The mother of five has recently published her third novel in less than three years, with her fourth novel scheduled to be released in February.

"I could never have envisaged that I would have four books published by major Australian trade publishers in such quick succession. I still find it hard to believe," Hayley said.

Hayley's first two novels explore contemporary issues and her new Young Adult novel, Skin Deep, is no different.

Skin Deep navigates the issues of self-worth and self-image, when a girl who has always been known for her beauty suffers burns to her face and torso in a car fire.

"There is a lot of pressure on girls to be perfect and to value their looks and with social media, that pressure is increasing," Hayley said.

"With Skin Deep, I wanted to explore what happens when you need to deviate from that perception of beauty and how to redefine yourself outside of appearance in a culture obsessed with beauty.

"Having five daughters of my own means that I can see these issues in everyday life and how it impacts young girls."

Writing through COVID, Hayley said, has been a difficult task to manage.

"Home schooling my children and having a lot more variables during COVID did make writing difficult," she said.

"I can't believe the books managed to be written."

Hayley said it's an incredible feeling to be fulfilling her dream of becoming a writer.

"Having written three books in less than three years is an indescribable feeling. It really was an unbelievable moment to hold Skin Deep when it arrived."

Hayley's first two novels, Inside the Tiger and Ruby Tuesday were both published to critical acclaim by Penguin Random House and were shortlisted for the Vogel Prize, the Children's Book Council Notable List and longlisted for Best Young Adult Crime Novel.

Hayley worked as a lawyer in a commercial firm in Sydney before trading city life for the coast when she married a pilot.

Hayley and her husband had many adventures while she worked for a small law firm on the Mid North Coast.

They now have five vivacious daughters who continue to bring immense joy, and utter mayhem, to their life.

Despite leaving legal work, Hayley could not leave behind the stories of the people she had encountered.

They are stories that provoke questions about the nature of humanity, and it's these questions that haunt her novels.

Skin Deep, published by Scholastic Australia, is now available in bookstores across the country. Signed copies are also available at Bookface in Port Macquarie.

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