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Website: https://hckilgour.com/

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Growing up, you were just as likely to find Haley playing outside as you were to find her with her nose in a book. She particularly enjoys books focusing on worlds of magic and adventure. 

Often joking that she’s part mermaid, Haley pursued a marine biology degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, graduating in 2017. She then proceeded to attend the University of Miami earing a Master of Professional Science in marine conservation in 2019. 

With an English father and an Italian-American mother, Haley had a colorful upbringing in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she has accentuated by traveling as much as she can. And, of course, she SCUBA dives whenever possible.

She says her biggest inspiration for writing is that she simply needs her characters to be quiet, so she can think. Currently, she divides her time between writing, scuba diving, her loving friends and family, and working for a water quality lab at Florida International University.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? What/who inspired you to publish your first book?

So, I first took an interest to writing after I read Eragon. I dunno, something about it just… was magical. I think I was maybe ten, twelve… it’s so long ago that I’m not entirely sure anymore.

How much of your books are realistic? Are the experiences based on someone you know, or are they events in your real life?

There’s actually a decent bit of real life in Nanagin. But the only people who will ever know are those closest to me. They know who they are. I do also pull a lot from my studies in marine biology and my time as a martial artist.

What is your current project? Will you share a little of it with us – kind of a sneak peek?

I kind of have two WIPs right now. The first one is the sequel to Nanagin, tentatively called Conquest. It’s kind of hard to give a sneak peek of it without spoiling anything, so I’m not gonna at the moment. As for the other one, it’s tentatively called “Lexicon of the Gods”. The basic premise is a godly child does something dumb and is given a punishment only a god could come up with, to write the very first dictionary. Said godly child then proceeds to tell the story of how he ended up having to write a dictionary through the definitions.

What do you do in the ‘real world’ when you’re not writing?

Real world, I’m a marine biologist—be it I’m wrangling sharks, commanding dolphins, collecting water samples, or SCUBA diving.

What are the challenges in writing your books? (Ex: logistical, research, literary, psychological, etc)

Length. Length is such a challenge. I have several perspectives (like twelve… I think). And so having to tell everyone’s story makes thing get very long, very quickly. Also, I have several characters who more or less refuse to do what I want.

Are there any quotes or verses you find inspiring? What are they and why?

Not particularly. Well, maybe this, “Nothing is impossible”.

Tell us a little about yourself. Perhaps something that a lot of people do not know?

I’m pretty open, so I feel like I don’t have too many secrets, so to speak. I guess something not many people know (more so, most people tend to forget) is that I’m colorblind.

Are you a planner or a pantser when it comes to writing? (Planner – outline; Pantser – sit down and write)

I am chaos. Realistically though, I’m more of a pantser.

If there was anything you could change regarding your publishing experience, what would it be and why? Also, do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

I would have loved for there to be more promotion before my book was released, otherwise wouldn’t change a thing. For as long as it took for the book to launch, it desperately needed all that time for editing. And for aspiring authors, keep at it. Someone out there is dying to read your book, don’t give up on them.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

To my fans and readers, I am not sorry for killing your favorite character. Also, thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way!