H.L. Walton's Blog
April 12, 2016
1st Real Life Spooky Story
The first story is live!
Pop over to my website and check out the first story in my new blog series of Real Life Spooky Stories, based on actual events and sent in by fans and followers of helendeakinauthor.com and my social media pages.
You can send in your own spooky story to realspookystories@outlook.com or complete the form on my website here http://www.helendeakinauthor.com/#!re...
Pop over to my website and check out the first story in my new blog series of Real Life Spooky Stories, based on actual events and sent in by fans and followers of helendeakinauthor.com and my social media pages.
You can send in your own spooky story to realspookystories@outlook.com or complete the form on my website here http://www.helendeakinauthor.com/#!re...
April 10, 2016
Real Life Spooky Stories
I am always meaning to write more blog posts, for both Goodreads and my website; however I never seem to. For a writer, it's a bit strange -I know- that it always seems to stump me what to blog about.
So a while ago I came up with an idea to start a blog post series of real life spooky stories, sent to me by readers and re-written by myself for my blog. I never went anywhere with it. Life had too many other things happening at the time.
Now, however, I am determined to start my real life spooky stories blog and soon will have the first one up titled "The Crying Man."
Keep an eye out for it at www.helendeakinauthor.com and if you have a real life spooky story of your own, I would love to hear from you. Submit it at my website or email me at realspookystories@outlook.com
Ta-ta for now, but not for long, and have a great day!
So a while ago I came up with an idea to start a blog post series of real life spooky stories, sent to me by readers and re-written by myself for my blog. I never went anywhere with it. Life had too many other things happening at the time.
Now, however, I am determined to start my real life spooky stories blog and soon will have the first one up titled "The Crying Man."
Keep an eye out for it at www.helendeakinauthor.com and if you have a real life spooky story of your own, I would love to hear from you. Submit it at my website or email me at realspookystories@outlook.com
Ta-ta for now, but not for long, and have a great day!
October 23, 2015
Beta Readers Group
Hi all! Looking at putting together a team of beta readers. This will be a group of people who are willing to have a read of my books for me during the editing process. Once I have done the first two drafts I will start sending them out. The beta readers goals would be to spot spelling mistakes, plot flaws and make any suggestions for changes or improvements to the writing or story. If you would be interested in joining this group, please email me at helendeakinauthor@outlook.com and I will add you to the list. Thanks you in advance.
October 17, 2015
Never Give up on Your Writing
I haven’t really spent much time working on this little blog of mine. In fact, I’ve barely posted anything here at all. I keep feeling as if I should be posting more and then I think, but what should I write about? I just don’t know. Yes, hilarious isn’t it? The writer doesn’t know what to write about.
Then I thought to myself, why not write about writing. It makes sense to do just that, so, I’m writing this post about something I feel very strongly about…
Never giving up!
I hear so often—and read so often—stories about people who want to write but don’t, simply because they feel it is too hard, if not impossible, to succeed and yes, it is hard. Success doesn’t actually happen overnight (well, very rarely anyway), it’s a long winding, bumpy road and there’s a lot of hard work along the way.
Some people hear about these “overnight success stories” and think, why can’t that be me? 99% of the time, that “overnight success” event was preceded by years of countless hours of hard work, dedication, patience and all the things that contribute to an author’s success. Not so long ago I read a quote that went: “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” So true.
I read an article a while back that is glued inside my brain like a refer-to sticky note, kept there to ignite my inner determination flame every time it seems it might dwindle. It was sent to me in an email from one of the countless sites I have signed up to, to receive information, tips and advice on writing. It was about how many times famous authors had been rejected before getting there gigs. Stephen King (my biggest inspiration and most favourite author), J.K Rowling and J.R.R Tolkien were the few I remember in the article and all of them had been rejected up to (or more than) fifty times before they landed their big break. Look at them now.
