A Rural Writer’s Life

Please welcome Mandy Magro to the blog today. A fellow Penguin Australia author, Mandy’s new book, JACARANDA, has hit the shelves and I’m sure it will be a roaring success as was her debut novel, Rosalee Station. Looking forward to reading it very soon! Over to you, Mandy 🙂 Hi Helene, it’s so lovely to Continue reading


R*BY 2012

Today was supposed to be a no blog day. In fact it was supposed to be a limited internet day as I’m hurtling towards a deadline with the story still taking shape. I’m on reserve for flying hoping the phone doesn’t ring but I just have to share my good news! Shattered Sky has made Continue reading


At the heart of it

My guest today is Cathryn Hein, a fellow Penguin Australia author, who has the delicious Friday Feast blog which is on my ‘never miss list.’ Her second novel, HEART OF THE VALLEY, has just been released and I’m looking forward to curling up with it soon. Please welcome Cathryn. Hi Helene, and thanks so much Continue reading


The power of words

It’s wonderful to see so many people rallying to help others. My publisher Hachette has made a very generous donation to the appeal and when I checked on the list of corporate donors on the website I was amazed at the extent of donations and the diversity of companies helping out. Lovely to see 🙂 Continue reading


Barbara Hannay on ABC local radio NQ

A quick reminder that Barb Hannay will be doing a radio interview on ABC radio Townsville this afternoon at 2.20 pm. All the details are on her website. She’s running a competition for the best opening line for a Romance novel so get your thinking caps on and, if you’re around and listening, phone in for Continue reading


Forbidden – the lucky winner

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner of Christina Phillips fabulous new book FORBIDDEN…. The delay is all mine… It was very close, and indeed two people had nominated the same hero by another name, so we resorted to the random draw option. And the lucky winner is Louisa Cornell! Yay, Louisa!! Send me Continue reading