Behind the Pen – Author Interview: Abigail Lorenzo

Hi everyone! Welcome back to another Behind the Pen segment where I interview up and coming authors! This time I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Abigail Lorenzo, a small-town author. I’m SUCH a sucker for a small town story so finding out more about Abigail was such a treat for me! I can’t wait for you guys to discover her books and find your next favorite read <3!

Your Journey to Becoming an Author

1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! My name is Abigail Lorenzo. I’m a young small-town author currently working on releasing my newest book, The Girl Beneath the Pines. Writing has never felt like a job to me; it’s something I do from the heart. It’s how I connect with the world — through characters, quiet moments, and meaningful stories that I get to share with readers like you.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually helping care for animals (I adore them), baking sourdough or sweets in the kitchen, working at my family business, or watching something.

Sharing my books has opened so many doors and connected me with some of the most beautiful people. It’s not just about the pages — it’s about the journey, the community, and the stories we build together.

2. What first drew you to writing as a craft?

I think what drew me to writing is the fact that you can pour your heart out to anyone through words — even without ever speaking. Writing, to me, has always felt more powerful than talking. It lets you express things in ways that feel real and lasting.

My love for it started young, and fun fact — my mom actually wrote a children’s book about me when I was a baby called Little Abigail’s Shiny Blue Shoes. So I guess you could say storytelling runs in the family.

3. How did your author journey begin?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. It started with small, silly romance scenes and random little tales, but I loved every second of it. Writing helped me forget all the complications going on in my life — it gave me a place to escape, to dream, and to create something that was mine. Even now, it helps me build characters who are struggling, questioning, and discovering who they are. That’s what I love most — writing stories that feel honest, messy, and human.

4. Are there any authors or books that inspired you or significantly influenced the way you write?

Absolutely. As a kid, I was obsessed with books like Pippi Longstocking, Madeline, and anything by Dr. Seuss — I’ve always loved the way his stories play with pattern and imagination. And while it’s not a book, Tim Burton has also been a huge inspiration for me. I love how he’s built his own world with such a distinct style. That kind of creative freedom inspires me to do the same with my own characters and settings.

As I got older, my inspirations shifted. Authors like Holly Jackson really pulled me into the world of mystery and layered storytelling. I also read a lot of poetry, which has shaped the way I think about emotion in writing. But the series that truly brought me back to reading — after a long time of not picking up books — was The Summer I Turned Pretty. That series helped me cope, helped me dream again, and reminded me why I love stories in the first place.

Honestly, I think every author inspires me. We all bring something different to the table, and the more I read, the more I grow as a writer.

5. What was the most surprising part of your publishing experience?

Honestly, the most surprising part was realizing just how much I didn’t know when I first started. I had little experience when I published my earlier books, and everything felt overwhelming. Thankfully, I’ve learned so much over time — and now I have a personal assistant who helps me manage everything from posts to planning my first self-published books.

I do want to say that the publishing company I used before wasn’t a scam — they genuinely helped me with formatting and getting through the publishing process.

But looking back, I feel that if you’re someone working with a tight budget, you should either self-publish or go the traditional route. There are so many ways to publish now without spending thousands. The key is to be really cautious — especially when working with people in the industry, and even with artists. Do your research, ask questions, and protect your work. Once you find your way and understand the process, publishing becomes a lot easier and more rewarding.

6. Where do you find is the best place for you to brainstorm your writing? Do you have a specific area in your house or a favorite cafe where you always end up writing the best?

For me, it’s not really about where I am — I can write just about anywhere. I usually write in the mornings while I’m working my full-time job, so I’ve learned how to multitask and make use of the time I have. What actually helps me brainstorm and get inspired is what I watch or surround myself with.

Depending on the project I’m writing, I try to immerse myself in that world. For example, right now I’m watching Twin Peaks to soak in that mysterious, eerie aesthetic for my current book. I also use Pinterest a lot — it’s one of my favorite tools to visually brainstorm and spark new ideas. The imagery, mood boards, and vibes I find there really open my mind and help shape the atmosphere of my stories. So while having a cozy writing space helps, for me, it’s more about the inspiration I absorb in my day-to-day life.

Let’s Talk Recent Releases

1. Tell me about your most recent release. What drew you into the story?

My most recent release is about a girl named Ella and her journey of discovery. The idea for the story came from wanting to write something wholesome — a book that felt like a warm hug. I didn’t want it to include romance, anything scary, or anything too heavy. I just wanted it to be a sweet, cozy experience filled with recipes, food, and peaceful small-town vibes.

