Meet Jane Hayes
Looking for a romance that will make you laugh, swoon, and leave you with a smile? Meet Jane Hayes, a contemporary romance author whose stories are packed with witty banter, found family, heartfelt connections, and happily ever afters.
Jane’s books blend sweet romance with just the right amount of spice, creating love stories that feel comforting, authentic, and impossible not to root for. Whether it's unforgettable friendships, laugh-out-loud moments, or the promise of a happily ever after, her stories celebrate the joy of finding love in all its beautifully messy forms.
A licensed social worker turned author, Jane stepped away from the field after becoming a mom so she could spend more time with her son. Today, she balances life as a part-time bookseller with writing romance late into the night, proving there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by books while dreaming up stories of her own.
When she’s not writing, Jane is chasing after her toddler and two standard poodles, recommending romance novels from behind the bookstore counter, or enthusiastically oversharing every outrageous detail from her latest alien or dark romance read to her very patient husband. If there's a romance novel nearby, chances are she's already halfway through it.
Get to know Jane Hayes as we dive into a quick Q&A and discover the heart, humor, and happily ever afters behind her stories.
Q&A
Tell me a little bit about your writing inspirations and/or how you got started.
I fell back in love with reading after my son was born. We had a traumatic birth experience and I found myself feeling a bit lost in motherhood. Stories with happily ever afters helped me heal in a way I never expected. I found joy and laughter between the pages of my books. I decided to try writing my own story after a year of reading every romance novel I could get my hands on. My husband read my first book as I fumbled my way through the process, and he encouraged me to publish. Here we are, with book three releasing in August! My stories are inspired by my experiences as a social worker and as a mom. All three of my books have mental health representation which I strive to portray respectfully and authentically.
How do you handle writer’s block or periods of low creativity? Are there any specific strategies you use to get back on track?
I have found that stepping away from the manuscript helps me most when I'm struggling with writer's block. Similar to being a "mood reader" I have found that I am also a "mood writer." Sometimes I need to step away to work on another project to boost my creativity. I've learned that I can't force it, and when I'm ready to return to a story, the ideas will come.
Could you share some insights into your writing process? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay productive and creative?
I start each book with a rough outline, but the document is very much "living and breathing." I plot the big points of the story and the rest is "pantsed," flowing organically and surprising even me sometimes. I typically write in sprints (around thirty minutes of writing followed by a ten-minute break). My favorite time to brainstorm new ideas is while driving in my car listening to music. The trick is remembering my ideas long enough so I can type them into my phone once I park. I spend a lot of time considering the main characters' backstory, character arc, fears/wounds, etc. I also write out of order, so when I'm feeling inspired, I dive into the scene that feels the most exciting to me. It creates a bit more work in the editing process to ensure everything turns out consistent and seamless, but some of my favorite scenes were written this way.
How do you connect with your readers? Do you have any memorable interactions or experiences with fans that stand out to you?
I have met so many wonderful readers both online and in-person! One of the most memorable interactions I've had connecting with a reader was when a woman stopped by my table to say she had already read my books and loved them. She recommended them with such kind words to the readers who were standing nearby. I rarely get to see readers again after they purchase the book, so having someone stop by to tell me she loved them made my day! I've also had readers show me their annotated copy and another friend even made her own special edition by spraying custom edges! So incredible!
What future projects or ideas are you excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what you’re working on next?
I can't say much yet, but I LOVE reading alien romance. If you do too, I hope you stick around for my next project!
Can you tell us about a scene or character that was particularly challenging to write? How did you overcome those challenges?
The main female character, Dee, in Playing the Backbeat was one of the most difficult characters I've had to write. Dee is one of the toughest, boldest, strongest-willed women I think I’ll ever write, making her difficult to tap into because I sometimes struggle to find that kind of confidence in myself. But those vulnerable parts she hides away make her beautifully human too, and I loved exploring that deeper than the bravado.
Her Work:
Where to Find Her
Jane loves connecting with readers! You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.
