Helena Halme's Blog, page 15
June 8, 2017
Advice for New Writers Part 9: When to Start Editing?
When should you start editing your work? This can be a tricky decision. Do you wait until you’ve reached a certain amount of words? Or when there’s an ‘r’ in the month or a full moon? Perhaps you’ve got into the habit of editing as you go along?
Editing while you write
I used to edit while I wrote until I realized that most of my writing time was taken up by editing. I ended up spending more time reading old words than producing new ones. Of course, for some authors, this works out perfectly, but for me, it meant that one novel took 2 years to write, as opposed to the 6-12 months that my books take now.
So I changed my writing strategy and decided to read a maximum of 300 words of the previous text before I began adding more words. Using Scrivener software was a revolution to me in this aspect. This piece of software makes it so much easier to see where you are in your manuscript, what the plot is, who your characters are and how it all fits together. You even have all your research on a folder easily accessible on your navigation panel. (If you’d like to purchase this software, I am an affiliate so if you’d like to support my blogging efforts, click on the logo to buy.)
So when is a good time to start the first edit?
When your manuscript has reached the desired word count
One way to decide when to start editing is when your manuscript has reached a certain milestone. You could use the traditional word counts. Roughly these are (these definitions vary depending on genre and subject matter):
Short story 1,000 – 8,000 words
Novella 20,000 – 40,000 words
Novel 50,000 – 100,000 words
Nonfiction anything from 10,000 words upwards
Or you could use your own word count, half-way down the manuscript, or what ever. You also don’t have to follow the word counts above – in this age of indie authorship, anything goes! One of the wonderful aspects of being an author/entrepreneur is that you can decide how long your book is going to be according to what feels right, or more importantly, what your readers want.
When the plot has reached a certain point
Often when a manuscript has reached a pinnacle, or the story seems stuck, it’s a good idea to step away from the writing and edit what you’ve done so far. You might wish to see if it all makes sense and if the plot and characters are how you imaged them.
Personally, I try very hard to resist the urge to go back and read the whole manuscript when I’m stuck in the middle of it. I do research or just go for a walk instead. Now on my on my seventh title, I am quite disciplined in how I deal with the lack of inspiration.
Having said all of that, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take a day or two out to see where you are with the text if nothing else works. Just a word of warning: don’t use this tactic as an excuse not to carry on writing. Mid-project editing can become a habit which soon takes over and you end up editing more than writing.
You’ve spent time away from the manuscript
Yeah, I know, life happens! Children are born, cats die, you start a new job, husbands have mid-life crises … I cannot tell you how many times I’ve left a manuscript for so long I can hardly remember what the story was about. In this situation, the best way, for me at least, is to print the whole thing out and read it through. While you’re at it, you might as well get the first edit out of the way, right? More times than not, I’ve been positively surprised by the work I’d done so far and have been spurred on to finish the novel. I do still have 2 or 3 half-finished manuscripts in my virtual desk drawer, so it doesn’t aways work. 
May 30, 2017
Nordic Film Wins at Cannes and Other News
The Square Wins at Cannes 2017
The Square, a film described as a social satire set in the art world, and directed by Ruben Östlund, whose previous film, Force Majeure was critically acclaimed as an ‘icily disturbing family drama set in the French Alps’, has won this year’s Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival!
The latest release by the Swedish filmmaker tells the story of a stylish Stockholm art museum, which has to deal with the fallout from a controversial viral video to promote an exhibit called ‘The Square’. The film stars Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss (of Mad Men fame), Dominic West (from The Wire, The Affair and more) and Terry Notary, and has had very good reviews after its premiere on the first Saturday at Cannes (20 May 2017). The Telegraph commented on its “Slow burn” with “A culminative force that can’t be resisted”, and The Guardian wrote that the film “Sets out to make your jaw drop. And it succeeds.” Both reviews gave The Square four out of five stars.
Below a preview of this, by all accounts, exceptional film. I cannot wait to see The Square in the cinema.
