I'm delighted to tell you that my Cold War spy story, The Red King of Helsinki is finally out in paperback! This novel, which I wrote right after I'd finished my MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, is a story of a rookie spy, a young gymnast, and a violent KGB officer. I know this is a … [Read more...]
The Nordic Heart Romance Series Out in Paperback
The new paperback copies of the Nordic Heart Romance series of books are finally here! Customer reviews I'm delighted with the wonderful reviews I've had for the series. Romance for the thinking woman. – Valisa Iskandar, Fixi London Publishing A terribly moving love story. I … [Read more...]
Helena’s Best Reads: The Heart Echoes
This month's Best Read is The Heart Echoes by Helena von Zweigberk. This warm, sometimes chilling and ultimately tragic story of three sisters and long ago buried secrets by the Swedish novelist, journalist, and TV presenter, is brilliantly translated by Tiina Nunnally. An Intriguing Start The … [Read more...]
Does writing a book ever get easier?
I've written a total of nine books, seven of them full-length novels. So is it easier to write a book when you've already published a few? Practice Makes Perfect ... Naturally, if you've written one novel, it's easier to write another one. Well, in theory, it is. For me, it took three novels … [Read more...]
Helena’s Best Reads: After the Last Dance by Sarra Manning
This month I want to introduce you to a writer who is new to me: Sarra Manning. A journalist and an author, Sarra has written a huge number of young adult books but turned to adult fiction in 2009. I found her book, After the Last Dance, through a review in Grazia magazine, a section of this women's … [Read more...]
How a film inspired The Nordic Heart Romance series
Have you ever wondered what inspires authors to write their stories? I find this a fascinating subject, especially as no one author, or story, is the same in this respect. My books are inspired by several things: memories, places I visit, other novels or just something I've overheard. I often also … [Read more...]
Faslane Naval Base Peace Protests and The Nordic Heart
It's interesting to see that the peace protests are going ahead outside the Faslane Naval Base again. According to Helensburgh Advertiser, the local Scottish newspaper, talks are being held in advance of a temporary protest camp near Coulport where the warheads for the Trident nuclear submarines are … [Read more...]
Advice for New Authors: Five sure-fire ways to find your book’s genre
You’ve finally written your book and now people keep asking you what genre your book falls into. But the last thing you want to do is to pop your valued, unique work into a box, so you say, ‘It doesn’t really fit into any genre.’ Wrong, I'm afraid. On Amazon Kindle store there are thousands of … [Read more...]
Do You Read Erotic Fiction?
If you like romance, you may also like reading erotic fiction There was a time not so long ago, when erotic fiction in the UK was confined to shady Soho establishments, and even the fabulously stylish The Erotic Review (now sadly no longer available in print form) was posted in … [Read more...]
Are You in the Mood for Love?
I have some great news! A huge giveaway is happening right now where you can download over 70 free titles in a new romance promotion called In the Mood for Love. This Instafreebie giveaway runs from May 15 - 30, perfect for downloading all the books you need for your next holiday. With more than 70 … [Read more...]
