Renae Hayward was born in Western Australia's Pilbara region, but grew up near the beaches of Perth's northern suburbs. In 2009, Hayward won first place in the Young Adult category of the 'CYA Later Alligator' Writing and Illustrating Competition. In 2011, she was awarded the inaugural Ray Koppe Young Writer s Residency, administered by the Australian Society of Authors. As well as writing, Hayward has worked as Senior Health Promotion Officer for the WA Perinatal Mental Health Unit.