Interview with Helen Smith, Author of The Miracle Inspector

Helen Smith is a member of the Writers Guild of Great Britain and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both – from cleaning motels to working as a magician’s assistant – before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel which was published by Gollancz (part of the Hachette Group).
She is the author of bestselling cult novel Alison Wonderland. She writes novels, poetry, plays and screenplays and is the recipient of an Arts Council of England Award. She’s a long-term supporter of the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture and mentors members of an exiled writers group to help them tell their stories.

Her latest book is the dystopian thriller The Miracle Inspector.

Visit her website at http://www.emperorsclothes.co.uk.
Friend her on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/ emperorsclothes
Become a fan at Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/authorhelensmith
Friend her at Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2833648.Helen_Smith
Pick up a copy of The Miracle Inspector at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Inspector-Helen-Smith/dp/0956517056


Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello! I’m a novelist and playwright. I live in London, England.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in London but then my family moved first to Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, then to Dorset, not far from Weymouth where the sailing events were held for the 2012 Olympics. Dorset is very pretty, with thatched cotttages and lovely countryside, but I longed for the excitement of London and couldn’t wait to move back here when I was eighteen.

When did you begin writing?

I used to write dreadful poetry when I was about eight years old. I wrote a shambolic play that was performed at school, and of course I wrote various stories as creative writing assignments when I was at school, too. But really, I began writing in earnest when I was about twenty-nine years old. I loved reading so much that I always knew I wanted to write. But what would I write about, if I hadn’t lived a little first? So I had a plan to live an interesting life and then start writing when I was thirty. I cheated and gave myself a year’s head start.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I write during the day and often go on into the night. I find it easier to write in concentrated blocks of time rather than snatch a few moments here and there.

What is this book about?

The Miracle Inspector is set in the near future. It’s about a young couple called Lucas and Angela who try to escape from London. England has been partitioned and London is an oppressive place when poetry has been banned, and theatres and schools have been shut down. There are rumours that other places in England are more liberal, but there’s no way of knowing for sure because a fence has gone up around the city and communication with the outside is forbidden. Still, Lucas and Angela think it’s worth taking the chance. The book is about what happens to them after they decide to leave.

What inspired you to write it?

I volunteer as a writing mentor with a group of exiled writers in London through an organization called Freedom From Torture. I wondered what it would be like if I had to flee London because it was no longer a safe place to live, and that gave me the germ of the idea for this book.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My daughter, Lauren, reads all my manuscripts before I send them to my agent. She’s always very encouraging about my work. This book is dedicated to her.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

The print book is available online from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Blackwells, The Book Depository, Foyles, W H Smith, Waterstones, and from your local independent bookshop.

The ebook is available from Kindle stores including Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

I have a very short trailer for The Miracle Inspector here. It does little more than show the cover and a few quotes, but I hope it will be enough to persuade readers to check out the book.

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

I have signed up for a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book. Over the years I have had some lovely reviews for my books from book bloggers and I have kept in touch with some of them. I wondered about whether to try and set up my own virtual book tour but there’s a lot of work involved. I realised that if I hired someone to set up the book tour for me, they would be able to get my book to many more bloggers than I could hope to contact, they would vet the blogs on my behalf, and they would do the work while I concentrated on writing the next book. It’s a great division of labor and I’m very happy with it.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Just keep writing. All you have to do it finish your book and make sure you’re pleased with it. It’s harder than it sounds but you’ll get there.

What is up next for you?

I am writing a mystery series featuring an amateur sleuth called Emily Castles. It is set in London and it’s light-hearted and fun – it would be characterised as a cozy mystery series. I have already published two novellas featuring Emily and her side-kick, a philosophy professor called Dr. Muriel, and they have had some great reviews from readers. I have just finished the first full-length novel in the series and I’m currently working on the second.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you for hosting me on the blog. I have enjoyed answering the questions.

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

In the explosive final installment of The Hunger Games trilogy, Katniss finds herself the symbol of the rebellion. President Coin from District 13 wants to use Katniss to motivate the rebels into a war that ends the Capitol's rule over the citizens of Panem. President Snow has already made it clear to Katniss that no one is safe--not her, not her family, no one. And when she finally grasps what the Capitol has done to Peeta, she knows she must become the Mockingjay.

