Find it here – http://kathymexted.typepad.com/files/aopa-pilot-pages-18-to-19-1.pdf

“When I found a dead body on Trinity Beach in 2003, it started me thinking,” Ms Young said about her book, which centres on coastal surveillance and has a strong Far North Queensland influence.

Her publisher, Hachette Australia, bills Young’s award-winning debut novel as “action, terror and falling in love in Australia’s far north”.

Set across the Far North from the northern beaches to Weipa, the romantic suspense begins when the female protagonist, a pilot like Ms Young, discovers a body – but that’s where autobiographical elements end.

Ms Young said she was stunned by her win.

“It was very unexpected. I was literally speechless,” she said.

“Romance writing is a funny thing. People expect a certain type of writing but hopefully this might bring it to a wider audience.

“It is more complex; in mine I explore issues in north Queensland.”

Ms Young said her husband encouraged her to write when he found her first manuscript stashed away in a cupboard.

“That manuscript will never see the light of day – it’s like being a carpenter and making a wobbly table the first time,” she said, laughing.

The “Ruby” is Romance Writers of Australia’s top award, often described as their Oscars, and there were more than 150 competitors this year.

Wings of Fear, the first in a trilogy by Young, also won the 2011 Australian Romance Readers Association award for Favourite Romantic Suspense.

Her second book, Shattered Sky, is out now, and the third will be released in February.

Despite her writing success, the Trinity Beach author said she will continue her work as a regional airline check and training captain.

“I’ll just keep juggling,” she said.

See the full article and photo at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/08/17/178555_local-news.html

The accolades just keep coming for local author Hélène Young who has today been short-listed for the RUBY Award – the Romantic Book of the Year – known in the industry as the academy awards of the Australian romance writing world.
Read more…

Find it here at The Age

Find it here Herald Sun Lifestyle

Ph:  02 8248 0800

The NQ Romance Writers Roadshow

One-day Seminar

28^th May 2011

Romance Writers of Australia (RWA) is proud to present its first North Queensland Roadshow in association with its member group, the North Queensland Romance Writers. This information-packed one day writing seminar will benefit writers at all levels, from beginner to advanced. The seminar will cover a range of craft topics and will provide networking opportunities for regional writers, who may not be able to attend the national conference in Melbourne this year.

Workshops will be run by internationally published and acclaimed writers Anne Gracie and Kelly Hunter, as well as local talents Barbara Hannay, internationally published author of over thirty-five Harlequin Mills and Boon titles, and Helene Young, author of Border Watch and Shattered Sky, published by Hachette Australia.

Topics to be covered:

Not Another Sex Scene … (or how to write really great sex scenes that deepen character, plot and conflict)

The vital importance of a good, strong premise

World-building (no matter which sub-genre) and subtext

Ways to ensure a strong and layered conflict

Emotional punch and tension on every page

Panel discussions … and much more!

This one day intensive seminar promises something for every writer, starting out or experienced, and will be followed by the Roadshow Dinner, another opportunity to network and share.

COSTS: (Including lunch, morning and afternoon teas)

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

14^th February – 31^st March 2011

Cost: One-day Seminar $ 130  RWA Members

Cost: One-day Seminar $150  RWA Non-Members

REGISTRATION

After 31^st March 2011

Cost: One-day Seminar  $ 140  RWA Members

Cost: One-day Seminar  $ 160  RWA Non-Members

ROADSHOW DINNER

(Optional and additional cost for dinner following seminar).

Cost: $44.50

Special Accommodation Rates

Discounted accommodation rates have been negotiated with the Cairns Colonial Club  for attendees of the NQ Romance Writers Roadshow:  $99 per double, including 2 buffet breakfasts. If you are interested, please contact hotel reception on (07) 4053 8800 and mention you are attending this event.

Register on Valentine’s Day!

Places are limited so please register as soon as possible to confirm your place. Visit http://www.romanceaustralia.com/ for more information and registrations forms. You may also contact rwaroadshow2011@gmail.com with any queries.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn from some of the best romance writers around in beautiful tropical surroundings!

Story and photo by Sam Davis

Friday 12th March I’m slipping down to Melbourne to meet the wonderful people in the Sisters in Crime Australia!

I’ll be joining Felicity Young, a West Australian author who writes gritty police drama with a very complex heroine, and we’ll be chatting with Lindy Cameron about all matters of criminality and writing. You’ll find the details on their website – the evening starts at 6.30 pm at the Bell’s Hotel, 157 Moray St, South Melbourne.

Love to see you there!

Herald Sun06/03/10

Courier Mail 06/03/10