Who is Who
Jackie Haley is an award-winning author, national media guest, and founder of Dream To Author, where she has guided hundreds of writers across seven countries in bringing their books to life. With over twenty years of leadership experience and a passion for empowering new voices, she helps aspiring authors write, publish, and share meaningful stories with confidence and clarity.
The Letter That Changed Everything
Jackie Haley still remembers the moment she heard about the letter from a woman she had never met, a mother facing the final months of her life and leaving behind one last message for the family she adored. That letter eventually became the emotional core of Brenda’s Wish, and unexpectedly, it became the turning point of Jackie’s own personal and professional journey. In that moment, she realized that stories are more than narratives. They hold the power to connect people, to heal, to remind us of love, and to echo experiences we often struggle to express. It was then that Jackie understood her purpose. She was not meant only to write her own stories. She was also meant to help others bring their stories to life.
Foundation: A Communicator in the Making
Before stepping onto national media platforms and developing an international coaching business, Jackie was a college student discovering the true meaning of communication. While earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Iowa State University, she worked in the House of Representatives at the State Capitol. Those early years taught her the foundations of leadership. She observed how people expressed ideas under pressure and how connection often mattered more than persuasion. She learned the importance of listening closely, choosing words intentionally, and navigating conversations that required both clarity and empathy.
After graduation, Jackie built more than two decades of experience in nonprofit and association leadership. She managed legislative issues, facilitated partnerships, created statewide initiatives, and represented organizations at a national level. She became known for her ability to guide diverse groups toward shared goals, even in challenging circumstances. These early leadership roles shaped her understanding of people and gave her the confidence she would later rely on in her writing and coaching career.
Ascent: Becoming an Award-Winning Author
Jackie began her writing career with uncertainty. Her first novel, Crystal Beach, took two years of editing before she felt ready to submit it. When she finally did, she received a publishing contract and an endorsement from The Des Moines Register. It was a moment that affirmed her place in the literary world and encouraged her to continue.
She followed this success with Truce Island, strengthening her presence as a novelist. But everything changed when a family approached her with a deeply emotional story about a mother who left behind a letter to be delivered years after her passing. Jackie poured her heart into writing Brenda’s Wish, her first narrative nonfiction. The book earned national awards, powerful endorsements from organizations such as MercyOne, NOCC, and Colleen’s Dream, and heartfelt praise from readers across the country.
This project transformed Jackie’s understanding of storytelling. It helped her recognize the profound impact stories can have on individuals and communities. It showed her that writing was not only her talent but her calling.
Impact: Dream To Author and the Purpose Behind It
Launching Dream To Author required courage, but Jackie knew the calling was real. She wanted to create a path for aspiring writers who struggled with the same challenges she once faced. Over the years, she has guided hundreds of writers in seven countries and more than fifteen U.S. states. These writers include executives, entrepreneurs, speakers, and public leaders. Many began with uncertainty, but with Jackie’s guidance, they found clarity and the confidence to bring their books to life.
Jackie’s coaching philosophy reflects her belief that communication is central to every successful relationship. As she explains, “In this business, as in most others, it’s about the people. Becoming helpful is a key to a great working relationship and being open to listening and communicating effectively.”
Her clients consistently speak about the impact of her approach. One writer shared, “There is absolutely no way I would have ever gotten this far without her. Every time I hit a bump in the road, she knew exactly what to do to keep me going.”
This kind of feedback affirms her mission and reminds her that every story deserves a champion.
Perseverance and Leadership in Practice
Jackie acknowledges that success is built through persistence. Early in her career, she struggled to secure media interviews. When her pitches went unanswered, she refined her message and refocused her approach. As she learned more about the industry, she realized that meaningful opportunities grow from offering genuine value. She often shares this lesson with others, explaining that “It’s not what the media can do for you. It’s what you can do for them.”
With this mindset, interview requests began to come in. Jackie eventually appeared in more than twenty network television interviews, sharing her expertise and her story with national audiences.
Her philosophy on perseverance extends to her coaching as well. She believes that writers and leaders thrive when they seek guidance from trusted mentors and remain open to learning. For Jackie, perseverance is not simply a tactic for achieving success. It is a way of approaching growth, embracing challenges, and moving forward even during uncertain moments.
Reflections From Her Journey
Throughout her career, Jackie has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining motivation and nurturing creative momentum. She often encourages writers to protect their ideas and continue working even when the journey feels slow. She believes deeply in the power of mindset and shares with her audience that staying focused and confident can determine the outcome of a writing project. Her posts reflect her belief that writers should build supportive communities and remain open to new perspectives. She blends inspiration with practical guidance, grounding her advice in her own experiences. In her view, stories flourish when writers commit to the process with patience and courage.
Vision for the Future
Jackie’s vision focuses on helping people build legacies. She believes that everyone has a story with the potential to inspire, teach, or comfort others. Through Dream To Author, she continues to expand her programs to support writers at every stage of their journey. Her offerings include personalized coaching, editing support, publishing guidance, and comprehensive book launch strategies. Her Author Creation Project provides a complete path from concept to publication and reflects her commitment to making writing and publishing accessible to all.
Her work is guided by a quote that has become central to her philosophy. As she often says, echoing the words of Abraham Lincoln, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” She believes writers shape their futures each time they choose to share their stories with the world.
Conclusion
Jackie Haley’s journey from young communicator to award-winning author and international book coach illustrates the power of resilience, empathy, and purpose. Her leadership is rooted in experience, authenticity, and a genuine desire to help people thrive. Through Dream To Author, she has created a place where stories are honored and where writers gain the courage to speak their truth.
Her message to readers and aspiring authors remains constant. Your story matters. Your voice carries meaning. You have the power to inspire, to teach, and to create connection. The only question is whether you are ready to place your story on the page.
Dream To Author stands ready to guide you every step of the way.
