Writing has always been a hobby… from the time I knew how to write alphabet letters, I was mashing them together and inventing stories (usually about my stuffed animals). However, when I turned thirteen, I decided to start writing an actual book—a middle grade fantasy adventure which turned into a series of six and took the next ten years to finish.
Middle grade (specifically ages 9-14), is my favorite target audience for fiction writing, though I’ve also enjoyed penning young adult adventures—and have a whole assortment of published nonfiction articles. (Thanks to my former writing job with Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc.) Though I doubt any of my articles have changed anyone, it’s always incredible to see the ways that written words do impact people. I know that characters like Nancy Drew and the Cooper Kids heavily influenced me during my middle grade years (and probably still do), by giving me teenaged role models who could pretty much do anything—and all with kindness and faith. My hope and prayer is also to write heroic characters who encourage kids to give their best—and seek God’s truth. Of course, the traditional writing industry is fenced by looming gates with names like ‘agents,’ ‘platform,’ and ‘publishers.’ To finish writing a full book is the easiest part. Yet… the God I serve is greater than whatever challenges come next. If my stories are intended for the masses, they’ll end up published. And if not, that’s okay too. (After all, I still enjoyed writing them).
This last week I’ve been privileged to attend an actual writing conference. It was called Write to Publish, and was located at Wheaton College—a fun campus to explore. Speakers (including Dr. Leland Ryken and Jerry B. Jenkins) discussed topics in the writing world from a Biblical worldview—and encouraged participants each day to write not because it is our calling, but because writing is a talent God has given us to carry out our highest calling—glorifying Him. I got to meet so many other writers and learn more about proposals and platforms and publishing. I even got to pitch to agents! Whether or not ‘Abigail Skelton, Author‘ becomes a reality soon…or is still years away, I’m grateful to be making small steps in that direction.
Thanks for everyone’s encouragement!