Writing has always been an integral part of Angela Hayes’ life, but she recently took it to a higher level with the release of her first published novel, “Love’s Battle.”

Hayes, 31 of Verbena, spent nearly a year working on “Love’s Battle,” a fictional story about three sisters who have an unusual ability.

“It revolves around a set of triplets that can see true love,” Hayes said. “I really just love a great romance book. I think wanting to see a person struggle through something and come out with a happy ending is something we can all relate to, and I wanted to write a book to show that.”

Hayes described the book as fantasy since it deals with magic, as well as reincarnation and time travel.

“It’s all fiction, but I pulled some stories and names from history to give it the feel of realism,” Hayes said. “You can actually imagine it being something that happens in real life.”

“Love’s Battle” is the first book in a trilogy called “True Blue” Hayes is working to complete over the next couple of years.

The tentative titles of the second and third books in the trilogy are “Faith’s Forever” and “Hope’s Wish.”

Hayes said she hopes to release the second book in the next 12–18 months and the third book in 18–24 months.

Hayes’ publisher is The Wild Rose Press based out of New York, which she found on a website called Preditors and Editors.

“Right now, marketing is all on me,” Hayes said.

Hayes said “Love’s Battle” went live on Amazon on March 27 and as part of Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), her book would be available May 20–24 for free for the Amazon Kindle editions only.

The current Kindle price on Amazon is $4.99, and the print book (available for order on Amazon) is $15.99.

The book is intended for adults ages 18 and older.

Hayes said the book earned a five-star review from Amazon.

“I’ve had a lot of interest in it, and I hope to have more positive feedback as the word spreads,” she said. “With your book, you’re opening yourself up to critics of every level. It’s very daunting, but you just have to take that chance. I welcome any feedback.”

Hayes plans to hold a book signing and release party this summer.

“My overall goal after book three comes out is to start maybe playing with writing a screen play,” she said. “I would love to see [the books] developed into made-for-TV movies. Any book I write, I would love to see it turned into film in some way shape or form.”

Hayes said she is working on several books in the paranormal genre that she hopes to release in the next few years.

“I have one paranormal book that’s complete,” Hayes said. “It has to go through edits again. Book two in that series lacks two chapters from being done, and I have tons of ideas for more.”

Hayes said her love of writing dates back to her childhood.

“I remember writing poems and short stories when I was younger and keeping a journal,” she said. “Then, when I got older, it evolved. I love to read, and I love to read stories of any type. You get an idea in your head and you just have to write it down because it won’t leave you alone until you do.”

Hayes is married with two children and works as a custodian at Verbena High School.

Although balancing her daily responsibilities is challenging sometimes, Hayes said she still manages to find time to write.

“When it’s something you love, you just kind of have to find the time,” she added. “You kind of have to put some things aside to make room for your priorities, but family comes first.”

Hayes said she constantly thinks about potential plots and characters, sometimes stopping what she’s doing to jot down ideas.

“I tend to carry a pen and a piece of paper with me just about everywhere I go,” she said.

Hayes can be reached via her blog at AuthorAngelaHayes.blogspot.com and email at author_angelahayes@yahoo.com.

For more information, visit ManicReaders.com/AngelaHayes or Amazon.com/Author/AngelaHayes.

“I’m so excited,” Hayes said. “I’ve been blessed with the talent, and I would just like to use it to the best of my abilities.”