Please give a warm welcome to
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m British and I live in a small town in the South West of England. I have a fabulous hubby, two amazing girls, and a black cat that thinks he’s a panther.
Have you always wanted to become an author?
The short answer is yes. Ever since I can remember I’ve loved books and stories. But it was something that wasn’t encouraged and I honestly never thought I’d be able to call myself an author. I still pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.
What was your inspiration for your current book/series?
The inspiration for my Freedom Series is deeply personal for me. Matty is a girl who has grown up believing she’s bad and less than everyone around her because she’d unable to live by the rules surrounding her. It’s set in a post apocalyptic commune and is based heavily on my experiences growing up in a cult and overcoming cognitive dissonance.( Something that occurs when someone with deeply entrenched, indoctrinated, beliefs is faced with an indisputable truth that is opposite to the belief currently held. It’s a form of denial, but much stronger and causes a lot of distress and anxiety.)
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Liberty, the second book in the Freedom Series (Due February 29th) And I’m also plotting out a new series, The Barmecide Society.
Do you have any quirks while writing?
Not a quirk really, but I prefer to write the first draft long hand in a notebook. And I have to have a certain pen and paper. So yes, a but odd, I guess. lol.
What are your hopes for the future?
That my family will be safe and happy and I that I can continue to write the stories that people like to read.
Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?
Write what you love. Write what you want to read.
Do you have anything to say to your readers?
Thank you so much for taking the plunge and reading my stories. I’d still be dreaming of publishing if it weren’t for you.
Helle Gade 