Hello again my readers! How is everyone doing?
Usually, when it come's to Featured Author, we're expecting to meet a new up-and-coming author. This time, however, we're welcoming back a friendly face. Say hello to our Featured Author of 2018 Misty Hayes!
For those who don't know, Misty is an incredible published author who has made a name for herself in the paranormal drama with her latest trilogy!
Since our first interview in October of last year, Misty has been hard at work on the publishing front! Coming in December is the second installment in her Blood Dagger series; the first being her iconic work, The Outcasts, which follows our teen protagonist Larna and her adventures across the pond, while the sequel, The Watchers, follows both Larna and her best friend, Corinth, as they continue to fight off evil with a little help (and hindrance) from their vampire friends.
The Outcasts is available in full on Wattpad, and prior to the release of The Watchers, you can take a sneak peek at the first FIVE chapters of the exciting sequel!
If you would like to get to know Misty a little better before our third interview!, click on the links listed below:
Or if you'd like to purchase The Outcasts, click one of the links listed here:
SS: First off, welcome back to featured author! It’s been awhile since we’ve seen you around. How have you been?
MH: Thanks again for having me. I so appreciate you reviewing The Outcasts; I am both anxiously and furiously working on getting Volume 2 ready for its December release. It’s been straight non-stop writing since the beginning of January—my fingers have been worn to the bone.
SS: Let’s get things going with something fun (something I usually don’t ask our regular featured authors) tell us five fun facts about yourself!
MH: Yay for F.U.N.! I am honored you’re asking—hmmm... okay, five fun facts about myself, let’s see:
I ran the Disney World Dopey Challenge (48.6 miles in four days) in full costume—I dressed as Sadness from the movie ‘Inside Out’ complete with a blue wig. Let me tell you... wearing a wig during a full marathon is as uncomfortable as it sounds!
I hate heights, but I took flying lessons in a cramped, tiny Cessna. After my instructor took a nosedive and then asked me to recover out of the stall, I decided piloting wasn’t for me.
I leave the refrigerator door open (while prepping food) when I cook. Who has time to keep opening and closing that door? It’s a menace to society.
I am the biggest Spider-Man fan—I met Tom Holland (Marvel’s Spider-Man) and got a chance to really make s fool of myself asking him about filming Avengers: Infinity War.
I’ve had sixteen years of law enforcement experience, including but not limited to SWAT entry training, three years of undercover work, five years in patrol and detective Training and interrogating... does that count as fun?!
SS: What kinds of writing have you been up to as of late? Have you started any new projects since we last had an interview?
MH: The only project I’ve been killing myself to complete is Volume 2: The Watchers in my Blood Dagger Series. I have been toying with my next seven book (or more) series: Ready Player One meets War Games.
SS: What’s the favorite book you’ve written so far and why? Would you recommend it to our featured author readers?
MH: I may be biased here, but so far, Volume 2. hands down is my favorite book I’ve written so far. I’ve grown in my writing and I really hope it shows. The amount of love I have for these characters is astronomical—not only have I been able to bring them to life, but so has everyone else who has come along on the adventure. I hope it shines.
SS: Which of your characters do you feel you most relate to and why?
MH: Oh man, GREAT question. Asking me to pick the character I most relate to is like asking me to pick my favorite limb. Most relatable to me, if you twisted my arm, I’d say probably Corinth.
SS: Most authors tend to go through a change in their writing process during the course of their ‘wattpad career’. Have you taken any breaks from Wattpad or changed your writing process in any way?
MH: I think it’s more of the fact that I’ve grown so much in my writing since my first Volume. Staying true to my work and my characters is what really matters. No breaks!! Just full steam ahead... there’s no time for breaks. This is part of my problem.
SS: What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for a book you’ve written?
MH: Haha! You’re a true writer when you know to ask this question. Probably how much blood it takes to bleed to death and how does the body handle intense pain... all stuff involving anatomy and physiology that only doctors should know about.
SS: Are you reading any books at the moment? Which would you recommend to our readers?
MH: I finally got the time to read this last week! I crammed in two full novels and am finishing a fourth and fifth book from some fellow YA authors. Rebecca Hanover’s ‘The Similars’ — I got an advanced copy, so I’m not sure if it’s out yet, but great, fast and fun read. Fellow Indie author, Lorna Reid’s ‘Rise of the Reaper’, Jesse Andrews’ ‘MunMun’, fellow Indie author, T.M. Cromer’s ‘Summer Magic’, and I am about to start reading Alexandra Bracken’s newest series.
SS: Do you have any new projects coming up soon (new books, a YouTube channel, ect.)?
MH: After finishing up Volume 3 in my Blood Dagger Series I plan to write a seven book series about a fifteen year old boy (whom I haven’t even named yet)—think War Games meets Ready Player One.
SS: Lastly - do you have any writing wisdom you would so graciously like to bestow upon us?
MH: Have faith in your work, your story and your characters. Breathe life into your work, but don’t be afraid to share it with others. They are who keeps the blood pumping. They help bring your books to life. I thank my readers everyday for coming along for the ride.
I hope everyone enjoyed catching up with Misty! She's been one of my go-to's to everything since early last year, and it was more than amazing to catch-up with her in a more 'public interview fashion! I wish you the best of luck, and I think I speak for everyone reading - lets do this again soon! :D
And if you would like to enter, check out the contests book on my Wattpad profile for more information! The next featured author could be you...