Author Interview with Helen Garraway

12/11/2020

Who are you?

Hi, My name is Helen Garraway and I am a self published author. I have been writing about the world of Remargaren, a fantasy world of my creation, since 2016 when an imperfect storm of events left me home alone with my cat and time to spare. Having graduated from the University of Southampton with a Degree in Politics and International Relations, I remain an active member of their alumni. By day I work as a product Manager, by night I write about the world of Remargaren.

Where do you live?

I live in the South of England in the UK. I am currently landlocked, but would love to move near the sea.

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What’s your home life like?

I work full time and write in any gap I can find, usually in the evenings and on weekends.
I also enjoy paper crafting and scrapbooking as an escape from the pressure of working for a Video conferencing company as a Product Manager

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What genre(s) do you like to write? To read?

I am an avid reader of many different fiction genres, a love I inherited from my mother. My favourite genre to read is Fantasy and Science Fiction, and I write Fantasy.

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Why did you start writing?

I've always been an avid reader, but I can't say I have always wanted to write a novel. My background is in marketing, so I have always worked with words, and enjoyed playing around with them. That's how I came up with Sentinals. I wanted a word that evoked guardians or protection, but the word sentinel always makes me think of computers or AI, and my world is feudal, so I changed the e to an a, and I have my own Sentinals.
My mum instilled in me my love of books and reading. She would sit and watch the telly, a book on her knee and knit at the same time! We enjoyed discussing plot and characters and anticipating what would happen next. She would have loved this. She would have been my biggest supporter; beta reader, proofreader, you name it. Unfortunately, she passed away four years ago, and that was my catalyst. My daughter left for university and I had an empty house and I began writing. And out tumbled seven books over a period of three years.

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What do you do when you’re not writing?

I read a lot, and papercraft. I am very creative, whether it be with words or making beautiful greetings cards. I used to do a lot of journaling or scrapbooking, but it takes a lot of time to plan a page and I don't have the time anymore. I am busy making Christmas cards at the moment, when I am not reading or writing or editing.

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Where do you like to go when looking for a new book to read?

I am currently supporting indie authors in my twitter group and reading and reviewing their latest books. My TBR list and my Indie shelf keeps growing, but there are some amazing new authors out there.
Some recent reads:
Laurel Brett: The Schrodinger Girl
Eva Alton: Stray Witch
Lara Ann Dominick: Oil and Water

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At what point do you call it quits when reading a new book?

I usually try and finish, though I must admit if I keep putting it down, it does takes longer to pick it up again. If I don't enjoy the book, or I don't have anything positive to say then I would prefer not to leave a review, it just wasn't for me, it happens.

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Are you independently or traditionally published?

I am Self published, so independent.

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How many books/stories have you published so far?

I have published Book one of my series: Sentinals Awaken, and working on editing and publishing six other books in the same world.

What book/story are you currently promoting or working on?

I am currently promoting Sentinals Awaken, which I published on October 11th of this year. I have just finished editing Book two Sentinals Rising, which is off to the copy editor for final polishing and I hope to publish in March of 2021. Book three is targeted for autumn 2021.

If any of your readers are interested in being an ARC reader for book 2 then let me know via my website.

What’s the elevator pitch?

As a three thousand-year-old threat re-emerges, only one man has the power to awaken the world’s greatest protectors and restore order to the realm. He just doesn’t know it yet.

When Jerrol Haven, a captain in the King’s Rangers, discovers treason at the highest level, he knows immediately that the knowledge puts his life at risk. And indeed, though he expected the ailing King to shield him, the ambitious Crown Prince sentences Jerrol to death. What hold does the Prince have over his weakened father, and who or what is he protecting?

Sentinals Awaken is the first book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

How long have you been working on it?

I started writing in 2016, and have since written six novels, and two novella's.

One Novella: Sentinals Stirring - an introduction to the main characters in Book One is available for free download if you sign up to my newsletter on www.helengarraway.com

When will it be available to buy? Where?

Sentinals Awaken is available on Amazon in Paperback or eBook and also free on Kindle Unlimited.

How can readers find you?

What inspires you to keep writing?

I don't really have a writing quote as such that inspires me. I have a driving need to write, to get words onto a page. If I don't write for a few days I begin to get antsy and distracted. So I try and write every day.

Anything you’d like to add?

I love it. I absolutely love writing my fantasy novels. I wish I had begun earlier, but there is a time for everything, and my time is now. I encourage everyone to write if you feel the urge. It is the most amazing feeling to hold your own book in your hands. I created it. They do say there is a book in everyone.

Many thanks to Helen Garraway for participating on My Laughably Inane Blog. I wish her all the best in her personal and writing endeavors.

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