In celebration of Valentine’s Day, today on the blog we’re sitting down with Hayley Quinn, internationally renowned dating expert, to talk all about her debut novel, The Last First Date.
Read on to find out more about Hayley’s inspiration, her advice for singles and her writing routine!
Q: Thanks for joining us on the blog Hayley! Can you tell us a bit more about your debut romance novel, The Last First Date?
Helen is a lovelorn anxious single, looking for her last first date. Deciding to get back on the dating apps she meets the charming Brody, they have one incredible date. Then she receives an error message on her app… all her matches have been deleted. With nothing but Brody’s name and job title to go on, Helen decides to track him down. Was it really love-at-first-like or will Helen find a new love along the way?
The Last First Date is about good friends, dubious dates, and the journey you go on to find true love. It’s made to inspire confidence in singles, impart dating wisdom and make you laugh out loud on public transport.
Q: You work as an internationally renowned dating coach. How did you bring your experience in the world of dating into The Last First Date?
I am a real believer that one of the most powerful ways to impart advice is through the art of storytelling. In The Last First Date characters like Nanny G and Elle become truth tellers about how to navigate modern dating, there’s definitely more than a pinch of my dating advice woven into this story! The story is also inspired by my own recollections of single life: The sheer panic I’d never meet someone, and then when I finally did, recognising just how great the journey was to get there. I would love every woman to be able to approach single life like a long, summer holiday where they could board a plane home whenever they pleased, then look back over their shoulder and think, “if only I could do it all again!”
Q: What’s your writing routine, and how do you balance writing with your business and other priorities?
Juggling my writing, my business and (most importantly) my two small tots is frenetic at best. The Last First Date was written in snatched moments (think: long distance train journeys, on my so-called holiday, and during my baby’s Friday afternoon nap)! I have a real “good enough is good enough” attitude to my work life, I’m the opposite of a perfectionist: Which, as you can imagine, has pros and cons. On the bright side the book made it out (woop!) downside I wish I’d given it that last round of edits. Either way I really hope readers enjoy it, and know that you don’t have to wait for a perfect time to write, you can just write!
Q: What’s the one thing you would like readers to take away from The Last First Date?
That being single isn’t a waiting room for something better. If you’re single today you have this unprecedented opportunity to focus on yourself, to learn and grow. I look back with rose tinted glasses on single life, conveniently forgetting all the bad dates, and instead remembering the fun adventures, great friends, and endless oat milk iced lattes I got through.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give single people currently looking to meet someone or start dating?
Stay proactive: You can manifest all you want but you also have to actively put yourself into scenarios where you can meet people. More than that, dating works best when you can approach it from a space of positivity and playfulness. This is easier said than done after dodgy dates, disappearing boyfriends and months without feeling the spark, but if you can crack it, you’ll find boundless motivation to keep dating until you find that click.
Q: What’s next? Have you got any new projects in the works?
Yes! Now that we’re no longer living under lockdown at www.hayleyquinn.com we’re up and away with our signature live training events, like Secret Place, where we take women out into the world to teach them the art form of meeting men in real life. Bigger picture I’m working on a TV show in the USA and promoting my non-fiction book. After that I think there’s at least one other fiction book in me too.
Q: Quick-fire questions!
Acts of service or words of affirmation? Always words for me.
Big date night out on the town, or cosy dinner at home? Big date night out, as we’re always on cosy dinners at home.
Dogs or cats? Cat energy. I love dogs too but then they lick my hand and I have to go off and panic wash it.
Dating apps or meet-cute? I am passionate about teaching women the art of the meet-cute.
Mr Darcy or Mr Bingley? My old self would have said Darcy, but on reflection, it’s gotta be the nice guy Bingley all the way.
Q: How do people find out more about you, your books and your work as a dating expert?
You can head to www.hayleyquinn.com or find me on @hayleyquinnx on Instagram and at www.youtube.com/HayleyQuinn
Grab your copy of The Last First Date, out now in eBook and paperback!
Want to hear more from Hayley? Take a look at her last blog here
