Meet Abby Pennington | Author

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

Hi Abby, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have been writing for what feels like most of my life. When I was in third grade, I wrote a seventy-page book on notebook paper and knew from then on what I was meant to do in life. Fiction and Poetry speak the most to me, so I spend my time working on those topics the most. I also enjoy writing reviews on items or experiences that I have had, which I have previously turned into blog posts. Having a creative career is difficult, but worth the fight. Whenever someone reads my work and feels that it touches them in some kind of way, it is such a rewarding feeling. Being a writer means that you spend a lot of time alone with yourself and your thoughts, so, when those thoughts are put out into the world, it is exhilarating to know that someone else has a piece of me, in a sense.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write vulnerable poetry about my life and experiences. Sometimes it’s hard to write so real and raw because my words truly are pieces of me. I am very excited about my recent poetry book I published titled, “Fruitful Chaos.” It is filled with poems I wrote through some really dark times in life. Poetry held me together and gave me an outlet when I was struggling. It is titled, “Fruitful Chaos,” because I turned my chaos into art and I believe that anyone has the potential to turn their negatives into something good. I released this book with the hopes that someone going through something might feel a little less alone.
The challenges I’ve faced in being a writer has mainly been with myself holding back. Being vulnerable is not an easy task, but I believe some of the best art is created from pain. Also, another challenge with being a writer is gaining visibility. In order for my work to be seen, there is a marketing side to art that I have been trying to learn. Talking with people about my books and posting on social media has helped me gain a bit of traction. My poetry account on Instagram has been another outlet for my writing that I thoroughly enjoy doing.
I’ve learned to not give up, to not stop writing and to stay true to myself. My style of writing poetry is very real and bold, and sometimes whimsical. I feel like I write through my personality of contradictions. I love to experience and try many things, not just hold myself to one standard or interest. I think that variety really shows in my writing. I don’t want to be held back creatively, so I write freely and let it flow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are a lot of really cool places to go in Atlanta. When I decide to go out, it really depends on my mood and kind of vibe I want that determines where I end up. One of my absolute favorite bars, north of Atlanta, is Johnnie Maccracken’s Celtic Firehouse Pub. It has been my home bar for many years and the atmosphere provides a very fun and lively night out. There is live music on the weekends, great food and drinks, and the perfect opportunity to sit by a fire pit, smoke a cigar and meet new people. So, that’s my go-to night out.
If I’m in the mood to dress up and feel elegant, I’d go to a nice dinner somewhere like Aria or Dirty Rascal, then head over for late night dessert and drinks at Cafe Intermezzo. The dim lighting and jazz music really sets the tone for a relaxing speak-easy vibe. One day I’m hoping to go to Red Phone Booth, a fancy lounge that requires a code to get into.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My grandmother, Alice Pennington, has always been my biggest fan when it comes to my writing. She practically reads my work the second I send it to her and then gives me feedback. I have always appreciated her encouragement to keep telling my stories even when it feels challenging amidst the chaos of life. She has helped me overcome my doubts more times than she even knows.

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

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

Other: Link to purchase Fruitful Chaos:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fruitful-chaos-abby-pennington/1145563017?ean=9798218407742