Sporting Drama Borg/McEnroe teaser released
Previously tipped to appear at Cannes, the sporting drama Borg/McEnroe failed to make it in time for the festival. The film is about one of the world’s greatest icons, Björn Borg, and his biggest rival, the young and talented John McEnroe and their legendary duel during the 1980’s Wimbledon tournament. It’s about two men that became legends and the price they had to pay. A teaser has now been released (see below), which certainly whetted my appetite. I remember vividly watching this match and in the end not being able to decide which one of the two great tennis players I wanted to win. I cannot wait to see this picture when it’s eventually in the cinemas.
The Bridge Fourth Season
In Nordic TV news, Sofia Helin has spoken to Swedish media about the fourth and final season of The Bridge. Helin says that she’ll miss the character once the show is over.
‘I’ll miss Saga, but I can not think about it,’ Helin says.
The fourth season, the details of which have been kept secret, sees Saga continue to work alongside the Danish police colleague Henry, played by Thure Lindhardt.
‘Their relationship developed and they are going through a tough time together.’
The last season of The Bridge is about to conclude shooting and will premiere on SVT (Swedish TV) on New Year’s Day. It has already been sold to 180 countries, though no other release dates have been announced.
New Moomins and the Winter Wonderland Film
Swedish actress and Academy Award-winner Alicia Vikander is set to voice two Moomins in the upcoming Moomins motion picture titled Moomins and the Winter Wonderland.
Vikander will voice Little My and Sorry-oo, and Stellan Skarsgård will voice Moominpappa. He’s also the Executive Producer.
Moomins are cartoon characters, created by Finnish writer Tove Jansson, which became popular all around the world after first published by The Standard, the London evening paper. The iconic fairy tale characters — a carefree family of white, roundish creatures that resemble lovable hippopotamuses — are part of children’s culture around the world, thanks to translations of the original books and comic strips, along with television and film adaptations, and even a theme park called Moomin World in Naantali, Finland.
Moomins and the Winter Wonderland will also be the first Moomins film to screen in Chinese cinemas.
Do you watch Nordic film and TV? What do you think of the films at Cannes this year? Comment below and get the conversation going.
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May 24, 2017
Do You Read European Fiction?
[image error][image error]I thought European translated fiction was having a bit of a moment. With the success of Elena Ferrante’s series of Neapolitan Novels, I was certain the English-speaking world was, at last, waking up to the beauty and brilliance of fiction from Europe. But at least in the UK, this is definitely not the case. Especially with Brexit looming, there is a danger that we will have even fewer books translated from their original language into English. Or is this fear without foundation?
What is the future of European Fiction in a post-Brexit context?
The future of European fiction from British viewpoint was discussed at the first event of the 2017 European Writers’ Tour at The British Library a couple of weeks ago. The wonderful evening of intellectual, bookish talk began with an impassioned keynote speech on the effects of Brexit on literature in the UK given by award-winning author A L Kennedy.
Citizen of Nowhere
Kennedy began her talk commenting on Prime Minister May’s assertion during a speech at the Conservative Party Conference in October 2016:
‘If you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere’
Kennedy noted that she is a proud ‘Citizen of Nowhere’, an expression she believes the Prime Minister used as a reference to the poor, the sick, the old, the refugees, the immigrants, the non-white, the non-Christian and the non-compliant.
Kennedy also said that a hard Brexit would certainly affect the availability of European fiction, and reduce cultural exchanges between Britain and Continental Europe. It is dangerous to reject the cultural connection to Europe, she said and noted that to think that the UK is purely British is nonsense. European fiction and authors have influenced British literature from Shakespeare to Dickens; she said that even the origins of our fonts are ‘foreign’.
A cultural exchange of words between nations can only promote thinking and literature, and democracy. Democracy in the UK, often considered impregnable, shouldn’t be taken for granted, either, Kennedy said, highlighting the case of British poet Talha Ahsan who was detained in the UK in 2006 for over six years without trial and extradited to the United States.
Fear for the Future of Translated Fiction
Saying she feared for the future of European translated fiction in a post-Brexit Britain, which already accounts for only 3% of the traditionally published books, Kennedy also passionately argued that writers have a responsibility ‘to resist’ racism and extremism, and to speak on behalf of all ‘Citizens of Nowhere’. She added that after Brexit, British writers will rely heavily on Europe for moral and intellectual support.
