Book Chat: Kristin Haynes

Kristin Haynes is a proud Mum of both humans and canines, with a passion for storytelling and a huge love of Weimaraners! Kristin has already published three books about her extremely loveable Weimaraner characters, Hendrix and Rocket, and I'm excited to chat with her as she spreads the word about their latest adventure, Halloween Hijinks.

Thanks so much for joining us for a Book Chat, Kristin, and congratulations on the publication of Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks.

To start, would you mind telling us a little about your journey as an author up to this point? Had you always wanted to be a writer?

I’m still very early in my author journey—just two years in—but it’s been a fun and wild ride so far. The real catalyst was my move from Sydney to Hobart. I’d founded my own Customer Experience consultancy back in 2020, so when I relocated, I had the luxury of existing clients and a bit of breathing space to reflect on what might come next.

After 20+ years in corporate roles, I was craving something that felt more like a passion project—something I could still be doing (and loving) in my twilight years. I wouldn’t say I always dreamed of writing children’s books, but I did fancy myself as a budding playwright. I’ve scribbled out a few dramatic storylines over the years… none of which made it past Act I. One day, maybe!

The move to Tassie also came with a furry expansion to the family, and that’s when the children’s book seed was planted. I’ve got young kids, and I’m endlessly entertained by the chaos and charm of the kid-dog dynamic. In 2023, I decided to channel that into a playful series that tackles common parenting challenges—told through the eyes of two larrikin dogs.

From there, it was a deep dive into the world of self-publishing. I undertook courses, found an illustrator, invested in writing software (note to self: should’ve bought ProWritingAid before book one), and learned everything from pricing to promotion. I spent six months devouring every book and podcast I could find—Apex Authors was a standout resource—and joined multiple review services to stay immersed in the genre. I still read around 30 ARCs a month to keep up with emerging themes and trends.

In December 2024, I self-published Being Brave, the first book in the Hendrix and Rocket series. And on October 30 this year, book four will be hitting the shelves. It’s been a wild, wonderful ride—and I like to think I’m just getting started.

For any readers who haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Hendrix and Rocket, what would you like to share about the characters and their latest adventure, Halloween Hijinks?

For readers who haven’t yet met Hendrix and Rocket, you’re in for a treat—literally. Hendrix is the younger of the two: exuberant, impulsive, and often ruled by his emotions. Rocket, the older and wiser companion, spends much of his time gently talking Hendrix down from whatever metaphorical cliff he’s teetering on.

In Halloween Hijinks, the duo sets off for a night of trick-or-treating, only to discover a mysterious treat thief is on the loose. Rocket, of course, is already sniffing out clues, while poor Hendrix is utterly devastated by the loss of his precious loot. What follows is a playful whodunnit, as the pair uncover not just the culprit, but the curious motivation behind the mischief. It’s a fun, fast-paced adventure with plenty of heart—and a few lessons tucked in between the giggles.

I’d be grateful if you could share a little about your drafting process for the Hendrix and Rocket stories. Do the individual character traits of your own dogs make it any easier?

I already have over 50 story ideas jotted down. The trick is knowing which are worth pursuing and so this is the start of my process. I research what is trending in the world of kids’ literature. I am always interested in where kids' stories are based (on the farm, in space, at school, in the jungle – so many options) and then who are the central characters (dinosaurs, kittens or is there another animal which kids are liking – for a while goats were trending). If not animals, then who is the little human being featured and what are the challenges they seek to overcome or opportunities they want to explore. Lately I have reviewed quite a few kids books that centre around managing loss, be that of a family member or pet, and another theme I am seeing is busy parents and kids wanting to understand when Mum or Dad will have time for them. These are all interesting themes and I use this research to inform my thinking on which of my draft ideas might have legs. The traits of the dogs have not changed much over the 4 books in the series. The colour comes from their individual responses to the challenges or opportunities presented. But yes, the Hendrix and Rocket in the book are very similar to the real-life Hendrix and Rocket.

The real-life Hendrix and Rocket proudly spruik their first foray into print, Being Brave!

I’d be interested in your perspectives of writing animal characters. Do you find that it gives you any particular freedoms, or limitations?

Great question. I didn’t approach animal characters with a sense of creative freedom or limitation, but more as a parenting tool that happened to work. As a mum, I found my kids were far more receptive to lessons when they weren’t the direct target of the message. If I made the story about the dogs—whether based on real antics or imagined ones—they listened.

Most kids hate being in trouble. You can see them nodding, saying “yes,” but mentally willing the conversation to end. So I started shifting the narrative. Instead of telling my 7-year-old to stay out of his 13-year-old sister’s room, I’d say, “Imagine Rocket trying to get some sleep, and Hendrix keeps disturbing him because he wants to play. Do you think Rocket should be able to rest? What should we say to Hendrix?”

That simple reframing opened up space for empathy and reflection. Then I’d gently ask, “Do you think you might consider that next time you go into your sister’s room?”

