Belfast based author Abby Williams began writing voluntarily for BAM Mag in 2015. Since then she has become BAM’s Contributors’ Editor, part-owner and #ThroneWatch columnist.
The 26-year-old published her first book, Tripping, with Excalibur Press in 2016 and was also nominated for Local Women Magazine’s Rising Star Award.
Abby is now focusing on writing her next book and developing her Game of Thrones column over the next year.
Get to know more about Abby:
What genre / style do you create in?
“I enjoy various styles of writing, but my book is in the realms of cult fiction. Aimed at young adults, there is a lot of focus on the inner journey of a drug-dependent Belfast girl and how her obsession with excess leads her down dark paths. I like to add a touch of humour in most of my writing, I think that’s important.”
What would you be best known for?
“My Game of Thrones column, Throne Watch, writing Tripping, and being a meditation addict.”
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
“Completing my book despite suffering from severe OCD for almost a decade. Going from having no quality of life to thriving and building a career that I love is what I am most proud of.”
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
“Networking is hugely important, as is being open to criticism. You have to keep a sense of humour in anything you do.”
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
“Putting my work out there and exposing it to criticism, although the vast majority of feedback has been fantastic. Also, trying to write without letting Facebook distract me.”
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
“I am happily single and child-free! I meditate a lot and volunteer at Potala Kadampa Buddhist Centre in Belfast.”
Tell us about your most recent work?
“I am writing another fiction novel as well as a non-fiction book about dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I am also writing more articles for BAM Mag about certain controversial issues and human interest stories.”
PLUG !! What would you like us to tell people about?
“My Game of Thrones column #ThroneWatch is becoming a Vlog this year on Youtube. There are plans for interviews, reviews and much more. My second book is also in the works – there could be a Tripping sequel.
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would
you say?
“Tripping is raw, unapologetic and self-indulgent. I try to explore human emotion in all its gruesome and beautiful states in my work.”
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
“Having someone come up to me on a night out and tell me they loved my book. I adopted her as my one fan.
“Also, asking Liverpool-born Game of Thrones actor Dominic Carter if he was from Manchester in an interview…he wasn’t impressed. I laughed and it was all wonderfully awkward.”
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
“Write what you love and write as much as you can. Get your work out there and meet people in the industry. Use fear to drive you forward.”
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
“Writing has always come quite naturally to me and it’s what I love to do. I have lots of plans for the future and will be building on what I’ve done over the last year or so. Watch this space!”
Who do you look up to and why?
“David Nicholls is a fantastic storyteller. I also admire the work of the Bronte sisters and Oscar Wilde, as cliched as it sounds.
“If you’re talking about life in general, people like the Dalai Lama, Buddha and Eckhart Tolle inspire me every day.”
Find out more:
www.facebook.com/AbbyWilliamsAuthor
Twitter: @AbbyElfie
#ThroneWatch: www.bamni.co.uk/category/throne-watch