Interview With Author Helen Aitchison
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Helen Aitchison and I am an author from North East England. I’ve written seven full length novels, a children’s book, a poetry collection, and also created five non-fiction books through my non-profit business. I write in the genres of uplifting fiction and crime/psychological thrillers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Finding Arthur Whittle. The uplifting fiction book is about family, friendship, and secrets. It is about seeing that sometimes the things we search for are actually with us all along, just in a different way, and that family is often so much more than blood.
The book was inspired by identity, heritage, and the questions and answers you often fail to ask/get answers for within families, until it is too late! I love writing about inter-generational friendship, so this features heavily, alongside searching for the truth and remembering the importance of the little things that we often lose sight of.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to hyperfocus and write books in a very short time frame, becoming almost obsessed with writing the story that is playing out in my head. It’s a good thing in the fact that it means my average time from starting a novel to polished draft is around four-five months, but it’s not good in the fact that I become burnt out and struggle with balance.
I also function more effectively as the day goes on, so can become consumed by writing into the late of night.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Fredrik Backman, Matt Haig, and Mitch Albom are all massive influences on my uplifting fiction books. I always recommend anything by these authors and I will forever recommend I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes.
For my crime and psychological thriller books, I don’t have specific influences and favourite authors. As much as I write police procedural books, and I have worked in a civilian role within the police, as well as have a relative in the police, I tend to not read the genre. I enjoy psychological thrillers where the plot could happen and ones that leave you thinking. Tess Gerritsen, Peter Swanson, and Danielle Ramsey are all authors I enjoy.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing an uplifting book about reinvention and second-chance love, called The Wish List, for my publisher. I am also working on the third book in my crime/police procedural series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use social media and my website
www.helenaitchisonwrites.com
www.writeonthetyne.com
Facebook: Helen Aitchison Writes
Instagram: @helen.aitchison_writes
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as possible, it really improves your craft. Connect with people, both readers and other writers. Writing can be lonely and sharing, supporting, and feeling part of something is essential.
Find your own way of creating. There is no right or wrong way; just a right way for you.
Learn about the industry to be focused and have ambition whilst understanding the business.
Find your authentic voice. You can be inspired by other writers but don’t try and be them. Be yourself and your writing will feel genuine.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about what you know.
What are you reading now?
The Names by Florence Knapp.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next uplifting fiction book, Finding Arthur Whittle, is out in July. I’m currently editing another book, The Wish List, for my publisher, and also writing the next in my Northumbria Police crime series. I have many more novel ideas, so I’ll keep writing, whilst also working on projects with my community interest company, Write on the Tyne.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Five People you Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
How to Stay Alive by Bear Grylls (hopefully as a survival manual!).
Author Websites and Profiles
Helen Aitchison Amazon Profile
Helen Aitchison’s Social Media Links
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