From LMU to Bestseller: Hayley Dennings’ Rise as YA Author

Hayley Dennings, a graduate of Loyola Marymount University (LMU) with a double major in French and English, has swiftly made her mark on the literary world with her debut YA novel "This Ravenous Fate," which has earned spots on both the Indie Best Sellers list and the New York Times Best Sellers list. The success of her book-a captivating mix of fantasy, historical fiction, and horror-is a testament to her talent and creativity, as well as the solid academic foundation she developed in writing, literature, notable authors, and the history of literary movements, cultures, and traditions during her time at LMU.

As a budding writer and avid reader, Dennings found inspiration in deep conversations with Julia Lee, professor of English, who helped ignite her passion for the Harlem Renaissance and the works of Black women writers. Dennings was fascinated by how these writers turned personal pain into powerful art, and delves into the themes of pain and identity as a means of healing and transcending in her novel. The two protagonists, Elise and Layla, carry deep scars-Elise, the reluctant heir to a reaper-hunting empire, grapples with the weight of family loyalty. At the same time, Layla, a reaper haunted by her transformation from human to reaper and betrayal by Elise, must confront the loss of her family and former self. As they navigate a dangerous world together, their journey becomes one of confronting their intense feelings for one another and uncovering the sinister truths about a growing threat to reapers and humans alike.

"I had the honor of working with Hayley when she was an English Department Knott fellow. She was an exceptional student-a gorgeous writer and a brilliant reader and critic," said Professor Lee. "I am completely unsurprised by her success and can't stop bragging about her."

Dennings credits her time at LMU with helping her build meaningful personal connections. "My professors were incredible lights in my life," she says. "They provided me with resources beyond anything I could have ever imagined." These relationships, along with her studies in French and English, which focused on diversity and inclusion, shaped Dennings' understanding of storytelling, culture, and the importance of representation. She points out that English degrees are often underestimated, but she firmly believes they lay the groundwork for many career paths. "Reading and literacy are essential to nearly every career," she explains, "and applying these skills can help you excel in a variety of jobs."

Dennings has also cultivated a robust online presence as a BookTuber, a platform she started while at LMU, where she shares her love for diverse literature and connects with her growing audience of readers. Today, she lives in Oakland, where she balances her writing career with her work in tech.