Hello, I’m Hayley (‘J.’) Dunlop 👋
I’ve existed since 1982.
My internal monologue has been constant since cognisance (so, like, since 1985??).
I’ve been journaling on paper since 1996.
I’ve been writing for purpose-driven brands since 2003.
I’ve been putting words on The Internet since 2007 (much of which is archived here – don’t judge me for the cringey stuff, life’s about growing!).
For several years I was a spokesperson for the Guardian newspaper. Two words sum up that experience: ‘fascinating’ and ‘intense’.
I went through a surface-level only ‘cool’ phase c.2010 when I was a drummer in a band and we played gigs and recorded an album and all that malarkey. I still play the drums, but alone in a room. It’s less depressing than it sounds.
I've been a mum since 2015. My two kids are magnificent humans. It is also the hardest thing I've ever done. Like, by far.
I’ve been writing fiction since 2020 (nothing published…yet).
And I’ve been writing about writing (🤯) on this here Substack since 2022.
Welcome to my brain and its attempts to make sense of this world through words and stories. Welcome to… ‘Becoming an Author’ ✍️
