1 Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, really. I’m an Army veteran and a married mother of two cute girls and lots of furry babies. I write novels in every genre (I’ve been a published romance novelist under a pen name for the last three years), and my newest science fiction novel, Astraeus, just released on October 12th with Covey Publishing.
How and where do you write? Do you prefer a laptop or do you prefer writing freehand?
I write quicker on a laptop, but I do jot down any ideas in a notebook or in the memo section of my phone as they come to me randomly. I prefer to write at home in a comfortable, sun-kissed spot of light in my living room, but I also enjoy going to the library, coffee shops, and writing outdoors occasionally.
What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?
My favorite part is finishing a novel and seeing it be published. The act of creation is rewarding, but nothing beats holding your creation in your hand and getting to share it with readers. My least favorite part is writing blurbs, the short descriptions on the backs of books. I find it a real challenge to condense a whole novel's worth into a brief two paragraphs. But it’s a necessary evil. 😉
How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?
I met some amazing, wonderful and colorful characters during my time in the military. My characters are mostly figments of my imagination, but as with any writer, there are sprinklings of people I’ve known, experiences I’ve had, and things I’ve seen here and there. I’ve been told my characters are raw and real, and readers connect to them emotionally. I write people I’d enjoy being friends with, regardless of what flaws they may or may not have.
What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?
I usually do in-person signing events at bookstores like The King’s English, Barnes & Noble (if there are openings), and signings at author events. Online I always do a blog tour to get the word out and promote my books on my website and in my author newsletter.
How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?
As a mother, writing has to come second. While I try to be consistent, I usually write when the children are at school on the days I don’t volunteer, so during school and office hours. I did work in corporate America not too long ago, and I have a BA in Psychology, however, these days my husband is luckily able to support us, allowing me to pursue writing full time, for which I’m profoundly grateful.
What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?
I am currently working on finishing a romance novel in my pen name, and I’m also writing the sequel to Astraeus. I have many things cooking on the back burner, including a screenplay.
One of the projects is a YA dystopian novel. I began writing it when I was pregnant with my youngest daughter nine years ago, and I’d like to eventually pay it the full attention it deserves and get it finished. One thing I enjoy about writing is that books are always a commentary about something. Dystopians are interesting to write because there are so many subliminal messages you can put into the storyline and political upheaval of the world. It’s quite cathartic to write, and I’m looking forward to returning to the manuscript one day soon.
What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
Take that needling voice of doubt, and crush it like crumbly bread in your hands. Self-doubt is a writer’s worst enemy. If you have a dream and a story to write, write it, and don’t let anything get in your way. Change the way you talk to yourself. Instead of saying “I’m not sure,” say, “I believe in myself, and I WILL do this.” Tell yourself that every day until you believe it, and never, ever give up.
One pre-apocalyptic Earth. One desperate space mission to find a solution. One unexpected alien.
When Dr. Sakota Thorell signed onto the mission to scout out a new, habitable planet,
she knew discovering extraterrestrial life was always a possibility. But she never expected to find an alien adrift in space, nor for that alien to be so intriguing. Sakota feels an instant and undeniable attraction to Astraeus, but he represents a million possibilities, and just as many threats.
There are others hunting Astraeus, and his rescue may cost Earth its last hope.
Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She is an alumna
of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she's not writing. She loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media. She also writes under the name Roxanne D. Howard.
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