Haley Oakley, a 13-year-old Westerly middle schooler, has achieved a remarkable feat by self-publishing her debut 119-page supernatural fantasy book, 'Blizzards in April'. This achievement is all the more impressive given her young age and the fact that she has already started working on the second installment in what she hopes will become a series. Her journey to becoming a published author began in December 2025 when she started writing her first book, which she finished four months later in April. Her passion for writing and storytelling has been evident since she was very young, with her mother, Julie Oakley, recalling that she has always wanted to be an author and publish books. This determination and dedication are what make her achievement even more commendable. The story of 'Blizzards in April' revolves around an ordinary 13-year-old girl named Evie Emerson who wakes up one morning with supernatural abilities, specifically ice powers, and sets out to become a superhero. When a mysterious villain shows up, Evie needs to figure out how to defeat him and keep her secret safe. The plot is engaging and captivating, with Haley explaining that she got the idea from the movie 'Frozen' and the Marvel Spider-Man movies. Some of the characters in the book were inspired by people in Haley's own life, especially the character Flint, who shares a lot of similarities with her teenage brother. The book's success is not just a testament to Haley's writing skills but also to her editor, Linda Alicchio, who played a crucial role in refining the manuscript. Alicchio, a retired teacher, has been a mentor to Haley for years, and her feedback and support were instrumental in shaping the book. The publishing process was also a collaborative effort between Haley and her mother, Julie Oakley, who decided to self-publish the book to avoid potential rejections from traditional publishers. They chose Amazon as their platform of choice due to its ease of use and quick turnaround time. The book went live on Amazon on June 16 and is currently available as both a paperback and an e-book. So far, Haley has sold 40 copies and made a total of $70, largely with the help of her grandmother and family. Her grandmother, Laura Oakley, designed the book's cover and has helped spread the word about her granddaughter's accomplishment. Haley's achievement has also inspired her friends who like to write, and they have shown their support by buying copies of the book and attending book signings. Haley's passion for writing and storytelling is not just a hobby but a way for her to express herself creatively. She enjoys the process of coming up with stories and believes that writing is the easiest way to do so, given her lack of drawing skills. After finishing her debut novel, Haley almost immediately started working on another one. She's hoping the second book will be done by the end of the year and thinks three or four books will complete the 'Blizzards in April' series. Her goal is to inspire people and show them that anything is possible. Haley's achievement is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the support of mentors and family. It serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, showing that with hard work and passion, even the most ambitious dreams can be realized.
