Helen Downing's Blog
July 27, 2016
May 16, 2016
Child of Hell Delayed - But for good reason!
Okay, I said Mid-May. I lied. I was supposed to be done by now but life and creativity both worked against me to get it done by this deadline.
Creatively, this is my most ambitious work. SO, it's taking way longer than originally projected.
Personally, my health conditions are now subsided so much that I am finally ready to get back out into the work force. Unfortunately, my declaration of that means NOTHING to the outside world that says...apply for a bazillion jobs and go on a bazillion interviews and still not be gainfully employed. Which is a bummer and another story for another day.
Anyway, I am still working steadily on COH and it will be out by end of summer.
THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!
Creatively, this is my most ambitious work. SO, it's taking way longer than originally projected.
Personally, my health conditions are now subsided so much that I am finally ready to get back out into the work force. Unfortunately, my declaration of that means NOTHING to the outside world that says...apply for a bazillion jobs and go on a bazillion interviews and still not be gainfully employed. Which is a bummer and another story for another day.
Anyway, I am still working steadily on COH and it will be out by end of summer.
THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!
February 5, 2016
Re-Release Party!
You are all invited! Come on over. There will be games, prizes, and sneak peeks of the new book!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/987618651330406/
https://www.facebook.com/events/987618651330406/
April 10, 2015
Have you read Remembering Hell yet?
Have you read Remembering Hell yet?
http://amzn.to/14PM6ac
#readawakeinhell #authorhelendowning #indieauthors #funnybooks 
http://amzn.to/14PM6ac
#readawakeinhell #authorhelendowning #indieauthors #funnybooks
March 31, 2015
My 2 cents on the Clean Reader App
Alright, I rarely preach, and when I do, I do not do it in a public forum...but today is different. I do have to say that the new app CLEAN READER is a disgrace to all things scholastic. It is obvious that I believe in God, and have a personal relationship with my creator. I also drop the F-bomb like I'm the literary version of Winston Churchill...Here's what I think...
1) If you don't like the language, then make a choice on whether to read it or not. I personally think you'll miss out on a bunch of life and beauty and art if you are scared of some consonants and vowels put together in a certain order to convey a certain feeling...but that is fine...just close the book and walk away. The idea of a censorship app is the digital equivalent of burning books, and you don't have the right to edit me to suit your sensibilities.
2) God is bigger and stronger than your particular language. Do you realize that the word "fanny" in the UK indicates a particular female body part and is considered to be a vulgar word? In the US we use it as a substitute for the word "ass" - which, by the way, appears in the Bible 87 times. Do you genuinely believe that the One From Which all Things Emerge and Unto Which all Things Must Return has a tally sheet with tic marks checking off every time you use a word that others find profane???
3)Here are a few more examples:
Lull is innocent enough unless your Dutch in case you just used the vulgar word for penis.
Neck might be 50's slang for making out in English, but in Arabic is means all the way, baby. Neck is the Arabic equivalent to the F bomb.
A Cat in Norwegian means Horny.
And of course the famous Coca Cola translated into chinese means "Bite the Wax Tadpole" (which isn't dirty, but sure does sound like it is.)
Get the point?
4) We cannot make everything on this planet reflect us personally. The world is full of color, race, sexual orientation, religion, and class (or in my case lack of it...ba dum dum).It is what makes the human race interesting. It is what makes us God's CREATION and not God's puppet show.
Stop scrubbing the different out of everything you consume. And if you read something that makes you question your beliefs or your assumptions? Good! Beliefs aren't beliefs unless they are defended. And faith is not faith unless it's tested. Everything else is just an opinion or an idea - and they can be changed.
1) If you don't like the language, then make a choice on whether to read it or not. I personally think you'll miss out on a bunch of life and beauty and art if you are scared of some consonants and vowels put together in a certain order to convey a certain feeling...but that is fine...just close the book and walk away. The idea of a censorship app is the digital equivalent of burning books, and you don't have the right to edit me to suit your sensibilities.
2) God is bigger and stronger than your particular language. Do you realize that the word "fanny" in the UK indicates a particular female body part and is considered to be a vulgar word? In the US we use it as a substitute for the word "ass" - which, by the way, appears in the Bible 87 times. Do you genuinely believe that the One From Which all Things Emerge and Unto Which all Things Must Return has a tally sheet with tic marks checking off every time you use a word that others find profane???
3)Here are a few more examples:
Lull is innocent enough unless your Dutch in case you just used the vulgar word for penis.
