Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I published with the Conrad Press in December 2020 my first novel, The Lost Wisdom of the Magi, which is a finalist in the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards for ‘Best Historical’. I am an American from Nashville, Tennessee, living in London, after sojourns in Tokyo, Paris and Geneva with a passion for ancient history, politics and magic, mythology and religion. I am a political activist and a socialist. Once editor of Mobile Communications Asia and other mobile communications magazines, I co-authored the Jan 2000 Future Mobile Handsets. I am a founder member of the Bounds Green Book Writers writers’ circle, which published in Autumn 2020 an anthology of coronavirus-inspired fiction, Lockdown Lit—Inspiration in Isolation. I now subedit Dignity magazine, write historical novels and grow organic vegetables. I offer freelance services proofreading or developmental editing for authors needing help with their novels, and I am open to offers of review-swapping and mutual beta-reading.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first novel, The Lost Wisdom of the Magi, was inspired by a ten year stretch being addicted to Biblical exegesis and Judaic Studies. I wanted to write a novel about a Zealot during the 1st Jewish Revolt for whom Jesus was not the Messiah but rather Simon bar Giora (last standing leader of the Zealots).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I began my writing career on a manual typewriter, and to this day, I bang on the keyboard with great force. I also tense up my shoulders something rotten. I rely on fortnightly deep tissue massage treatment.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mary Renault, Hilary Mantel, David Rohl, Robert Eisenman, Herschel Shanks
What are you working on now?
I am looking for beta-readers for my 2nd novel (as yet unpublished), The Genizah Codex. I am writing a 3rd novel, Dreaming of Jerusalem.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do a lot of work promoting your book before your publication date. Do beta-reading swaps and review swaps with other authors. Not only can they help you promote your book, but you’ll learn about writing from their examples.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Guilt is sometimes warranted; it’s never useful.
What are you reading now?
The Milkman by Anna Burns
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am looking for beta-readers for my 2nd novel. I am looking forward to going on a ‘writers’ retreat’ with my writing buddy Rajes. We’re staying in a farmhouse in Sheepwash, Devon. Workshops and one-to-ones with guest writer in the morning, country walks in the afternoon, fireplace chats with fellow writers in the evening. My idea of heaven!
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 Bible
The Iliad
The White Goddess, Robert Graves
The Golden Bough, JamesFraser
The Jewish War, Flavius Josephus
Author Websites and Profiles
Susie Helme Website
Susie Helme Amazon Profile
Susie Helme’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account