Thank you again for visiting my website! I’m so excited to keep sharing updates with you as I work toward becoming a published fiction author. Your support and encouragement means more than you know!
But now for the promised news… As some of you have recently heard through the grapevine, I’m now an award-winning writer! (Wow, Jesus!)
Last month, I got to attend the Cascade Contest Awards, where I placed second. Scores were given based on the first fifteen pages of a story, and mine was a middle grade fiction adventure about three cousins who find themselves in a dangerous mystery while visiting their missionary grandparents in the South Pacific. Granted, this story is unpublished, and I’m still deep in editing, but just being a finalist in a contest was such an honor. Congratulations to all my fellow finalists – many of whom I got to meet in person! (You’re so cool!)
Earlier in June, I also had the opportunity to attend the Write to Publish 2025 conference – and it was an amazing time! Well, aside from sleeping in the Salt Lake City airport on the way there. But getting to meet virtual acquaintances in real life and find other writer-friends was so fun! (Even if my lack of sleep was showing in some of these photos, haha).
In addition to numerous workshops and networking events at the conference (which was just outside of Chicago, pictured below), I had three different meetings with literary agents and publishers. One of these was with an agent who’s basically a household name in the Christian publishing world. (But also known for his rejections). Knowing this, I went into the week with a fair amount of trepidation. And sure enough, I did get rejections on two of the proposals I had prepared.
However, when I mentioned a manuscript that did not have a proposal, the agent expressed interest in that idea, should I ever get it polished up. So… I’m changing gears a bit this summer and working on editing and prepping a new story. A young adult fantasy novel, with medieval vibes and secret identities. (Stay tuned on how that process goes!)
Now that I’m home, I’ve got lots to do! Between the edits on my middle grade contest-story, and the aforementioned YA fantasy, I have hours of work waiting on my computer. But of course… summer is also the best time for reading! My sister convinced me to read the Lunar Chronicles, and even though I finished the entire series in under two weeks, I’m still distracted by the bonus novellas following the fairytale-esque cast of characters. (That last chapter in Stars Above? So good! Or how about the Princess and the Guard? Ahhh!) My mind is unapologetically on the moon.
So… if you think to pray over my writing, pray for FOCUS!
Usually before I start a long writing session, I try to pray first and ask that God will direct my words. So, if you’re wanting prayer for something as well (writing or unrelated), I’d love to hear from you and spend time praying for you too!
Thank you all (as always) for your support and excitement over my publishing journey. Have a wonderful summer, and let me know what other book series I should read – after I get my work done. 😉
Much love,
Abigail
P.S. – A shoutout to the Hocking family who hosted me in Tennessee! During my travels, I got to visit one of my friends – and her adorable puppy. (Aww!) We watched RRR and had amazing food, and I got to see fireflies… so thankful for such a start to the summer!
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love, as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life!” Jude 1: 20-21 (NIV)