This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Helen Garraway.
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| (c) Jeff Krotz |
An avid reader of many different fiction genres, a love she inherited from her mother, Helen writes fantasy novels and also enjoys paper crafting and scrapbooking as an escape from the pressure of the day job.
Having graduated from the University of Southampton with a Degree in Politics and International Relations, she remains an active member of their alumni.
What kind of books do you write?
I love to create immersive new worlds for my characters to battle through. Vibrant worlds of ancient myth and legend full of political intrigue, betrayal, and adventure. If you love rich characters drawn together to fight for what they believe in then check out the Sentinal series.
Can you describe your writing why?
I just love writing. All aspects from the first idea, to the drafting to the editing. Ideas for new characters and impossible situations bubble up in my mind all the time and I just have to stop and write them down. I’ll find a home for them somewhere!
Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most
Oh my goodness! This is so difficult!
There are so many scenes I love. The emotional scenes most of all. I love the scenes that make you laugh or cry, that bring out a strong reaction. Most of which of course are spoilers!
This is a scene from Book three, Sentinals Justice. Jerrol and Taelia and the evolution of their relationship is one of the most enjoyable arcs I have written.
It was much later when he came face to face with the pretty young scholar again. “Captain, do you have time for a dance? I know officers are usually kept busy.”
“Of course, my lady.”
“Call me Taelia, please.”
“As you wish. I am called Finn.” He swept her out onto the dance floor, his fingertips tingling.
She raised her face to his, smiling with pleasure. “You dance very well for a military man,” she said.
“A misspent youth no doubt,” he murmured, breathing in the scent of her hair. He relaxed at the familiar scent, the tension dissipating from his shoulders.
“We’ve missed you,” she said. “We have been patient, waiting as we promised.”
Her words ran like wildfire through his veins, and he raised his head. Where had he heard those words before? There was so much he didn’t remember.
“Who do you believe me to be?” he asked as he twirled her around the room. Envious eyes followed their easy partnership; they seemed to know exactly what the other was going to do.
“Commander Jerrol Haven of the King’s Justice, Captain of the Lady’s Guard and the Keeper of the King’s Oath. My husband. King Benedict misses you, as do we all,” she said quietly, covering as Finn missed a step.
“I think you may be mistaken,” he murmured.
“No.” Her blinding smile faltered. “I’m not. I know you, and you know me, as we always have.”
“My lady. I am Captain Finn of the Third Chevron. This is my first visit to Retarfu, so we can’t have met.”
“Jerrol,” she whispered, her grip convulsing in his hand. “You must remember me, and why we came here.”
Finn searched her face, observing the shine of tears in her brilliant eyes, a hint of fear clouding her expression, and his gut tightened at the thought of upsetting her.
“I am sorry, my lady. I-I suffered an injury, and have lost some of my memories.” He smiled at her. “Though I am sure I could never have forgotten anyone as beautiful as you.”
Taelia stared up at him, her eyes wide with fear, and she bit her lip. “You were hurt? What happened? Are you recovered? Did they look after you?”
Jerrol twirled her around the dance floor, and his gaze flicked around the room, avoiding her anxious face, though he felt warmed by her obvious concern for him. “I would not be on duty if I was not fit,” he reassured her, and she exhaled a shaky breath.