The way I feel about writing is how I feel about my kids and the air I breathe. I couldn’t live without it. It fills up parts of me that are empty and awaiting new stories. It makes me so happy to just sit down and write and create a story moulded from the clay of my imagination. I know it is what I am meant to do with my life and I know I will succeed because I will not ever give up or think it’s too hard, too much work.
Even if it takes years to take my writing to the level I want to be at, to make a full time career out of my passion, I will get there because I am willing to put in the hard yards. So, all I can say to anyone who aspires to become a professional writer, think of those great authors who were rejected over and over again until, at the right moment, the right person picked up their manuscript and said, “Wow! This is going to be big.”
Then I thought to myself, why not write about writing. It makes sense to do just that, so, I’m writing this post about something I feel very strongly about…
Never giving up!
I hear so often—and read so often—stories about people who want to write but don’t, simply because they feel it is too hard, if not impossible, to succeed and yes, it is hard. Success doesn’t actually happen overnight (well, very rarely anyway), it’s a long winding, bumpy road and there’s a lot of hard work along the way.
Some people hear about these “overnight success stories” and think, why can’t that be me? 99% of the time, that “overnight success” event was preceded by years of countless hours of hard work, dedication, patience and all the things that contribute to an author’s success. Not so long ago I read a quote that went: “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” So true.
I read an article a while back that is glued inside my brain like a refer-to sticky note, kept there to ignite my inner determination flame every time it seems it might dwindle. It was sent to me in an email from one of the countless sites I have signed up to, to receive information, tips and advice on writing. It was about how many times famous authors had been rejected before getting there gigs. Stephen King (my biggest inspiration and most favourite author), J.K Rowling and J.R.R Tolkien were the few I remember in the article and all of them had been rejected up to (or more than) fifty times before they landed their big break. Look at them now.
The way I feel about writing is how I feel about my kids and the air I breathe. I couldn’t live without it. It fills up parts of me that are empty and awaiting new stories. It makes me so happy to just sit down and write and create a story moulded from the clay of my imagination. I know it is what I am meant to do with my life and I know I will succeed because I will not ever give up or think it’s too hard, too much work.
Even if it takes years to take my writing to the level I want to be at, to make a full time career out of my passion, I will get there because I am willing to put in the hard yards. So, all I can say to anyone who aspires to become a professional writer, think of those great authors who were rejected over and over again until, at the right moment, the right person picked up their manuscript and said, “Wow! This is going to be big.”
September 18, 2015
Please Help me Pick the Cover and Title for my New Book
I have always wanted to write a non fiction book but I never had a clue what I would write about.
A while ago, while talking with a friend about how I lost weight working out at home and managed to do so with the kids running around underfoot, she said to me "Hey, you should write a book about that."
So then I had my book idea.
I have written the book and am preparing it for publication but am undecided on a title and the cover. I have narrowed my choices down to three different covers, four titles and four sub-titles. Here's where I'd like your help.
Just pop on over to www.facebook.com/helendeakinauthor and like the pic of the cover you think is best and comment on the picture of the table with the title/subtitle options.
I'd really appreciate as much feedback as possible and I hope you can help me out.
Ta-ta for now, but now for long.
A while ago, while talking with a friend about how I lost weight working out at home and managed to do so with the kids running around underfoot, she said to me "Hey, you should write a book about that."
So then I had my book idea.
I have written the book and am preparing it for publication but am undecided on a title and the cover. I have narrowed my choices down to three different covers, four titles and four sub-titles. Here's where I'd like your help.
Just pop on over to www.facebook.com/helendeakinauthor and like the pic of the cover you think is best and comment on the picture of the table with the title/subtitle options.
I'd really appreciate as much feedback as possible and I hope you can help me out.
Ta-ta for now, but now for long.
July 25, 2015
Book Trailer for "The Clock Struck One"
I'm very excited to have completed my very first book trailer, for my new horror novella, "The Clock Struck One."
