Interview with Author Hayley Rose of Fifo "50 States"

 

About Hayley Rose

Award winning author, Hayley Rose, grew up in the beach side town of Pacific Palisades, California, to a family of visual artists. In the early 1990's she traveled the U.S. with her band Crush Violet. In 1994, after a family reunion, she was inspired to write a children's book. Looking for a cute and catchy name for a main character, she kept hearing "first in, first out". Hence, the name Fifo was born. Hayley's mother would often ask her what she wanted to be when she grew up, so Hayley decided to start her series of "Fifo" books with that very question. Her first book, Fifo "When I Grow Up" was published in 2002. Her love of travel inspired her second book in the Fifo series, Fifo "50 States", published in 2010.

Along with writing children's books, Hayley has been working in entertainment business management for the past 15 years, specializing in concert touring. She has worked with many "A list" musicians including Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Candlebox just to name a few. Hayley hopes to one day soon release an album of children's songs. She is a currently member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and resides dually in Los Angeles, CA and Scottsdale, AZ.

Tell us 3 words that describe you?

Witty, spontaneous, loyal.

What inspired you to write Fifo 50 States?

Fifo “50 States” came from my love to travel. I wanted kids to get out and explore this great country of ours. And since kids usually have to learn the facts by 5^th grade, I thought I’d have Fifo jump in and be the tour guide. After reading Fifo “50 States” you will know each state’s capital, bird, tree, flower, motto and much, much more. So far I have personally been to 42 states. Each state is unique and has something special to offer, and one day I hope to visit all 50 states. Of course, the book is all written in rhyme and Fifo is always educational. I am sure you will want to visit all 50 as well.

What are your favorite children's authors/books?

“Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Suess, and “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein.

What advice would you give other aspiring writers?

Write, write and rewrite; there is always room for improvement.  Also, believe in yourself and what you’re writing.

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?

What’s your favorite M&M?  Plain or peanut?

How would you answer that question?

Plain, although, the new pretzel M&Ms aren’t bad either.

How old were you when you began to write stories?

I began writing stories as age six after a trip to a farm. I still have that story.

What do you do in your spare time when you’re not writing?

In my spare time I work in entertainment business management specializing in concert touring. I have been lucky enough to work on some great tours over the years including, Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Candlebox, just to name a few.  I also love to travel, hang out with friends and sing karaoke.

Do you have any other books you are working on? If so give us a sneak peek.

Yes. Right now I am working on a new etiquette book outside the Fifo series called, “Do’s and Don’ts”  Lessons in Etiquette, which should be out by November 2012. The book is about a brother and sister who team up to teach an adorable little, green monster a better way to behave. Here are a few lines from the book:

Don’t just rush into an elevator.

Do let everyone out of the elevator first before you enter. “What floor would you like?”

Don’t be rude and cut in line.

Do be patient and wait your turn.  “This was definitely worth the wait.”

What do you hope children learn from your book?

I hope that book inspires children to get out and explore this great country of ours.  I also hope that it helps them to ace all their tests on the state capitols.

What has been an obstacle in your writing career?

I think sometimes I have been my own biggest obstacle.  Anytime you start with the words, “I can’t” then you can’t.  For whatever reason you put up your own road blocks.  You have to realize you “can” and that anything is possible.  If someone says “no” to you, that doesn’t mean that your project isn’t a good one, that just means that they aren’t the right person that can help you.  Keep asking and find that person who says “yes” and believe in your own work. There is always a way to achieve your goals as long as you don’t give up. 

Fifo 50 States Book Review

Visit Hayley's website:  Fifo the Bear and FaceBook