Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+

An anniversary!

August 4, 2016 by Helena Halme Leave a Comment

Today is exactly 4 years since my first novel, The Englishman, was published. I remember that day pretty well – I’d pressed the ‘publish now’ button the night before and in the morning as I woke, I saw from Amazon that the book was available to buy. What a feeling that was! To celebrate, the Englishman and I went for breakfast in a local cafe in Crouch End. Here is a picture of me on that day – complete with dark circles around my eyes from several late nights battling with the formatting of the novel.

376327_10151326522609848_1106141536_n

Now, four years and another 4 books later, as I think back to the first heady days after publication, when the book sales exceeded all my expectations, I wish I’d had more belief in myself and made the decision to become full-time author/entrepreneur sooner. But, looking back with regret is a mug’s game, so instead, I am proud of myself for having achieved what I have to date. I am now an Indie Author through and through, and as well as having a novel, The Good Officer, about to come out (you can preorder it here  😉 ), in the last twelve months I’ve published two books, The Finnish Girl and The Navy Wife. That’s pretty good for me since all the other novels took a whole two years to write!

On top of that I now act as a mentor for several wonderful, ambitious and talented people, something which I enjoy more than  I could ever have imagined. I’m also Nordic Ambassador and Publications Editor for the Alliance of Independent Authors, an organisation without which I couldn’t have done any of this indie author lark. As aside, my auto-spell frequently corrects it to ‘Alliance of Indecent Authors’ which I think could be a catchier name?

But in all seriousness, if you are an aspiring author, or already published, do check ALLi out. As well as a lively and supportive Facebook group, there is a plethora of invaluable advice on the blog, and as a member you get discounts from companies such as the publishing platform and printing service, Ingramspark, to name but one! There is also a list of approved suppliers, and monthly ‘Ask ALLi’ Q&A sessions online. Click on the banner below for more info!

Alliance of Independent Authors /

But back to my anniversary. You may find some, not so indecent (I hope), but celebratory pictures of me on Instagram later today, because I can feel a glass or two of Prosecco coming on … (somebody alert the Englishman).

Want to be the first to find out about my book offers and new releases?

Click here to join my mailing list.

You may also like:

Indie Author Fringe at the London Book Fair How to Attend Indie Author Fringe Advice for New Writers Part 6: Traditional or Self-publish? Default ThumbnailMoomins on the Riviera – a new feature film

Tagged With: advice for new writers, Alliance of Independent Authors, Books, indie author, mentoring, The Finnish Girl, writing

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

So far in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, Arizona) we’ve So far in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, Arizona) we’ve eaten excellent food, adjusted to the Arizona time zone and seen some awful weather and pretty palm trees. 
⛈️☔️🥗🍓🌴
This morning we’re getting down to some work (again) before trying out the gym. Or possibly an outlet mall. Tonight the conference starts with an international dinner.
💻🌵✍🏻🛍️🤑
#mcaa #conference #ustravel #phoenix #arizona #sunnyweather #shopping #writerslife #conferencewife
What a lovely surprise! THE ISLAND AFFAIR is #no1 What a lovely surprise! THE ISLAND AFFAIR is #no1 on Amazon! 
The novel, first book in the Love on the Island series is now free to download from your favorite store. 😉📚🚢💰
Lovely #mothersday lunch @humblegrape ❤️ Lovely #mothersday lunch @humblegrape ❤️
Throwback to 16 years ago. How time flies! 😲 Throwback to 16 years ago. How time flies! 😲
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in