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SHREVEPORT – New York Times bestselling author and LSU Shreveport alumna Ashley Elston will discuss her creative journey and visit with fans Thursday at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

Elston’s debut adult novel “First Lie Wins” is a Reese’s Book Club pick and has been on the New York Times bestseller list several months. The cat-and-mouse thriller is now in development for television. Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff is teaming with Octavia Spencer to adapt the novel for Hulu.

“When you publish a book, you hope it will do well and be well received, but the response to ‘First Lie Wins’ is beyond anything I would have ever thought possible,” Elston said.

“An Evening with Ashley Elston,” from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 16 at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, is only Elston’s second appearance in Shreveport since First Lie Wins skyrocketed up the bestseller list! Elston will answer audience questions and sign books. People can bring their books or buy one at the event. The event includes free hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages. Buy tickets here:

The LSU Shreveport Foundation and the LSU Shreveport Alumni Association are co-sponsoring “An Evening with Ashley Elston.” Individual tickets are $20, or alums who join the Alumni Association ($50) will receive a free ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

“Elston truly embodies the spirit of Pilot Pride, and we're thrilled to showcase her achievements! The Alumni Association eagerly anticipates celebrating not just her professional accomplishments, but also the inspiring personal journey that has fueled creative process,” said ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni Association Executive Director Jazmin Jernigan.

“First Lie Wins” focuses on Evie, a young woman who seems to have it all—but as the novel unfolds, readers learn that Evie’s perfect life is a façade. “First Lie Wins” offers readers twists and turns to the very end.

“Ashley Elston is both an accomplished alumna and an exceptional author. She is an example of the many outstanding graduates of LSU Shreveport who are accomplishing so much,” said ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Foundation President Laura Perdue. “If you haven't read ‘First Lie Wins’, you should and come out to the event. You will see Shreveport and North Louisiana throughout the novel!”

Elston grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, and moved to Shreveport to be near her husband, Dean. She earned a bachelor’s degree from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in 1997. Elston built a thriving business as a wedding photographer before turning to writing.

Her debut Young Adult novel, “The Rules for Disappearing”, was released in 2013, and was chosen as a finalist for the International Thriller Writers Best Young Adult Novel Award in 2014. She has since written five more Young Adult novels.

“The Rules for Disappearing” is set in Louisiana and even has a reference to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.

“I loved my time at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½! Admittedly, I was one of those students who wasn’t sure what they wanted to do,” Elston says. “I loved English and loved to read so those were the classes I took. Dr. Knighton was one of my absolute favorite teachers -- so much so that I named the teacher in my first book after him.”

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About the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Foundation

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Foundation promotes philanthropic support for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ programs and areas of study while recognizing the all-important growth and success of economic development in northwest Louisiana. The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Foundation houses 58 endowed professorships and chairs and awards over 150 scholarships each year. 

About the LSU Shreveport Alumni Association

The LSU Shreveport Alumni Association strives to support LSU Shreveport and the LSU System by engaging a diverse network of alumni, students, and community partners through collaborative initiatives. We curate lifelong connections among alumni and friends while fostering a spirit of belonging and pride for each unique experience gained at LSU Shreveport.