Neck might be 50's slang for making out in English, but in Arabic is means all the way, baby. Neck is the Arabic equivalent to the F bomb.
A Cat in Norwegian means Horny.
And of course the famous Coca Cola translated into chinese means "Bite the Wax Tadpole" (which isn't dirty, but sure does sound like it is.)
Get the point?
4) We cannot make everything on this planet reflect us personally. The world is full of color, race, sexual orientation, religion, and class (or in my case lack of it...ba dum dum).It is what makes the human race interesting. It is what makes us God's CREATION and not God's puppet show.
Stop scrubbing the different out of everything you consume. And if you read something that makes you question your beliefs or your assumptions? Good! Beliefs aren't beliefs unless they are defended. And faith is not faith unless it's tested. Everything else is just an opinion or an idea - and they can be changed.
March 20, 2015
Amazing Review!
Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
**5 STAR REVIEW**
Awake in Hell
By: Helen Downing
http://amzn.to/1wZTlKf
Louise finds herself in Hell upon her passing at the age of 45. Realizing her life was certainly worthy of eternal damnation, she’s accepted her fate and moves through the days but with lots of wit and humor. Hell doesn’t seem that much different from real life, Louise finds herself with nothing to do and she chooses to find work at the temp agency. She conducts herself with a daily routine – “making the best of a shitty situation”, going through an array of jobs – just get fired after one day for things like “facilitating love and fostering hope”. Because face it – in Hell no one needs those things!
Hell slowly begins to reveal to Louise certain memories and qualities of herself that she is reminded of. Almost as if she is having these past experiences for the first time, she learns some profound lessons along the way. In the end, the people she has met in Hell all have meaning and the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together.
Pulling from most experiences the average person faces in today’s world – the “Hell” of technical support when your internet isn’t working or the fact that you remember and revisit nightmares at night when you have no control. Louise gets to continually reflect on why she’s in Hell. From the daily trips to the closet that revealed the next hideous outfit to the cab ride scenes (who hasn’t had a cab ride from Hell?) there was much to be amused by in this story.
I immediately fell in love with Louise and the author. Fascinated by the author’s version of Hell and how Louise adapted to death with such charm and wittiness. Playful, funny and thought provoking, provided a truly enjoyable reading experience. The strong language seems to be offensive to some based on other reviews, but I find this to be shocking – the story is about Hell after-all.
Reading the author’s bio even made me smile and grin. And at the end of it all, I was left shedding a tear or two and really reflecting on the lessons learned from the story.
Remembering Hell is the next installment by Helen Downing http://amzn.to/1Aqobqe
About the Author:
Helen Downing likes to describe herself as a trophy wife, a bit of a diva, and of course Author of her own destiny! In reality, she’s a chubby, middle-aged wife and mother of two who is addicted to BBC Television and social networking.
Please buy her books. It’s her only chance of ever fulfilling her full potential, and possibly getting into heaven.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/imtellinhelen
Blog: http://bit.ly/1GJP00C
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1wRlu5I
— with Author Helen Downing.
Helen Wiles
Unlike · Comment · Share · March 18
**5 STAR REVIEW**
Awake in Hell
By: Helen Downing
http://amzn.to/1wZTlKf
Louise finds herself in Hell upon her passing at the age of 45. Realizing her life was certainly worthy of eternal damnation, she’s accepted her fate and moves through the days but with lots of wit and humor. Hell doesn’t seem that much different from real life, Louise finds herself with nothing to do and she chooses to find work at the temp agency. She conducts herself with a daily routine – “making the best of a shitty situation”, going through an array of jobs – just get fired after one day for things like “facilitating love and fostering hope”. Because face it – in Hell no one needs those things!
Hell slowly begins to reveal to Louise certain memories and qualities of herself that she is reminded of. Almost as if she is having these past experiences for the first time, she learns some profound lessons along the way. In the end, the people she has met in Hell all have meaning and the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together.
Pulling from most experiences the average person faces in today’s world – the “Hell” of technical support when your internet isn’t working or the fact that you remember and revisit nightmares at night when you have no control. Louise gets to continually reflect on why she’s in Hell. From the daily trips to the closet that revealed the next hideous outfit to the cab ride scenes (who hasn’t had a cab ride from Hell?) there was much to be amused by in this story.
I immediately fell in love with Louise and the author. Fascinated by the author’s version of Hell and how Louise adapted to death with such charm and wittiness. Playful, funny and thought provoking, provided a truly enjoyable reading experience. The strong language seems to be offensive to some based on other reviews, but I find this to be shocking – the story is about Hell after-all.