Please check it out and share it to your social media to help me get it out there. I am pretty happy with how it's turned out and would love some feedback from you too. What do you think of it?
https://youtu.be/9LQTwU18kp4
Please check it out and share it to your social media to help me get it out there. I am pretty happy with how it's turned out and would love some feedback from you too. What do you think of it?
https://youtu.be/9LQTwU18kp4
July 24, 2015
Excerpt In Rant Magazine
Hi there!
I'm so excited to have my first piece of writing published in an online magazine. An excerpt (the first chapter) of my new horror novella, The Clock Struck One has appeared in the Rant Magazine and there will be more to come. They will be publishing another excerpt from the novella soon.
Please check it out!
http://rantmagazine.com.au/the-clock-...
Ta-ta for now, but not for long!
I'm so excited to have my first piece of writing published in an online magazine. An excerpt (the first chapter) of my new horror novella, The Clock Struck One has appeared in the Rant Magazine and there will be more to come. They will be publishing another excerpt from the novella soon.
Please check it out!
http://rantmagazine.com.au/the-clock-...
Ta-ta for now, but not for long!
July 9, 2015
Author Spotlight
Hi all! I have just had an author spotlight done on The European Geeks website and am very excited because this is my first author interview.
Please stop by and check it out http://europeangeeks.com/2015/07/08/a...
Please stop by and check it out http://europeangeeks.com/2015/07/08/a...
June 29, 2015
My New Horror Novella Out Now!
I am so excited because my new horror novella “The Clock Struck One” has been launched today!
Prior to its release I have been sending out many free digital advanced reading copies to interested readers in exchange for their honest feedback in the form of a review and so far have already received an amazing response.
I’d like to share with you some of the great reviews “The Clock Struck One” has already received on Goodreads.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kevin rated it 4 of 5 stars
This is a very good story that seems to be looking for a niche - I try to classify it and it never quite seems right for the typical and obvious definitions.
The writing is strikingly eloquent, in fact it is so exotic and rich at times I found myself distracted from the story as I admired the craftsmanship of it. To say it shows a love of language in the author feels like an understatement. It is gloriously baroque and incredibly apt for the darkness this author seems to work with. Alas, as much as I swooned over the vocabulary at times it clashed with the characters - a modern family with a late teen protagonist. Rather cleverly it doesn't really detract as I feared it might at one point, but it did leave me feeling as if something even better was being held back from me.
The plot is solid. It feels more of a long short story than a novella and that allows the author some room to torment you. It delivers a sophisticated structure very gracefully - the author weaving some superb humour into the writhing storyline that kept me alert and intrigued. Like the best twists, you get caught up in them enough to forget the questions you were asking previously.
A brief and enjoyable read from an author who has me somewhat fascinated - well worth a read.
The author provided me with an electronic copy of this story for review
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jeanette rated it 5 of 5 stars
The Clock Struck One had me gripped from the first page! So many twists and i did not for one minute guess the ending. I'm so pleased to have had the opportunity to read Helen Deakin's novella in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that this is one of the best novella's that I have read in a long time. So much was packed into this story and do hope to read more of Helen's books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angela Dossett rated it 5 of 5 stars
*I received a copy from author for my honest opinion.*
This is the second book that I've read by this author. I look forward to reading more from her. She had the knack for telling a story that just takes you in one direction, but in reality, it's not what it seems.
I read this story in less than an hour. I was totally engrossed within the pages and when the ending came about, I was totally amazed that it was completely different than what I expected.
This author has the ability to write a story with the unexpected happening. I love stories like this. It enables readers to enjoy the story, and "Wham" them of sorts to find that the story was not what it seems.
In this story, her world building and characters, as well as emotions and fears are created with intense imagery that ensnares the reader to quickly read the pages to see what happens. She can certainly tell a tale.
The pace, flow, and concept was outstanding without being overwhelmed. I could feel the emotions of the character: Tamara. Being a teenager is rough, but having to move, making new friends, and leaving the old friends behind can be tough. Add the strange occurrences and you start believing all kinds of things.