Still emotionally and physically scarred from two trips to the Arena, Katniss fights for her sanity as she travels into the war torn districts. From the beginning she knew what she wanted to do. Had to do. Placed on assignment in the Capitol, she will let nothing stop her until she has achieved her goal.

The reviews for Mockingjay have been so mixed that at times I wasn't sure how I felt about the book myself. I would read the positive reviews and agree. Then I would read the less than positive ones and agree. In the end, my feelings fall somewhere in the middle.

The Hunger Games was a new step for me because I don't like dystopian fiction. I never understood the appeal of the Mad Max movies.I hated Lord of the Flies and could barely read the first chapter of George Orwell's 1984. I didn't even attempt Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 or Aldoux Huxley's Brave New World, though there was some discussion of them in high school. The one and only reason I ended up reading The Hunger Games trilogy was because the Lil Diva (10) received the first book as a gift from a teacher and was so eager to read it I didn't want to discourage her. She's such a reluctant reader, anytime she's excited over a book, I'm happy. I decided we would read it together. She loved it so much, it was a given we would read the next two. Many of the kids in her class had read them or were reading them. These books definitely weren't appropriate for her overall--too much violence, too many referrals to lovers, and required a thought process that she hasn't fully developed yet.  At least with us reading them together, I could answer questions she might have instead of her relying on the opinions of her friends.

Collins is a good writer. She created a world in which her characters lived, and it's a very flawed world. The excess in the Capitol stands out against the hunger and need in the districts. The hint of the past rebellion, the current Hunger Games system, and the growing unrest in the districts are a fabulous plot and create a high level of action. The superb creation of that world and the engaging plot, however, cost the reader in lack of character development.

Peeta and Gale don't grow or change at all. Now, things happen to them, and they are part of the love triangle that creates such conflict for Katniss, but overall, they are who they are--like all of the characters in the book. Even Katniss doesn't change that much from beginning to end. After reading all three books, I would say Haymitch is probably my favorite. He doesn't change either, but he does surprise the reader from time to time. Everyone else is predictable. Katniss and Prim's mother is so little part of this series, it's almost like she shouldn't exist at all. Could the writer have done more with her?


In Mockingjay, Collins creates an action-packed thriller of a story. The reader gets rewarded for all the tension of the previous books and sees how everything up to this point has impacted Katniss. Perhaps this is also a strength of the book. No, Katniss doesn't go through a major life change, but everything that has happened so far, and a discussion with a pivotal character, leads her to take certain actions, which turn into a thrilling conclusion; a conclusion I saw coming before it happened.

I have a few wishes for this book, most are that some characters wouldn't die; but my greatest wish would be that the author did not include an epilogue. I didn't have an issue with the content of the epilogue. It would be strange for someone as emotionally scarred as Katniss to move on and have a totally happy ever after. It's more because I felt the ending was so perfect and strong that it was a shame to bring the reader twenty years into the future with Katniss. I would have liked Collins to let the reader draw her own conclusions regarding Katniss's future.

Reading level: Ages 13 and up

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (August 24, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0439023513

ISBN-13: 978-0439023511

SRP: $17.99

Also available for Kindle

I purchased a copy of this book with an Amazon gift card. I received no monetary compensation for my review.

This is the twenty-fourth book I've read for the following reading challenge:

It is the seventeenth I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Katniss and Peeta survived the Hunger Games. Now an angry President Snow is determined that Katniss will pay for her deceit. As Katniss and Peeta begin their Victory Tour, Katniss catches a glimpse of the rebellion her actions have inspired. And then there's Gale, angry and eager to see the Capitol brought to its knees. Katniss can't seem to let him go, but if she can't convince all of Panem that she and Peeta are madly in love, it could be disastrous for everyone she holds dear.

In this highly anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games, readers revisit Panem along with Katniss, as she tells the story of the Victory Tour and the unrest her actions in the Hunger Games caused. Collins's impressive writing captures the reader's attention and there are enough twists and turns to keep her engaged.

