Welcome to Author Services Australia, Kristin Haynes, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from, and some of your interests and hobbies. What inspired you to start writing?
I was looking for a fresh creative challenge and had always been drawn to the idea of writing a children’s book—something playful on the surface, but with a meaningful message underneath. My two dogs, Hendrix and Rocket, are my best mates and constant sources of mischief and joy. It felt natural to build stories around them, imagining adventures that kids could laugh along with while gently exploring deeper themes.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
Children’s books, hands down. I love the process of researching, reviewing, and crafting stories that spark joy and curiosity. It’s such a playful, rewarding category—especially when I get to weave in gentle messages beneath the fun. I’ve also contributed to a well-known Customer Experience book series as I run my own CX consultancy, so I do enjoy writing in the business space. But let’s be honest: business books don’t come with mischievous dogs or giggling readers, so they’re not nearly as much fun.
What is your writing process?
I usually begin with a mind map to capture story ideas—characters, themes, and playful twists. Once I’ve got a few concepts brewing, I research the popularity of those topics to see what might resonate with kids and parents alike. From there, I sketch out a rough strawman of how the story could unfold.
I use ProWritingAid to help shape my drafts, and once I have something in reasonable shape, I share it with a few trusted readers for feedback. Their insights are invaluable. At that point, I bring in my illustrator, Anna Thompson, whose creative eye helps me see the story from a visual perspective. After several rounds of drafting, proofreading, and final edits, I land on something I’m proud of.
I always set myself the goal of making each book a little better than the last—whether that’s in storytelling, emotional depth, or sheer fun.
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
That simply offering your eBook for free doesn’t mean readers will magically appear. I’ve learned that writing the book is just the beginning—getting it into the hands of readers takes a huge amount of work behind the scenes. PR, marketing, outreach… It’s a whole second job. You have to be strategic, persistent, and creative to make sure your message actually reaches the audience it was meant for.
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
Doing it all. When you’re wearing every hat—writer, editor, marketer, project manager—it’s easy to develop blind spots. There’s no built-in feedback loop or safety net, so you’re constantly learning by doing. With each book, I discover something new, which I love. I’m still very much in the learning phase of my self-publishing journey, and every step teaches me how to do it a little better next time.
Which book is your favorite and why?
I’d have to say Mad Monday. It captures Hendrix and Rocket’s personalities so beautifully, and Anna Thompson’s illustrations bring their expressions to life in the most delightful way. Watching Hendrix shift from happy to frustrated—and then into his “bad” phase—is one of my favorite visual arcs. When Anna was sketching that moment, I asked her to channel Billy Idol’s iconic snarl, and she nailed it. That page still makes me smile every time I see it.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I’m drawn to books that are beautifully written—where the language is vivid and immersive, and the storytelling pulls you in effortlessly. I have deep admiration for authors who’ve mastered that craft. One recent favorite is Christine Dibley, a regular at my local dog park whose novel To the Sea surprised and delighted me. It’s not a book I would have picked up on my own, but Christine gifted me a copy, and I was hooked. The story is set in my newly adopted hometown of Hobart, which added a lovely layer of familiarity, but it was the characters and Christine’s rich, interwoven storytelling that truly captivated me. Her ability to bring relationships to life with such nuance is something I aspire to in my own writing.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently developing multiple drafts for future additions to the Hendrix and Rocket series—there are over 50 storylines mapped out, each with its own spark. My goal is to release at least three new books next year, and I’m using the lead-up to Christmas to shape and refine the strongest contenders. Over the holiday period, I’ll decide which stories will make the leap into 2026. It’s a joyful kind of juggling act, and I’m loving the creative energy it brings.
How do you handle a bad review?
I’ve been fortunate with reviews overall, but my last book, Halloween Hijinks, did attract some critical feedback. A few readers felt I was promoting chocolate as a suitable treat for dogs, which was never my intention. I knew it was a sensitive area when I wrote the story, so I did my research and found that several pet food companies offer dog-friendly chocolate alternatives. In the book, I was careful to refer to the treat as a “dog-friendly chocolate bone,” but some readers still felt it sent the wrong message.
Would I change it if I had the chance? Honestly, no. I still believe the story creates a valuable opportunity for parents to talk with kids about the fact that regular chocolate is toxic for dogs—and that safe, dog-friendly options do exist, especially around Halloween.
As for how I handled the feedback: I was surprised at first, and yes, a little hurt. But what amazed me was that even those who raised concerns still enjoyed the story and rated it 4 or 5 stars. That reminded me that thoughtful critique doesn’t mean rejection—it’s part of the conversation, and part of growing as a writer.
What’s next for you as an author?
I’m excited to explore a new story that features a different animal as the central character. Living in Tasmania, I’m absolutely spoilt for choice—there’s such a rich array of unique wildlife to draw inspiration from. One creature I’m especially keen to spotlight is the Turbo Chook, Tasmania’s own speedy little roadrunner. I think there’s a fun, fast-paced tale waiting to be told there, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m fascinated by the erotic romance genre—the storytelling, the emotional depth, and the vivid, unapologetic language. It’s a space I’m still exploring, and while I don’t yet have the skill set to write something that saucy, I’m enjoying the journey of learning from authors who do it brilliantly. In five years, I’d love to have penned my own erotic novel… though it might be under a cheeky pen name
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d choose the ability to speak every animal’s language—especially dogs. Imagine the storylines I could unlock if Hendrix and Rocket could actually talk back! I suspect they would have a few editorial notes on my books, and probably some strong opinions about snack distribution. Plus, with Tasmania’s incredible wildlife, it would be amazing to hear what the Turbo Chook has to say about starring in a book.
Where is your ultimate holiday destination?
I’m far more drawn to nature than cities—anything that offers a unique wildlife experience instantly grabs my attention. I’ve been lucky to witness the annual crab migration on Christmas Island, cage dive with Great Whites in Port Lincoln, and join crocodile expeditions in Darwin. One of my favorite trips was to Wyoming, where I saw bighorn sheep, bison, and elk roaming freely. Next on my list is Japan, where I’m hoping to see the snow monkeys soaking in hot springs in their natural habitat. For me, the ultimate holiday is one that leaves you awestruck by the natural world.
What are some of the items on your bucket list?
I was lucky to travel quite a bit in my twenties, back when it was just my husband and me—pre-kids and full of curiosity. Now, I’d love to revisit some of those places with our children and see them through their eyes. Rome was unforgettable, especially the Colosseum, and Florence was simply beautiful. I also loved exploring the United States, but we never made it to Texas, so that’s on my bucket list. There’s something special about returning to places that shaped you and sharing them with the next generation. And one day, I’d love for the Hendrix and Rocket series to be recognised with an award—though I suspect Hendrix would demand a trophy shaped like a chocolate doggy bone. Rocket, ever the gentleman, would insist on wearing a formal shirt for the occasion—possibly with cufflinks. The future is exciting, and I hope I continue to grow and develop as an author—and perhaps one day, pen that bestselling erotic fiction.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Kristin Haynes!
Check out where you can buy Kristin Haynes’ books below and how to follow Kristin Haynes on social media. If you would like to do an author interview or have questions about our author features, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Author Name: Kristin Haynes
Genre/s: Children’s Picture Books (ages 3-8)
Author Website: https://hendrixrocket.com/
Social Media Links: Facebook, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Central
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: Amazon.com.au
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