Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbi Lee.
Hi Abbi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as a writer started long before my first book ever came out. For nearly a decade, I was a stay-at-home mom, which meant lots of time reading children’s books and coming up with bedtime/naptime stories. This season of life gave me the gift of time to immerse myself in children’s books and study the publishing industry. I wrote in the margins of nap times, school pick-ups, and late nights, slowly finding my voice and learning the craft. Along the way, I also leaned heavily into connecting with other writers and readers. I’m an active member and volunteer with SCBWI and the Kansas Authors Club, and I’ve loved being part of a community that encourages and uplifts one another.
In 2024, my debut middle-grade novel, Ghost Town Treasure Hunt, was published with a small press as the first book in the Geocache Club trilogy. It combines adventure and community, and it’s been such a joy to share it with readers. The sequel is on track to release in early 2026, with the third and final book following after that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most writers, I’ve faced a lot of rejection from agents and editors. At times, I’ve received dozens of “no’s” before even one “maybe.” It can be discouraging, but I’ve learned that persistence and resilience are just as important as the writing itself.
Another ongoing challenge is simply finding the time. With kids in school and extra-curriculars, on top of a full-time job, my writing time is never consistent. It’s not always easy, and sometimes it means writing on my phone instead of my laptop, but carving out that space for creativity has been worth it.
These struggles have shaped me as a writer. They’ve taught me patience, helped me celebrate small wins, and made me appreciate every milestone along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I write stories for children, specifically middle-grade novels. These stories reside in that magical space where kids are ready to embark on bigger adventures but remain grounded in family, friendship, and community. My debut, Ghost Town Treasure Hunt, is the first in a trilogy called the Geocache Club. The series combines the excitement of geocaching with the bonds of teamwork and the fun of unraveling mysteries.
I think what sets my work apart is how it blends real-world adventure with storytelling. Geocaching is considered modern-day treasure hunting, and it’s something kids can actually do themselves. This means the line between reading about an adventure and going out to create their own adventure blurs in a really exciting way.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, my family has been my biggest support system. They’ve given me the time and encouragement to chase this dream, even when it meant late nights at the computer or weekends away at conferences or writing retreats. And of course, my critique partners and writing friends have been invaluable. They’ve read countless drafts, given honest feedback, and reminded me to keep going on the days when I doubted myself. They’ve not only helped me grow as a writer, but they’ve also shown me what it means to be part of a creative community that celebrates each other’s wins and understands the setbacks. Writing may look solitary from the outside, but my journey has been anything but lonely.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abbileebooks.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbileebooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557574766264
- Twitter: https://x.com/abbileebooks