The largest challenge with Catching Fire is that Katniss is turned into an unlikeable, whiny character without direction. In amongst the glimpses of the growing rebellion, she shares bits and pieces of the Hunger Games as she experienced them; the tension between her and Gale because of her relationship with Peeta; her fear of what Snow could do to her family unless she can convince all of Panem she is deeply in love with
the bread maker/artist. And while the reader sympathizes with all the Games have cost her, they don't feel Katniss has grown or learned much of anything.

A Quarter Quell is announced and its rules shock everyone. The reader sees more violence and more death. Tributes are going to have to make decisions. They are going to have to form alliances if they wish to survive.

Yes, this book has a fabulous cliffhanger ending that will leave the reader eager to pick up the final book of the trilogy, but Catching Fire didn't have as much meat as I was looking for. I didn't want to rehash so much of what happened in the first book. I wanted Gale to play a more pivotal role in Catching Fire. I wanted Katniss to make decisions instead of complaining about her circumstances. My daughter, who read the books with me, liked it, but she preferred the first and third books as well.

While this book is rated as 13 and up, and I know many kids younger than that have read it, I still think there's too much violence for young readers.

Reading level: Ages 13 and up

Hardcover: 391 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1st edition (September 1, 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0439023491

ISBN-13: 978-0439023498

SRP: $17.99

Also available for Kindle

I borrowed a copy of this book from a neighbor so we could continue with the series. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

This is the twenty-third book I've read for the following challenge:

It is the sixteenth I've read for the following challenge:

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Mad Max meets Blue Lagoon in this action-packed romantic tale that will soon become a blockbuster movie.

Katniss Everdeen lives in Panem, the remains of what used to be North America. Her father deceased, Katniss makes her home with her mother and younger sister, Prim. Living in poverty, Katniss has learned to hunt and trade for her family's needs.

Long ago, the districts waged war on the Capitol and suffered a devastating loss. As terms of surrender, every year each district sends one boy and one girl to compete in an annual televised event known as "The Hunger Games." When Prim is chosen to represent District 12, Katniss volunteers to be the tribute in her place. While the terrain and rules may change, the one thing that remains constant in the games is "kill or be killed."

This is not a book I would ever have chosen to read. I find its premise disgusting. The Lil Diva (10) was given this book as a present from one of her teachers. Since she is such a reluctant reader, yet was eager to read The Hunger Games in anticipation of seeing the movie, I decided the best way to handle it was to read it with her.

The plot aside, Collins is a masterful storyteller. She knows how to pull the reader in and keep them turning the pages. What unfolds is the story of a bright, independent young woman who learns to hunt illegally so that she can feed her family now that her father is gone. She has a close, yet confusing relationship with Gale, who also hunts.

Katniss is soon turned into a brave sibling, who protects her younger sister from certain death. The other tribute from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, the bread boy. It is Peeta's budding friendship with Katniss that provides the emotional side to this tale of death and woe. The kids have been trained for survival. Without the relationship between Katniss and Peeta, you simply have a story of horrible loss of life.

I didn't care for the ending, which only in some ways wraps up the loose ends, but it will provide a nice flow into the second book of the series. This isn't a book I would have allowed my daughter to read without me. It contains graphic violence that is more appropriate for older teens and adults. She is eager to read the next book in the series, Catching Fire. I haven't decided yet if we'll continue. It will be interesting to see what Hollywood does to this story for the movie. The special effects should make give it an epic Narnia battle type of feel, but I'm hoping they don't ramp up the romance too much.

Have you read any of The Hunger Games books? What are your thoughts? Were the next two books more violent than the first one?


Title:  The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN-10: 0439023483
ISBN-13: 978-0439023481
SRP:  $17.99 (hardcover)

Our family received a copy of this book as a gift. I also purchased the Kindle version of it. I received no monetary compensation for this review.


This is the third book I've read for the following challenges:

Interview with Christine Amsden, Author of The Immortality Virus (Coming in June!)

Our guest today is Christine Amsden, author of The Immortality Virus.

Christine has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

Welcome to The Book Connection, Christine. It's wonderful to have you here.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in the St. Louis area, but have since wandered and settled on the Kansas side of the Kansas City area.

