Frequently Asked Questions

When did you start writing?

I've always remembered reading, and writing seemed a natural progression from that. I was writing pony stories when I was 12;  I wanted a pony and we couldn't afford one, so I invented my own. She was a palomino, called Tara.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I never thought I was good enough to be actually published! I went to a girl's Secondary Modern, where, back then in the late 60's, it was normally assumed we would become nothing more ambitious than housewives, secretaries or shop assistants. My careers talk was not very helpful. I knew I wanted to write, so I said I wanted to be a journalist. I was told, very condescendingly, "Don't be silly Helen, you can't type." Nothing at all about my ability in English.

Interestingly, I still cannot type, using only about four fingers. Touch typing is beyond me.

Did you enjoy school?

No. Apart from English, which I loved, the rest of it was a total waste of time, especially Maths.

When doing my mock exams before leaving school, in the days before the compulsory curriculum, I remember arguing that I would be better employed concentrating on my English exam, rather than bothering with the Maths that I was hopeless at. No-one listened. I think I got 3%, and that was probably for getting my name right! I hated having to conform to the "one size fits all" way of education. Everyone is an individual, and has their own particular gift, not necessarily an academic one. The trick is to find that gift, and use it.

Which is your favourite out of the novels you have written?

My favourite has to be The Kingmaking , as it was my first, and I wrote that out of love, never expecting to have it published.

I am also very proud of Come and Tell Me , however, because even after all these years, it is still the best book available for children's personal safety.

Do you write to a set routine?

No. Any author who says they do, cannot also have a family to look after, dogs and cats to feed, horses to exercise or a daughter who doesn't drive and needs to get to places.

As Jane Austen (sort of) said: "There are times when you find your nearest and dearest have made a pact to foul things up for you. However, the human race is programmed to survive. The amount of undusted rooms, non-haute-cuisine meals and weed-filled gardens it can take is really quite staggering!"

I try to write or research or read through every day, but quite often, if I am really into writing, I work from mid-evening to the early hours when it is quiet and I am not likely to be disturbed. I have a theory that at night, most people are asleep, so there is more inspiration and imagination floating around in search of employment.

Who chooses the titles?

I do, but there is usually discussion. I had intended to call Shadow of the King "The Remnant", but my publishers said it sounded too much like Remainder - which is a publishing term for books that have not sold.  They are frequently pulped!

Do you design the jacket covers?

No, although I do sometimes have a say in them.

I'm getting more belligerent on that front though. The original hardback and paperback cover for The Kingmaking was horrendous, yet the first edition Trade Paperback with a man dressed in a wonderful wolf-skin cloak was beautiful. My publishers for some unknown reason decided to change it. I cannot think why, but fortunately I still have the original painting.

Which are your favourite fiction authors?

I tend only to read for relaxation. Using words all day when writing leaves you mentally drained, so I rarely read anything that I would have to concentrate on.

It also depends on what my latest project is. I am currently writing about pirates, so Frenchman's Creek has been top of my list, along with the maritime works of Patrick O'Brian. If you want to learn about ships and sailing, he really is the master!

My two special authors are the wonderful Rosemary Sutcliff and my very dear friend, Sharon Penman. I have been reading a lot of Young Adult fiction at the moment; Maggie Prince is enthralling, as are Margaret Mahy, Michael Morpurgo, Malorie Blackman and Celia Rees.

I also enjoy Mary Wesley, Dick Francis, Winston Graham, Lindsey Davis - oh and many more.

Do your husband and daughter enjoy your books?

Sadly, both of them are severely dyslexic, and find reading such huge tomes very daunting. However, they are very supportive when helping with the research I do, and Kathy is particularly helpful with anything involving the horses. She has three of her own, and is a semi-professional showjumper.