Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I graduated from a magnet program that specialized in medical science and research. I was studying to be a psychologist, but a combination of not being able to afford school and the fear of what might happen to my sister, if she was left with our family made me decide to stay and not go to college. We figured it was only a matter of time before our parents were arrested again and I didn’t want her to go onto Defax since no one would have been able to take her. Basically you could say I went down the broke artist route, but hey! At least I don’t have student loans!😅👍
With all the time I spent alone, most of it I spent daydreaming. It was hard to actually focus on the world around me, as if it wasn’t real. Like I was waiting for something to come along and make it real.
To be completely honest I’ve struggled with depression for several years. Maybe it was because I was quiet because I kept to myself, that kids at school didn’t like me. I was bullied throughout most of middle school, even transferring after I got death threats from being queer. I tried making friends, but people scared me. High school was better, but I was still afraid of reaching out because I felt like I would be a burden to my friends.
My home life was kind of dysfunctional with my mom and her boyfriend being drug dealers/addicts and my stepbrothers were extremely hateful people who despised anyone not like them.
Dealing with the constant fear of the
cops raiding your house or being homeless or that you were going to be murdered if they find out who you are puts you on edge. We were living with convicted felons and yet my sister and I felt like we were the prisoners. We didn’t have much freedom even inside own house. School was the one place I got to get away. After graduating though & not going to college it felt like I was stuck in that place. Daydreaming and writing became the only way to survive, the only thing I could do to be happy.
To the day it’s still a big part of why I’m here. Writing helped save my life when I was trapped in some bad situations. It became my dream. I dream that my stories and poems can help people feel things when nothing else feels real. I want it to be something that makes them happy, even if it’s only for a little bit.
I’ve only written 4 books so far, but I plan on doing this for the rest of my life because it really is all I want from life.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Only one of my books is published so far, that book being If You Teach A Cat to Write. I wrote it about my cat Snug, who I lost a couple years ago. He was the sweetest little cloud and I wish I could’ve saved him. This story is my way of saying goodbye.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When writing, especially in poetry, I feel this need to capitalize letters even when they’re in the middle of a sentence. It’s like I envision how it feels in my head when reading it and by capitalizing certain words you give them more meaning.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve only recently have started this, but social media definitely can help you. Sending links to your books to your friends and family who can share it on their Facebook or Instagram or Twitter will definitely help you reach a larger audience. Promote the book yourself on your own platform or try to pay for ads if you can.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You are going to want to cry and probably scream. Do that. As long as you keep going. Sometimes formatting a book or learning new software can be frustrating, but even if it takes you hours or days keep trying to learn it. Do whatever it takes to get your book out there. If it doesn’t become a best seller immediately, don’t lose hope. These things take time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sort of off-topic but for me it would be:
“Someone will love you again. Just as much maybe even more.”
For me it felt kind of comforting hearing that. It’s a reminder that even when you lose the people you love or they leave that doesn’t mean that you’re not worth it. It doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve happiness. You will be loved again, even if that person to love you is You.
What are you reading now?
Little Women and Werewolves
Amerika
Heat Wave
Fanfiction
Wise Guy
The Jungle
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to work on promoting my book and figuring out how to format the next one.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Orange: one of my favorite mangas.
The Complete Fairytales of The Brothers Grimm: my Aunt got this for me before she passed away.
And one of the books I’m currently reading so that way I can actually sit down and finish it!
Author Websites and Profiles
Haley Quinn Website
Haley Quinn Amazon Profile
Haley Quinn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile