bookstore

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. tion-author-ashton-to-visit-perry-bookstore.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 3:21 GMT by The Daily News Online
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The recent feature in The Daily News Online turns the local spotlight onto a science‑fiction author whose name has begun to resonate beyond the margins of niche book clubs and online forums. The piece, titled “An image and an idea: Science‑fiction author Ashton to visit Perry Bookstore,” announces an upcoming event that promises to blend the thrill of speculative storytelling with the cozy atmosphere of one of the town’s most cherished independent bookstores.

At the heart of the article is the fact that Ashton, whose full name is Lara Ashton, will be stopping in town on Wednesday, March 27 for a reading, book signing, and informal Q&A session at Perry Bookstore. Ashton’s career has taken a distinctive path: she began writing in high school, self‑publishing a handful of short‑fiction collections on the internet. Over the past decade, she has grown into a writer whose work consistently blends hard‑science premises with deep, human emotional arcs. Her debut novel, The Edge of the Sun (2020), won the Nebula Award for Best First Novel, a feat that cemented her status within the sci‑fi community.

The article outlines a brief but evocative biography, emphasizing that Ashton’s creative inspirations derive from a combination of her upbringing in the Pacific Northwest—where her mother was a marine biologist—and her fascination with the early pioneers of speculative fiction such as H.P. Lovecraft and Isaac Asimov. She is currently working on a forthcoming novel, Quantum Echoes, slated for release in November 2025. Her latest book is the 11‑th installment in the Neon Frontier series, a long‑running, high‑concept saga that blends cyber‑punk aesthetics with philosophical examinations of identity and consciousness.

Readers are also given a glimpse into the event itself: Ashton will lead a 45‑minute reading from Neon Frontier, followed by a 30‑minute Q&A. The book signing will be conducted by the staff of Perry Bookstore, with a special “Author‑Signed Edition” available only on the day of the event. The store, located at 114 Main Street, is celebrated not only for its curated selection of hard‑science and fantasy titles but also for its community‑oriented mission. The owner, Eddie Martin, explains that hosting writers like Ashton aligns with the store’s long‑standing commitment to fostering local literary culture. Martin notes, “We’ve always believed that a great book begins in the imagination and finds its way into someone’s hands. Meeting authors directly adds a layer of meaning to that journey.”

The piece further delves into the logistics for those wishing to attend. Ticket information is straightforward: free admission, though reservations are encouraged because the store can accommodate only about 50 people at a time. A link to the event page on the bookstore’s website, https://www.perrybookstore.com/events, is included, where patrons can RSVP and check for any last‑minute changes. For those who cannot attend in person, a live stream will be posted on the store’s Facebook page, accessible at https://www.facebook.com/PerryBookstore. The article encourages readers to visit the store’s online store for a pre‑sale of the upcoming Quantum Echoes release, which will feature a bonus short story.

An additional thread in the article highlights Ashton's personal engagement with the sci‑fi community. Her website, http://www.laraashton.com, hosts a newsletter that regularly shares her upcoming projects, insights into the creative process, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at the development of her series. Ashton is active on social media, with a particularly lively presence on Twitter, where she engages with readers and fellow writers alike. She frequently shares snippets from her current projects and invites fans to join the conversation about speculative themes.

Finally, the article pays homage to the synergy between the author and the bookstore by showcasing a photo of Ashton taking a candid portrait with the staff of Perry Bookstore, set against a backdrop of shelves laden with science‑fiction tomes. The caption reads, “When science‑fiction becomes a community event.” The piece closes with an invitation to local readers: “Don’t miss this opportunity to meet a writer whose stories challenge our perceptions of the future while reminding us of the power of imagination.”