Blog Archives
The Importance of Family
Muunokhoi’s Awakening follows a marmot who wakes from hibernation early and is unable to return to sleep, finding himself alone and needing to find a way to survive the winter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wish I could identify an inspiration for the story, but the truth is I stumbled upon the idea. The initial plot I had in my mind when I began to write the novel, was a children’s story about a marmot who is transported in its dreams to different countries during hibernation. At each place, it gets to experience the people, culture, and an adventure or two. However, I quickly realised when I began writing, that the idea would not be credible. The interactions in various places will have to be with humans in towns or cities to experience the culture, and the idea of this animal living like a human would be a stretch. So, I shelved this idea, but I still wanted to write an anthropomorphic tale. I went back to it after about a week pondering what to do next when the idea popped into my head; what if instead of dreaming, it is the only one awake in the burrow? Several ideas and questions quickly flowed from this which ultimately led to the story. I settled on a Mongolian marmot because this species hibernates for 7-8 months which allowed one sufficient time to develop the story without rushing it; I also found the animals of Mongolia quite fascinating.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
Muunokhoi’s journey was going to be long enough for him to meet a variety of creatures he did not know. It was important therefore that the creatures he meets should include those with good character traits as well those with bad undesirable character traits to reflect what we as humans see around us. Thus, we meet creatures who are greedy, selfish, arrogant, cunning, and untrustworthy as well as creatures who are courageous, empathetic, goodhearted, caring, selfless, well-meaning, and trustworthy.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some themes I wanted to explore were the importance of family, loyalty, betrayal, friendship, bravery, perseverance, several aspects of loneliness, and hope.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The next book I am working on is completely different from this first one. It is primarily about the lives of students, at a university in Ghana (my country of birth) in the early 1970’s, a period of political instability and economic hardship in the country. The idea is to weave in the fiction with political events occurring in the country. My inspiration for this is Paul Scott’s quartet of books The Raj Quartet which I read decades ago. My ambitions are more modest as I plan to write only one book.
With respect to when it will be out, my hope is sometime in 2027. I do not write daily or have a schedule for writing. I also write the initial and second drafts by hand with a pencil, so it takes time, but I am more than halfway through the first draft, so fingers crossed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Muunokhoi emerges from his burrow into a hostile winter environment, to explore the availability of food. He first encounters an eagle owl, who advises him that with no food available in the winter months, his only option for survival is to embark on a quest to lower elevations where he can find food to sustain him until the spring.
The journey will be fraught with danger from predators that stalk the mountainous Mongolian terrain, but the marmot will surely starve to death if he stays put. Summoning all his courage, Muunokhoi sets out on an adventure that could ultimately save his life . . . or end it.
Love is Possible
Hold Me follows a woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia who has put her life on hold for years and now questions her future after reuniting with a man from her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Due to this story being set in the village of Greengrove, where all my books are currently set, I wanted Dawn to meet someone from her past who was better than someone she went to school with. That way they shared a past but not enough that they knew each other too much. I also wanted to show that people with conditions such as fibromyalgia are just as capable of falling in love and being in relationships as long as they have someone who understands them and their condition.
Who is your favorite character to write for and why?
My favourite changes with every book. For this book, I think Debbie was my favourite because she was the sister that you would love to have supportive but annoying, strong but loving and funny.
Is there anything from your own life included in Dawn and Connor’s experiences?
I have Fibromyalgia so when I wrote Dawn’s experience of it I had to use a lot of mine from being diagnosed to falling over and cuddling the concrete to the shower pin pricking me as the water runs down on me. I wanted it to be as realistic as possible but I knew that everyones fibromyalgia can be different so I was mindful of that.
Can fans look forward to a fourth installment in the Greengrove series? Where will it take readers?
Yes there will be a fourth installment of the Greengrove Series it’s called Second Chances and I am writing it now it is Debbie’s (Dawn’s twin sister) story and how she accidentally bumps into the man who broke her heart in London while she was there for a weekend away. Only it turns out that things are not as simple as that.
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Dawn had lived in Greengrove all her life. Love had never been a priority in her mind. She had plenty of time for that, especially after watching her twin sister Debbie fall in love and have her heart shattered. Why would you put yourself through that?
For the past few years, Dawn has been suffering from ill health. Being given a diagnosis was a double-edged sword. Yes, they now knew what was wrong with her, but now she feels useless. All those things that she had put on hold may now not happen. Falling in love and having children is no longer a possibility. Who would want to stick around with her now?