Although at times utterly depressing, I did find some hope in A L Kennedy’s words
I understand and share the author’s fears about the future with a hard Brexit looming, as well as her disappointment in her fellow Brits. This is a feeling I know well from the Englishman who often apologises to non-Brits living here, even if he did everything he could to drum up support for the ‘In’ vote, and tried to explain how disastrous for Britain leaving the EU would be. But I also think that the Brexit vote has made Brits who are international and outward looking – fellow Citizens of Nowhere – sit up and take notice. I believe the shock of the vote will make Brits who read widely support translated fiction even more by reading International works.
I hope it has also made people understand the dangers of an unequal society, of racism, jingoism, and an inward-looking attitude, and made voters realise that referenda and elections matter. I hope people can now see that our democracy cannot be taken for granted, and the only way to preserve it, is to use your vote if you are lucky enough to have one.
Fight Against Poverty Important
During a panel discussion after Kennedy’s talk, Francesca Melandri, award-winning Italian screenwriter and author, noted that it is fear of the unknown that fuels rejection of different cultures and people from different countries. She also added that the inequalities between the bottom and top of the income ladders are far greater than those across physical borders.
I felt the comment on the fear of the unknown was particularly true. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard Brits tell me ‘I don’t mean you, dear,’ when talking about ‘the foreigners’ coming into their country. Foreigners are OK as long as they’re known to us (them).
There’s No ‘Them and Us’
When, during a brief Q&A session at the end of the evening, a member of the audience asked how we should make ‘them’ – the 51.9% who voted to leave the European Union – understand what Brexit means to Britain culturally, Kennedy said simply, ‘Use everything you have at your disposal, be devious if you have to.’
The Italian author Francesca Melandri very wisely added, ‘Thinking that there is a “them and us” is a mistake.’ She felt we should try to come together to understand and help each other, which I thought was a noble idea. But how to do it without losing your head? Being devious, I guess.
I also consider myself a European author, even though I write in English and live in London. My influences come largely from Europe, I grew up in Northern Europe and I have my roots firmly set in an international and outward-looking Britain. I hope that together with a continued love towards and co-operation with Europe, Britain will still read European fiction and European writers can continue to influence and help us fight inequality and racism. I know this may be a wholly optimistic attitude.
The two European books featured during the evening were:
[image error] Eva Sleeps by Francesca Melandri
[image error] Bricks and Mortar by Clemens Meyer
Eva Sleeps, a best-seller in Italy, written by Francesca Melandri and translated by Katherine Gregor, deals with the rejection of other cultures and is set in the border regions of Northern Italy and Austria. It’s a story of family, conflict, forgiveness, borders and history. As the blurb on the jacket says, ‘Eva Sleeeps is a story that will delight fans of Elena Ferrante and readers of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres ‘
Bricks and Mortar by German author Clemens Meyer is winner of English Pen Award and is translated by Katy Derbyshire. The novel is about the sex trade in the former GDR, where the Berlin Wall takes on a role in itself, as does the Neo-liberal Germany’s seedy underworld.
Both are available at Amazon, just click the images.
The European Writers’ Tour continues at the Hay Festival Friday 2nd June. More details can be found here.
Do you read translated fiction? And if so, do you fear for the future of cultural exchange between Europe and Britain after a hard Brexit?[image error]
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May 17, 2017
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 authors participating, you’re sure to discover new authors in the romance genres you love!
The free stories include steamy tales of love, clean and wholesome romance novels, and more explicit erotic romances. In the Mood for Love promotion books are all available to download for free until 30th May. So take your pick and get some free books! Just tap on the image above or go here.
The Englishman Ebook is one of the titles on offer in this exclusive promotion
She’s a student from Finland. He’s a dashing British Navy Officer. Can their love go the distance?
When Kaisa is invited to the British Embassy cocktail party in Helsinki to celebrate a Royal Navy visit to Finland, she’s not looking for romance. After all, her future has been carefully planned: she’s to complete her degree, start her brilliant career, marry her respectable, well-to-do Finnish fiancé Matti, and live happily ever after.
