Cornishwitches feature in debut novel
A MUM from Hinckley has drawn on her love of Cornish folklore to create her first urban fantasy novel.
Helen Monger, whose pen name is Helen T Norwood, has published her first book, Nature of The Witch, which transfers ancient witchcraft into a more modern day setting and is inspired by her passion for the southwestern county’s myths.
The mystery novel is the first of a trilogy of books, with the second to be published by the end of this year.
Helen said the series is aimed at young adults, though it proved to be a hit with her book group in Hinckley.
She said: “It was really interesting to research. There are a lot of myths and legends around witchcraft in Corn- wall.
“I enjoyed visiting the Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. With this genre, you can let your imagination run free.”
Her interest in fantasy fiction and writing started when she was a child, enchanted in reading Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton classics, while her interest in Cornwall came from a family link.
She said: “My husband had family in Cornwall and we used to spend a lot of time there. I’ll have to go down again to research for the other books.”
The first book is set in the city surroundings of Truro, with a more idyllic setting for the second edition as the story moves to Bodmin Moor.
Helen presented her book at the latest meeting of her book club, which the readers enjoyed although most of them admitted they don’t usually read fantasy.
The club has 11 members and was set up through social media website Streetlife.
Helen works part time for a bank in Hinckley and lives with her husband and two young children, aged two and 18 months, and “diva-like” family cat Tiger.
Fitting time for writing around her other responsibilities is a constant challenge, with her first book taking her two years to finish.
“I write in the evenings and when I’m off work, and sometimes when my youngest is napping.
“I’m more organised in writing the second book, it’s motivated me to make more time to focus on it.”
Helen is trained in nutrition and hynotherapy and runs a health and wellness blog called Think Fit Food Family.
She has an author profile on Amazon and her new book is on sale there in paperbook or on Kindle.