But a chance meeting with one boy she went to school with proves her wrong. Can she believe he could love her and her broken body?
Hold Me (A Greengrove Novel)
Helen Kelly’s Hold Me: A Greengrove Novel is an intimate and touching exploration of life’s challenges, resilience, and relationships within the small-town setting of Greengrove. Through the intertwined stories of Dawn and Connor, the novel delves into themes of chronic illness, personal rediscovery, and community connection, all underpinned by the comforting yet dynamic rhythms of village life. Dawn’s journey with fibromyalgia and Connor’s commitment to balancing duty and personal growth anchor the story with realism and depth.
What struck me most about Hold Me was its emotional authenticity. Kelly masterfully captures Dawn’s struggles with her chronic illness, painting a vivid picture of her physical pain and emotional turmoil. The spoon theory—used to symbolize limited energy—was woven into the narrative with clarity and care. Dawn’s sister Debbie’s persistence to push her out of her comfort zone, particularly with the choir, was heartwarming.
The writing also shines when exploring the quieter yet equally profound moments of connection between characters. Connor’s warmth and sense of responsibility as he helps Jane and Dawn after choir practice, or when he reflects on his father’s legacy, adds layers to his character. His scenes often left me smiling, especially his banter with James about joining the choir. Kelly’s ability to balance levity with earnestness—as seen in Connor’s conversations—keeps the narrative engaging without feeling heavy-handed.
By the end, I felt uplifted and hopeful, which is a testament to Kelly’s skill in addressing heavy topics with grace. Hold Me is a book for anyone seeking a heartfelt story about perseverance and the power of community. It will particularly resonate with readers navigating their own challenges or those who enjoy character-driven tales set in charming, close-knit communities. Helen Kelly reminds us through Dawn and Connor’s journeys that vulnerability can lead to strength and that the smallest steps forward are often the most meaningful.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 978-1739607463
Embraced Change
Perseverance, Journey to Alaska shares your journey of setting off on a new adventure in life, drastically different from anything you had done before, and biking through the wilderness of Alaska. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I started writing Perseverance, Journey to Alaska as a travel guide for e-bike touring enthusiasts. When I started my Journey, I had no idea I was embarking on a life-changing adventure. By the time I reached the halfway point of my journey, I knew I was not returning. The emotional aspect of that decision was overwhelming. I lived in California for 40 years, leaving that life for something unknown, shrouded in pitfalls, but the promise of something better inspired me to write a different story.
Writing this book is important to share a bit of soul-searching humanity with my fellow human beings. To lead by example, and share a story that inspires, encourages, and proves it can be done at any age given the determination and perseverance to change one’s life. It takes a lot of courage to leave everything you own behind. The material aspect is nothing compared to the emotional and psychological impact. Humans are creatures of habit; we crave the known, creating lifestyle patterns that lead to an easy life. I rode my bicycle into an unknown abyss, starting a new career with zero overlapping skills. Writing Perseverance, Journey to Alaska was a calling because a good writer writes stories that inspire.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea in this book is change. Change is inevitable in our society. I embraced change with an open mind and proved that with determination, anyone can change. Many humans get stuck in the status quo, afraid to embark on a journey of change. I wanted to document my journey to inspire others.
We live in a changing world. The speed of change and the decimation of information in the modern world is dizzying. The ideas behind my book were documenting a human being’s ability to adapt and change to a new environment, economics, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and culture.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who reads your story and decides to take a leap of faith and strike out on their own adventure?
The answer to this question is to paraphrase the last paragraph in my book. There is no better answer:
The most important thing you need before any adventure is a good attitude. Unexpected things will happen. That is part of life. You can plan everything, but it will inevitably go wrong. When this happens, stop, take a deep breath, and say, “Oh well, that did not work.” Focus on solutions; do not waste your time and energy on the problem. You will find a way to fix the problem if you are human. Mistakes are part of life, so roll with the punches; do not sweat the small things. If you get a flat tire or break a spoke, fix it. You can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t worry about what “might happen.” If I worried about all the “what ifs,” I would never have left San Francisco. Plan your trip with a margin of error and budget your money with wiggle room. Add a few days to your timeline. If you decide to turn left, you might find something beautiful, so just do it. If you plan your trip precisely, you won’t have time to stop and smell the roses. Slow down and enjoy your journey; that is the journey of life.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Inspiration and hope for a better future. I left everything I knew for a better future. It was a leap in faith. I wrote this book to inspire others who are contemplating a better future.
