Believer. Dreamer. Reading Junkie. Movie Nerd. Coffee Craver. Archery Addict. INFJ. Bowler’s Wifey. Carolina Girl.

That’s me on the surface, but I have a feeling you’re here for more than that. So, *cracks knuckles* here’s my story.

As far back as I can remember, stories have blossomed from my heart. At seven years old, my Aunt Sherry gave me a Mary Kate & Ashley notebook for Christmas, suggesting I write my stories down. Four notebook full of short stories, over three-hundred song lyrics, three published novels and many more on the way, writing has been my healthy addiction for twenty years now.

Growing up, I was considered the weird kid at school. Shy to the point I would answer kids and teachers with one-word responses and head nods, I communicated much easier through the written word. I was the kid who hugged her notebook close during recess, writing whatever came to mind instead of interacting. No one seemed to get me, judging me by my cover instead of trying to discover the story within, but writing has always been my constant companion.

It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school when I really started to open up to others and make friends. For the first time in my life, I began to feel confident in who I was, and who I was becoming. In a way, I think this is why I prefer to write contemporary Young Adult fiction.

Middle and high school are tough places to navigate. You make friends, only to go separate ways once you graduate. You fall in love, only to see it end in heartbreak. You’re still young, but some of your older loved ones pass away. You’re confident, but at the same time, you’re not. Time moves slowly, and then all at once. Life feels like a never-ending loop of craziness, and it’s a constant struggle to find balance and enjoy the ride.

Don’t let that highlight reel of descriptors above fool you. In my time as a teenager I could be described as (and still, to this day): Socially Anxious. Depressed. Over-thinker. Wannabe. Insecure. Judgmental. Prideful. Perfectionist.

In the midst of this constant turbulance, teens need a guiding light, something to keep them centered. For me, God always has my back. And, honestly, if I could go back to my first day of middle school and give myself advice, I would remind myself that my identity is who I am in God’s eyes, and that no one else has a say. Not even that lowlight reel of descriptors I just described myself with.

My mission as an author is to tell realistic stories of teens, those who are labelled as “weird” kids, those who struggle with finding their place in the world. My characters struggle with the heavy and gruesome circumstances of the world, but they navigate through with the guiding light of God. Harsh realities aren’t ignored, but by writing about them in a way that counteracts the vulgarity of the world, I pray my books can inspire middle and high schoolers to never forget that advice I wish I could give my younger self.

So, hey y’all. I’m Allyson Kennedy, and I’m an author of clean, Christian-based contemporary young adult fiction, based in eastern North Carolina. Yeah, that’s a lot to take in. But so am I. Even if I don’t say much face to face. 🙂

Welcome to my website, Authoring Arrowheads.

Aim high, stay strong, and always hit your mark.

-Allyson Kennedy 😀