Today I’d like to welcome Helena Fairfax to the hot seat.
How did you get into writing?
Like a lot of writers, I got into writing because I love to read. (In fact, I really do think I’m addicted to reading!) A few years ago I went through a patch where every romance novel I picked up felt disappointing in some way. That’s when I hit on the idea of writing my own – and that’s when I found out just how hard it is to write! I made several attempts at finishing my story, but none were successful. Writing a romance was very much harder than reading one. I knew I needed some help, and so I joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme. After much writing and re-writing, that first story was published as The Silk Romance, and when I saw my book in print for the first time it was one of my proudest moments.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d offer someone that says they want to write a book?
Don’t give up on your dream, and keep on writing. You can do it, but you will need to work hard and have confidence in yourself.
Where do you write?
I write sitting on the settee with my laptop, with my dog next to me. She’s me best critic!
My fav photo of the whole 777 contest, obviously!
Are you writing your next book?
I’m writing two books at the moment: a novella for Christmas, and a YA time-slip novel. The first few chapters of my YA novel were shortlisted for the Exeter Novel Prize. I’m in the process of doing a lot of research so that I can finish it off.
What’s your favourite book?
Oh, that’s such a hard question! I love all of Georgette Heyer’s books – she’s my favourite romance author – but if I had to choose just one book over all, I think it would Be Tolstoy’s War and Peace. It has everything you could want in a sweeping and dramatic novel, and parts of it make me cry buckets. The BBC are making a TV series, due out this winter, and I’m really looking forward to it!
What do you do with yourself when you’re not writing?
Every morning I take my dog out for a long walk on the Yorkshire moors near where I live. It’s my favourite part of the day. I’m still writing as I’m walking, though – in my head! 🙂 Besides this I also love to knit, and always have a project on the go. But most of all I love to read, read, read!
My latest release is Palace of Deception: A Romantic Suspense Novella. Here is the blurb:
When Princess Charlotte of Montverrier disappears on the eve of her Investiture, Lizzie Smith takes on the acting job of her life. as her stand-in. But in the run up to the ceremony, all is not what it seems in the Palace of Montverrier. What danger lies outside the palace walls? As Lizzie learns her role, her only confidant is Léon, her quiet bodyguard…but what secrets is he keeping from her? And, most of all, what has happened to the missing Princess?
Mystery and suspense against the backdrop of a beautiful Mediterranean city.
Amazon link Here
My website: http://www.helenafairfax.com
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Jenny O'Brien HQ 