A children’s author is offering free support to aspiring writers, following the success of her own Amazon bestsellers.     

Helen Haraldsen, an English teacher at Keswick School, who lives near Workington, always wanted to be a children’s author but it took until she was 39 before her dream of having a book published came true.

In the last three years, she's found a publisher, then lost them due to Covid-related closure, published ten children’s books as an independent author, with three of them going on to be bestsellers, sold the translation rights for another and won a small business award.

Following her own author adventures, which have involved plenty of plot twists along the way, in 2023 she's looking to help others who’d like to write for children by running a free online writing challenge during National Storytelling Week.

The 'On Your Marks' challenge will help people get set to write their own children's book. It's running from Monday, January 30 – Thursday, February 2, in Helen's free Facebook group, Flying Start Stories which is a group providing community, accountability support and advice for anyone who wants to write for children.

There will be a short daily task each day to help inspire ideas plus the opportunity to ask questions and win a copy of Helen's next book; her first non-fiction book for adults. Also called Flying Start Stories, it's due for release in February and contains 33 tips for aspiring authors from Helen's own experience.

If you're interested in getting involved with a fun, free challenge and having the opportunity to meet others with the same interest, join the group: www.facebook.com/groups/flyingstartstories/

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