Interview with Hayley Rose, author of ‘Fifo “50 States”‘

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 in Los Angeles, CA.

You can visit her website at www.fifothebear.com.

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Hayley.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

I was first published in 2002 with my first book in the Fifo series, Fifo “When I Grow Up”. In this delightful rhyming story, Fifo, a warm and loveable brown bear, gets ready for his first day of school with the help of his caring mother, and his loyal dog, Alan.  Fifo explores the endless possibilities of what he can be when he grows up.  By the time the school bus arrives, Fifo has been a policeman, a fireman, a doctor, a pilot, a teacher and even the president of the United States.

Fifo “50 States” is the second book in the series. Also told in rhyme, Fifo is bitten by the travel bug.  He dreams of digging up diamonds in Arkansas, looking for fossils in Kansas, enjoying a delicious bowl of gumbo in Louisiana, and even seeing a Broadway show in New York.  Yes, America is an exiting place!   A colorful reference-like book, Fifo discovers the wonders each state has to offer.  He learns along the way each state’s capital, shape, flag, motto, and much, much more. The possibilities are endless!  So, come along with Fifo and you’ll soon discover the beauty of America one state to another.  A positive experience for both Fifo and the reader.

Q: When you were published for the first time, which route did you go – mainstream, small press, vanity published or self-published and why or how did you choose this route?

With my first book I went with a vanity press as I saw the bigger picture with Fifo The Bear.  It was really important to me that I kept all the rights and trademarks.  Along with the books I am building a brand with music, toys and games, etc., and I knew if I went with a mainstream publishing house I would lose those rights as an unknown author.  Now I am with a small press who believes in me and the Fifo The Bear brand. I was able to keep my rights and together we are working towards the same goal – to bring Fifo to children around the world through high quality, fun and educational books.

Q: How long did it take you to get published once you signed the contract?

It took about two years for Fifo “When I Grow Up” to be published, and three years for Fifo “50 States”. The illustrations alone on Fifo “50 States” took over a year, but it was worth the wait.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

When I became published for the first time I felt like I had just one a lifetime supply of Sees candy!

Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

The first thing I did was to call my mother.  She has a lot friends and I knew she would help to spread the word.  You should never underestimate word of mouth.  My publisher also set up book signings at Borders, Barnes and Noble and other independent book stores around town.

Q: Since you’ve been published, how have you grown as a writer and now a published author?

As a writer, I’ve learned it’s never right the first time.  It takes many drafts and a lot of editing and patience to get it right.  As a published author, I’ve learned that once the book is out there your job is just beginning.  You’ve now got to sell it.  People won’t buy your book if they don’t know about it.

Q: What has surprised or amazed you about the publishing industry as a whole?

Nothing has really surprised or amazed me about the publishing industry yet, but I’ll keep you posted.  So far I am enjoying this amazing ride.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being a published author?

The most rewarding part about being a published author is when your readers tell you how much they love your work.  I’ve had parents tell me how their kids slept with my book.  Knowing that what you’ve written has a positive impact on someone and that you’ve made a difference is an incredible reward.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Never give up.  The possibilities are endless!

I would like to thank Beyond the Books for this fabulous interview.  I really appreciate all you do for the author and the publishing industry as a whole by spreading the word and reading our books.  Again, thank you.