Enter dashing Peter, a newly qualified Royal Navy Officer. Dedicated to his career, Peter has no plans to settle down. Ever. But he’s infatuated with the beautiful Kaisa. Ignoring his Captain’s warnings about Soviet honeytraps, Peter arranges a secret rendezvous with the Finnish girl.
As the young lovers steal passionate kisses in the chilly Helsinki night, Kaisa falls head over heels in love with the handsome Englishman. Peter too knows that he’s never felt like this before. But their time together is short, and in the 1980s, their love has to survive on passionate letters and infrequent long-distance telephone calls. But Kaisa’s jealous ex-fiancé doesn’t want to let go, and her old-fashioned father hates foreigners. Can Kaisa trust the gregarious Englishman? Wouldn’t she be better off concentrating on her future career in Finland, or even going back to her fiancé? While Kaisa struggles to keep up faith in the relationship, a war breaks out in the faraway Falkland Islands …
The Englishman is the first novel in a series of Finnish and British contemporary Navy fiction books.
If you liked An Officer and a Gentleman, or enjoy Nordic fiction, you’ll love this stylish love story by the Finnish author Helena Halme!
Don’t miss this great offer and browse the 70+ FREE romance titles now!
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May 9, 2017
How to Find Free Ebooks
And no, I’m not only talking about Amazon. These are Ebook discovery sites, where authors and publishers offer Ebooks at a huge discount, or even free for a limited time. Some offer specific genres, but most are excellent sites to discover new authors in any genre. These sites work on the basis of a mailing list – as a reader, in exchange for the bargains and freebies, you need to sign up to the service. Often you are asked at the onset, what type of books you prefer, but if you are an avid reader of all types of books, you can either leave these choices blank or tick all of them!
Here are five of the best Ebook discovery sites:
BookBub
The largest one of these Ebook discovery sites is BookBub. This site is very picky about the books they feature: the titles need to have a certain number of verified reviews, they need to have good sales figures and fit into their current listings. The offers are seriously good though: in last week’s offering, for example, I picked up The English Girl, a novel by A Sunday Times bestselling author, Katherina Webb for £0.99 (normal price £3.99), and Northern Lights by Philip Pullman, the first book of the bestselling His Dark Materials series also for £0.99 (usual price £4.99).
Freebooksy or BargainBooksy
Freebooksy and Bargain Booksy are sister sites. Freebooksy promotes permanently and temporarily free Ebooks, while Bargain Booksy promotes discounted titles. There are Deal of the Day features and similar promotions. Bargain Booksy’s nonfiction categories are great values, particularly the Cooking, Travel, General Nonfiction, and Self Help categories.
Booksends
Booksends operate their own discovery service, but they also feature deals together with EreaderIQ (another Ebook discovery site). At the £0.99 price point, Children’s Books, Teen/YA, and Mysteries/Thrillers are BookSends’ best value genres.
The Fussy Librarian
Fussy Librarian launched in 2013 with the promise of recommendations tailored to the individual reader. Subscribers can choose from 11 nonfiction and 29 fiction categories; specify their preferred language (English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, German, French, Japanese, Russian, or Italian); and can filter books by their level of profanity, violence, and sexual content. I love the name of this service and have featured my books there. Their best categories are: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Mystery. The Fussy Librarian also features unique categories such as Suspense, Mystery – Female Sleuths, Mystery – British Detectives.
InstaFreebie
The new kid on the block is InstaFreebie. Their offering is slightly different in that all books are free, but in order to get the offer, you are required to sign up to the author’s mailing list. They cover most genres and you can find excellent quality books here for free. Look out for group giveaways where authors writing in a similar genre offer free books to Insatfreebie readers.
I have two titles on an InstaFreebie offer at the moment, The Finnish Girl and The Englishman.
I hope you will find excellent bargains on these sites. If you’re an avid reader, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for offers on all of these online book discovery sites – you never know, you might find your next favourite book for free!
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May 4, 2017
The Englishman Limited First Edition
The first edition of The Englishman is very special to me because it was the first ever book I published. This novel, which came out in paperback in 2013, has had more covers than an Elvis song, so you can imagine that looking back at the first ever paperback copy makes me quite dewy-eyed.
The novel itself was born (by popular demand) from a series of blog posts where I’d poured my heart out and told my personal story of how I’d met and fallen head over heels in love with my Englishman. 