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
What would you do with your new life? Could you make it with the clothes on your back and a couple thousand dollars in your savings account? Move across the country to a small town where nobody knows you and start over? Would you be willing to risk everything?
Come on a ride with me to Alaska. I did this and more on a bicycle. Join me as we follow my map and embark on this adventure together.
Perseverance, Journey to Alaska
In the tradition of adventurers who once chronicled their explorations in detailed diaries, Steven Harrison revives this art with a modern twist in Perseverance, Journey to Alaska. This book serves as both a memoir and a guide, offering a window into the raw and majestic Alaskan wilderness through the eyes of a solo biker. Harrison’s narrative not only recounts his personal odyssey but also serves as a beacon for future travelers, illuminating the path with practical advice and candid reflections.
Harrison’s journey on his bike to Alaska is portrayed with a blend of adventure, solitude, and a deep connection to the untamed landscape. The book’s strength lies in its dual nature: part vivid travelogue and part survival handbook. Harrison skillfully intertwines tales of his experiences with essential tips and precautions for navigating Alaska’s demanding environment. His personal anecdotes about the emotional and physical trials of the journey add a layer of authenticity and engagement. The photographs and insights in the third section are particularly noteworthy, which bring the Alaskan backdrop to life. Readers will find the concise and practical tips especially useful, catering to both novice and seasoned travelers. Harrison’s ability to learn from his experiences and impart wisdom to others is a testament to the book’s value as a resource for planning a journey to this rugged territory.
Perseverance, Journey to Alaska stands out as an insightful and accessible guide that demystifies the challenges of exploring Alaska. It promises to inspire and equip a wide audience of travelers, from those dreaming of their first expedition to the most seasoned explorers, with the knowledge and spirit needed to embark on their own Alaskan adventure.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B0CNV3QF4F
Some of Her Greatest Difficulties
Perseverance: How It All Began follows a woman caught between two men that challenge her in more ways than one. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I enjoyed the challenge of laying out a story where love was not an easy process for the main character. The thing that inspired me the most in setting up this story was using Cadence’s circumstances to help peal back the layers of her character. That inspiration really came from my own experiences in getting to know other individuals. There is so much depth to be found in other people and I wanted to write a character that I could explore that process with.
Cadence is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted Cadence to be exceptionally honest, loyal, and display a deep rooted concern for others. I wanted her to be a character that had a natural inclination toward living with integrity, but I didn’t want to make any of these attributes easy for Cadence to choose consistently. One of the beautiful things about Cadence is the depth of her care for others, but it is also one of the things about her that makes her run into some of her greatest difficulties.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to explore the consequences of pain and how it manifests in life in ways that are not always easy to identify. I also wanted to highlight how significant a single choice can be. While both of those concepts were important for me to explore, I wanted to lay out the intricacies of love and what it looks like to overcome the things that can hold a person back from taking their next step forward.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
After publishing Perseverance: How It All Began, I then published Perseverance: Rise Of The Trials. I am now putting the final touches on Perseverance: Descension To Hell, which will be released September 3rd, 2021.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Loving him was my secret. Mine alone. I never let anyone come remotely close to accessing that part of my heart. Not even myself, except on rare occasions. Trystan was simultaneously the source of my greatest love and the source of my greatest heartache. He never knew how I felt about him. I’d never told him how deeply and profoundly in love with him I was…and still am. He had always considered me a friend so that was the position in his life that I desperately struggled to maintain. I couldn’t let him know, but I also couldn’t let him go.
I tried to put Trystan in my past. To some degree, I was able to achieve just that. He lived so far away and only came back to visit on occasion. But every time he returned, it was like reigniting a smoldering inferno within me.
Then I met Blake.
Arguably the most eligible man in Hollywood. Wait, did I say Hollywood? I meant the world. He is the epitome of what every female dreams about. Falling in love with Blake was seamless. Trystan was rarely around and after spending years feeling like I was suffocating, being with Blake was like breathing my first breath of fresh air. It was a much needed reprieve for a wounded and tattered heart like mine.
Then an ordinary trip leads to extraordinary events. Extreme circumstances usher in changes in me and in my life that I could never have dreamed were possible. And a love I thought was beyond my reach is suddenly right within my grasp.
Past love collides with future love and there is nothing I can do to escape either.
Follow Cadence as she begins her travel into the unknown.
LITERARY TITAN 