Abby Franklin

Interview With Author Abby Franklin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an educator, historian, and homeschool parent with a deep love for learning and a passion for making education meaningful and engaging. I’ve worked in the field of education for most of my life and hold a degree in History and Education. My academic background also includes geography, religious studies, and literature, all of which have shaped how I approach teaching and writing.
With four children of my own, homeschooling has been both a personal journey and a professional mission. I believe in teaching from a holistic perspective—connecting ideas across subjects and encouraging children to ask questions, think critically, and engage with the world around them.
So far, I’ve written one published book, with more on the way. My goal as an author is to support families with rich, well-structured learning resources that are easy to use and full of opportunities for exploration, discussion, and creativity. Writing has become a natural extension of my teaching—another way to share what I love and hopefully make the learning experience a little more inspiring for others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is A Homeschool Parent’s Guide to Teaching American History. It’s designed for elementary-aged learners and aims to give homeschooling families a complete, easy-to-use resource that combines storytelling, hands-on activities, and meaningful discussion prompts.
The inspiration for the book came from my own experiences as a homeschooling parent. I saw how difficult it could be to find history resources that were both accessible and genuinely engaging—especially ones that didn’t require hours of prep or lots of extra materials. I wanted something that brought history to life, encouraged critical thinking, and made it easier for parents to feel confident in what they were teaching.
I also wanted the book to be flexible. Some children are ready to read and explore on their own, while others need more guidance—so I created something that works for both. Ultimately, my goal was to help families enjoy history together, not just study it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose my writing process is a little unconventional, especially since I write educational materials more like I’m planning a lesson than drafting a traditional book. I build the structure first—what needs to be taught, how it connects—then layer in stories, questions, and activities as if I’m talking directly to a parent or a curious child. I often reread my work asking, “Would this excite a 10-year-old?” and then, “Would a parent feel confident using this?” That back-and-forth mindset really shapes how I write.
On the more chaotic side, I’ve learned to jot down ideas whenever and wherever they come—during a nature walk, while folding laundry, or when I’m just about to fall asleep. I keep notebooks everywhere, and I’ve definitely written on the back of receipts more than once.
I also talk to myself while I write—not in a poetic, literary way, but in a “Does this actually make sense?” way. And my writing sessions are rarely quiet or uninterrupted. There’s usually a child asking a question, a pet looking for attention, and a cold cup of tea I forgot to drink. But somehow, that’s when the best ideas seem to arrive.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s a surprisingly hard question, because my influences come from such a wide mix of places—education, history, literature, and parenting. As a student of history and literature, I’ve always been drawn to authors who bring the past to life through storytelling. Writers like Laura Ingalls Wilder and historical novelists from my childhood helped me understand that history isn’t just dates and facts—it’s people and experiences.
In terms of educational influence, I’ve been inspired by approaches that value the whole child—Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, for instance, really opened my eyes to the importance of living books, narration, and hands-on learning. While I don’t follow any one method rigidly, that holistic, story-centered approach definitely shaped how I write and teach.
I’ve also found inspiration in the books my own children love—those that spark curiosity, invite big questions, and don’t talk down to young readers. They’ve reminded me that great educational writing should feel like an invitation, not a lecture.
So while I can’t name just one author or book, I’m always drawn to writing that respects the learner, makes knowledge feel alive, and connects ideas across disciplines. That’s the kind of work I try to create myself.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the next book in my homeschool history series—this one focused on Black history for elementary-aged learners. Like my first book, it’s designed to be both flexible and engaging, with a mix of stories, hands-on activities, and thoughtful discussion prompts. Each chapter highlights a key theme, individual, or event in Black history, from ancient African civilizations to young heroes of the Civil Rights Movement.
One of the things I’m enjoying most is experimenting with different teaching formats in each chapter. Some chapters are built around narrative storytelling, others guide learners through creative projects or simple research tasks, and some include dialogue-style discussions to spark reflection. It’s important to me that children not only learn important facts but also connect emotionally and critically with what they’re studying.
I’m also considering offering a free downloadable workbook or PDF companion to go along with the book—something parents can print and use to support written responses, activity planning, or extra practice. I want the book to stand on its own, but I know how helpful those extras can be for many families.