The cover image also features my Englishman in his tropical uniform in a photo which I’ve always adored. I was adamant I’d use it for the cover but had to sweet talk the Englishman into it. (The compromise was not showing his face on the cover).
The current cover has roses on it, so you can see the first version was quite different.
The first edition of The Englishman is now out of circulation and will not be printed anymore, but I will always keep at least one copy of this book on my shelf.
However, even though I buy most of my books for my Kindle, our home is becoming more and more cluttered with my own and other books, so I’ve decided I will let go of a limited number of copies of The Englishman first edition books from my library.
GoodReads Giveaway
To celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversaries (if you’ve read The Englishman you know why I’m using the plural form here), I will be entering one signed first edition copy into a GoodReads Giveaway. To coincide with the period between our two weddings, this giveaway will be running from 5th May to 2nd June 2017. So you see, this one is a hugely personal giveaway! Please enter below to be in for a chance to win a copy.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Englishman
by Helena Halme
Giveaway ends June 02, 2017.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Buy The Englishman First Edition Book now
If you’re impatient (like me) and would like to have a copy of the limited first edition of The Englishman now (this version is not available to buy anywhere else and is not being printed anymore), you can buy a copy from me directly. All you need to do is to fill in a Google Form here (or tap the box below) or comment on this post.
These paperback copies cost just £9.99 ($12.99/€12.99) plus postage & packing which in the UK will be £2.50. I will send you a PayPal invoice when you’ve filled in the form. When I have received payment, I will send the books to you by 1st class post. Don’t forget to tell me if you’d like the book signed and/or dedicated to someone special. I have been told that The Englishman makes the perfect gift.
I have just a few books left to sell, so if you’d like a copy, please hurry!
Happy reading!
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April 26, 2017
Love Nordic Noir? Now Try Nordic Comedy
Did you know that there are some excellent Nordic comedy series out on TV now? Although Nordic comedy is often more than tinged with drama, these series are still hugely funny and very watchable. Here are a few of my favourite comedy/dramas that have come out of the Nordic countries recently.
Dag
Dag is proof that as well as great drama, the Nordics do a great award winning comedy too. The series features the hapless Dag, a marriage counsellor, who is not a ‘people person’ and who thinks people should live in solitude. The acclaimed 10-part series has been popular to Norwegian audiences and critics alike. The show has become a regular winner at the Golden Screen Awards in Norway, with both Anders Baasmo Christiansen and Tuva Novotny taking home Best Actor and Best Actress awards in 2011 and 2012, as well as the show garnering Best Script in 2013. The series aired on Sky Arts a couple of years ago.
Rita
Rita, a Danish TV Series about a chain-smoking, rebellious middle-school teacher, has been a huge success worldwide. I love how independent Rita is, and how she tries to teach her grown-up children the importance of being true to yourself while struggling to know what she herself wants out of life. Be prepared for a lot of smoking, politically incorrect behaviour, many unsuitable boyfriends as well as much heartfelt drama and comedy about the Danish society.
Rita was so popular that it gave birth to a mini-series spin-off with Hjørdis, the young teacher, and Rita’s protege. Hjørdis plans a school play on bullying, featuring a cast of socially awkward students. I wasn’t too impressed with the new series, but perhaps I’d just had enough of the humorous reflections on the liberal Danish school.
Lilyhammer
Another Nordic comedy drama is Lilyhammer, a comic tale of a New York mobster who goes into hiding in rural Lillehammer in Norway after testifying against his former associates. It stars Steven Van Zandt and successfully combines a dark mafia story with comic small town Nordic characters. If you haven’t watched this tragi/comedy, do find it online and watch it now!
The Sunny Side
I also love The Sunny Side, a Swedish comedy about two couples who live in a well-heeled area of Stockholm archipelago (think Desperate Housewives meets Girl with a Dragon Tattoo). This series, which shows that the Swedes can laugh at themselves, is soon to be turned into a feature film. Read more about this comedy series in one my previous posts here.
