Welcome to the blog, Helen and many congratulations on
the publication of your first novel.
The Friendship Tree is a delightful
title. Can you tell us how you came to choose the title and what came first,
the title or the book?
The
idea came first. I initially wanted to write a book set in a small town and I
wanted a way for the town to come together in times of need, and so the idea
for a friendship tree was born. Thank you so much for saying that it’s a
delightful title.
Would you like a friendship tree in
your own life?
I’d
love to live somewhere like Brewer Creek, the fictitious town in my novel, and
at the moment as we have recently moved back to the UK, a friendship tree would
be fantastic! I think I’d even volunteer, like my character, Tamara, and be the
coordinator. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together socially and in
times of trouble.
Some writers carry an idea with them
for a long time before putting words to paper. How was the process for you and
did it take long to write?
I
don’t remember having the idea for that long. I think once I thought of it, I
couldn’t wait to get going and write the story. I was in a good position to do
so, because my first novel was very much a learning experience. I put that
novel completely aside and somehow I knew that I’d never go back to it, and
with everything I’d learnt I had time to focus my efforts on The Friendship Tree.
It
took me a couple of months to do the first draft, but the editing process took
much longer. I put this novel through the NWS twice and had many rejections
along the way, but I used my time to rework the book so it ended up a much
better version of what it was initially.
You are a member of the well-known
writing group, The Write Romantics.
How important do you feel it is for a writer to belong to such a group?
I
honestly think that my journey to publication would’ve been so much harder
without my writing group. We met, via the RNA, and for a while only knew each
other online. Most of us met at the conference in Shropshire in 2014 and it was
amazing to meet all these women who have supported each other in the low times
and toasted one another’s successes, not only with writing but with anything
else going on in our lives too.
There
are ten members of The Write Romantics and we have a closed group on Facebook
which acts as our virtual office. Most of us are in the ‘office’ seven days a
week, if only to say a quick hello, and having that support there is the most
amazing thing a writer can have. I’d recommend it to everyone.
What do you have planned to celebrate
the publication of your book?
When
I signed my contract initially, it was champagne and oysters on Sydney Harbour.
On publication day, Tuesday 24th February, I’ll be opening champagne and making
some very special cupcakes. I’ll enjoy celebrations with my family who have
never let me give up on the dream of being published, there’ll be celebrations
at my online launch party and of course online with The Write Romantics, and
next weekend I’m getting together with extended family for more celebrations,
more cake and more champagne.
So what is next for Helen J Rolfe,
author?
I
have another novel which is almost ready to go for submissions, then another
after that which I’ll be passing onto my beta readers in a couple of weeks. I’m
hoping that both of these can be out during 2015 or at least, early 2016. I’ll
keep you posted!
I
already have my next idea in my head and in various notes on my phone and
computer, and I’m itching to start that one but I’ll focus on the launch of The Friendship Tree and finalising my
other two for the next few weeks … until I can’t resist any longer!
About
Helen:
Helen
J Rolfe worked as a computer programmer until her passion for writing refused
to be ignored any longer. She studied journalism, left the I.T. industry and
embarked on a career as a freelance journalist. In 2011 the fiction bug bit and
Helen has been writing fiction ever since.
In
the year 2000 Helen answered her call to adventure and bought a one-way ticket
from the UK to Australia, but after fourteen years of calling Australia home,
Helen decided to return to the UK with her husband and two children. She now
lives in Bath.
Links:
Thank you, Helen, good luck with The Friendship Tree and enjoy your
celebrations.
The
RNA blog is brought to you by:
Elaine Everest & Natalie
Kleinman
If
you would like to appear on the Blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com
Today we
welcome Helen J Rolfe, another of the talented contenders for this year's Joan
Hessayon Award and graduate of the RNA New Writers' Scheme. Thank you for
answering our questions, Helen.