When did you begin writing?

In my mind, I have always been a writer. Before I could read, I have clear memories of myself as a child, making up stories to go along with the pictures. The first story I actually wrote was about Cabbage Patch Dolls going to Mars, when I was seven or eight.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

My schedule revolves around my children. Right now, my son is in afternoon pre-school and my daughter takes afternoon naps (or at least, afternoon quiet time), so I consistently take two hours in the afternoon to write. For all the rest of the things I have to do – marketing, teaching workshops, writing reviews for my website – I steal time whenever I can. I usually get up an hour before my kids, I often steal an hour after my husband gets home, and I play catch up on weekends.

What is this book about?

The Immortality Virus is a far-future science fiction novel that asks: “What if the entire human race stopped aging?” It takes place in 2450, four centuries after The Change (when humans stopped aging), and tells the story of a blacklisted P.I. named Grace who is hired to find the man who caused The Change – if he's still alive. There's action, mystery, and a sprinkling of romance to help brighten the darkness of an otherwise dystopian novel.

What inspired you to write it?

The Immortality Virus didn't come to me in a burst of inspiration. I started out with the idea that I wanted to write a science fiction novel (I had just finished a paranormal novel and wanted to try something a little different), and then started doing a random search on Wikipedia. The search led me to the article on DNA, which helped me recall something I'd read about a genetic source for aging, which led me to more articles, and after about a week of reading and researching, it all came together in my mind: Someone released a virus that altered the human genome in such a way that we no longer aged.

After that, things came together fairly quickly. I got into characters (which is where I usually start, to be honest), world building, and I wrote an exploratory draft. Grace came to life as I started writing, as if she had always been inside of me and we were just waiting to be introduced.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

Probably Grace, because I spent the most time with her and got to know her well. She's tough on the outside, but soft and caring on the inside, which is what I love about her.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband. That was an easy one. :)

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

I have been a member of many critique groups throughout the years. I have taken to heart the advice that a critique group is only good for a year or two, and then you generally need to move on, to get some fresh perspective. I have made many friends, and keep in contact with most of my old buddies, but for each book, I look for new sources of help and inspiration. I am a member of Codex, and I have found many novel buddies there. Before that, I had a lot of luck at Hatrack (Orson Scott Card's site).

Who is your favorite author?

I only get to pick one? I like so many different authors, and for many different reasons. I read science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, and even young adult – each type of writing is my favorite when I'm reading it, and many authors are my favorite when I'm with them. I love Orson Scott Card, Asimov, Heinlein, Robert Jordan, Jim Butcher, JK Rowling, Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, Catherine Anderson, Madeleine L'Engle...just to name a few

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

I've never heard of a paved road to success – they're all made of dirt, mud, and gravel, and most of us don't have a four-wheel drive vehicle.

There were moments of pain, many moments of doubt, moments of joy, and most of all – hard work. All in all, it's been great, bumps and all.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

I did not do a very good job marketing my first novel, Touch of Fate. When people ask me how well it did, I usually say, “It was a learning experience.” And it was.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

The Immortality Virus will be available June 15. You can pre-order it now through Barnes and Noble. Amazon.com should also have it listed for pre-order soon. The book will be available through both Ingram and Baker and Taylor, which means that most bookstores can order it (though few will stock it). In Canada, I believe Rand McNally bookstores will be able to order it.

You can also get an eBook version through many distributors, including amazon.com and b&n.com.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

Yes! You can visit me anytime at http://www.chrsitineamsden.com/, where I not only have the latest on my books, but I also write book reviews and tips for writers. I love comments from readers.

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

Honestly, time. I have to put myself out there, meet people, talk to them, listen to them, and make friends. It's rewarding as well as time consuming, but I think it is the only way to promote a book.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Writers write. (For more details, see my blog. :) )

What is up next for you?

I am hoping to sell a four-book urban fantasy series soon. At the moment, I am trying to decide upon the best home for it. It is likely that I will go with my current publisher, because she's been great, but right now the series is my baby and I'm having trouble letting it grow up. :)

Thank you for having me!

Thanks for spending time with us today. We wish you great success.