It is a short, very enjoyable read. I think readers who love an unexpected ending will enjoy this story.
Get the book and read it, then you can decide. Happy Reading!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is just three of ten reviews already posted on my book and I am very pleased that people are loving it!
Visit my author page to read some more reviews or find out what all the fuss is about and grab your copy at http://www.helendeakinauthor.com/#!bo....
Ta-ta for now
But not for long!
Prior to its release I have been sending out many free digital advanced reading copies to interested readers in exchange for their honest feedback in the form of a review and so far have already received an amazing response.
I’d like to share with you some of the great reviews “The Clock Struck One” has already received on Goodreads.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kevin rated it 4 of 5 stars
This is a very good story that seems to be looking for a niche - I try to classify it and it never quite seems right for the typical and obvious definitions.
The writing is strikingly eloquent, in fact it is so exotic and rich at times I found myself distracted from the story as I admired the craftsmanship of it. To say it shows a love of language in the author feels like an understatement. It is gloriously baroque and incredibly apt for the darkness this author seems to work with. Alas, as much as I swooned over the vocabulary at times it clashed with the characters - a modern family with a late teen protagonist. Rather cleverly it doesn't really detract as I feared it might at one point, but it did leave me feeling as if something even better was being held back from me.
The plot is solid. It feels more of a long short story than a novella and that allows the author some room to torment you. It delivers a sophisticated structure very gracefully - the author weaving some superb humour into the writhing storyline that kept me alert and intrigued. Like the best twists, you get caught up in them enough to forget the questions you were asking previously.
A brief and enjoyable read from an author who has me somewhat fascinated - well worth a read.
The author provided me with an electronic copy of this story for review
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jeanette rated it 5 of 5 stars
The Clock Struck One had me gripped from the first page! So many twists and i did not for one minute guess the ending. I'm so pleased to have had the opportunity to read Helen Deakin's novella in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that this is one of the best novella's that I have read in a long time. So much was packed into this story and do hope to read more of Helen's books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angela Dossett rated it 5 of 5 stars
*I received a copy from author for my honest opinion.*
This is the second book that I've read by this author. I look forward to reading more from her. She had the knack for telling a story that just takes you in one direction, but in reality, it's not what it seems.
I read this story in less than an hour. I was totally engrossed within the pages and when the ending came about, I was totally amazed that it was completely different than what I expected.
This author has the ability to write a story with the unexpected happening. I love stories like this. It enables readers to enjoy the story, and "Wham" them of sorts to find that the story was not what it seems.
In this story, her world building and characters, as well as emotions and fears are created with intense imagery that ensnares the reader to quickly read the pages to see what happens. She can certainly tell a tale.
The pace, flow, and concept was outstanding without being overwhelmed. I could feel the emotions of the character: Tamara. Being a teenager is rough, but having to move, making new friends, and leaving the old friends behind can be tough. Add the strange occurrences and you start believing all kinds of things.
It is a short, very enjoyable read. I think readers who love an unexpected ending will enjoy this story.
Get the book and read it, then you can decide. Happy Reading!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is just three of ten reviews already posted on my book and I am very pleased that people are loving it!
Visit my author page to read some more reviews or find out what all the fuss is about and grab your copy at http://www.helendeakinauthor.com/#!bo....
Ta-ta for now
But not for long!
June 22, 2015
Just Want To Share Some Reviews Of My Books
Hi everyone! Been Getting some really great feedback on my books and would love you share some of my favourites from Amazon, Goodreads and my website.
Amazon Review of "Behind Blue Eyes":(4 Stars) Intriguing but disturbing tale of a "Forgotten"
I came across this book while scouring various book sites and Amazon. The book description sounded interesting, so I purchased it. I've never read anything by this author before, but I will keep my eyes out for future works that pique my interest.
