We recently had the chance to connect with Zoey Daly and have shared our conversation below.
Zoey, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing after my dreams. After publishing my first book, I have been asked constantly if there is a second one in the process, the answer is, yes! I am still chasing after the dream of coming out with a series, one that is in the process right now, however school life is taking over my time to work on it currently. If I stopped chasing after it, I might never be able to find time to work on my dreams.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a creative writer, it was a dream come true to have my first novel published at age 14. One mouth after publishing Shades, it hit number 1 on Amazon in the teen fiction catalog. Today I am working on my second, third, and fourth novels in a fiction series. It’s been a challenge to balance time for writing with being a high school student and athlete. My priority is my academics but I know if I keep chasing this dream I will be able to accomplish it.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom has always been my number one cheerleader. No matter what I am doing or chasing after in life she has always been right beside me. Honestly, I wouldn’t have found my love for writing so early if it wasn’t for her. Several summers ago, my parents made my sister and I to do 20 minutes of creative writing before any screen time. I quickly learned how much I enjoyed this and 20 minutes turned into days of constant writing during the summer. I am so thankful for everything my mom has done for me and I know she will always be by my side.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Everyone has moments where they feel as if they just can’t push forward anymore. Whether that is in sports or in life goals we all struggle. When I was writing Shades, there was a moment where I believed I was going to stop writing. I truly felt like people wouldn’t enjoy the story and that it was just a waist of time. However, going back to what I said earlier, my mom encouraged me to keep writing and helped me believe in myself. It turned out that she was right and once published, Shades hit number 1 on Amazon in the teen fiction section and has opened so many doors for me I would have never thought possible.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe this would say trust and a Christlike mindset matters most to me. Everyone needs someone in their life they can trust and have deep conversations and share things with. We should also always strive to be that for others. Having a Christlike mindset to me is following the example Christ set for us. Showing love and mercy to everyone and being a shoulder they can lean on.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people see Jesus’ love in my life and learn to follow their dreams. I know I have talked a lot about dreams and goals, but it’s so important. Everyone has goals, but so few of us act on them. I hope that people will learn that no matter how young you are, or how big your goals are, if that’s Gods plan for your life, it will happen. Don’t be scared to step out of your comfort zone to do something you love even when people are telling you not to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ZoeyDaly.com
- Instagram: ZoeyDalyTX
- Facebook: ZoeyDalyTX
- Youtube: TheDalyCrown
Image Credits
Shea Anne Studios
