Author Life - Coleen Moore-Hayes

Coleen Moore-Hayes, the author of A picture puzzle, released her book in June 2019. We wanted to catch up with the new author and see how life had been treating her since she was published.

1. Did you always dream of becoming an author?

I love to write, but after more than 20 years of writing for academic and technical journals, I never imagined that I would move to writing fiction.

2. What was your first job?

My first job after university was working as a Dental Assistant. I have been blessed to have had many exciting and diverse employment opportunities throughout my career. “No straight lines make up my life”

3. How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

I had recently retired as a university Professor and my husband and I started traveling “south” for the winter. We live on Cape Breton Island in Atlantic Canada where the winters can be a tad long. I was walking on a beach one morning and thinking about a person that I didn’t actually know. When she didn’t leave after a few days I decided I was either loosing my mind or writing a novel…Thankfully it was the latter.

4. What was your life like before you became an author?

Like most newly retired people, I was busy with family, especially grand children. My husband and I are avid golfers and we love to travel, so that took up a good piece of our life as well.

5. Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

No struggles

6. Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

Now that was the biggest surprise. Although the planning and writing of the book took a lot of time and effort…I don’t think I gave any real thought to what would happen once my book was on the market. It has been wonderful and humbling. I heard from folks I hadn’t seen in many years. I had a very successful launch. I have been invited to book clubs to discuss the story. And I have has so many kind and beautiful comments. It’s been great!

7. Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

Still golfing! Planning a trip to England and Ireland in September and working on my second novel. It’s so different from my first but so far, just as much fun to write.

8. What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

It’s still very early days but so far the most memorable moment was sitting with family, friends and former colleagues at my book launch. The President and Vice Chancellor of the university where I worked hosted the event. He, along with my former Dean made the day so special and one I will never forget.

9. In a few words, how would you review your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

Nurturing. Pegasus provided all of the tools and supports that a new author needs. Although I live in Canada, Jenna and Rudite were as accessible to me as if we lived around the corner from each other.

10. Why did you choose Pegasus Publishers?

I was familiar with the work of other authors who chose Pegasus. Also I liked the fact that my work would be available in Canada, the US and the UK.