Writer's Block with Andrea Hayes - The Gloss Magazine

Writer’s Block with Andrea Hayes

SOPHIE GRENHAM talks to ANDREA HAYES about writing THREE BOOKS, managing a CHRONIC ILLNESS and what she has planned for 2018 …

Photograph by Jenny McCarthy

Andrea Hayes is Ireland’s favourite animal ambassador, the author of three beautifully crafted books and a wellness expert. For many years, Andrea has presented and produced television shows on TV3, most notably about four-legged friends. She previously appeared on Animal A&E for almost sixty episodes before her enormous audience followed her to Dog Tales on TV3. Now in its second season, the programme draws us into the lives of extraordinary rescue dogs at the Dog’s Trust, in their quest to find their forever families. Andrea’s new book, also called Dog Tales, is a delightful companion to the series. It has been endorsed by John Grogan, the worldwide bestselling author of Marley and Me. Grogan has said Dog Tales is “A powerful book no animal lover will be able to resist…tender tales of human-canine connection will touch your soul and remind you of why dogs play such central roles in the lives of their human companions.”

In addition to presenting, producing and writing, Andrea is a certified clinical hypnotherapist and a Bethany Grief Minister. In 2013 she was diagnosed with a harrowing invisible illness – chronic pain as a result of Chiari Malformation 1 – a rare brain disorder. Andrea has imparted much knowledge, hope and optimism with her first two titles Pain-Free Life and My Life Goals Journal, books inspired by her own health issues and healing. She has admirably become an empowered patient, turning her experiences into a positive and enlightened approach to life.

Andrea Hayes lives in Rathmichael, Co Dublin with her husband David, their daughter Brooke and Dash, their handsome Labrador retriever. She is currently writing her fourth book.

Dog Tales (€16.99) is published by Gill Books and available from all good bookshops.

On home

I love my local village of Shankhill, we have a great community. I love getting to mass as often as I can. I would often meet friends in Whelehans on the N11 for coffee or lunch. If I have more time to peruse I could easily spend an afternoon walking around the beautiful setting of the Avoca shop in Kilmacanogue which I love.

On roots

I am originally from Beaumont. I have lovely memories of kind days on the beach in Dollymount, afternoons in St Anne’s Park and day trips to Howth. I still love the drive along the coastline on the northside of Dublin. The smell and sounds of the sea always evoke memories of my younger years.

On creating

I do work from home a lot and I have my “office space.” I have a wrap around bookcase (my own little library) that surrounds me as I work.

Currently my office is very messy as I’m finishing two projects and haven’t de-cluttered and filed away all my notes and prompts for my last jobs. I usually do a big clear out and de-clutter in preparation for the new job I am currently working on. So I need to do that soon.

On bookshops

I love Bob and the team in the Gutter bookshop, they have two brilliant shops in Temple Bar and Dalkey. You are sure to get a warm welcome and helpful advice if you drop in and say hello.

On her nightstand

I have a lot of books on my nightstand. At the moment the ones I am reading are Far From the Tree by Andrew Soloman, Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life by Dennis Linn and I am Infinitely Loved (a month of meditations) by Brian Grogan.

On escapes

I love walking in nature – it’s so restorative. I love to walk in the Dublin Mountains or by the sea in Bray. Sometimes the simplest things in life are free and peace can be found in all places.

On Dog Tales 

Having presented almost sixty episodes of Animal A&E, it was such a joy to be able to produce a show all about man’s best friend – dogs. We just finished the second series and I was fortunate enough to be able to write my third book based on dogs too.

It was so special to bring together some of the amazing stories of rescue dogs who truly rescued their owners right back. One of the big highlights for me was when international bestseller (having sold over five million copies) John Grogan, the author of the acclaimed memoir Marley and Me, reviewed my first draft and wrote a cover quote.

On healing

Truly I write from the heart and all my writing comes from a very truthful place. Everything I do daily to stay well and positive despite managing a chronic illness is shared in my books and it is such a joy that they seem to resonate with readers too. Someone said to me “write what you know”. For me this was solid advice, as your heart doesn’t lie if you come from a place of love – then your message is honest and authentically true for you. At the moment I love reading fiction. Naturally, it would be such a joy and big challenge to explore a new genre.

I studied hypnotherapy, driven from a desire to understand the mind more and the role of neuroplasticity in healing chronic illness. I’ve always been very spiritual and I am involved in my local parish and church in Shankhill, so I am involved in my grief ministering in the community through the church. I am currently studying with the Jesuits for two years – we are training as spiritual companions to walk with others on their spiritual path.

On what’s next 

A new TV show in 2018.

A new baby in 2018.

And I’m working on my fourth book.

@SophieGrenham

Love THEGLOSS.ie? Sign up to our MAILING LIST now for a roundup of the latest fashion, beauty, interiors and entertaining news from THE GLOSS MAGAZINE’s daily dispatches.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This