Dreams to Print: UCC Arts graduate Hayley-Jenifer Brennan publishes debut novel

18 Mar 2025

• Hayley-Jenifer Brennan, a graduate of UCC’s MA in Creative Writing and BA in English and Psychology, has achieved her dream of becoming a published author with the release of her debut novel, Kingdom of the Moon: The Stroke of Midnight.
• Originally intending to pursue a teaching career, Hayley-Jenifer discovered her passion for fiction writing during her undergraduate studies.
• In UCC's Alumni Series, Hayley-Jenifer shares insights into her writing process, advice for aspiring authors, and what’s next.

For many aspiring writers, the dream of publishing a novel often feels like a distant goal. For Hayley-Jenifer Brennan, a graduate of the Masters in Creative Writing and the Bachelor of Arts - English and Psychology at University College Cork, that dream has become a reality. With the release of her debut novel, Kingdom of the Moon: The Stroke of Midnight, Hayley-Jenifer demonstrates how creative ambition, combined with the right support and learning environment, can help writers bring their stories to life.

Hayley-Jenifer’s journey into writing began during her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts - English and Psychology at UCC. Initially planning to pursue a teaching career, she found herself drawn to fiction writing while working on her novel in 2018. An application to the MA in Creative Writing programme changed the course of her career, and she credits the faculty and her fellow students for refining her craft and shaping her path as an author.

Now, with her first book published and a sequel in the works, Hayley-Jenifer reflects on her experiences so far, the inspiration behind Kingdom of the Moon, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

In this Q&A, Hayley-Jenifer shares insights into her writing process, advice for aspiring authors, and what’s next.

What inspired you to pursue an MA in Creative Writing at UCC after completing your undergraduate studies in English and Psychology?

I started writing my novel Kingdom of the Moon in 2018 and was originally planning on doing a PME to continue on with teaching. However, once I started writing Kingdom, my love for all things fiction helped remind me of how happy I could be when I was doing something I truly loved. So, I decided to chance my arm at a late application for the MA in Creative Writing. Luckily, Dr. Walshe remembered me from the BA and processed the application, despite its lateness. He was always so supportive and helpful. I miss him greatly.

How did the MA programme help refine support you in becoming a published author?

When people say, “it takes a village,” they are not joking. Not only did I grow as a writer and editor and learn how to hone my craft from the teachings of UCC’s wonderful MA:CW staff, but I also received incredible feedback and support from my fellow students. We still have a group chat to this day and help each other whenever we can.

When I heard that Kingdom was going to be published, I immediately messaged my friends from MA:CW and also my tutors. Having such a close relationship with people whose knowledge is so invaluable is truly such a gift. The tutors— even the ones who have retired or were only there for a short time—still make time to help and support their students, which I think is an incredible thing. We were so lucky to have teachers who were so invested in their students and who still lift us up every chance they get. I really couldn’t have done it without them. They helped me take this story from a scribbled idea in a notebook to the manuscript that I submitted to my publisher. Each and every person who made that possible has left their mark on this novel, and I will be forever grateful.

Can you tell us about your novel?

Kingdom of the Moon: The Stroke of Midnight is the first in a duology. It is an “adult” fairytale set on the fictional island of Aoibhneas. While there are some romantic aspects, I really wanted to focus on sibling relationships and friendships in this story. It’s a cozy fantasy with adventure, mystery, and a little bit of darkness.

What inspired the story?

I was always into writing fairytales, and one of the characters that appears in this novel actually originated in a short story I wrote when I was eight! However, this particular story came about when I was in Korea. I was going through a tough time and used this story as a means of escape. I’m very blessed that my friends all listened to me as I talked about the place, the characters, the story, etc. They helped me make it feel real.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers considering the MA in Creative Writing at UCC or working on their first book?

If you’re considering the MA:CW at UCC, absolutely do it! It’s the most fun I’ve ever had as a writer, reader, and editor, and I learned so much. Genuinely, if I could do it again, I would! (A friend reliably informed me that this is what’s called “doing your PhD” – haha!)

If you are working on your first book, the best advice I was ever given was by a visiting tutor on the MA:CW course. Author Christina Collins told us: “You can’t edit a blank page,” and this has gotten me through every draft ever since. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist. You can fix it later.

Also, don’t use AI. You are better than that. And an editor or teacher always knows. (We always know…) It won’t gain you any favour.

Are there particular habits or experiences from your studies that helped you bring your novel to life?

One thing we used to do in class was type up or write out a random piece in 15 minutes—no editing allowed. Just get it all out on the page. Then print it/separate it from your notebook, rewrite it with edits, swap it with a friend, and take their notes into consideration. Then rewrite it one more time. Then DON’T LOOK AT IT EVER AGAIN! (Okay, maybe not forever—but at least for a while.) For a complete manuscript, I recommend putting it away for six months before revisiting it with fresh eyes.

Another fun exercise we did with Mary Morrissy (I hope she won’t mind me sharing!) was to take a place, like an abandoned house, and come up with as many descriptive words as possible for it. Then, place your favorite character there and see what happens. These exercises helped me shape Kingdom and continue to influence my writing today.

What are your hopes for the future as a writer?

I take things one step at a time. I started with short fiction, then poetry, then a novel. I’m currently working on my first webtoon/web novel, which will hopefully be available online this year (2025). I’d also like to try my hand at writing a script next!

How can we expect to see the Kingdom of the Moon series develop?

Right now, we are working on the sequel (I can’t share the name just yet—don’t want to get in trouble! Haha!). There’s also a potential spin-off novel in the works. If you’ve read the story and like the characters, keep an eye on socials for the official character artwork reveals coming soon!

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We look forward to seeing where Hayley-Jenifer's writing journey takes her next!

Learn more about the MA in Creative Writing and the Bachelor of Arts at University College Cork.