Faye Scavone
asked
Helen Simonson:
As a child were you writing short stories? Finding yourself with ideas about books. Did you have a favorite author?
Helen Simonson
Dear Faye, I did write stories and little newspapers when I was a child. But mostly we were a family of readers. My most treasured childhood books were Little Women and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. But I also loved any adventure story - from Swallows and Amazons to Swiss Family Robinson to Enid Blyton's Famous Five series. To read was to have have freedom, adventures, and sometimes a little money and a bag of sweets in one's pocket. But writers were put on such a pedestal in my home, that I never thought I could be one. When it came time to 'grow up' and go to college my parents encouraged me to get a 'real' job and I don't think they were wrong. I have the greatest respect for being able to pay my own rent and bills! But I was always writing - even in my corporate advertising jobs. And I'm glad I get to be an author now. I think it shows we can all have many adventures in our long lives.
More Answered Questions
Christine F.
asked
Helen Simonson:
I must tell you, I am still processing your beautifully touching story. I read your first novel but this one is so special! I felt as though I was sitting in the garden with Hugh and his family at the lovely cottage. The descriptions of the war were chilling. I too am a writer. You might enjoy my novel - AN EVEN EXCHANGE. It is told in twovoices and is set inthe US and England. How did you research WW 1 info?
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