Meet Abby Pennington | Author & Marketing Assistant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Pennington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over the past few years, I have been working harder than ever before, juggling multiple things at once. Before I got my Marketing job, I was waiting tables anywhere from 30+ hours a week, in school full-time, and working on my Fantasy series and Poetry. I am still in a similar place now, but I’ve learned the art of balance even more. Life goes fast, and time waits for no one… things we’re told as kids, but it doesn’t register until you’re approaching 30. I really try to experience life as fully as possible. My saying to myself is literally “work hard, play harder.” The hours I spend working and chasing my passions as a Writer are what keep me inspired to go on trips and try new things. I think it is possible to find balance in anything, you just have to want it badly enough and create it for yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very excited about the books I am currently working on. A few weeks ago, I finished my third poetry book and am now beginning to design the front cover. This third collection of poetry feels like the beginning of a phoenix rising from the ashes for me. Before this new book was Fruitful Chaos, which was a very vulnerable and darker side of me that I needed to let out, and hopefully helped people feel a little less alone. Where there is a certain edge to this third poetry book, there is also a whimsical nostalgia that has, at times, made me feel like a kid again. I revisit the past, but look ahead at the future. I dance with my muses and let my heart sing while mixing in that melancholy side of me I can’t escape. I also have several poems inspired by my favorite poet, Charles Bukowski, which are blunt and somewhat humorous. I am genuinely so excited to release this new chapter of putting myself back together in this third poetry book. Writing it has made me feel the most aligned with myself. Of course, there are the fantasy books I’ve been writing that will be a 5 book series. Writing a whole other world has become my pride and joy. I have been submitting the first book to agencies and hoping to go the professional route with the series. If you previously read The Life Changing Pearl that I published at 16, thank you, and also this new version is going to be a million times better. I can’t wait!
I would say that nothing about being a Writer is easy. It is difficult to get your works out there. But the best advice I can give is to stay consistent. I’m still not where I want to be and I’ve been writing for over 20 years now. I like to believe that hard work will pay off eventually, it just might not be in the time frame you hope for, and that is okay. Your effort is what counts. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to keep writing past those walls when I feel like stopping. There is always inspiration on the other side of a fight.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I tend to enjoy being a regular at a few of the same spots. My go-to work place and hang out spot is Daily Grind in Marietta. Nothing can beat Daily Grind’s cozy, yet alternative vibe. It’s definitely my favorite place to write. The restaurant I frequently go to is unWine’d & Tap. Not only are the food and drinks amazing, but I’ve become good friends with some of the staff. I’ve gotten to where I prefer going to unWine’d over most of the bars around. But, if I’m in the mood for a bar night, the spots are Johnnie Maccrackens, Monkey Barrel, and Winstons. There are so many places I’ve been wanting to try in Atlanta, so I need to get on that. It’s ironic because I love the city, but I get stressed in traffic so I don’t drive down there as often as I’d like to. If we’re doing anything outdoorsy, I would choose Red Top Mountain. There are a lot of beautiful trails that wrap around the lake. I enjoy running at Red Top along with a handful of other trails, but I’ll keep those a secret.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dad, Carl Pennington, is a very big inspiration of mine. He taught me how to work hard and stay resilient. Without him, I wouldn’t have the drive to keep pursuing my dreams of being a Fantasy Author. He has had faith in me since day one, and that kind of support means everything as an Artist. He is also a Director of Photography, so having him as a creative mentor has taught me so much, and even given me a lot of experience in film! One day, we are planning to make a movie together.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbygpennington/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-pennington/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/abbypenningtonpoet
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fruitful-chaos-abby-pennington/1145563017?ean=9798218407742