Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing journey? My name is Abi and I’m an author, blogger and creative mindfulness practitioner. I live by the sea in Devon with two terrifying kids and a Turkish husband. I love to write and get my kicks through mindful parenting styles, creative living and chocolate.
I was born and raised in the North East of England and both of my parents were journalists. I remember always being surrounded by books, music and lively conversation. I loved all forms of creativity but I was happiest sat at my mam’s typewriter making up stories (yes, I can remember typewriters!).
I excelled at English and Art and did anything I could to avoid PE and Maths. I remember my English teachers’ exasperated reactions as I used to hand in pages and pages of stories. God knows how many hours they had to stay up at night to mark that lot!
I studied Creative Arts at university which included Creative Writing at first. However, I didn’t jive with all of the teaching styles and instead turned my focus to community and educational arts. I went on to start a business in arts education which I LOVED but it took over my life and writing was forced to take a back seat.
I didn’t really pick writing back up until I had a huge shift in my life when a long-term relationship ended, along with my much-loved business. The year 2006 changed everything for me and writing took hold of my heart again so I could find my way through this difficult time.
It started off with just using my journal and writing a few poems, but eventually, as a result of the most emotionally tumultuous year I’d had to that point, I started to write a novel based on my own lived experience. That novel turned into a trilogy and the first one, Life Is Yours, has just been published by Britain’s next Bestseller. It really is a massive dream come true.
If you had to give an elevator pitch for Life is Yours, what would it be?
Life is Yours is a sweet, sassy and soulful story that kicks heartbreak to the kerb – something we could all do with at least once in our lives!
Who can say what has brought Jess and Lindy together?
Maybe it's the beach, the stars and the warm Turkish night air. But they may as well get settled for the night, because Jess has a story to tell and Lindy is ready to listen . . .Jess had life sorted. A gang of great mates, an adoring fiancé and a thriving business – she couldn't have asked for more. But the proverbial rug is whipped out from under her feet when the fiancé makes a sharp exit on New Year's Eve. Therein follows the Week From Hell, eternally streaked mascara and Chardonnay-a-plenty.
But this is the story of a woman on a path. Sure, there are a number of trips and falls along the way but Jess is on a journey that will change her life. On a boring business course, she remembers what she really wants; in strange new friendships, new ideas grow; and a last-minute discount holiday to Turkey helps her heart wake up to a whole new rhythm.
A rhythm that is just beginning to get going . . .
