Author Interview with Helen Goltz
My guest this week is Author Helen Goltz. Helen is an accomplished writer having published 12 novels in varying genres.
Read our interview below to learn more about Helen and her writing.
About Writing/Books/Being an Author
SJJ: Do you remember the first book you read that had an impact on you - in what way and what was the name of that book?
HG: ‘The Secret Garden’ – I loved it. I couldn’t put it down and since then I’ve read so many wonderful books that have stayed with me like ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’.
SJJ: What is your favourite thing about writing? What is your least favourite thing about writing?
HG: I love that it is a creative release and a chance to escape. I write every day as I find it a treat. I think everyone has a passion and it is healthy to make time for it whether you are a writer, artist, athlete or wanderer. The thing I like least about writing is the editing process, so laborious.
SJJ: I am with you 100% on your least favourite thing.
If you could jump inside a book for one day (as an observer) what book would it be?
HG: ‘Pride and Prejudice’, as long as you were in the wealthy set. Wouldn’t that be fun to don a gown and see Mr Darcy in person?
SJJ: When you create characters are they completely made up or do they resemble or remind you of people you know?
HG: I always create a storyboard using actors or people I know to represent each character. It helps me keep them in character and to envision them as real. I list all their details and relationships. I’ve been known to take name inspiration from headstones while jogging or visiting a cemetery!
SJJ: How do you come up with titles for your books?
HG: I usually have a title before I start writing and I find it hard to write without one. But there were several novels that I changed the title after finishing them. It just felt right.
SJJ: What are you working on now and can you tell us about it?
HG: I’m working on a contemporary romance book under a pen name that I use. It is so much fun writing this genre, but I can’t help myself, I always have to put crime in there somewhere! I’m also working on a nomad road trip fiction book in the mystery genre. Both very different.
SJJ: Have you won any awards for your writing/books and if so what?
HG: I won a place for one of my books in a program called Adaptable, where they look at adapting a book for the screen or TV. I’ve also won a writing grant and short story awards.
A Little More Personal
SJJ: Are you superstitious? Do you have any rituals for good luck?
HG: I won’t indulge in writers’ block. If I’m not feeling the flow, I write something else completely different, even a different scene that I had planned for the book, and I’ll drop it in the appropriate part of the book later when I get that far, if that makes sense? I’ve often got several books on the go so that helps.
SJJ: Do you have a favourite vacation spot? Where?
HG: Haworth in the UK, the home of the Bronte family. It is a long way from Australia but I’ve gone there three times now and walked the moors to Top Withens. I love it.
SJJ: Can you tell us three interesting facts about you?
HG: I jog and do weights six days a week and have done so for decades; I’m a good cook, but I hate cooking and tend to just steam vegetables every night; I’m an introvert and one social outing a week is plenty for me!
Bio:
Helen Goltz is a journalist and producer with a 30-year history of working for newspapers, magazines, in marketing, and producing television and radio programs for clients including News Ltd, the Seven Network and Macquarie Media. She is the author of 12 books, and seven non-fiction titles co-written with Chris Adams. Helen is published by Next Chapter, Atlas Productions and Clan Destine Press. Helen is postgraduate degree qualified with majors in Literature and Communications.
Helen's Links: