About
I am a freelance writer and editor with a background in psychotherapy, publishing and higher education. I have a PhD in psychology and literature from The University of London, where for a while I lectured in the English Department. My first book, a study of nineteenth-century novels arising from my PhD, was Never Marry a Girl With a Dead Father. Over time I’ve developed an interest in family life, emotional wellbeing, the domestic arts and social issues. For two years I edited the magazine Tasmanian Style and my journalism has appeared in Fiction Magazine (UK), The Age, Inside Story, Tasmanian Life, Online Forum and 40 Degrees South. My second book, based on forty biographical interviews, For the Love of Food: stories and recipes from extraordinary Tasmanians, came out in 2014. A Slow Childhood: stories and hints from family life is a memoir that comes out in 2016. Now living in Hobart, I have lived in Adelaide, London and Melbourne. My current project, Domestic Ambitions, is inspired by fifty interviews, and seeks to understand the value that we put on home life.
I enjoy your posts so much I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Details are on my blog at http://thesculptorswife.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/double-success/
This is sweet of you to nominate me. I have to confess I’m a techno twit and cringe at the process of doing all these steps. Not the questions, mind you, but the other stuff. But the main thing is that I’m glad you get something from reading my posts, and hope that you continue to.
Wow, VERY impressive resume you’ve got there. Ya sure are a writer! I like the cap you’ve got on in your pic. I’ve been a “hat person” since I had cut my hair very short last year and really enjoy it.
Hi Helen. I listened to your interview on RN and appreciated your discoveries in opting for the role of traditional stay-at-home mother. I have 3 children and also focussed on this role. I am now undertaking a Masters and recently wrote an essay about how my experience of motherhood informs my developing practice as a therapist, and how the role of stay-at-home mother is conflicted by the achievements and limitations of motherhood. There is much yet to be explored and said about this issue and I am motivated and strengthened by your writing on this matter. Thank you.
My comment above should read “conflicted by the achievements and limitations of feminism”. Not proofreading my writing is one of the pitfalls of interruptions in the family home. Happy to live with that.
Tracy, thanks for your comment. Well done for taking the next step. All the best. Helen
I met a Helen Hayward one day in london, 1984. are you that blunt aussie girl?
Perhaps you have a better memory than I do. Certainly I was in London in 84 – but a much younger version of course. Apologies if I was brash. Helen
No apologies: it’s what appreciated most of that younger version of a still beautiful woman. You sure cannot remember me: I was just a student of english at Lilyville road. We had sort of a “brief encounter” that year, of no importance to you. Still, I had enough time to observe that side of you. But maybe it was only a juvenile excess or my poor grasp of english. I was doing some search on Linkedin when i came across your name. I’ve been lurking your site for a while, wondering if you were that Helen. I think you are! It’s been a pleasure finding out a fine writer of great insight. I’ll keep on reading your things. And, if I don’t bother you, may I suggest a subject? why not writing monthly short stories? Title: Lives of non illustrious Tasmanians. Short biografies of common people, past and present. a sentimental journey through your homeland, its human condition, feelings, emotions, memories, sufferings. It’d be nice to watch that piece of down under from an original perspective. Helen’s Spoon RIver, if you like
glad to read you’re happy with ypur family. Ciao!
Of course I do remember, thank you for reminding me. Isn’t the passage of time weird. For me now it seems aeons ago. And yet, from another point of view, not. Glad you have enjoyed reading some of my stuff. I like your English! Good luck with it all. And actually I am writing a book of interviews about people in Tasmania. Good guess! Helen
It is a nice story to us here in Kenya please let us keep intouch to know more.
I look forward to reading more of your blog. I am just getting started on the author part of my life (stay at home mom/homemaker/and all that goes with it). I’ve been exploring the psychology of sugar addiction and health management up close and personal. Thanks for sharing your blog.
Pleasure.
Finding you on “Discover” on my WP reader feed and reading your posts I came to feel a kindred spirit found. I look forward to following your insights and reflections ~
Thanks!
Your blog is wonderful and I’m looking forward to reading more as I follow.
Thanks! H
Hi Helen! Your work is amazing! And you’re so well accomplished, I know how much work and dedication it takes to earn a PhD, congrats! I wanted to connect with you because I felt that my blog may have some helpful tips for a woman like yourself who may be juggling many things at once (family, home, self-care)! I have just started, so my posts are limited, but I would love to hear your feedback. Any suggestions for improvements when you visit my site/please send them my way! I would love to hear from you! Take care!
Thanks for your warmth, I will have a look at yours, keep at it!
I so don’t feel accomplished. My teenage son calls me Captain Meteorology, because of the way I come up with mistaken factuals…
lolol! How many children do you have? Thats so cute!
Jus heard you on rn. Compelling topic that goes to the heart of our existence. Your velvet voice is has the reassurance of the wisest sage. Thanks for your authenticity and will keep an eye out for future works
Mike