Reading the author’s bio even made me smile and grin. And at the end of it all, I was left shedding a tear or two and really reflecting on the lessons learned from the story.
Remembering Hell is the next installment by Helen Downing http://amzn.to/1Aqobqe
About the Author:
Helen Downing likes to describe herself as a trophy wife, a bit of a diva, and of course Author of her own destiny! In reality, she’s a chubby, middle-aged wife and mother of two who is addicted to BBC Television and social networking.
Please buy her books. It’s her only chance of ever fulfilling her full potential, and possibly getting into heaven.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/imtellinhelen
Blog: http://bit.ly/1GJP00C
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1wRlu5I
— with Author Helen Downing.
Helen Wiles
Unlike · Comment · Share · March 18
March 12, 2015
Reviews are coming in for Remembering Hell!
Have you read the reviews of Remembering Hell?
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly wonderful sequel to "Awake in Hell", March 12, 2015
By Lynda Gaskill - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Paperback)
A truly wonderful sequel to "Awake in Hell". The continuous adventures of Louise Patterson through heaven and hell are amusing and thought provoking. One could hope that the afterlife is the way Helen has created it in these 2 books.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars and "Remember Hell" was BETTER than I could have imagined, March 7, 2015
By Linda L Lopez - See all my reviews
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
I anxiously awaited the followup of "Awake in Hell".....and "Remember Hell" was BETTER than I could have imagined!!! Loved the writing, the scenes, the characters, and the underlying message in Helen's books. Helen......please, please, please, hurry and release Hell #3. And, then 4, 5, 6 and more!!!!
LOVE THESE BOOKS!!!!!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read, January 22, 2015
By m.Vinson - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
Just finished this morning. First off, let me say I am friends with Helen, and am mentioned in the forward, but I hope that doesn't stop you from reading my review. I promised I would be honest. When I read Awake in Hell, I loved it. It was like I could hear Helen (in my head)as I read the book. I loved the book so much, but wondered was it because Helen and I were close. It also made me worry if it was a One hit Wonder. This book is my answer. I read this book completely differently, and I did not hear Helen, my friend, in my head. I heard Helen, the story teller. Helen, the author. I love how she took Louise and her story to the next level. How I was rooting for Joe, and worrying what would happen next. I could see the path the story was traveling and I was following it anxiously. Loved it! Anxiously awaiting what comes next.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars WITTY AND WONDERFUL, January 14, 2015
By S. Stallings (Gulfport, MS) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
The long-awaited and fabulous sequel to Awake in Hell is here, and it's a wonderful continuation of Louise's adventures in heaven and hell. New characters are wonderful, and the insights into some of the older ones are joyfully enlightening. Loved every minute, and I still want MORE!! I can't wait to see what's next. Kudos to Helen Downing on bringing us a story that is heart-warmingly funny and really makes you think about who you want to be in the afterlife!
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5.0 out of 5 stars A interesting tale!, January 13, 2015
By emilyk52281 - See all my reviews
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
'Remembering Hell' by Helen Downing is the sequel to 'Awake in Hell'. This story is a interesting tale. I had no idea what was going to happen next. Recommend to fans of fantasy and good versus evil.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars She did it again! Incredible, January 12, 2015
By Larry - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
After reading Awake in Hell I had to see if she had anymore life altering lessons to share. Remembering Hell..... Another amazing story on personal trials and tests that lead to understanding and finally redemption. Well done Miss Downing! Thank You
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars good read!, January 12, 2015
By Kellie (Delaware) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
I had every intention of waiting for the paperback to come out, but, having read into the first two chapters (free) ended up downloading it to my kindle! (Still plan to have my hard copy, though...)
Things I find most enjoyable about Helen Downing's books:
1. Quite the interesting take on how things operate once a person dies.
2. Although several reviewers seem a bit disturbed by the colorful language, in my opinion, the language makes the dialogue more believable... I have known many more people who pepper their speech with such coarse adjectives/expletives than do not (yet I strongly suspect most of those who do not have still occasionally uttered one or two).
3. There is a "moral" at play in the storyline...
Makes it much easier (for me, anyhow) to identify with a character when they have to struggle with themself a bit.
