My name is Haley. It’s so good to meet you! Let me give you the 411 about myself.

I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember. It all started with my mom, who read multiple books to me every single day. She was an integral part in inspiring my love for storytelling. As early as five years old, I decided it was time to write my own books. I’d staple about thirty pieces of computer paper together and get to writing (and illustrating) with my glitter gel pens and limited vocabulary. Although I’d fill maybe four of those many pages, I brimmed with pride each time I finished my masterpiece.

(Six-year-old me in my element, pictured above. Even then I knew pajamas made the best writing outfit!)

My passion for writing strengthened with each passing year in school. I was in the most advanced reading groups, teachers showed my writing to the class as a good example and I continued to write my own stories for fun. My fifth grade teacher even told me that I was going to be the next J.K. Rowling (and as a huge Harry Potter fan, that was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received.)

Even though I knew writing was my destiny, I felt a little lost when I got to college. I wasn’t sure I would be able to have a successful career with my English major. I dabbled in a few computer science and economics classes to see if I could excel there but had to learn the hard way that you can’t force yourself to be something you’re not. I returned to my roots at the end of my college career when I tacked on Writing & Rhetoric to my degree as a second major. I was reading and writing nonstop again, and although it was exhausting at times, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Right after graduating, I landed my first real job as a copywriter, which has turned out to be quite literally the most perfect job for me. I’m happy to say I’ve never looked back. With all the ups and downs in life, there’s one thing that has always remained a constant: my love for writing. I know with full certainty that words will always have the power to center me.