Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Davis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I taught kindergarten and third grade for many years and now my husband and I have three little girls. After reading so many wonderful picture books over the years, I decided to stretch myself and try writing some of my own. I attended conferences, learned the ins and outs of the publishing industry as best I could, received more “no thank yous” than I would have preferred from agencies, and really just muddled my way ahead without really knowing where I was going or what I was doing. On the flipside, I didn’t really realize how much of a network and understanding of the business I was actually gaining. A question from my Mom over the phone changed my trajectory. She asked what I thought about writing picture books for the Christian picture book market. So I did! Fast forward several years, a few hiatuses for moving and having babies, and I have found my groove.
I wanted to start a Bible study for my oldest daughter and a group of girls her age. I had the hardest time trying to find a study that met the girls where they were at as far as reading and writing abilities, relatable topics, and was also useable for large groups. Basically, what I wanted was a picture book and Bible study combination and that did not exist. So, I decided to make it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The publishing industry is not for the faint of heart. It is basically a road of rejection until you strike gold. I think because of that process, though, I was forced over and over again to step out of my comfort zone, email complete strangers, reach out to any possible lead, try all the connections, and risk looking like I didn’t have a clue of what I was doing (which I really didn’t)! In all of that, I had to get creative. I think people would be shocked at how much my writing and plans for it are on my mind, which I have taken as a sign to forge ahead.
I am not at all where I thought I was headed, but I am thrilled about where I have landed and excited to see how it unfolds from here. Looking back always makes the path seem clearer, because while you are on it, it can some pretty rocky and discouraging.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an author, specifically of picture books and Bible studies. Having three daughters of my own, my work is geared toward young girls. I am known for the “Bible Study Roll Out” and most recently, for the completion of the first study in my Bible study series. The “Bible Study Roll Out” is basically a start to finish plan to help get a Bible study up and running. It has everything you need from the initial interest text to the spreadsheet to fill in and share with your group members to stay organized. So many people want to start a Bible study within their church or for their own kids, but more often than not they get mired in the details and logistics and it never comes to fruition. This is where the “Bible Study Roll Out” steps in.
The Bible study series is my most recent project and the one I am the most proud of. The series is titled, “In the Wild” and it is a Bible study to equip and encourage girls in today’s world. Each book is broken into five lessons. The whole story is read in increments with accompanying age appropriate activities that dive deeper along the way. Girls will learn how to look up Bible verses, how to highlight meaningful text, and how to reflect and apply the biblical truths in their own lives. The idea is to begin equipping young girls with the biblically sound skill set needed to navigate the world we live in an encouraging, relevant, and enjoyable way.
The first book in the series is titled, “Being Brave,” and follows a little girl, Elle, as she worries about big things and small things, but mainly about all things. The approach is humorous as the illustrations show her wearing every kind of protective gear she can, from a helmet, to a snorkel, to the ever-present hand sanitizer. As the first day of school approaches, she is reminded that all she needs to do is put on the armor of God, that all other armor is unnecessary. Being brave comes from the heart, from knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. She walks into her first day of school, still with some worries, but with a new confidence in knowing she is fully dressed in the armor of God.
The combination of God’s truths with the delightful rhythm of a picture book is what makes this series unique. This is for the girls that want independence, but need to be met where their abilities are at. Young girls still love stories so it made sense to build from there. My hope is that this study will be an encouragement to girls by showing them that life happens, and will continue to happen, but they are not alone in any of it. Jesus is on their sides and in their hearts if they put their full trust in Him.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always very active growing up whether I was playing with my siblings, riding bikes around the neighborhood, or swimming with cousins at my grandparents house. The trend continued as I started playing soccer and began to love it more and more. I threw in a little bit of track and cross-country, but soccer remained my tried and true and I played into college.
I attended Vanderbilt University where I received degrees in Elementary Education and Child Development and my masters in Learning and Instruction. I then taught kindergarten and third grade before having my first daughter and now I am a mother of three little girls.
I enjoy going on runs with my family, playing tennis, doing fun update projects around the house, and writing. My early morning coffee and quiet time is one of my favorite things and I am at my best when relaxing on the front porch with my husband while our girls play. My faith has always been a big part of my life, so between that, having three girls of my own, and an education background, my endeavor to write a Bible study for little girls seemed like a logical undertaking and easy next step.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abigaildavisbooks.com/
- Instagram: @abigaildavisbooks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigaildavisbooks
