Last week I had a look at what conflict shouldn’t be. Today, ably assisted by Zeus, I’m contemplating what conflict should not do to your hero or heroine. Conflict shouldn’t demean them. The conflict can and should challenge them, change them, because we want our characters to grow with the story, but it shouldn’t paint Continue reading
Author: Helene
I live by a beach just north of Cairns – my own tiny slice of paradise in North Queensland. When I'm not writing, you'll find me flying Dash 8 aircraft for QantasLink around regional Australia.
I write romantic suspense with feisty, confident heroines who (not surprisingly) work in the aviation industry. My stories are set in the top end of Australia – a wild and wonderful, larger-than-life environment just begging to be showcased in anticipation-filled novels.
When is conflict not a conflict?
In between partying at the RWA NQ Roadshow and finishing off the first draft of ‘Burning Lies’ I’ve been judging a few contest entries. One of the common issues I see is conflict that doesn’t last the distance. I’m finding conflict that could (and should) be easily resolved. The conflicts aren’t bone deep, soul deep, Continue reading
And I proclaim the 2011 RWA NQ Roadshow the best ever!
Well ok, it is the ‘first ever’ RWA NQ Roadshow, but why ruin a good headline with fact?? What a fabulous weekend of learning, writing, laughing and talking (and talking some more!). 43 attendees rolled up to the Cairns Colonial Club on a glorious North Queensland day and, judging from the animated conversations, they all Continue reading
Knee high
Perhaps not quite hero material, but there is something very soothing about watching a tradesman wielding heavy machinery 🙂 Now if I can just do something about the drone of an orbital sander…
Wounded warrior
My wounded warrior. A morning on the beach, watching the sunrise while chasing sticks, got a little physical this morning. The fight ended up being a draw although Zeus had possession of the stick so he thinks he’s the winner. A trip to the vets, one injection and a course of antibiotics later and he’s Continue reading
Starting Over
My guest today is Miles ‘Ratty’ Rattenbury, a simply gorgeous hero in Sue Moorcroft’s novel ‘STARTING OVER’ which recently released in Australia. As those who follow my blog will know I’m a little partial to Regency Rakes – think heroes by Anna Campbell and Anne Gracie. But I do love a good modern day English Continue reading
Romantic Book of the Year Finalist
CAIRNS WRITER HÉLÈNE YOUNG NOMINATED FOR THE ACADEMY AWARDS OF ROMANCE WRITING 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…
A dog’s secret life
Ever wondered what your dog does when you’re at work? For the last week I’ve been on holidays (read that as ‘not flying aircraft but chained to my computer to sort Burning Lies out’…) so I’ve been privy to my dog’s secret life. I thought this was how Zeus spent the vast majority of his Continue reading
Scout Hat – to those in the know
I grumbled at 5 am this morning when I swung my leg over my bike and started pedalling, but we were on a photo mission. For those who’ve read Wings of Fear (hopefully all of you now reading this!) Haycock Island, off Palm Cove, figures prominently in the action. The locals call it Scout Hat – Continue reading
Step back in time with Anna Campbell
It’s 1827. The Greeks and the Turks are locked in bloody warfare. Eventually, the Brits, the French and the Russians will force the Turks into surrender. It’s the last time a naval battle will be fought under sail alone. There’s plenty of action for the youngest sons of noble houses looking to make their way Continue reading