Welcome to my blog, Abigail! Let’s start at the very beginning, shall we? What’s the first story you remember writing?

My sister and I both loved writing and reading as children. We used to sit on the floor of my room, and we would each write a different chapter to what became a four book fantasy series called The Adventures of Gonderay Ooflay.

I love that title! 

When did you begin to pursue writing seriously?

About six years ago, after I read a book that had a rather predictable ending, story ideas started popping into my mind. I really don’t know why, but one day I sat down at the computer and wrote the first chapter of my first book. Day by day, that chapter became an entire novel. God had planted the seed of writing in my heart. Of course, I had a lot of learning to do. Five books later, and I’m so excited to be able to share In the Shadow of Croft Towers with everyone.

So am I! 

Who or what has influenced you most as a writer?

My mother is a retired school librarian. Growing up, she instilled in me such a wonderful love of books of all genres and publication dates. She’s been my biggest encourager and supporter.

Oh, I bet she knew ALL the best books! 

What genre do you write, and what is it that draws you to this genre?

I write Regency era romantic mysteries. There is just something about stories set in pastoral England layered with romance, danger, and adventure that spark my imagination. My passion with the historical time period first began with Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but the gothic stories written in the 60’s and 70’s have been on my nightstand for some time.   

Austen and Heyer are definite favourites of mine, and I have to say I’m developing quite a love for Gothic stories too! 

What would you say has been your steepest learning curve on your path to publication?

It has taken years to learn the craft of writing, but the last steps of finding an agent and pitching my book to publishing houses has been an adventure in and of itself.

I’ll bet!

What is the most daunting thing about being a debut author?

The great unknown is always scary. I hope and pray my story will find its way to the readers I wrote it for—the people who share the same love I do of Regency mysteries, but exposure can be difficult for debut authors.

What has been the most encouraging thing you’ve experienced as a debut author?

I have been encouraged time and again by several other amazing authors—Dawn Crandall comes to mind.  And Rachel McMillan, without being asked, she reached out to help me find people to promote the book. I’ve been blown away by so many. And even the little things, like when people take the extra step to give a review on Amazon or post a picture to social media, it is just such an incredible encouragement. 

Yes! Reviews are so important for authors these days. And if you’ve read a great book, share the love!

Briefly share your book’s life story. When was the story conceived, and how long has its journey been to release day?

My love of the Regency time period began in college when I first started watching BBC dramas on Masterpiece Theater. I’ve written historical romances for over six years, but mystery didn’t creep into my writing until about three years ago. It was at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers’ conference where I sat down with my agent, the late Mary Sue Seymour, to discuss my next book project, and together we came up with the idea of writing a first person suspense story. She encouraged me to write what I love, and that is just what I did.

After a year of writing and editing, In the Shadow of Croft Towers was ready for contest season, and I was so excited to final in the Daphne Du Maurier Contest that I attended the Romance Writers of America conference where they were announcing the winners. I came in second, but that conference gave me the opportunity to pitch the book to Becky Monds at Thomas Nelson. Four months later, the interest from her turned into a contract. It was another year before my book hit the shelves. What a long but amazing journey it has been to publication.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Abigail—your personal one and your fictional one!

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