The Legacy
The latest series of The Legacy, a Danish TV drama about a prolonged battle for the family inheritance and forgotten secrets caused by the death of a matriarch, is airing on Sky Arts in the UK at the moment. I really enjoyed series one and two of this family drama, but am not so sure of the latest offering. I’ve only seen two episodes so far, so perhaps it’s just a question of getting into the new plot. To me, the first two series were full of drama as well as comedy, whereas the latest season seems to be all about tragedy. Season two ended with all the issues raised in the first series more or less resolved, so it feels a little as if the characters have nothing to do, or nowhere to go. There just aren’t enough conflicts to explore.
Oh well, I will give the latest series a chance, because I just love the Danish accent and I’m a huge fan of one of the female leads, Trine Dyrholm. She was excellent as Queen Mother in A Royal Affair, a film about the British Princess Caroline, who, betrothed to the mad King Christian VII of Denmark, falls in love with her physician. (I wrote a review of the film here.)
If you haven’t seen The Legacy yet, I thoroughly recommend you watch the first two seasons at least. I particularly love the opening title sequence, where a vase of flowers explodes. You have to see it to understand what I mean!
Fallet
Swedish TV (SVT) has created a new Nordic Noir comedy Fallet (The Case), which premiered in Sweden on April 14th.
Sophie Borg is a loner police inspector who doesn’t trust anyone. She has all the answers and will not hesitate to go against her superior’s direct orders. She also has a certain lack of self-awareness. (Sounds familiar? Think Saga Noren in The Bridge.)
When a British man falls victim to a macabre murder with religious overtones in her old hometown of Norrbacka, Sophie Borg gets one last chance at redemption.
From the victim’s home town of St Ives, Inspector Tom Brown (Adam Godley) is sent to Sweden to work with Sophie Borg. They must solve the case together, not only to save the small village from the killer’s reign of terror, but also to save their own careers.
The result looks to be an excellent spoof of a Nordic Noir police drama, and I rather liked the trailer (below). Sadly this series isn’t yet available for UK (or US) audiences, but I’m hoping that with an international theme and cast, it will be very soon.
Swedish Dicks
Swedish Dicks is a Swedish comedy-drama about a former stuntman, Ingmar Andersson, who works as a private investigator in Los Angeles. He meets a struggling DJ, Axel Kruse, and together they form Swedish Dicks. The two solve various cases and compete with Ingmar’s long-time rival and owner of the best investigating company in Los Angeles, Jane McKinney.
Swedish Dicks is directed by Jon Holmberg & Peter Settman and written by Settman, Andrew Lowery & The Viking Brothers.
Swedish Dicks is soon to be screened in the US through cable and satellite network Pop TV. The drama/comedy series was first released on Nordic streaming service Viaplay and was the most in-demand original series in Sweden that year.
The Bonus Family
Last but by no means least, news that The Bonus Family, a TV series about two families linked via divorce, has just been acquired by Netflix. It’s a story about separation and creating new families while all along forced to maintain the old relationships. It’s a unique blend of comedy and drama, with accurate depictions of contemporary families as they have to raise each other’s kids, deal with ex-partners, and find a comfortable living environment for everyone. The Bonus Family will soon be available worldwide. Looks pretty good to me!
Do you love Nordic Noir but are yet to watch Nordic comedy? Let me know if you’ve watched all or some of the above series, or if you have a favourite Nordic comedy TV series – or film.
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April 16, 2017
Writing over Easter
Over this Easter weekend, I’ve been busy writing the next novel in The Englishman series. Or trying to! Although I imagined I had the plot all sewn up, I’ve realised during these less busy days of Easter that there was something missing from the story. The plot just didn’t click with me. Until yesterday.
There was something missing from the plot
I was sitting at my desk and writing up a scene which I’d decided some time again would be in the book. I was quite pleased with myself with the drama and emotion I’d managed to get into the prose. I sat back and looked at my whiteboard where I’d set up the whole theme of the book with the main characters, their problems and conflicts, and plot twists. That’s when it came to me: there was something missing. And in that moment, I knew exactly what that missing something was. I sat down and furiously wrote all the new ideas on the side of the white board. With a bit of re-writing, it would work.
I wanted to hold back but ended up spilling the beans
Although I decided that I’d not tell the Englishman, my first reader, the new plot twist, later in the evening, with a glass of wine in front of me, I spilled the beans.