What really inspired me while writing it is that I’m obsessed with baking — especially when I’m stressed. That’s all I do! I make a lot of sourdough, and bread plays a big part in the story too. It’s part of how Ella finds comfort and connection inher new life.

The book also features her companion, Mr. Whiskers — a very special cat inspired by one I used to have in real life. His name was Mr. Whiskers too, but sadly someone gave him away and I never saw him again. So in a way, his name gets to live on in the story — and I think that’s something really special.

Ella’s story is about more than just adjusting to a new place — it’s about discovering who she is in the quiet in-between moments. She moves from the city to a small town called Blueberry Falls to live with her grandma, and while there, she uncovers a secret about her family that leads her on her next adventure. It’s a heartfelt, coming-of-age story that I’d recommend to anyone who loves books like Anne of Green Gables — full of warmth, curiosity, and just enough mystery to keep you turning pages.

2. Who is your favorite character in this story, why?

That’s such a hard question because I truly love all my characters — they each bring something unique to the story. But if I had to choose, I’d say my favorite is probably RJ, short for Rowe Josephine Calloway.

I don’t know what it is exactly, but I relate to her deeply. She’s an outsider in many ways — sarcastic, fiercely independent, and often guarded. She wants to figure things out on her own, but she’s also carrying a lot beneath the surface. RJ lost both of her parents in a car accident, and since then she’s struggled with anxiety, panic attacks, and nightmares. Through the story, she’s trying to find herself — not just by solving the mystery of what happened to Celia Hart, but by facing her own trauma and learning how to exist in a world that doesn’t always feel safe.

I think that depth is what makes her so special to me. She’s messy, strong, stubborn, emotional — and that makes her real. She reminds me that healing and discovery can go hand in hand. So yes, RJ is probably my favorite… but I love all my characters. Each one has something that makes them feel alive to me, and I think that’s the most exciting part of writing.

What’s Next for You?

1. Do you have any upcoming books or novellas in the works?

Right now, I’m focusing on a few exciting projects that I’m incredibly passionate about. My next upcoming book is The Girl Beneath the Pines, which is a mystery grounded in emotional depth, small-town secrets, and personal healing. It’s been such a meaningful project for me, especially through the eyes of my main character, RJ.

Alongside that, I’m continuing my mini-series that began with Ella’s Summer of Discovery. The second book will follow Ella as she uncovers more about her family’s past and leaves Blueberry Falls behind for a whole new setting — though I can’t reveal where just yet! And the third and final book in the series will be Ella’s Spring of Discovery, which will be written more like a memoir — a heartfelt reflection on all her adventures and how far she’s come.

Those three books are my main focus heading into 2026, and I’m so excited for what’s to come. I don’t know what else the future holds just yet, but I’m following the stories that speak to me — and these are the ones calling the loudest right now.

2. Where did you gain the inspiration for these next projects?

I’d say a lot of my inspiration comes from my love of small towns — especially ones that have that eerie, unsettling feeling beneath the surface, but are still beautiful and familiar. I’ve never been a city girl, so there’s something about quiet streets, neighbors who all know each other, and that hidden tension in a peaceful town that really draws me in. That’s where stories like The Girl Beneath the Pines come from — a place that looks calm on the outside but holds layers of secrets underneath.

For Ella’s Discovery series, the inspiration is completely different — it’s all about coziness. Farms, baking, quiet moments, family, nature, and that feeling of slowing down. I love the idea of a character getting to experience that kind of life while still uncovering something meaningful about who they are. It’s warm, gentle, and full of heart — just like Ella’s journey.

More About You

1. If you could describe your writing in three words, what would they be?

Chaotic. Honest. Evolving.

2. Where can readers find more information about you? Leave your links below!

All of my books are available online — you can find them on Amazon, the Barnes & Noble website, and pretty much anywhere books are sold online.

If you’d like to follow along or have any questions, the best place to reach me is on Instagram. That’s where I share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and book announcements. I’m not on TikTok or other platforms — just Instagram and Pinterest — but if you ever have a question about my books or writing, you can always send me a message through Instagram.

Final Remarks

Thank you for joining me for an author interview, Abigail! I had the best time getting to know you and your stories a bit better. 

As always, stay tuned for more bookish content coming your way <3