Interview
1) First, tell us about yourself – where you live, your family, and those sorts of details.
I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I’m the youngest of six children—3 brother and 2 sisters. I now live in Summerville, South Carolina with my husband and our mini dachshund, Oscar. We’ve been married for 6 years.
2) How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for about five and years. When I was really little I used to write my own stories in spiral notebooks, but it didn’t really become a passion until I was out of college.
3) Do you have a favorite place to write?
I want to be comfortable when I write, so I write on the chaise of my couch. It’s probably the worst place for my back…haha…but it’s my designated spot. Every day when I come home from work that’s immediately where I go.
4) Why did you decide to write Me After You?
I’ve never been more attached to characters. Me After You was a book that started coming to me while I was in the middle of another book. I honestly didn’t even know what was coming to be until about a quarter the way through the book. I had a pretty rough year and this book got me through it. I knew I had to keep with it because it was so therapeutic.
5) Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
I really love all the characters, but I’ll say Sawyer. I refer to her as my soul sister. She’s hit with trial after trial and somehow she keeps pushing through. She has to learn to pick up the pieces of her life and move forward. I love her faithfulness and her ability to love even the most flawed people.
6) How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?
I don’t have any! Is that uncommon? But if I have to pick one I’d have to say Sawyer’s mom. She’s a pretty judgmental person and while I know she just wants what’s best for Sawyer, she goes about it the wrong way.
7) Do you proofread/edit your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I have LOTS of help. I don’t care who you are. There’s no way for you to catch all your own mistakes. I have about 8 beta-readers who help pick up little things and then I also hire an editor.
8) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
These days if I’m not at my day job, I am writing. But on those occasions when the stories aren’t coming to me I read. I’m a total bookaholic. I don’t read nearly as much as I used to now that I’ve become so invested in writing, but I used to read 3-4 books a week. I also have a slight TV addiction to Nashville, Revenge and New Girl.
9) Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
I’m glad you’re giving me the option to give more that one! My favorite authors are Melina Marchetta, Gayle Forman, John Green and Colleen Hoover. I’ve loved everything I’ve read that every single one of them has written.
10) What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has? Write it out here, then answer it.
What's the biggest thing you hope people take away from the story?
I want Me After You to give people hope and faith. I hope that people finish this story and feel uplifted and have the strength to get through struggles they might be facing. Never give up no matter what life throws at you. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s always worth it.
Series: Willowhaven #1
Release date: November 18th 2013
Purchase: Amazon
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Widowed at twenty-five, Sawyer Hartwell has no choice but to return to her hometown. Broke and alone, the intention was to heal and find herself again, but how can she heal in a place filled with so much sorrow and memories she yearns to forget?
Dean Preston has regretted leaving Willowhaven since the day he rode off on his motorcycle six years ago, destroying the only love he had ever known. Returning too late, he's found small comfort in a new life with Lily, but with Sawyer back he's not sure of anything anymore.
The time has come for Sawyer and Dean to face the past, to learn from their mistakes. The road to healing is paved with old wounds, each one threatening to tear them down completely. Carrying their own scars close to their hearts, they must both confront what's gone before or lose their second chance.
The measure of who we are is what we survive. Who we become is up to us.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mindy Hayes grew up in San Diego, California exploring her interest for singing and playing the piano. She first discovered her passion for reading when she had to take her first flight alone to South Carolina to visit her then fiancé. Mindy's love for writing followed shortly after. She and her husband have now been married for six years and live in Summerville, South Carolina.
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