Guest Post – Helena Dixon

I would like to welcome Helena Dixon to my blog today on what is a very special day! Today is the publication day of Helena’s latest book, read on to find out more.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Helena Dixon lives and works in Devon in the UK. She has a husband, three daughters, one grandson and a cockapoo dog called Teddy. As Helena, she writes 1930’s golden age style cozy mysteries including the best selling Miss Underhay series. As Nell, she is a multi-award winning contemporary romance writer.

How did you get into writing?

I’ve been writing since I was 12 when I joined my first local writers group. I finished my first novel when I was 17. Needless to say it was pretty dreadful so didn’t go anywhere. I then had 3 children in 4 years and my husband became very ill so writing took a step back until my 40th birthday was approaching and I thought if not now then when? and went for it.

What era do you write about, and what drew you to that time period(s)?

My Miss Underhay series starts in 1933 and we’re just entering 1936. It was a time much like now. Great divisions in wealth between the haves and have nots. Women’s rights and their place in society was changing. There was the build up of tensions in Europe and technology was changing rapidly too.

Can you tell us a little bit about your most recent book?

Murder at the Highland Castle is set over Hogmanay (New Year) in Scotland. It has snow, whisky and a psychic and releases November 17th. All the Miss Underhay books can be read as stand alones but a lot of my readers enjoy starting at the beginning with Murder at The Dolphin Hotel to follow Kitty and her now husband Matt’s relationship and various other puzzles along the way.

Where can people order your book(s)?

The books are available as audio, kindle and paperback. Amazon is the easiest place but you can order through reputable book stores.

Are you working on something at the moment? If so, can you spill the beans a little?

I just handed in the next book in the series, Murder at the Island Hotel which is a classic locked room mystery.

How do you go about your research?

I do tons of research. I travel around to the various sites. I have old maps and guide books. I went out in a golf buggy to see where I could put a body (Murder at the Playhouse) and have taken trips on steam trains and boats.

Do you have a favourite historical source?

My local historical society is fabulous at providing me with information and I use Juliet Garwood’s book, ‘The Thirties’, for an overview.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring authors, what would it be?

Write. Don’t get sucked into the building websites, social media, designing a cover etc until you have actually written and polished a book.

Can you tell us your favourite fiction and favourite non-fiction book?

This is so hard! Pride and Prejudice is my favourite fiction book I think as I’ve read it so many times. My non fiction is One Pair of Hands by Monica Dickens. She was the granddaughter of Charles Dickens and is a wonderful writer in her own right.