Abigayle has been inspired to write since she could spell her own name. Her passion wasn’t completing the stories (she did that twice and decided it wasn’t for her), it was jotting down the ideas.
But in 2015, a story grabbed her—one she had to finish. Inspired by a crazy dream in a genre she no longer read, Abigayle set off on a journey to write her first novel and she hasn’t looked back since.
Writing is her ministry, freelance editing her job, and reading her pastime—all of which prove that God really does know what He’s doing when He inspires a 6-year-old with a pencil in her left hand.
Blog: The Left-Handed Typist
Blog 2: Teen Author’s Journal
Abi on Facebook: Abi The Author
Twitter: Abi The Author
Goodreads: Abi The Author
Pinterest: Abi The Author
Youtube: Abigayle Claire
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Josiah Martin is a Christian farmer in the heart of Kansas. When he’s not struggling with his INFJ passion to introduce the world to God’s redeeming love, he can be found out of doors or eating homecooked food. He’s looking forward to supporting his beautiful fiancé and their family with his newly acquired job as a commercial corn farmer.
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ALT: What was/is your relationship with your father?
JM: We are very different. He tells me that I’m a lot like Mom—I feel more than he does. That alone brings us to many differences of opinion. But because we respect each other, we still maintain a healthy relationship and aren’t afraid to hash out our differences.
ALT: Were you overprotected as a child?
JM: We were very protected, yes, but it did us more good than harm. We don’t watch much television or interact personally with many non-Christians. But when we do, it’s not complete culture shock. I think we’ve reached a fairly healthy balance, although Mom and Dad might have approached some of it better.
ALT: In your relationship with others, how do you interact differently with family than with friends? Why?
JM: Um … I don’t know that there’s a big difference. I’m an extroverted introvert. So once you get to know me, it’s pretty much the same all around.
ALT: How do you fall in love? At first sight? Over a long period of time?
JM: Hehe … Dad thinks I fall easy, but I disagree. It’s so gradual I don’t even realize it until it’s happened. Then the rest of time is spent with me getting the courage to approach the girl.
ALT: What do you most value in your friends?
JM: Loyalty. They don’t have to tell me all their secrets or spend all of their time with me, but if we’re going to be friends, we’re going to be friends. Don’t flake out on me or there’s no going back.
ALT: How do you decide if you can trust someone? Experience with others? With this person? First impressions? Intuition? Do you test the person somehow? Or are you just generally disposed to trust or not to trust?
JM: My first inclination is to see the good in people, but I try to approach even a trivial relationship prayerfully and with common sense. Strangers are exciting challenges to overcome. But I have to see them make decisions and learn their track record before I know how trustworthy they are.
ALT: When you walk into a room, what do you notice first? Second?
JM: First, how many people I know. I’m going to hang with family and friends for the most part. Second, who’s hurting. I’m going to approach the people that look like they need someone to listen next.
ALT: Did you turn out the way you expected you would? The way your parents expected?
JM: I think Dad and I both expected me to outgrow some of my tenderheartedness. It’s not a bad thing, but being so sensitive can wear me down. I have several sisters with a manlier heart than me. Mom expected I’d like vegetables by now.
ALT: What really moves you, touches you to the soul?
JM: Pain. I’m drawn to people who are lost or hurting. I have to fix that if I can.
ALT: What’s the one thing you have always wanted to do but didn’t/couldn’t/wouldn’t?
JM: Meet my grandparents. My mom’s parents died when I was just a few years old, so I don’t remember them. Dad’s parents are still living, I think, but I’ve never met them.
ALT: What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? Why?
JM: Probably shove my older sister Belinda off the hayloft, because I don’t usually get physical when I’m angry and knew how wrong it was to intentionally hurt a girl and did it anyway. She landed in loose hay but narrowly missed the pitchfork. Yelling at my dad was also not okay.
ALT: What are you most afraid of?
JM: Death. Not for myself, really. But seeing something innocent die or someone who didn’t know God yet pass away makes me feel guilty, like I should have tried harder to make a difference while they were alive.
ALT: What type of clothing are you most comfortable with?
JM: Jeans and a plaid button-up shirt.
ALT: What does your handwriting look like?
JM: I quit cursive as soon as Mom let me. My print is straight and tall. None of the letters touch.
ALT: How do you react in stressful situations?
JM: I have to be able to sit down and think of the best solution or blow off steam
ALT: How imaginative are you?
JM: Not very. Things have to make sense in a logical, black & white manner. I like trying to find the most economical solutions to life, though.
ALT: What’s your sense of humor?
JM: Sneaky and teasing.
ALT: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
JM: Raising a family in the heart of America where I can support them off my farming, supported by the woman I love. That or Ginger’s pumpkin chiffon pies.
ALT: What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
JM: Humility. You have to have enough ego and confidence to keep people from walking all over you.
ALT: On what occasion would you lie?
JM: I would withhold information if I thought it would benefit people I love. I don’t think I would ever lie outright (I’m good at deflecting these things) unless it would save a life.
ALT: What is your greatest regret?
JM: Not seeing through a distant friend of mine sooner. Could have saved a lot of trouble and heartache for several people I know.
ALT: How would you, if you could, choose to die?
JM: Peacefully at home in old age and happiness.
ALT: Best way to cheer you up?
JM: Feed me, ask me what’s wrong so I can vent without feeling like I’m bothering you.
ALT: Best way to annoy you?
JM: Being petty, giving me a task I can’t succeed at, not trusting me, infringing upon my rights, dismissing my values. … That’s a pretty long list.
ALT: Most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you?
All characters owned by the author. Used with permission.