Author Interview – Hayley Graham – Other Wise Hearts

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Hayley Graham reveals the personal journey behind Other Wise Hearts, a heartfelt YA fantasy that dismantles autism myths, celebrates neurodivergent resilience, and reminds readers they’re never alone.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Hayley Graham about her life and career, what inspired her to write her new book, Other Wise Hearts, and her creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I’m Hayley Graham: an autistic psychotherapist, mother of neurodivergent adult children, and author whose work centres on stories that heal, build understanding, and help people feel less alone. I’m a UKCP-registered child and adolescent psychotherapist and a BACP-accredited adult psychotherapist, and I bring both clinical experience and lived experience as a late-identified autistic woman to my writing and therapeutic work.

I’m the author of Shadow Monsters and Courageous Hearts and Other Wise Hearts, and the founder of BOUNCE! Brighter Futures Foundation.

My focus now is on writing, speaking, and advocacy that deepen empathy and remind people they are not alone in their struggles.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I wrote my first book when I was thirteen. Interestingly, it was a fantasy story about a young girl who rode a winged black horse and was on a quest to bring healing to the world. Nearly fifty years later, I’ve returned to the same genre, and I can see the similarities, particularly the centring of love, hope, and animal companions.

When did you take a step to start writing?

At some point in my late twenties, I started writing a novel. I was working as a pharmacist at the time, and a plot idea for a psychological thriller based in the world of big pharma came to me. It took me ten years to finish it! This was back in the days of sending paper manuscripts to publishers and agents in the post. It got picked up from the slush pile a few times, and I was even longlisted in the Mslexia Novel Competition. It never made it to publication, though.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

My first published book was Shadow Monsters and Courageous Hearts. From first setting pen to paper to publication took two years and six months.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

Other Wise Hearts is my latest book. I started it in the summer of 2023, and it was released in January 2026.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Other Wise Hearts?

The inspiration for this book came after my autism diagnosis. I wanted to explore the many different ways of being autistic, and to challenge the stereotypes so often portrayed on TV and in social media. I also hoped to confront some harmful myths—such as the idea that we lack empathy, aren’t creative, or don’t seek connection.

To gain a greater understanding, I spoke with a number of people who discovered their autism later in life. Through these powerful conversations, common themes began to emerge. Each story was unique, yet there were striking overlaps that revealed just how varied—and how deeply connected—our lives can be.

This book explores those organically evolving themes through a series of intertwined tales inspired by the real-life stories of the people I spoke to. Of course, experience of these themes isn’t limited to autism, and similarly, not all autistic people will have encountered them. However, I do believe these stories, when taken together, reveal a shared thread—one that fosters understanding and a deep sense of belonging.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Other Wise Hearts?

I joke with friends that Other Wise Hearts is not just a book about being autistic, but an autistic book. It emerged at its own pace, in its own unique way. Nothing I did would make it settle or conform. It pushed me again and again to look deeper and find its truth. It travelled from a place of messy, shadowy half-knowns to a place of relative peace and clarity.

It was a journey full of struggle and doubt. Many times I wanted to give up, and I agonised over whether it would ever find its place in the world—whether it would be understood. All I can hope is that I have done enough, and that it will find its tribe.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

The book is five stories intertwined into a sixth. The protagonist of the overarching story is a seventeen-year-old young woman called Senara. There are still many misconceptions about autism, and one of them is the idea that autistic people must have some kind of extraordinary “gift” or ability to be valued or understood. The reality is much more nuanced than that. Senara represents this often-unseen group.

At first, she does not see herself as like the other characters—young heroes who use their gifts to overcome impossible odds—but eventually she comes to see that she does have something powerful within her: not a stereotype, not a superpower, but a deep and hard-won strength.

The other characters were all inspired by the real-life stories of the late-identified autistics I interviewed. They are each unique, yet there are themes that emerged that connect them all.

Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

The antagonists are inspired by the struggles autistic people experience every day, and by the themes of loneliness, masking, sensory sensitivity, vulnerability to bullying and abuse, and the intense need for autonomy and self-determination that emerged from the interviews I conducted with late-identified autistics.

So, for example, there’s the tribe who refuses to let a young girl join them, and in so doing threatens her existence; the goblin who fears difference and the potential cost to himself; and the DeadlyKind—a creature who senses your vulnerabilities and knows how to use them to its advantage.

What is the main conflict of Other Wise Hearts?

The primary protagonist is experiencing an internal conflict. She must confront her deepest fear and all the pain it brings or lose herself forever. This conflict plays out in her relationship with the old woman she meets in a small, deserted cove, on the edge of a frozen sea.

Did you plot Other Wise Hearts in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

It evolved organically – there was no plan!

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Other Wise Hearts need?

Yes, absolutely. I worked with three editors in total at different stages of development, and I’m so grateful for their input. I love getting differing perspectives and am often amazed by the things an editor will see that I didn’t.

One of my foibles is a tendency to leave too much to the reader’s imagination, or perhaps not give enough information. Sometimes things need more explanation, which can help orient the reader and add depth. I always have quite a few “Oh yeah” moments when working with editors.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

Just write—sometimes I start with pen and paper, which I think can help as it forces you to be less precious. Avoid the temptation to write and edit at the same time, there will be plenty of opportunities for that later. The important thing is to get something down, even if you think it’s rubbish. Let the story flow and then use the editing process to make it stronger.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

Hmm – I have a novel in mind. Something I’ve wanted to write for a long time.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Taking an idea for a book from first setting pen to paper to publication is no mean feat. For anyone it is an accomplishment. I’m also inclined to believe the proof is in the pudding. If it helps one person, then it will have been worth it.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Other Wise Hearts: https://amzn.to/3ZcFpN7

Shadow Monsters & Courageous Hearts: https://amzn.to/4r7zWDt

www.hayleygraham.co.uk

@hayleygrahamauthor

www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-graham-bb1a2524