Meet Mildred Abbott | Writer/Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mildred Abbott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mildred, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I almost have to laugh at this question, my career as a writer wouldn’t exist without my willingness to take risks–without my willingness to take constant risks, constantly! I was a special education teacher for fifteen years, and was only able to have one book published a year for a while, when I was traditionally published. As a lot of teachers know, despite loving the job, there often comes a day where it was time to be done. That day happened for me, and so I decided to leap into the only thing that I’d ever truly wanted to do. So without a salary or much of a savings, I quit my job and began writing. That was almost seven years ago, I’ve had a couple really good years and many scary years. Most days, I’m making it by the very skin of my teeth, which, for any artist is actually not all that bad. Granted, someday I would love to have money in retirement and savings, but… what 43-year-old needs that anyway? I don’t know how this particular story ends, but I know that I am blessed and lucky to be able to live the life I’ve always dreamed. Writing is more terrifying than I realized, but it is also more wonderful than I ever imagined. Take the risk, take the leap.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently I’m writing cozy mysteries under the pen name Mildred Abbott. The Cozy Corgi series takes place in Estes Park. Strange as it may sound, these murder mysteries are a lot of fun, rich in character development, clever, and make the world a little brighter. I’m most proud of my readers reactions–when I get emails telling me that my books have offered them comfort during the loss of a spouse, through battle of sickness, or simply helping them hold on through dark times in their life– it doesn’t get better than that. Becoming a writer has not been easy. It was twenty years of writing, practicing, failed drafts, and constant rejection letters. Then finding a publishing company, then learning how to self publish, and then learning how to beg, steal, and borrow to try to make ends meet to keep the dream alive. (No actually stealing was involved.) After nearly fifty books across three different pen names, it’s still a struggle, but worth every moment. The lesson I’ve been learning, and try to live every day, is to work with everything you have in you, be dedicated, and love it. The only reason that I’m willing to work as hard as I do and take risks, is because I love the art of writing books and sharing these worlds with others. As for what I’d like the world to know about my brand and story, I think it’s simply this–The Cozy Corgi series offers a fun, hopeful, and kind escape from the world. One that’s full of humor, intelligence, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, my world revolves around food. If my friend was only in Denver for a few days then we would simply have to go to my favorites. Patzcuaro’s Mexican in the highlands, the best carnitas and homemade tortillas I’ve had anywhere. Cherry Creek Grill, for the most perfect French dip in existence. Angelo’s Taverna on 6th for pasta, special order the pollo angelito and substitute the pappardelle pasta instead of the penne, and have them add chili oil and whatever their spicy peppers are–OMG!!! Avenue Grill for their burger. Benny’s (when they return) for their queso, grilled chicken tacos (with the battered tortillas, and a cherry coke (best in town). Finally, Casa Bonita. Yes, I said it. I actually love their cheese enchiladas. And I will fight over it! (Though don’t judge the rest of the places in the same category because I love Casa Bonita, please!)

Then, we would travel to Estes Park, where he would take the trams up Prospect Mountain and feed the chipmunks, wander around the shops on Elkhorn Avenue, and spend the evening listening to the elk bugle in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, who believed in my dreams through endless years of rejection letters, and deals with a spouse who has yet to start saving for retirement.

A fellow author, Eric Arvin, who through a simple response to a fan letter (from me to him) pointed me to the direction of the publishing company that finally said yes and would ultimately teach me everything I needed to know in order to self-publish. Eric, you may be gone from this world, but your light shines bright, and we love you.

Website: http://www.mildredabbott.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mildredabbott/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MildredAbbottAuthor/?ref=pages_you_manage

Other: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2AWmqNt Patreon: https://bit.ly/MildredAbbottPatreonPage