Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Ahern.
Hi Haley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in sunny Southern California and had been a part of the Hollywood circus since a young age. From working as a professional dancer as a teen to starting my own independent production company at 19, I always had an inherent love for storytelling. Writing short films and shot lists slowly transitioned to writing my first ever feature length film. I turned the screenplay into a novel, North of Sunset, and fell in love with the process. Since then, I moved to Nashville to chase a better future. The book got published in June and hit #13 in the US in dystopian fiction, #12 in Canada, #20 in the UK, and #7 in Australia. I am now blessed to be working as a full-time author.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not in the slightest. The craft of writing takes so much discipline and conviction, but in all honesty that was the easiest part for me. The hard part of being an author, that not a lot of people talk about, is social media and promoting your book. Whether you’re traditionally published or independent, you have to post to connect with your audience online. That became incredibly draining for me. From billboard schemes to staged scenarios, we did everything to push for sales. In many instances, it can be disheartening. North of Sunset is about a generation where there is no social media, so it was a huge learning curve for me. I am the happiest when I’m unplugged, and during a release you can’t be. I have a newfound respect and appreciation for social media because it has opened many doors for me, but it can be a full-time job. Shoutout to Social Disrupt Marketing Agency for keeping me sane during this!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the author of North of Sunset, a futuristic sci-fi book set in America 100 years from now. Growing up in the age of social media, I felt inspired to write a novel that tackled all the issues my generation (Gen Z) faces. I am most proud of the fact that I stay true to my morals, not letting the industry change my values or the values in my work. A lot of fiction being put out now plays on the readers’ want for shock value, glorifying hedonistic ideologies. I reject that principle. I want readers years from now to be able to read my work and feel revitalized, hopeful, and inspired to wake up and be a better person.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Do. Not. Rush.
Life’s timing is there for a reason. The publishing process for a novel is lengthy, from the initial deal to date of publication, there are many steps. If I had tried to force the release years earlier, when I had my first draft, I would not see the overwhelming response of positivity that I have today. From where we are at in the world to the actual work being polished to finding the right publisher, the June release date aligned divinely. This also comes to the writing process. Enjoy it. There is no rush. Books are forever. Your experiences will only add to the depth of your stories. Live life and your soul will show through your work organically. If you’re in it for the long haul, don’t set imaginary parameters around yourself.
Pricing:
- Barnes & Noble Paperback $19.95
- Ebook $9.99
- Amazon Paperback $18.59
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haleyahern.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyahernauthor/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEVf1XKWtLk
- Other: https://haleyahernliterature.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips
