Helena Fairfax

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name’s Helena Fairfax, and I’ve written five novels, plus numerous short stories. When people used to ask me what sort of books I write, I’m ashamed to say I’d often blush and mumble a non-committal answer; something along the lines of, ‘Oh, probably not the sort of thing you read,’ or, ‘I doubt you’ll have heard of my books.’

People are sometimes dismissive towards writers of my genre, but nowadays I’m glad to say I’ve decided to take a stand. Nowadays I say it loud and I say it proud: I write romance novels. I write fabulous stories with great endings. I write the sort of novel that will sweep you along. I write stories about love; the universal human emotion understood by all cultures across the globe. I write novels that are part of the biggest selling genre in the world.

I’ve always enjoyed reading romance novels. I find romance novels positive and optimistic stories, with a compassionate and sympathetic outlook. A few years ago I finally took my love of this genre a stage further and begun writing romances of my own.

My route from reader to author went like this: I was commuting to my job in a factory one morning, on board the 7.29 train, pressed up with the other commuters in a particularly damp, steam-fugged train. My mind began to wander from the soggy English climate, and I thought how wonderful it would be to be living somewhere hot. This unlikely journey sowed the seed for my first novel. Every day after that I penned some more about an English heroine who goes to work in the south of France, and becomes caught up in a romance that totally conflicts with her obligations at home.
After I’d written a few chapters, I began to realise that writing a romantic novel isn’t actually as easy as some people imagine! I knew I needed some expert help, and so I joined the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association. The RNA has an excellent scheme for new writers (you can read more about it here: http://www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org/join/new_writers_scheme)
With the help of the RNA’s scheme, I finally had a manuscript that was ready for publication. And so my writing career was born. After my French-set novel, The Silk Romance, was published, I’ve been writing ever since!
I’ve now given up the early morning commute to devote myself to writing full-time. I live in Yorkshire, in the north of England, in the place known by Yorkshire folk as God’s Own County. (We don’t suffer from typical British modesty here in Yorkshire!)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a romantic suspense novella called Palace of Deception. I was inspired to write it after a visit to Monaco in the south of France. A wonderful setting!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My dog always sits next to me – sometimes with her head right on top of my lap top. She’s my best critic!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors I love include Georgette Heyer, who is the best Regency romance author there is, and who began the whole genre; Mary Stewart, who wrote the most gripping romantic suspense; and Maeve Binchy, who wrote fabulous contemporary romance.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on another novella with a Christmas theme. Christmas in summer – I know! I just pretend I’m one of those chestnuts roasting on an open fire 🙂

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a hard one. I guess the best for me at the moment is Facebook. I get a lot of interaction on there, and paid FB ads have worked well in the past.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. There will be many lows, but persevere. Concentrate on celebrating the highs. Even just finishing the first draft is something to celebrate!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about small things. In five years’ time, who cares what happened today? Just focus on what’s important.

What are you reading now?
No More Mulberries, by Mary Smith. It’s about a Scottish midwife who married an Afghan and went to live in rural Afghanistan. It’s based on a true story and is fascinating and moving.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m about to start another full-length contemporary romance, loosely based on Jane Eyre. I live near the Yorkshire moors, home of the Brontes, and love the setting.

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?
Great question! I think I’d take An Infamous Army by Georgette Heyer, Parade’s End by Ford Madox Ford, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, and Madam, Will You Talk, By Mary Stewart.

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