The summary of this story is about a guy named Bradley, who had a troubled home life. When he got older, he quit his job and started his own business with the help of his best friend. He got a new home, and met new people. Then strange things started to happen. He dutifully reported to the police, but they could not help. He and his best friend tried numerous things to discover who was doing it, but it was like the person was one step ahead of them. Sinister, and more deadly encounters occurred. Finally after being kidnapped, he discovers who and why these things were happening.
This story contains light romance, murder, betrayal, intrigue and suspense. It had me continually second guessing myself, as to who was doing all those bad things. My curiosity was definitely intrigued with the twists and turns that kept coming. I found the ending to be right on target, though I was curious about Bradley. Makes you wonder if he would eventually turn out like his father if the author decided to make another story.
I found the pace of the story to be realistic, though in some instances, I just couldn't fathom how he was living while missing work a lot. The flow was steady throughout, and fast when action occurred. When I began this story, I discovered a dialect, that was a bit confusing, but as the story progressed, I was able to understand it.
The storyline was unique. Plots were believable, and lots of twists and turns. I found the details were convincing. The author has a creative ability to suck you into the story, turning page after page, to discover who was the person doing all those horrible things.
The characters were very believable, and acted accordingly to things that occurred throughout the story. I found myself rooting for Bradley and his will to fight for his life. Some instances, I thought he would give up but he just kept fighting. He had some amazing friends that stuck by him.
I like the title and description of the book, but I don't think the book cover justifies it enough to grab the attention of readers.
I would recommend this book to readers who like stories that keep you guessing. This story does contain some dark elements:domestic abuse, mental, emotional, and physical abuse. Just wanted to warn readers who are sensitive to those factors.
So fellow readers, get the book and read it and you can decide. Happy Reading!!
Amazon review of "Behind Blue Eyes":
(4 Stars) A fun weekend read that I would recommend to any fan of mystery/thriller or psychocology thriller..
Helen Deakin's writing has a way of pulling you into the world of Behind Blue Eyes. The author challenges the reader to question each character's motivation as the story unfolds. The narrative in her debut novel made me feel like I was a roommate to the main Character Bradley. The story itself reads like Stephen King's Secret Window and Garden with a pace similar to Jay Bonansinga's The Killer's Game. Helen Deakin is definitely an author to follow.
Goodreads review of "A Night Amongst The Gravestones": (4 Stars)
I graciously received a copy of this short ebook from the author in exchange for a review. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to review this story! Creepy, gripping, and definitely unputdownable at about 30 pages...I was able to read in just 1 evening. I love the idea of any kind of story being set in a graveyard....immediately creeps me out! And the ending!! This one was out of the park for me Helen!! Thanks again!!
Goodreads Review of "A Night Amongst The Gravestones": (5 stars)
After receiving a free read and review copy of behind blue eyes by Helen Deakin I just had to get this on too. It was a really great little short story that I read all in one go last night... in the dark. I found it to be really well written and really creepy. With it being set in a cemetery I was kind of expecting a cliché story (even though judging by Helens other book it would have to be good) but I was pleasantly surprised to find it was actually quite unique and the ending??? That was great! If you could guess that even right at the finish of the book you deserve a medal. All round a great nighttime read!!!
Goodreads Review of "The Clock Struck One": (4 stars)
I was given this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
OMG!! My heart is still racing. This book is awesome! Definitely not what I expected.
Just as I thought I had things figured - 'BAM' - another twist and I'm left wondering what next.
The writing is brilliant, the story executed just right and you can't help getting drawn into Tamara's world.
All I can say is WOW! - Well done Helen - hit the nail just right with this one.
I am very grateful for all the great feedback I have received for my work and if you would like to see some more reviews from happy readers, please check out the comments section on my books page at www.helendeakinauthor.com
Ta-ta for now, but not for long
Amazon Review of "Behind Blue Eyes":(4 Stars) Intriguing but disturbing tale of a "Forgotten"
I came across this book while scouring various book sites and Amazon. The book description sounded interesting, so I purchased it. I've never read anything by this author before, but I will keep my eyes out for future works that pique my interest.
