This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Cathy Hayward—a woman whose life and career are a testament to embracing change and adapting to pursue your passions.
Cathy’s journey has taken her from the bustling world of journalism to the quiet, reflective art of novel writing. Along the way, she’s worn many hats: PR professional, award-winning author, bookshop owner, and now director of the Creative Writing Program in Brighton. Her story is one of reinvention and resilience, and we were honored to have her share her insights with us.
For those who tuned in live on Substack—thank you for being part of the conversation! You made the event dynamic and engaging, and your support means the world to us.
If you missed the live show, don’t worry. A free podcast clip and video snippet are now available, and the full interview will be released in two weeks on our YouTube channel and our Spreaker Prime podcast. But trust us, subscribing to Substack is the best way to access these inspiring discussions as they happen.
WATCH OUR THOUGHTS ON THE INTERVIEW AND A CLIP HERE.
A Journey of Transformation
Cathy’s career began in journalism, where she wrote for niche trade magazines—covering everything from supply chains to soccer analytics. This early career honed her ability to tell compelling stories, even about the most unexpected topics. But after the birth of her third child, she felt the need for a change.
Her leap into freelance PR and the founding of Magenta Associates marked the next phase of her journey. However, it was a creative writing course in 2016 that opened the door to her true passion. Over the next few years, Cathy transformed her random scribbles into a gripping manuscript that would become The Girl in the Maze.
The 2020 lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to finish her novel. Winning the Agora Books Lost the Plot Work in Progress prize was a turning point, cementing her status as a rising star in the literary world. Fast forward to today, and Cathy’s debut has been reissued as The Girl in the Midnight Maze, a haunting exploration of motherhood, trauma, and family secrets.
But Cathy’s story doesn’t stop there. In 2022, she became the owner of Kemptown Bookshop in Brighton, championing local authors and fostering a love of reading in her community. Her work as director of the Creative Writing Program allows her to give back to aspiring writers, helping them find their voices just as she found hers.
Behind-the-Scenes Industry Insights
In our interview, Cathy shared a wealth of advice and tips for writers at all stages of their journey. Whether you’re balancing family life, a demanding career, or struggling to finish that first draft, Cathy’s insights will resonate.
Highlights from the interview include:
The Importance of Adaptation: Cathy’s career is a masterclass in pivoting toward your passions without fear of starting over.
Writing Advice: From developing a daily writing routine to navigating the highs and lows of the creative process, Cathy offered practical, actionable tips.
Industry Knowledge: As both an author and a bookshop owner, Cathy provided a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in publishing today.
Her stories about winning writing awards, managing creative burnout, and transitioning between careers were as inspiring as they were informative.
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If you enjoyed this interview or found value in Cathy’s journey, consider joining our Substack community. Subscribers not only get live access to interviews like this but also help us continue to grow the show and support authors. Your subscription makes it possible for us to bring you in-depth conversations with amazing guests like Cathy.
For those who aren’t ready to subscribe yet, you can enjoy a free podcast clip and video snippet to get a taste of what you missed. And in just two weeks, the full interview will be available on our YouTube channel and Spreaker Prime podcast.
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Final Thoughts
Cathy Hayward’s story reminds us that change, while daunting, is often the first step toward fulfilling our dreams. Her transition from journalist to author, bookshop owner, and mentor is an inspiration for anyone striving to follow their passions.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us live on Substack. Your support fuels this community and keeps us connected to the world of writing. For those yet to subscribe, now’s the perfect time to join us—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
Happy reading, writing, and storytelling,
THE WCCS.
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