Helen Parusel: ‘The course introduced me to a group of writers with similar concerns, anxieties and ambitions’
BY Katie Smart
15th Jun 2023
Helen Parusel studied on our online Writing Your Novel – Three Months course in 2020 – with tutor Simon Wroe. Now she has a three-book deal with Boldwood Books for her historical fiction. Her debut novel A Mother’s War was released earlier this month.
We spoke to Helen about her time studying with us during lockdown, her approach to historical research and her path to publication.
How did the course impact your approach to writing?
In every way possible! I felt a bit lonely as a writer, especially during the Covid lockdown. The course introduced me to a group of writers with similar concerns, anxieties and ambitions. It was scary sharing my work at first, but under the excellent guidance of our tutor Simon Ings, exchanging feedback became an enjoyable and valuable experience. The most important thing I learnt was to show your characters through their actions.
Many of our students find lifelong writing friends on our courses. Are you still in touch with anyone you met on the course?
I was part of a very supportive community. It was so exciting to meet students from all over the world; Australia, USA, Europe and of course the UK. I myself am a Londoner now living in Germany, so it was lovely to connect with my fellow Brits! Some students are still in touch and the cheerleading I’m receiving for my debut means a lot to me.
You have a three-book deal with award-winning independent publisher Boldwood Books. How did it feel to receive the news that you were going to be a published author?
I’m lucky to have a great agent, Clare at The Liverpool Literary Agency. I knew she had submitted to Boldwood but I never dreamed they would offer a three book deal! I was totally stunned! It felt like a dream. Eventually reality hit me and I did my happy dance and cracked opened a bottle of bubbly with the family. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful.
Your debut A Mother’s War is out now. The novel follows a forbidden love story set in occupied Norway during WWII. Can you tell us a bit more about the novel and the inspiration behind it?
My inspiration came from a news article about the children born to Norwegian mothers and German fathers during the occupation of Norway in WW2. I began to wonder what it must have been like for the women who had relationships with the enemy and then became pregnant. Many went to the secretive Lebensborn homes, a lesser-known story of WW2. Lebensborn means source of life and was the scheme of SS Chief Heinrich Himmler to entice unwed mothers of ‘pure blood’ to further the Aryan race.
My book tells the story of Laila, who falls in love with a German, becomes pregnant and is shunned by her family. She turns for help to Lebensborn and when she discovers what is happening there her life is thrown into jeopardy.
How did you approach your historical research?
Firstly, I searched for memoirs by Norwegians who’d experienced the Nazi invasion and occupation. I found two excellent ones, luckily in English! Then I read fascinating research from historians on the Lebensborn scheme. I researched for nearly a year before I started writing.
What’s been your favourite book of 2023, so far?
To be honest, I’ve been reading mainly research for my WIP, but books I’ve enjoyed recently are The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’ Farrell and The French House by Jacquie Bloese.
What is your writing routine and where do you like to write?
I have to write in the mornings when I’m most focused. My workspace is a small, messy study which I’m desperate to sort out and decorate! I envy writers who can work in a café or in the garden. I need a comfortable chair and large monitor.
Finally, what’s next for your writing journey?
My WIP is set in 1938 when Austria is annexed by Germany and follows the stories of a mother and daughter caught up in the Nazi takeover. The book comes out in January 2024. In the next few weeks, I must start on book three. So, all very busy and exciting!
A Mother’s War is out now, order your copy here.
Applications for the next three-month online Writing Your Novel course are open.