The summary of this story is about a guy named Bradley, who had a troubled home life. When he got older, he quit his job and started his own business with the help of his best friend. He got a new home, and met new people. Then strange things started to happen. He dutifully reported to the police, but they could not help. He and his best friend tried numerous things to discover who was doing it, but it was like the person was one step ahead of them. Sinister, and more deadly encounters occurred. Finally after being kidnapped, he discovers who and why these things were happening.
This story contains light romance, murder, betrayal, intrigue and suspense. It had me continually second guessing myself, as to who was doing all those bad things. My curiosity was definitely intrigued with the twists and turns that kept coming. I found the ending to be right on target, though I was curious about Bradley. Makes you wonder if he would eventually turn out like his father if the author decided to make another story.
I found the pace of the story to be realistic, though in some instances, I just couldn't fathom how he was living while missing work a lot. The flow was steady throughout, and fast when action occurred. When I began this story, I discovered a dialect, that was a bit confusing, but as the story progressed, I was able to understand it.
The storyline was unique. Plots were believable, and lots of twists and turns. I found the details were convincing. The author has a creative ability to suck you into the story, turning page after page, to discover who was the person doing all those horrible things.
The characters were very believable, and acted accordingly to things that occurred throughout the story. I found myself rooting for Bradley and his will to fight for his life. Some instances, I thought he would give up but he just kept fighting. He had some amazing friends that stuck by him.
I like the title and description of the book, but I don't think the book cover justifies it enough to grab the attention of readers.
I would recommend this book to readers who like stories that keep you guessing. This story does contain some dark elements:domestic abuse, mental, emotional, and physical abuse. Just wanted to warn readers who are sensitive to those factors.
So fellow readers, get the book and read it and you can decide. Happy Reading!!
Amazon review of "Behind Blue Eyes":
(4 Stars) A fun weekend read that I would recommend to any fan of mystery/thriller or psychocology thriller..
Helen Deakin's writing has a way of pulling you into the world of Behind Blue Eyes. The author challenges the reader to question each character's motivation as the story unfolds. The narrative in her debut novel made me feel like I was a roommate to the main Character Bradley. The story itself reads like Stephen King's Secret Window and Garden with a pace similar to Jay Bonansinga's The Killer's Game. Helen Deakin is definitely an author to follow.
Goodreads review of "A Night Amongst The Gravestones": (4 Stars)
I graciously received a copy of this short ebook from the author in exchange for a review. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to review this story! Creepy, gripping, and definitely unputdownable at about 30 pages...I was able to read in just 1 evening. I love the idea of any kind of story being set in a graveyard....immediately creeps me out! And the ending!! This one was out of the park for me Helen!! Thanks again!!
Goodreads Review of "A Night Amongst The Gravestones": (5 stars)
After receiving a free read and review copy of behind blue eyes by Helen Deakin I just had to get this on too. It was a really great little short story that I read all in one go last night... in the dark. I found it to be really well written and really creepy. With it being set in a cemetery I was kind of expecting a cliché story (even though judging by Helens other book it would have to be good) but I was pleasantly surprised to find it was actually quite unique and the ending??? That was great! If you could guess that even right at the finish of the book you deserve a medal. All round a great nighttime read!!!
Goodreads Review of "The Clock Struck One": (4 stars)
I was given this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
OMG!! My heart is still racing. This book is awesome! Definitely not what I expected.
Just as I thought I had things figured - 'BAM' - another twist and I'm left wondering what next.
The writing is brilliant, the story executed just right and you can't help getting drawn into Tamara's world.
All I can say is WOW! - Well done Helen - hit the nail just right with this one.
I am very grateful for all the great feedback I have received for my work and if you would like to see some more reviews from happy readers, please check out the comments section on my books page at www.helendeakinauthor.com
Ta-ta for now, but not for long
