I’ve heard it said that books written by Emily Hayes should come with fire warnings…
Emily is an avid reader and writer who specialises in searing hot age-gap, ice-queen and/or rich-girl-poor-girl Sapphic romances, with guaranteed happily-ever-afters. Her latest book, Rival To The CEO, has only been out a matter of weeks but it’s already received great reviews – one Kindle Customer called Emily ‘an extraordinary writer that leaves you totally entranced with her stories’, which just about sums her up!
I hope you all enjoy this interview with the wonderful Emily!
So Emily... tell us a little bit about you - who are you, and what do you do?
I'm an author of spicy yet sweet lesbian romance always with a Happy Ever After.
What made you want to sit down and write your first book?
When I found the wonderful world of sapphic fiction, I felt so happy that it existed and just wished that something like this had been available when I was growing up/figuring my own sexuality out. I knew I was a lesbian, but I found so little lesbian representation out there that it really took time to find my people. I have always loved writing stories and grew up devouring books and it makes me happy to be able to now write books that can be something so positive for others.
How do you develop your plots and characters?
I usually start off creating a hot older woman who I know I would be really into and I think others might too, then I think up a love interest for her and the whole story and plot kind of evolves from there based heavily around their personalities.
Which of your characters do you relate to the most, and why?
Oh, this is such a hard one! I think there is a small part of me in each and every one of my characters.
Has your own writing ever made you cry?
Sometimes the break ups are rough, but I'm more likely to cry happy tears for the happy ever afters. I'm such a sucker for a happy ending.
Does anyone you know in real life read your books?
A couple of my friends do, for sure. I keep them very separate from my family though because I know they wouldn't understand.
Imagine your book, or one of your books, was made into a film. Who would play the lead roles?
I think Gillian Anderson or Cate Blanchett for sure would be amazing as quite a few of my older characters. Or Kate Winslet- she is amazing too!
When you’re not writing, what do you do to relax?
I love a countryside walk. I love a bit of yoga, I love swimming. I do a bit of crossfit and tennis but I'm not very good at either! On a less active note, I like to hang out with dogs and cats and love reading and watching movies.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given with regards to being an author?
Write for the readers who love your work.
How about in general life?
Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people.
What is a motto you live by?
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
How can people connect with you?
My mailing list is my favorite place! I like to send chatty emails about my life and what I've been up to as well as news on my books and new releases and I try to respond to reader emails where I can. You can join at this link and get a free book! Otherwise, I do have instagram and twitter but they are mostly just book releases as I don't really use social media much. @emilyhayeswords on twitter and @emilyhayeswrites on instagram.
Finally a light-hearted one. If you were a sandwich, what sandwich would you be?
Fish Finger Sandwich. Do you have them in the US? ha. My ultimate is fish fingers with tomato sauce on white bread with butter!
I'm almost with you... take out the butter, and you have my perfect fish finger sandwich!
If you enjoyed this interview, then make sure you’re following my social media accounts (@kblakemanwriter on Twitter and @katherineblakemanwriter on Instagram) to get all the latest updates! And if you want to support my own Sapphic Fiction journey while you’re here, my new novel The Summer We’ve Had is available now!