Cara asked Helen Harper:

As a writer, what were the most difficult problems you had to overcome?

Helen Harper Sometimes, when I'm really involved in writing, I forget to eat! But actually, in all seriousness, the most difficult problem has probably been self-belief. I wouldn't say I've overcome it exactly but I'm better than I was. I think that part of the reason for struggling with it is because, until very recently, I was an English teacher. When you're surrounded every day by Shakespeare, Dickens, Ishiguro, Yeats, Golding, Steinbeck, Atwood and so many other truly gifted writers, it's easy to feel very small and pathetic in comparison.

When I got my first negative review, I felt like I'd been stabbed (ridiculous, I know!). Even though I knew it wasn't a personal attack and it was just an opinion, I dwelled on it for days. It's easier now and I've developed a thicker skin. I'm also more able to learn from the negative comments I receive and appreciate the sentiments with which they're given. In fact, I'm astonished daily that any stranger would take the time to write a review of something I've written, whether it's good or bad. Or indeed come and ask me a question on Goodreads!

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