Scott works in state government and is the author of several short stories and the young adult paranormal romance novel, Sunrise. Scott is also a public speaker. He often speaks to organizations, non-profits, and churches on leadership, communication, teamwork, and motivational messages.
Scott has a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from Texas Wesleyan University, but is a rabid, life-long fan of the TCU Horned Frogs. He lives in the suburbs of Austin with his wife and two precocious daughters – who enthusiastically assist him in his search for the perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
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Eighteen-year old Parker, big brother and high school quarterback, dreams of glory on the football field. But on the night of the shooting, his entire world shatters. In a chilling span of sixty seconds, a mass tragedy wreaks havoc upon his life, family, and community.
Although hailed a hero, Parker is horrorstruck to discover an incident from his past was the motive for the killings and that he was the intended target. And when someone threatens to get the one that got away, Parker finds himself hunted. But help comes from an unexpected source … an angel named Marie.
A spunky, impulsive guardian, Marie is dedicated to saving Parker at all costs. When confronted by a sinister nemesis who covets Parker’s soul, a desperate struggle is waged over Parker’s fate. With time running out, Marie must face her growing, but secret affections for Parker that she can no longer ignore. Affections that will force her to make the ultimate decision – sacrifice herself and all that she believes or lose Parker to the darkness forever.
Q&A with Scott Abel…
Angela asks, “What advice do you have for newbie writers?”
There are four things every novice writer needs to do. First, constantly study the craft of writing fiction. There are several great resource books out there. Jill Nelson’s Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View and Jeff Gerke’s The First Fifty Pages are essentials. Read them – repeatedly. Second, join a critique group to get honest feedback from other writers. Bless their hearts, you just can’t rely on your family’s feedback alone (don’t tell my mom I said that). You need honest, unbiased critiques from those with a writer’s eye to help you hone your craft. Third, be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your novels or your writing career. Understand that this endeavor is a constant marathon, not a sprint. Lastly, never give up. I mean it. Find a way to persevere – because you will face rejection, often. I received nearly seventy rejections from agents and publishers before three different publishers offered me a contract. Study the craft, learn from other writers, be patient, and don’t give up.
Laura P. asks, “”If you could hangout with your characters for the day, what would you want to do and why?”
Fun question! I’d throw the football with Parker to see how good a quarterback he really is. Since Marie is a guardian angel and has never eaten human food, I’d take her out to a few all-you-can-eat buffets. Lastly, my villain Seth is a fallen angel who is ruthless and devious, but he’s a snappy dresser. I’d take him out and let him give me some fashion tips and give my wardrobe a makeover.
Zekkaina S. asks, “What is the most unique author experience you’ve had so far?”
I haven’t been a published author long enough to feel like I’ve had any unique experiences, but I found myself unusually nervous when I gave my first media interview. I think I bumbled and mumbled incoherently talking about myself and my novel, so much so that I emailed an apology to the reporter afterwards. She was very gracious and said there was nothing to apologize for, but I’m still convinced I came across like Bobcat Goldthwaite.
Gabrial J. asks, “By the time your first book was published, did you already have a second book written?”
I had already started the sequel by the time Sunrise was published, but it’s still a work in progress. When I finished Sunrise, I knew exactly where I wanted to go next with the story and how the series would ultimately end. Now, exactly what all will take place in the remainder of the trilogy I don’t know yet, but I’m excited to see where these characters lead me. The main thing is to not remain idle for long. Even though you may be finished with one writing project, don’t wait around to see if it gets published. Start the next one and keep writing. It’s the best way to hone your craft.
Susie A. asks, “What are the best colleges/programs to go through in order to become an author?”
My undergraduate degree was in exercise and sports science, and I never took a course specifically devoted to writing until I went to law school. However, two universities that have a sterling reputation for honing a writer’s skills are Emory University in Atlanta and Washington University in St. Louis. My father actually spent time as a student at Emory (also the setting of one of my short stories) and had a tremendous experience there. That being said, I don’t believe attending a university renowned for its writing programs is a pre-requisite for successful publication. There are lots of avenues outside of academia that can help you learn the craft of writing good fiction.
Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Scott! It was a treat to have you!
Scott Abel has generously offered to give a PDF copy of Sunrise
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Hi, Sara and Scott:
I’m leery of paranormal romances featuring angels. Unlike werewolves, vampires, and zombies, angels are real. As a Christian author, how did you balance between biblical angels and the angels in your story?
And why I’m interested in the book…the stunning cover, obviously!
This sounds like an interesting novel! I think I have only read one or two Christian paranormal novels so I would be curious as to how he goes about it.