 Her latest book The Secrets She Keeps reflects on relationships and a growing realisation that nobody is really who they seem. Charismatic Misty Moore, who is famous for her marriages and plastic surgery, is hiding out in a country mansion with her baby. New nanny is John, a teenager who is forced to rethink his views on the glamour model when he realises Misty has a secret. The author admits that inspiration for her characters has drawn on real-life experiences "I once worked as a nanny for an actress in Manhattan. I was 18 and I was working with wealthy people, seeing their lifestyle, but still being a member of staff," says Helen. "I think that is such an interesting situation. You are very much a worker but see so much of their lives." Helen's experience in Manhattan was, she said, maybe 'her summer of love' - a reference to her first novel which was turned into a movie which won a BAFTA for Best British Film. The plot in her debut novel focused on the lives of two young women from different classes exploring the challenges of growing up. "I am really pleased with the novel but I think my latest one is better. I felt in control and more confident with my writing and you can see that in the finished book," said Helen. Trips on the bus are one of the pleasures for Helen, who now fits her writing sessions alongside caring for her two-year-old daughter, Kendra. Between 9am and 1pm each day she has the chance to write before spending time with Kendra. "I only have mornings now and so I have to get down and get on with my work. There's no time for procrastinating. No time to go pottering round Moseley or meeting up with people. I have to write." Helen sets no target on the number of words she achieves each day. "I would rather write a good paragraph," she says. And if the words dry up then a trip on the number 12 bus will usually help refresh Helen's imagination. "My advice to others who want to write a novel is always do it every day and use public transport," says Helen. "It can be very boring to sit and write each day without any interaction. Birmingham is such an interesting place and if you go on a bus there is so much to see" -------------------------------------------------------------
CALLING ALL READERS
We want to hear from YOU. Give us your views about the books we feature in the Book Club - or let us know of others you think we should be reviewing.
Your words may be used in print or online.
If you want your comment considered for publication please give us address information. We reserve the right to edit your emails.
|
Reader Offer The Secrets She Keeps, rrp £9.99, published by Bloomsbury, is now available in book stores. It can also be ordered direct from the publishers thanks to an offer with SelectLiving. To order a copy at the special rate of £8.99, including post and packing, contact Bookpost.The offer applies until end of June, 2005. It is only available in the United Kingdom - please email for overseas postage details. To order call: Tel: 01624 677237 Fax: 01624 837033 Email: bookshop@enterprise.net. Tell us what you think about The Secrets She Keeps or another book which has captured your imagination. At the Editor's discretion we will be publishing a selection of comments about our chosen titles on the end of the features in this section. So tell the world what you think about this book - and if you disagree with what anyone else has said send us a response! | 
