PHOTO: Hayley Chow: Award-winning author and creator of the captivating Into the Churn series, blending science, adventure, and heartfelt relationships.
An Exclusive Look Into The Mind Behind Into The Churn
Award-winning author Hayley Chow shares how her life as a mechanical engineer, veteran, and ultramarathoner shaped the action, science, and heartfelt relationships in her Into the Churn series.
Hayley Chow’s name has become synonymous with imaginative and compelling storytelling that captures the hearts of readers everywhere. As the award-winning author behind the celebrated Into the Churn series, Hayley has drawn upon her rich and varied life experiences to craft unforgettable characters, intricate worlds, and action-packed narratives. From her background as a USAF veteran, mechanical engineer, and ultramarathoner to her love of science fiction and Korean dramas, Hayley’s personal journey deeply informs her writing and has made her one of today’s most intriguing voices in young adult fiction.
The Creation of Belethea and “Into the Churn”
Hayley revealed that the character of Ezren was the spark that ignited the creation of Into the Churn’s vivid world. As an athlete and STEM major during her college years, Hayley wanted to channel her own experiences into a story that captured similar passion and intensity. She drew inspiration from weather majors she encountered in school and combined their energy with elements from movies like Twister and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as her favorite sci-fi classics such as Battlestar Galactica and Star Wars. Through this unique blend of influences, the storm-laden planet of Belethea was born, forming the perfect backdrop for an edge-of-your-seat adventure.
Hayley Chow captivates readers with masterful storytelling, richly imaginative worlds, and authentic characters that leave an unforgettable impression.
How Life Shaped Fiction
Hayley’s life as a USAF veteran, engineer, and ultramarathoner profoundly shaped the high-stakes action and realism in her books. Ezren’s love for STEM and the challenges of being an engineering student closely mirror Hayley’s own academic and professional experiences. Similarly, the incredible determination and endurance required for ultramarathoning found their way into Ezren’s obsession with running.
In the second book of the series, military influence becomes essential, incorporating soldiers and weapon technology inspired by Hayley’s time spent with military personnel as a veteran, reservist, and “Air Force brat.” From team dynamics to sharp military slang, these details add authenticity and depth to her stories’ thrilling action sequences.
Challenges and Triumphs in Writing Sci-Fi
Writing her first science fiction novel presented its own set of challenges for Hayley, who confessed feeling intimidated by the genre’s intellectual demands. Additionally, Into the Churn marked the first time she wrote a story with dual points-of-view. However, her meticulous planning, character-driven focus, and passion for the project allowed her to overcome these fears, producing a novel that flows seamlessly through Ezren and Foster’s perspectives. The richness and depth given to the world through these dual viewpoints became one of Into the Churn’s most defining strengths.
The Romance at the Heart of the Story
Fans of Into the Churn have been spellbound by the compelling connection between Ezren and Foster, a romance that Hayley admits was heavily influenced by her love of Korean dramas (K-dramas). Drawing inspiration from the way K-dramas build relationships over time—through both grand gestures and subtle moments—she developed a heartfelt dynamic in which the characters overcome past difficulties and emerge stronger together. Ezren and Foster’s bond, forged in a high-pressure environment, represents a healthy and enduring relationship that resonates with readers.
Advice for Aspiring Sci-Fi Authors
Passionate about helping other writers find their voice, Hayley offers simple yet powerful advice: write what you love. She acknowledges that many doubted Into the Churn’s mix of romantic sci-fi and murder mystery would find an audience, but its widespread popularity is proof of the value of staying true to yourself. “Readers resonate with passion,” Hayley noted, encouraging aspiring authors to leave their authentic energy visible on every page.
What’s Next for Fans of Hayley Chow?
Readers of Into the Churn have much to look forward to, as the series is far from over. With two sequels already available—Into the Fire and A Churn in the Dark—the series is building toward its epic conclusion. The third book, Into the Abyss, is currently available for preorder and is set to release in March, while a final surprise novella will close the series in September. Hayley teased an “explosive adventure” in Ezren and Foster’s last outing, promising that fans will be thrilled by the final chapters of this incredible journey.
Hayley Chow’s remarkable career is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and individuality. Whether drawing from her own life experiences or exploring the boundless horizons of speculative fiction, her work showcases her immense talent and dedication to storytelling. If you haven’t yet delved into her Into the Churn series, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in a world where science, love, and survival intertwine in the most captivating ways.