There’s no official release date yet, but I’m excited about the direction it’s taking and hope it will be a meaningful, confidence-building resource for parents and children alike.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been exploring different ways to promote my work, and sites like Awesome Gang have been incredibly helpful for getting my book in front of readers who are genuinely interested in my genre. I really appreciate platforms that support indie authors and make it easy to reach the right audience, especially during promotional periods like free or discounted weekends.
I’ve also found that connecting with homeschool communities—through social media groups, forums, and word-of-mouth recommendations—can make a big difference. Since my books are educational, building trust and providing real value is often more effective than traditional advertising.
I’m still learning what works best, but so far a combination of well-placed promotions, clear Amazon listings, and authentic engagement with my target audience has helped the most. I’m excited to keep growing and learning from each new release.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely—first and foremost, don’t wait until everything feels “perfect” to start. Your voice, your experiences, and your perspective are valuable, especially if you’re writing to meet a need or help a specific audience. If you know your topic and care about your readers, you’re already in a strong position to write something meaningful.
For non-fiction and educational authors especially, I’d say: focus on clarity, connection, and usefulness. Ask yourself how your book helps someone, and keep that person in mind as you write. It’s easy to get caught up in formatting, marketing, or comparison, but the heart of your book should always be about genuinely serving the reader.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of community. Whether it’s a local writing group, online author networks, or subject-specific communities (like homeschoolers, in my case), connecting with others can provide support, encouragement, and insight that you simply can’t get in isolation.
And finally, keep going. There’s so much to learn as a new author, from writing and editing to publishing and promoting, but it’s a process you grow through. Give yourself permission to learn as you go. Every step forward is progress.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One piece of advice that’s really stuck with me is: “Start with what you know, and build from there.” It sounds simple, but it’s been incredibly grounding—both in writing and in teaching. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you don’t know, or to compare yourself to people further along. But beginning with your own knowledge, experience, and perspective gives you a strong, authentic foundation to grow from.
That advice helped me feel confident writing my first book. I didn’t need to have all the answers—I just needed to share what I knew in a way that would help others. It’s also shaped how I approach homeschooling and parenting. You don’t have to do it all at once. Start where you are, with what you have, and take the next right step.
Whether you’re writing a book, teaching a child, or learning something new yourself, that mindset turns the process into something manageable—and even enjoyable.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m actually re-reading a series of historical fiction books by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Her writing has such a rich sense of time and place, and sometimes it’s comforting to revisit stories you already know and love. I’ve always enjoyed her blend of romance and historical detail—it’s a nice escape that still feels rooted in history.
Before that, I had started While Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman, and I’m hoping to read the entire series. I admire how she brings complex historical periods to life with such depth and clarity. Her attention to historical accuracy, combined with strong character development, makes her books both educational and incredibly engaging. It’s the kind of historical fiction that reminds me why I love the subject so much—it doesn’t just tell you what happened, it helps you feel what it was like to live through it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, my focus is on expanding my homeschool history series. The next book—on Black history for elementary learners—is already in progress, and I’m excited to continue developing resources that help families explore important topics in thoughtful, age-appropriate ways. After that, I have plans to cover other themes and periods in history, always with the same goal in mind: to make history meaningful, manageable, and engaging for home educators and their children.
I’m also considering offering companion materials—like printable workbooks or free downloadable activities—to support different learning styles and help parents feel even more confident using the books. Long term, I’d love to build a broader platform where families can access not just books, but also guidance, encouragement, and practical tools for teaching at home.
More than anything, I want to keep writing resources that meet real needs in the homeschool community—books that spark curiosity, encourage discussion, and make learning a shared adventure.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s such a tough choice—I’d want to bring a whole suitcase of books if I could! But if I had to narrow it down, I’d definitely bring While Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman. Her writing is so rich and immersive, and I’d probably discover something new every time I read it. Ideally, I’d sneak in the rest of the series too!
I’d also bring one of Kathleen Woodiwiss’s historical romances—there’s something comforting about returning to a familiar story that blends drama, emotion, and historical detail. Her books always feel like a warm, escapist retreat.
And finally, I’d want something practical or survival-themed—maybe a guide to island living or edible plants! If I’m going to be stranded, I might as well try to thrive a little while I’m there.

 

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