About Dani

Hi, I’m Dani Abernathy.
I started writing novels to connect with myself while in the haze of mothering young children. Motherhood had stripped away my identity in a way I had never imagined, and writing fantasy novels allowed me to process deep issues, put my creativity to a purpose, and have real conversations (with the characters in my head).

After hitting a wall in my writing, I discovered the magical power of book coaching. For years, I had put every spark of spare energy into writing, revising, and learning but still felt like I was missing vital narrative pieces. I was so frustrated that I wanted to give up, but a book coach saved me from walking away. And that's when I knew I wanted to help others traverse their own perilous writing journeys.

I believe that everyone has the right to decide who they love and who they are, that Black lives matter, and that immigrants are worthy of protection and respect. I believe we need to care for our one, precious earth. I believe that people of all body types, abilities, and ways of thinking and functioning are valid. And I believe that stories can change the world.

As an Author Accelerator certified book coach, I have received training from the stellar Jennie Nash on how to help writers discover the story they want to tell and write it in a way that works. I love learning and am always seeking to deepen my understanding of craft.

I believe that fiction holds a unique power to make us more empathetic, connected, and whole. Only through stories do we get to live someone else’s experience. I take a particular delight in any novel where someone is shedding their false self to find their true one, especially if that story has an eXvangelical or feminist themes.

I’m an Enneagram 4 and INFJ, which means I’ll willingly commiserate with you about the difficult times of life, but if you ask me to do a lively jig, I’m out. Perhaps this explains why a book only earns five stars from me if it makes me cry. I'm a self-professed perfectionist—but the kind who always overthinks my work and choices, not the kind who keeps a spotless house. Please don't come over unannounced.

I've been married to a fellow dreamer since the tender age of 22, and together we have two young daughters. I love coffee, board games, deep conversation, and rain. You can find me hoarding books at my local library, writing in my favorite coffee shop, and posting sporadically on Instagram.

To learn more about me and how I work with writers, start here.