I’m not a child psychologist, and I’d never claim this is the “right” way—but it’s worked for me. And when I read reviews from parents saying their child enjoyed the story and understood where Hendrix went wrong, I feel like that’s a small win. Maybe even a step in the right direction toward helping kids navigate the endless emotional curveballs life throws at them.

The illustrations for all of the Hendrix and Rocket stories are so full of fun, humour and pathos. I’d love to know a little about the collaborative relationship between you and your incredible illustrator, Anna Thompson.

Anna is an absolute star, and I feel incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with her. During my early deep dive into self-publishing, I completed a whole module on finding the right illustrator—everything from sourcing platforms and writing a clear brief, to understanding what’s reasonable in terms of sample illustrations, contracts, and pricing. I “auditioned” quite a few illustrators before I found Anna, and I think what makes our collaboration work so well is the mutual respect we have for each other’s craft.

I have huge admiration for the way Anna takes my vision—often delivered via some very questionable AI mock-ups in the early days—and turns it into something magical. Over time, our shorthand has evolved. I can now say things like, “I loved Rocket’s dismissive expression in Mad Monday—can we channel that again?” And she gets it.

One of the things I value most is Anna’s honesty. I once asked her to create some standing poses for the dogs, and after a few attempts, she gently told me it just wasn’t going to work. But she came back with alternatives that absolutely did. That kind of open, constructive communication has been key. Over time, it’s grown into a relationship built on trust, confidence, and a shared commitment to bringing Hendrix and Rocket to life in the most joyful, expressive way possible.

It must be incredibly satisfying to see your canine characters in print in multiple stories. Is there any advice you could give to other authors about writing recurring characters?

I read recently—courtesy of a well-respected children’s author—that one of the worst things you can do is write a story about your family pet as the central character. And I get it. It’s a bit like sharing your holiday photos: everyone smiles politely, but no one’s quite as invested as you are.

That said, my caveat is this—self-publishing can be a tough gig. You need to be genuinely invested in what you’re creating, otherwise the uphill battle can feel insurmountable. For me, seeing my furry boys brought to life in these books is a constant source of joy. It’s what keeps me going on those days when I want to throw my hands in the air and file self-publishing under “too hard.”

So yes, do your research. Write stories that readers will connect with. But make sure it’s something you, as the author, are passionate about and truly enjoy. That passion will carry you through the tough days—and it’s what helps recurring characters truly resonate with readers, hopefully book after book.

Am I correct in my hunch that we might see more of Hendrix and Rocket in future? I certainly hope so! If so, can you share any clues about any adventures that might await them?

Absolutely! I’ve got so many stories still to tell, and with each one, I hope my writing improves just a little—ideally winning over one more loyal Hendrix and Rocket reader along the way.

Right now, I’m putting the final touches on their Christmas adventure, Holiday Helper, and I’m planning to add three more stories to the series in 2026. There are so many themes I’m keen to explore, but I’ve learned to be quite tough on myself—sometimes shelving ideas I secretly love because I know they might not resonate the way I’d hoped.

I’m also mindful of how indie books can sometimes be dismissed as “vanity projects,” so I’m constantly asking myself: is this a story kids will genuinely enjoy, or is it just one I want to tell? For me, fun must win out every time. If it makes kids laugh, think, or feel something – then that’s what it’s all about. 

What’s next for Kristin Haynes?

I like to think I’m just getting started. I’m learning, growing, and stumbling plenty along the way—but that’s part of the deal, isn’t it? The journey’s not unexpected, and I love that I’m slowly building something with the Hendrix and Rocket brand that feels meaningful and fun.

That said, I do have a few curveballs in mind. I’d love to do a complete pivot one day and try my hand at erotic fiction—almost certainly under a pen name! The genre is absolutely exploding, and I’ve already added a stack of emerging authors to my reader list. I don’t yet have the skills to write in that space, but I’d love to think I might give it a go one day.

And who knows—maybe those half-finished plays I’ve tucked away over the years will finally see the light of day. But I am very open to wherever the creative winds might take me.

I have no doubt they're going to take you down some very interesting paths. In the meantime, where are the best places online for readers learn more about you, and to get hold of Hendrix and Rocket: Halloween Hijinks, and your other titles?

I’d love for readers to follow me on Facebook—it’s a great way to stay connected and share in the fun of Hendrix and Rocket’s adventures.

Facebook

I also have a website, hendrixrocket.com, where readers can sign up to receive updates. I only recently sent out my first subscriber newsletter, but I’m really enjoying this new way of connecting with readers and plan to get into a more regular rhythm. It’s important to me to maintain that connection and keep the conversation going.

Many thanks for sharing your insights and experiences so generously, Kristin. I've really enjoyed learning about your journey, and will be excited to see where your writing takes you next.

This post is part of a blog tour for Halloween Hijinks, presented by Books On Tour PR & Marketing. Please keep following Kristin's journey on all of the fine blogs and sites below.