Interview Abigail Manning
Welcome to author interview day! Author Abigail Manning is with us today and I’m so excited to share her work with ya’ll! I’m convinced that Abigail Manning is some sort of a writing superhero. She’s been writing for less than a year and has several books published already. Okay, so maybe not a superhero but I’m definitely envious of her ability to crank words out like that. Abigail is really a breath of fresh air in the writing community. Although her stories are inspired by loved classics like Goldilocks and Snow White, she gives the stories a new perspective while still keeping a layer of the innocence we all know and love. These stories painted my childhood just as they have painted many others. In fact, Goldilocks was one of my favorites. I read Abigail’s Bearly Free, and I have to say, I loved what she did with the story. It was awesome to read my favorite childhood story in an adult’s perspective. On top of writing, Abigail also loves to bake which again, made her a gem in my eyes. I can never say no to baked goods and books. So, if you love fairytale retellings that aren’t too dark and you love to support small authors, definitely check out Abigail Manning and all her future works. Fair warning, these books should always be enjoyed with a healthy dose of chocolate!
How did your writing career begin?
I have always had an interest in writing, but never really dove into the idea of creating a novel until July of 2021. Essentially I was given a week off of work and jut felt a pull to try and plot out an idea I had into a document. Ever since that day, I never stopped!
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of pretty much every small milestone, but I think the one reality that will never lose its novelty with me is that I have shared my story with people who I have never met. When I first started writing, my goal was to have one person who had no relation to me whatsoever, pick up and enjoy my stories. That dream has since been fulfilled and I will always be proud of that.
How do you decide which ideas are best to be turned into books?
If I’m super excited about a concept, then I know someone else might be too. I recently scrapped an entire series idea because I couldn’t get myself interested in the stories I was developing. If I don’t enjoy writing it, then it won’t be my best work.
What is a food that everyone else loves but you hate?
Cheddar cheese, I can get behind mozzarella on pizza or parmesan on pasta, but I think cheddar cheese is gross!
How do you choose your book titles?
I put a ton of thought into my titles and often debate them up until the book is published. My titles almost always have a double meaning to them that won’t be understood until you’ve read the book!
If you knew you had one more day left on this Earth, how would you spend it?
Definitely with my family, probably at an all you can eat buffet!
Do you believe in writer’s block? If so, how have you dealt with it?
I believe that exists for some people, but that it doesn’t exist for me. I can occasionally get over-exhausted from writing, where I need a moment to rest my thoughts and take a step back, but I still have the urge to create even in those moments.
Where is one place that you want to visit but haven’t?
I would love to visit Japan someday! I just find everything about their culture so unique and fascinating, and I definitely want to try some authentic ramen!
Where do you find your inspiration for your books?
I write fairy tale retellings, so most of my inspiration comes from classic grimm fairy tales or other childhood stories. I love trying to recreate a story from a pre-existing one, especially ones that aren’t rewritten as often.
What book made you fall in love with reading?
Definitely the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter! They were such fun books that made me want to find more stories that I could get lost in.
What book character of yours was the most difficult to write?
Definitely Princess Arabella from my first book. By the end of the story I adore her, but she begins her story very selfish and unlikable until she later matures through her circumstances. I love her transition into selflessness, but it was really challenging to get in the head of someone who was arrogant for awhile.
Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Just go for it! Take everything one step at a time and be proud of each step. It may seem overwhelming at first, but every obstacle you overcoming is beyond rewarding!
Bio:
Abigail Manning is a wife, nanny, and author of YA romance. She resides with her husband, Marcus, in the beautiful state of Tennessee. In school, she studied both Early Childhood Development and Theatre Arts, both of which aided in the development of her Emerald Realm series, based off of retold fairy tales. Abigail has always adored working with young children and drawing inspiration from their creativity. Her stories are geared towards young adults, but inspired off of children's tales. She greatly enjoys the challenge of reinventing stories that most readers grew up with. She has only recently begun her career in writing, but already has growing ambitions revolving around her blossoming stories.
Poisoned Heart: A Retelling of Snow White- Plot Summary:
Princess Arabella is truly the fairest in all the land, and she knows it. With her pretty face, elaborate ball gowns, and glorious castle, she truly lives the perfect royal life. That is, until she is forced out of her home by a mysterious assassin. With only the clothes on her back and the tiara on her head, Arabella flees from her castle in the dead of winter. As a last resort for shelter, Arabella takes up work in a laundry mill with seven other women. The once adored princess is now subjected to sleeping in piles of dirty laundry, but at least she is hidden. Well, she hopes so… In the midst of her deadly game of hide-and-seek, she discovers that her kingdom is endangered by her absence. With the help of a dashing captain, a quirky noble, and her seven new companions, she must protect both her life and her kingdom. Will Arabella learn what true beauty is as she navigates her new life as a nameless commoner? While evil builds and secrets unfold, there may be more than her heart that’s poisoned.