Interesting, thought provoking books ~ some of the details may be a little confusing to a reader who has neglected to read "Awake in Hell"... but it's not too late to catch up on the first part of the story!
http://amzn.to/14PM6ac
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly wonderful sequel to "Awake in Hell", March 12, 2015
By Lynda Gaskill - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Paperback)
A truly wonderful sequel to "Awake in Hell". The continuous adventures of Louise Patterson through heaven and hell are amusing and thought provoking. One could hope that the afterlife is the way Helen has created it in these 2 books.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
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Comment Comment
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars and "Remember Hell" was BETTER than I could have imagined, March 7, 2015
By Linda L Lopez - See all my reviews
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
I anxiously awaited the followup of "Awake in Hell".....and "Remember Hell" was BETTER than I could have imagined!!! Loved the writing, the scenes, the characters, and the underlying message in Helen's books. Helen......please, please, please, hurry and release Hell #3. And, then 4, 5, 6 and more!!!!
LOVE THESE BOOKS!!!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Report abuse | Permalink
Comment Comment
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read, January 22, 2015
By m.Vinson - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
Just finished this morning. First off, let me say I am friends with Helen, and am mentioned in the forward, but I hope that doesn't stop you from reading my review. I promised I would be honest. When I read Awake in Hell, I loved it. It was like I could hear Helen (in my head)as I read the book. I loved the book so much, but wondered was it because Helen and I were close. It also made me worry if it was a One hit Wonder. This book is my answer. I read this book completely differently, and I did not hear Helen, my friend, in my head. I heard Helen, the story teller. Helen, the author. I love how she took Louise and her story to the next level. How I was rooting for Joe, and worrying what would happen next. I could see the path the story was traveling and I was following it anxiously. Loved it! Anxiously awaiting what comes next.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Report abuse | Permalink
Comment Comment
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars WITTY AND WONDERFUL, January 14, 2015
By S. Stallings (Gulfport, MS) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
The long-awaited and fabulous sequel to Awake in Hell is here, and it's a wonderful continuation of Louise's adventures in heaven and hell. New characters are wonderful, and the insights into some of the older ones are joyfully enlightening. Loved every minute, and I still want MORE!! I can't wait to see what's next. Kudos to Helen Downing on bringing us a story that is heart-warmingly funny and really makes you think about who you want to be in the afterlife!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Report abuse | Permalink
Comment Comment
5.0 out of 5 stars A interesting tale!, January 13, 2015
By emilyk52281 - See all my reviews
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
'Remembering Hell' by Helen Downing is the sequel to 'Awake in Hell'. This story is a interesting tale. I had no idea what was going to happen next. Recommend to fans of fantasy and good versus evil.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Report abuse | Permalink
Comment Comment
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars She did it again! Incredible, January 12, 2015
By Larry - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
After reading Awake in Hell I had to see if she had anymore life altering lessons to share. Remembering Hell..... Another amazing story on personal trials and tests that lead to understanding and finally redemption. Well done Miss Downing! Thank You
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Report abuse | Permalink
Comment Comment
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars good read!, January 12, 2015
By Kellie (Delaware) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Remembering Hell (Kindle Edition)
I had every intention of waiting for the paperback to come out, but, having read into the first two chapters (free) ended up downloading it to my kindle! (Still plan to have my hard copy, though...)
Things I find most enjoyable about Helen Downing's books:
1. Quite the interesting take on how things operate once a person dies.
2. Although several reviewers seem a bit disturbed by the colorful language, in my opinion, the language makes the dialogue more believable... I have known many more people who pepper their speech with such coarse adjectives/expletives than do not (yet I strongly suspect most of those who do not have still occasionally uttered one or two).
3. There is a "moral" at play in the storyline...
Makes it much easier (for me, anyhow) to identify with a character when they have to struggle with themself a bit.
Interesting, thought provoking books ~ some of the details may be a little confusing to a reader who has neglected to read "Awake in Hell"... but it's not too late to catch up on the first part of the story!
http://amzn.to/14PM6ac
January 12, 2015
Remembering Hell - Now Live
Now a long-term resident of Heaven, Louise finds a need to return to the one place she thought she had left behind forever – HELL. Back in Central City Hades, she meets Joe who needs a guardian angel. Louise also meets a tall, dark and handsome stranger who just may change her afterlife. In this compelling sequel to 'Awake In Hell', you are invited to return to the land of the damned with Louise as she learns a whole new set of lessons about how to live a good life, even after you’re dead.
http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Hell-Helen-Downing-ebook/dp/B00S4F4RRA/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1
http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Hell-Helen-Downing-ebook/dp/B00S4F4RRA/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1
December 18, 2014
Cover Reveal!!
Thank you cover artist Jennifer Stevens!! Please let me know what you think? 
