Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Stark
Hi Abigail, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved writing, and I grew up writing quite a bit—from school to local and regional competitions, I was always looking for an excuse to write a story. However, as I got older, I faced the decision of what I really wanted my future to look like. At the end of the day, I chose the safer route, and instead of pursuing my passion for writing, I earned my undergraduate degree in engineering. After graduating from college, securing a job, and ‘kick-starting’ my life, I knew it was time to return to writing. That’s exactly what I did—”Bad Duck,” my first novel, was published at the end of 2023. Since its release, I’ve spent much of my time connecting with readers and making the rounds with my book, and I’ve just loved every minute of it. It’s taken me a while to get here, but I’m finally sharing my stories with the world, which has always been my first passion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the most surprising challenges I’ve faced on my journey is the imposter syndrome that comes with defining what it means to ‘be an author.’ Are you an author when you hold your book in your hands, or when you sell some number of copies, or when your books are in a certain number of stores? Maybe, you’re an author when you’ve completed some number of interviews or hosted a certain number of events? At first, success for an author might be synonymous with publication, but after that, success can become a moving target where you’re never truly satisfied. I’ve learned to be grateful for where I am now, and not let the what-ifs and feelings of uncertainty sway me. I’m doing my best to simply enjoy the ride, and be thankful I’m on it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the author of “Bad Duck,” a YA coming-of-age novel published by Beaver’s Pond Press in St. Paul, Minnesota. “Bad Duck” is about a young man named Sam who lives in a dying mining town in rural West Virginia. The book takes place in the three days after Sam’s eighteenth birthday, where time does not run linearly for Sam anymore. As the book progresses, Sam works his way out of the strange situation he’s found himself in while readers slowly piece together the reasons behind his experiences.
“Bad Duck” is intense and emotionally charged, but also very humorous at times. The book’s exploration of loss and forgiveness has struck a chord with many, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from readers has been incredibly humbling. I am forever grateful for my readers, without which this journey wouldn’t be possible!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
A quality that makes me successful is that, if I want to do something, I’ll just go for it. I truly believe that half of success is simply getting started. People who hold out for ‘the perfect time’ or ‘the perfect idea’ will end up waiting forever. Whenever I’m asked about the secret to writing a book, my response is simple—there is no secret, and the only ‘wrong’ way to write is never writing at all.
Pricing:
- Bad Duck: $14.95 on Amazon, and in select local retailers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abigailstarkwrites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailstarkwrites/
- Facebook: [email protected]
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Duck-Abigail-Stark/dp/1643436082?ref_=ast_author_dp