‘Oh,’ he said.
We were in one of our local drinking establishments, The Queens. It was busy with other Easter holidaymakers, but we’d managed to get a table in the quieter back area, so we could actually hear each other speak. I waited while he thought about what I’d said. I often bounce ideas of the Englishman, but sometimes I like to surprise him with my manuscripts, which is what had originally wanted to do this time. But I was so delighted with the new idea, I just had to tell him. A decision I was suddenly regretting.
‘I think it’s the way to go?’ I said sounding unsure even to myself.
The Englishman nodded and said, ‘That’s brilliant.’
It was such a relief that he liked my new idea
You have no idea what a relief that comment was to me. We spent the rest of the time before our daughter joined us discussing the new plot in detail. This morning I woke up with a great desire just to go and write, something which I haven’t had for ages. Or at least not since I was writing The Good Officer, book 3 on The Englishman series last year.
Happy Days!
How are you spending your Easter holidays?
Are you writing or just spending some well-deserved time off? However you are spending this holiday weekend, I hope you are having a great Easter!
The post Writing over Easter appeared first on Helena Halme Author.
April 11, 2017
Want to read at Waterstones in London?
I was delighted to be asked by Novel London to read from my novella, The Finnish Girl , at Waterstones, Covent Garden last Friday
This event, which is organised every month, celebrates new fiction with first chapter readings by selected writers. My contribution was The Finnish Girl, a prequel to my Navy fiction series, The Englishman. Novel London is unique – unlike most author readings, each writer receives a high-quality video recording of the event. This is an incredibly useful PR tool for an author to use online, especially if you are at the beginning of your career and need exposure. But even for me, who after 10 years in the business and with 6 books to my name could be considered a veteran of self-publishing, these kinds of events are helpful in spreading the word about my writing. Plus it keeps my performance skills (such as they are!) up to date.
Pop over to their YouTube channel to see how it went for me and Andrew Smith, who read from his historical novel, The Speech. Please also note that you can now get a free copy of The Finnish Girl. (See below)
For the first time, the evening included a Q&A session
After the readings, there was a question and answer session with Andrew and me, moderated by the author of Candyfloss Guitar, Stephen Mariott. We discussed balancing writing with marketing, gave tips to new authors, and debated the pros and cons of self-publishing versus being published by an indie press. Listen to the conversation here.
If you are an author with a book out, why not apply to Novel London to take part in these central London bookshop readings?
Or if you are a keen reader, wishing to find new and exciting books, do come along to hear the authors read from their recent work. It’s a free evening in central London and there’s wine!
April 6, 2017
Novel London Reading at Waterstones and Free Books
If you happen to be in London this Friday 7th April, please come along to a Novel London event at Waterstones Covent Garden, where I will be reading from the prequel to THE ENGLISHMAN series, THE FINNISH GIRL. There will be just the two readers, myself and Andrew Smith, plus a question and answer session at the end. The event, which is completely free, starts at 6pm and ends around 8pm.
For more information about Novel London, pop over to their site here.
Please let the organisers know if you can come along so that they know how much wine to buy.
Book Group Gold Instafreebie Promotion
I wanted to let you have a sneak-a-peek at an Instafreebie promotion called Book Club Gold where 12 authors are offering their most popular book group book for FREE!
My novel, COFFEE AND VODKA, is one of the books, so if you haven’t read the novel yet, now is your chance to download it for absolutely free.
Aimed at Book Clubs and other keen readers, all of the Book Group Gold titles include Reading Notes, which are either attached to the back of the book or sent to you directly from the author.
The promotion is for a LIMITED time only 7-10th April.
The books will be free for just 3 days, but I wanted to let you have a head start. Just tap the image above, or the button below to go and explore the free books on offer today.
Browse Book Group Gold Freebies
There is also a Facebook Group for this promotion. You can find more information about the books on offer there, as well as discussion about the books. Go over to the group to start a conversation now.
Book Group Gold Facebook Group
Don’t forget, sharing is caring, so if you’ve loved any of my books, please leave a review. Reviews are important to authors and readers alike, so please share your thoughts. Just tap here to write a review.
Happy reading and I hope to see you on Friday!
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