This is an interview done with Abi Celaya, read her story below! If you, or anyone you know, would like to be highlighted in The Zillennial Zine, shoot us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!

Q: Tell us your story! Where did you begin and how did you reach the caliber you’re currently at?

A: I started creating characters when I was in middle school. My cousin and I would brainstorm ideas and write them out on paper in class, then we would act as our characters after school. I would write small stories, but it was the beginning of high school when I really started to get into writing. I remember sitting in my freshman math class and writing a story about a girl who was planning on running away with her guy best friend on a large ship to live out her dreams of traveling the world. I didn’t get too far. I finished writing my first novel sophomore year. It went through two rounds of editing but ultimately I decided I didn’t want to share it. So I started on a new idea and the summer of 2020 I started to work on my current book series for the very first time. I was new and inexperienced and wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I published it in January of 2021 and I’ve learned a lot about the process since then. My first book is currently undergoing a fresh round of grammatical edits to improve it from its current state. I loved the series and characters and since it ended on a cliffhanger, I started writing again and I published my second book in December 2021. I took a large break from writing my series and began to work on a poetry book which I published in April of 2022. I am now working on more poetry and am almost done writing the first draft of the final book in my series projected to publish in 2023.

A: Writing is a creative outlet for me and it’s also a way for me to express my emotions in a way where I feel truly heard. It’s hard for me to vocalize what I feel sometimes so to be able to write it on paper and know that I’m making sense and people understand is an extremely touching feeling. I would call it a passion. Though sometimes I don’t have the motivation to write, it will always be something I enjoy doing. I love what I do because yes, I do it for me, but when I get kind messages from people who have read my stories and fallen in love with my characters it’s the best feeling in the world and it makes my writing feel like it has a purpose.

Q: What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?

A: Recently, I have been working on the first draft of my final book. It’s been really hard for me to write this book as I’ve lost motivation countless times and I’ve been studying in college and working. I’ve thought about calling it quits and moving on to something else. But the reminders to keep going from other people who read my books even if it’s only a handful make me push forward. This third book will be really special because it will complete my first published series ever. Hopefully, there are many more to come but this first series will always hold a special place in my heart.

Q: Tell us about “One Human Soul” and your most recent projects!!

A: One Human Soul is my favorite piece I have ever published. It is quite literally my soul on paper. Those poems originally belonged either just to me or I would publish them on a server on a site called amino for thirty or forty people to see. Now, I get to share them with whoever wants to hear them. For those who don’t like to read, this is the perfect piece for them. Just short little poems with so much meaning behind them. As for my most recent projects, I’m working on a handful of things. My final book in my series is my main priority, but I’m also constantly writing poems that will go in my second poetry book. Aside from that, I’m working on two sapphic novels whenever I need a break from my book series. One is a rom-com that is supposed to mimic the romance and dynamics between Lily Evans and James Potter. Except my two women protagonists are named Lily and Jazper. It’s a huge work in progress but very fun to write. I’ve also been working on a novel I’m going to title Envy and Alitza. It will be a new adult dark fantasy romance book. That one has been a work in progress since senior year. These two books I am hoping to take to a publisher.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is starting out in writing?

A: For anyone who is just starting to write, go for your dreams and don’t punish yourself for making mistakes. Writing and publishing is a huge learning process and I am still learning new things every day. People will offer you a lot of helpful advice and though sometimes it doesn’t come in the nicest forms it is important to be open to learning and growing. But if there is something you want to write and you want to see results you must write every day even if it’s just a few words. At least for your first novel, after that, you’ll find something that might work better for you. I believe in you and I want to read your work, but do it for you. If you do it solely for other people your writing will never truly be yours.

Q: What do you want our readers to know about you and your work?

A: I’m a self-published author who is constantly learning and growing! I put my work out into the world because I want other people to meet my characters and have a space where they feel like they belong. It also feels insanely cool to hold my books in my hand. If you want to take a chance on me as an author and read my work I’d be truly touched. It always means so much to me. My books are available on Amazon and all my socials are @a.kingssley. For any business inquiries, you can reach me at a.kingssley@gmail.com.

Go Check Out Abi Celaya!

Instagram: @a.kingssley

TikTok: @a.kingssley

The Goddesses Throne on Amazon

A Throne of Their Own on Amazon

One Human Soul on Amazon

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