Author Spotlight: Deborah Abela

We’ve gathered some fun, behind-the-scenes facts about beloved author Deborah Abela, so you can get to know the person behind the pages. From muddy hiking adventures to writing in blue font, here’s a peek into Deborah’s world…

What made you want to become a writer?

I LOVED books. I loved the adventures I had when I was lost in a story. I also had wonderful teachers who encouraged my love of writing — especially Miss Gray, my Year 4 teacher. She once told me I was going to be an author one day. Those were the kindest words anyone had ever said to me. I tucked them away like a special gift… and started to believe it might actually be possible.

Do you have any weird or funny writing habits?

I write all my books in blue-coloured font — it just feels right! I always start my day with yoga, then tea, and then writing in my journal for three pages to clear my head. On my desk, I keep little trinkets and gifts I’ve collected over the years — a compass, a tiny ceramic white fox with a secret message hidden inside (I’ve never opened it!), a small crystal rabbit, and a colourful glass turtle. They keep me company while I write.

What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?

I LOVE hiking. Once, I walked through Ireland in the rain for 12 days — and somewhere along the way, I fell into a muddy bog! My partner tried to save me but was laughing so hard, he couldn’t help. Then I couldn’t stop laughing… I fell back in a few times before we managed a proper rescue!

If you could hang out with any author (alive or from the past), who would it be, and what would you do together?

Kate DiCamillo. I’d love to go hiking with her, and at the end of the adventure, we’d stay in a big house in the country and write a book together. She writes the most beautiful stories — and though she’s little, she has a HUGE laugh! I interviewed her once, and she was just wonderful.

What’s one thing you hope readers remember about The Kindness Project?

I hope they remember that kindness is a superpower. The smallest act of kindness can change someone’s entire day — a smile, sharing your lunch, asking if they’re okay. And kindness is contagious — when someone is kind to you, it makes you want to be kind to someone else. I also hope readers realise that sometimes, the stories we tell ourselves about other people aren’t true. If we take the time to get to know them, we might find we have so much in common… maybe even become friends. With kindness, I truly believe we can change the world.

Thanks, Deborah!
We love how The Kindness Project reminds us that small acts can make a big difference. So, whether you’re reading, writing, hiking (preferably not into a muddy bog!), or just being your brilliant self — stay curious and be kind!