Author Spotlight – Hayley Walsh

Author Spotlight – Hayley Walsh

(Author Spotlights are for authors that I know and therefore I can ask questions more tailored to them and their writing)

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I met Hayley through Twitter when I read her first book, Crayon’s and Chaos.

Very much enjoyed this short story which took the form of a diary written by the main character. It was full of humour related to her everyday life being a stepmother to two boys. I found the sarcastic humour funny throughout and really enjoyed the heartwarming story. Would have loved it to be longer!

 

I then read Making March.

An enjoyable read that is sure to make you giggle. Making March is in the form of a diary, written by Kate. Kate is relatively new to single life after her husband leaves her for one of their mutual friends. The story follows her life as she navigates single life, disastrous online dates and a potential relationship. Meanwhile, it’s the lead up to a friend’s wedding and Kate is trying to stay on track with her diet whilst dealing with an angsty teenage daughter.

A fun and cheeky read that’ll transport you to Australia.

 

Hayley is a lovely, funny woman who has a true talent for writing. I’m happy to have met her and am looking forward to seeing what she writes next!

 

Hayley, would you like to tell us a bit about yourself, and your books. 

I was born in bred in Sydney Australia and live in far western Sydney with my wonderful boyfriend, my two stepsons, and two adorable cavoodles. I write light hearted fiction, with my target audience being women. I have published three books, ‘Crayons and Chaos’, ‘Making March’ and ‘Write That Book- Helpful Ramblings of a Self-Published Author’. I work as an Aged Care Clinical Nurse Consultant in an Emergency Department in my day job. I would love to write full time, but alas, my writing doesn’t pay the bills. 

 

What aspect of writing a book do you find the most difficult?

I would have to say, without a doubt, it would be the middle. I am a true panster and fly by the seat of my pants. I have the major story line mapped out in my head. I know how it will end, but the middle part sort of writes itself as I go along. Sometimes the twists and turns the story ends up taking, surprises me. Lucky for me, I like surprises. 

 

I love the humour in your books, is this something you have always wanted to include in your writing?

When it comes to humour being present in my stories, I don’t think I have a choice. I always see the funny side of life, and adding in a good laugh, comes naturally to me. I am a pretty happy person with a wicked sense of humour. I always aim to make people laugh. If a reader is sitting on the bus, on their way to work, and the people around them wonder what they are giggling at, I have done my job. 

 

Has your own life influenced your books? 

Absolutely. I think real life experience is often the best inspiration behind a story. ‘Crayons and Chaos’ is a fun little novella, inspired by my own real-life experience of becoming an instant step mum, at the age of forty two, to two ‘miniature terrorists’, with no kids of my own. Many real-life events that either happened to me, or happened to a friend / family member, are present in ‘Making March’. The book follows Kate, as she wakes up on her fortieth birthday on the 1^st of February. During the upcoming month, she needs to survive a divorce, her best friend’s wedding, a fellow bridesmaid from hell, a difficult teenage daughter, and her meddling mother. Poor Kate wonders if she can make it to March without losing her marbles. 

 

Do you have a favourite book you’ve published?

I think I would have to say ‘Crayons and Chaos’. It was an easy and fun story to write, as it was all based on my real-life experience. I was looking for a project to work on while getting ‘Making March’ ready to publish. It came to me so easily, and it took me only six months to write.

 

How do you fit writing around your everyday life?

This right here, really is the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question. I have no idea how I manage to get books written at all. I work full time Monday to Friday in my day job, have two step kids who play lots of sport, and their father works shiftwork. I fit it in whenever I can. I often jot down a quick chapter in my break at work, after the kids go to bed, or at my desk if it’s quiet at work. Shhh, don’t tell my boss. I have notepads everywhere incase inspiration strikes. 

 

Where is your favourite place to write?

I recently discovered a little gem of a café in my local area. I love to take my laptop down there if I have time on my own, and work on a book. The café is called ‘Mr Watkins’. The theme of the café is based on the home library of an 1800’s Australian Explorer named Captain Watkin Tench. It is cosy, with book shelves full of dusty antique books, pleasant lighting, friendly staff, and most importantly, great coffee. It also turns into a bar on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s quirky, and I love quirky. 

 

How do you approach writing a new book?

Firstly, I develop the main charter and what it is they are trying to achieve. After that, I work on the antagonist and side characters. The main plot has usually been floating around in my head for a while. The ending is always very clear at the beginning. Then, I say three Hail Mary’s, pour myself a rather large glass of pink Moscato, start writing, and hope for the best. The characters then tell me where they want the story to go, and it all somehow comes together in the end. The title always comes to me before I finish the first draft.  

 

How has social media influenced / affected your writing?

I am active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as an author. I struggle with what to post on Instagram if I’m honest, but I persevere. I have found the writing community on Twitter to be the most wonderful group of people. I have connected with so many supportive and encouraging writers on Twitter. I have networked, made some wonderful friends, learnt a lot from others, and had opportunities for increased exposure. Every writer needs to be on Twitter, it’s been wonderful. 

 

Where can you find Hayley?

Twitter

Hayley’s Website