Colleen Helme Interview Published on: 26, Sep 2019
Where are you from? How has our childhood influenced you as an author?
I live in Utah, USA. I love being close to the mountains as well as the big 5 national parks which I have visited many times. I have always loved reading, and books have held a special place in my heart. Reading expands our minds and opens our hearts to new experiences, cultures, times, and people.
According to you, how important is it to never let your imagination die?We all have a creative side to us, and I believe that creativity is what keeps the excitement and thrill of this mortal existence alive. We are all moved by beauty, and having the ability to imagine other worlds and places gives our lives substance and joy.
How difficult do you think it is to write suspense? Is it relatively more difficult from other genres?For me writing suspense is exciting. I'm always happier when my protagonist is in trouble! I think most genres have suspense as part of the story, although it differs in intensity. I'm not a big fan of gory blood and horrific violence, so I keep that at a minimum in my books, but there is always conflict and life-or-death situations which move the story along. I also love putting my characters into moral dilemmas that will test them. Nothing is black or white, and I love exploring those situations.
How did you come up with the idea for Shelby Nichols Adventure Series? Did you expect it to become a best-seller?The idea for the book came while I was at the grocery store buying carrots for chicken soup. It had recently been robbed, and I wondered what I'd do if it happened while I was there. So that is how Shelby Nichols came about - and the first book is called CARROTS because she was at the grocery store shopping for carrots. I never expected it to become a best-seller, but I always hoped something like that would happen!
What genre of books did you enjoy reading while growing up?I loved fantasy, starting with C.S. Lewis and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. But I also loved some of the classics. One of my favorites was The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
When did you first come up with the idea of creating the character of Shelby Nichols?As I expressed earlier, her character came from my experience at the grocery store, and I just went from there. I never planned to make her a mind-reader, but when I wrote the story, that's what happened, and I'm so glad it did. Being able to hear everyone's thoughts is a dilemma all by itself - let alone when it's exacerbated by a mob boss and the police. Oh the trouble she gets in!
How often do you go for biking and hiking?I have a road bike and I go out 2-3 times a week when the weather is good. On the other days, I'm usually out walking my dog. I find that time spend outside is my "thinking and plotting" time to get my creative juices flowing for the current book I am writing. I've solved many a plot dilemma while out on a walk.
What is the sweetest fan-mail/compliment that you have received for your writing? Which book was it for?I love being someone's FAVORITE author - it doesn't get much better than that! As far as which book it was for, it's usually for the whole series, but most tell me that CARROTS is their favorite because that's where it all began.
Which was the first book you wrote? Did you publish it or plan to?I wrote a series of 3 fantasy books that were published by a small press publisher. The first was called Flame of Destiny. Only one is still in print and it's called SONGBIRD.
What is something that most people don’t know about being an author?It's harder than you think. When I first thought about writing a book, I never thought it would be so intense. I realized I needed some help and took a great writing class that taught me a lot about POV, showing not telling, past and present tense, etc. That was the best thing I ever did to help me learn the craft. But that is just the beginning. It takes a lot of practice and willingness to accept constructive criticism. You're not going to get it right the first few times, but you need to keep at it until you know what you're doing. This includes writing, discarding, and re-writing, along with a willingness to learn as you go.
What do you do when you get an idea for a book? Do you write it out immediately, or do you wait for it to incubate in your head for a while?It depends! Some ideas are so big that I know I won't forget them, but others need to be written down. With a big series like mine, I usually know what the next book is about before I'm finished with the current book I'm working on.
Which of the books in the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series was the most challenging and fulfilling to write? Why?I have to say DEVIOUS MINDS because it took place in Paris. Shelby doesn't speak French, so her mind reading didn't help her much. It was fulfilling because I took a trip to Paris just for the book and it was amazing! Most of the places that Shelby visits are some of the same places I got to experience, so that book holds a special place in my heart!
How would you describe your journey of becoming a USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author?Lots of hard work, long hours, and help from fellow authors. It always makes a huge difference to have fellow authors as friends in the author community. Of course, none of it could happen without wonderful readers who enjoy and love the books!
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?I am currently working on book #13 of my Shelby Nichols Adventure Series. It's called GHOSTLY SERENADE, and it takes place in New York. I'm over 2/3 done, and it's coming together really well. I went to New York for LACED IN LIES - and it's great to be back in the Big Apple for this next adventure.
How has your experience with AllAuthor been?I've enjoyed my experience with this amazing community. All the great tools available to authors makes it totally worth it. Thanks so much!
