Hayley Reese Chow Interview Published on: 20, Apr 2021
What’s your happiest memory from childhood?
I was lucky to have a very happy childhood, but I think one of my favorite memories was going to Denali National Park with my mom when I was eight or nine. I have three older sisters, but none of them wanted to go, so my mom just ended up taking me for a weekend getaway (we lived in Alaska.) I felt like we had run away in the wilderness, and it was a thrilling escape.
Do you remember the first book you read?Yep! The first chapter book I read was Mr. Popper’s Penguins in the first grade. I remember enjoying it immensely—I mean who wouldn’t love a penguin posse?! It was a great introduction to longer stories, and it really kick-started my love of reading.
At what age did you begin writing your first story? What was it about?So in first grade (it was an eventful year, apparently) I wrote a story about a snake, a horse, and their animal friends going to space. My friend and I illustrated it, and it even won an award! But it wasn’t until after college that I decided to write just for enjoyment instead of for a school assignment—and that was the start of my debut novel, Odriel’s Heirs.
Were your family ever skeptical of your dreams of writing? Who has been your greatest supporter?I’ve also been fortunate that my family has been super supportive of my writing aspirations—especially my parents and my husband. I think my dad was my biggest supporter from the start. He’s the one that encouraged me to create something and read those awful early drafts. I don’t think I would’ve stuck with it if it weren’t for his feedback and encouragement.
What does writing mean to you?Writing for me means escape and creation and expression. I’ve always been a huge reader, but to be able to create my own stories, worlds, and characters has opened up so many possibilities. I love the Maya Angelou quote, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” I never knew that creativity was like a muscle that you could exercise, and it’s been an eye-opening discovery. Then, even after you’ve finished writing, there’s nothing quite like when a reader really connects with your story. All those things combined to make writing a fulfilling escape that I’ve come to crave.
What do you love the most about strong female leads?When I was a kid, I absolutely adored stories of characters going on journeys, battling monsters, and saving the world. I was pretty much obsessed with male-driven shows like Dragon Ball Z, Digimon, Gundam Wing and the like. It honestly seemed like boys got to go on all the coolest adventures! So when I started writing, I wanted to write about girls that could hold their own with the heroes of my childhood and show that a girl could save the world too. As a college athlete, an ultra-marathoner, and an Air Force athlete, I have met a lot of strong women, so it’s always thrilling to see them represented.
Who inspired the character of seventeen-year-old Kaia in "Odriel’s Heirs"?Kaia was very much inspired by own experiences and feelings as a teenager leaving home for the first time. The pressure and doubt she undergoes were definitely drawn from my memories of being a college athlete in those moments when everyone was counting on me not to let the team down. Sometimes I succeeded, sometimes I failed. And so does Kaia. Fencing is an especially emotional sport, so even her Dragon’s Rage was inspired by some of the intense bouts I witnessed throughout my years as a fencer.
What's something everyone can learn from twelve-year-old Porter in "The Gatekeeper of Pericael"?I wrote the Gatekeeper of Pericael to really show my sons that you can be brave even when you’re scared in a frightening world. Porter has a lot on his shoulders with his responsibilities as a future gatekeeper in a parallel world full of monsters and creepy spirits. But even though he’s scared, he continues to move forward and do the right thing. I think Porter also shows us how empowering it can be able to speak up and share our fears with others, rather than keeping them bottled up inside.
What is the best writing tip you ever received and who gave it to you?The best writing tip I think I received actually came from someone on Twitter who paraphrased a Bansky quote. “If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit.” That’s been a powerful mantra for me, not just in writing but in most areas of life. Writing can be a long, emotionally exhausting endeavor, and I feel like there’s a huge pressure to “write every day.” But I think it’s important to take breaks. Let yourself rest and come back stronger with fresh eyes. Taking a break is not quitting.
The second best writing tip came from another Twitter friend who said something like, “Writing is 90% thought and 10% getting it down on paper.” This has helped so much with my writing/life balance. There are so many in-between moments in the day where I can think about my story, so that when I get my precious two hours (or less) to actually get it down, the words are ready and waiting in my thoughts.
What kind of audience do you hope to appeal to with your books?I love writing for teenagers. When I was 12-17, I was absolutely starving for action-packed books and reading just about everything in sight. So when I write, that’s the age group I keep in mind. But as an Indie author, getting my books into the hands of actual teenagers is a little tough. So really, I just write for YA and MG fans looking for fast-paced adventures with flawed characters (and maybe sometimes a little bit of clean slow-burn romance on the side).
Why did you decide to take pre-orders for your book, "The Gatekeeper of Pericael"?Honestly, I like to put my books on pre-order to keep myself to a schedule, and give my ARC readers a timeline to post their reviews. I give away free e-ARCs to pretty much anyone that asks for one, but I’m always super flattered when someone shows their support via a preorder.
What was your reaction when Odriel's Heirs became the 2020 winner of the Florida Author Project?Shock. I think I had to read the email at least nine times to make sure it was real, and I wasn’t misreading it. Then, I may or may not have gotten a little teary-eyed. As an indie author, honest reviews mean the absolute world to me. I’m so grateful for anyone that takes the time to read and leave a review, but even when I get a good review, there’s always that seed of doubt that they’re “just being nice.” Winning the Florida Author Project was real validation, and seeing Odriel’s Heirs in online libraries and mentioned in The Library Journal was mind-blowing. I am beyond grateful to the Biblioboard, The Library Journal, and The Indie Author project for that opportunity, and honestly just thinking about it still takes me to cloud nine.
What childhood habit can you never get rid of?I chew my bottom lip more than a Young Adult protagonist. And it still drives my mother crazy!
Which is the next book you are writing? Give us an insight into it.I’m actually currently writing my first dual-POV YA science fiction for April’s Camp Nanowrimo. I’m still early in the first draft, but right now I think of it as a cross between storm chasing, The Hunger Games, and adventure racing, featuring newly terraformed planets, an underdog team, and (of course) a slow-burn romance. I’m having a blast writing it, and I can’t wait to see where the story takes me next!
When did you join AllAuthor? What has your experience been like?I joined AllAuthor in November 2020, and it’s been a great experience. I really enjoy all the promotion resources available and the cover contests are always fun! Thanks so much to AllAuthor for this wonderful interview opportunity, and for allowing me to be a part of your community!
