Rising Stars: Meet Hayley Finch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Finch.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Yes! So I have always been a writer. When I was younger, I would take my own words and tape them into older books that I picked up at the thrift store. I’ve just always enjoyed it, and had it on my heart to be an author.

This past year, I’ve been writing an article series that I am very passionate about. It’s called #NoticingNeighbors, and the articles are released through The Noticed Network’s online platform. The premise of the series is to uplift positive, local voices from our neighbors.

I will get ideas for pitches in different ways. Who seems like they could have a story to tell? It’s led me to meet some amazing people.

For example: I was out in a coffee shop earlier this year, and was inspired by the warm service behind the counter. So I got to talk with TJ Roberts. While shopping for houseplants, I learned that the business owner gives a space to hand-write letters and mail them through the store, so I got to talk with Rachel Loewen. When I see someone making an impact, this gives me a chance to learn about who they are.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would just say that the challenge comes in editing, because there’s a respect when people trust you with their words.

Sometimes people are inspiring because of traits they picked up during hard times. If someone chooses to share those details, I am editing out of respect for who the article is about. How can I create paragraph breaks that give this answer weight? Where can I place an image so it gives that detail it’s due? Words do feel different when you hear them versus when you see them in print, so I try to keep that in mind.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Sure! One reason I’m a conscious editor is because I have put my own story in print. I previously released a book titled “As of 24.” I like to say that the poems tell everything I’d learned, as of 24. It shares my own experience, with five chapters titled for each age of 19-24.

Publishing that work and experiencing what it’s like to be bold and vulnerable informs my current writing. I want to honor the space when someone shares, because I know how that felt.

What were you like growing up?
I was very creative! When we learned something new, I went and tried it on my own. I am still that way. I like to follow curiosity and take ambition with me.

Pricing:

• As of 24 is available for $11.99 on Amazon
• As of 24 is available as an ebook for $9.99 on Kindle

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@hayleyfinch.com
• Other: https://www.thenoticednetwork.com/blog

Image Credits
Sunshine and Shadows Photography, Meredith Heron Photo, and collage photos given with special permissions to share for The Noticed Network, LLC