News
I’m excited to share that I have a story in the upcoming crime and thriller anthology, Dark Deeds Down Under.
Dark Deeds Down Under brings together 20 Australian and New Zealand crime writers. I’m a huge fan of some of these authors, so I am absolutely thrilled to see my name alongside theirs!
Launching on the 26th June 2022; available for preorder from Clandestine Press now.
When I wrote the first book of the Familiar Magic series back in 2020, I didn’t have any plans for it to have a sequel. The idea for Familiars and Foes came from a number of places - a strange story of two sisters in my family history, an old photo of a woman named Jenny, not on our family tree, an abandoned patchwork quilt, I swear I will one day finish, and of course, my beautiful assistance dog, Bindi. These pieces of inspiration were all things that were important to me. Though the story only took shape once I started writing, it was made from scraps that had been waiting to be written about.
I had never thought I would be writing this type of book. I had jokingly said many times that I was incapable of writing healthy relationships, but perhaps it was just that I hadn’t met the right characters. Adeline and Hemi made me smile every time I thought about them, their story flowing easily. I realised very quickly I wasn’t done at the end of the book.
Accidents and Apparitions came next, a short Witchy story for the Jingle Spells Witchy Christmas Anthology. Next Curses and Cousins, launching this week.
I never thought I would write romance, or cozy mysteries, but I realise now, that it’s not about writing any particular genre. I wanted to write Adeline’s story – a story about a woman struggling with how to be strong in a body that doesn’t always cooperate, a story about her amazing bond and love with her assistance dog, and a story about magic; everyday and more fantastical.
Curses and Cousins launches on the 15th February, 2022. The story picks up after Familiars and Foes, and Accidents and Apparitions finish, but I think you could also follow it as a stand alone if you felt so inclined. To celebrate the launch of book two, the Familiars and Foes ebook is on sale for 99c this week (12-21ish Feb).
Originally published on The Sapling 25 May 2021
Children's author, storyteller and award winning playwright, Helen Vivienne Fletcher discusses storytime. She takes us through finding the right books, interacting with little listeners and other sage tips for engaging what can be a tough but rewarding audience!
It’s 10.25am on a Friday morning at The Children’s Bookshop. A small, eager child sits in front of me, there since 10am. I assure her storytime will start in five minutes. As if waiting for that cue, three families arrive in quick succession, and we begin.
And then pause briefly as another three families arrive midway through the second book.
One baby fixes me with an intense, puzzled frown, concentrating on every word. Another’s face breaks into a cheeky grin every time I meet his eye, and he lets out the occasional lion roar. A third roams, exploring the shop as she listens, rushing back to the circle when I start a new story or song.
Storytime is a fluid thing. There will be stops and starts as families arrive and leave, injury-checks and tears as a child still finding their feet tumbles over, important questions that must be asked mid-page.
Engagement looks different in toddlers. If I were reading to adults and one of them lay face down on the floor mid-event, I’d probably question my future in public speaking. At storytime, we just roll with it. I keep reading, and soon enough, a little face will peek out to see the pictures.
So, how do you engage little people with short attention spans?
Overall length is an important factor, and the number of words on each page needs to be considered too. Books with huge blocks of text can lose children’s attention, but only a few words on each page can feel bitsy, as page turning breaks the flow, distracting young listeners. Finding a few stories that fit nicely into that mid-point is ideal, and the longer and shorter ones can be peppered in for variety.
A strong narrative is important in any story. When reading aloud, the rhythm and musicality of the writing are just as significant. People often (incorrectly) assume that picture books must rhyme. Children do enjoy rhyme, but books with a regular rhythm and end of line rhymes can become rather sing-song when read aloud. Children may check out if it all sounds the same. Rhyme or prose combined with alliteration, surprising rhythms or a varied pace are more likely to keep them engaged. Read a few pages aloud to yourself. If you find it interesting to say, chances are it will be pleasing to listen to as well.
Books with opportunities for participation are great, but just like the length of pages, there’s a balance. Too little interaction, and kids may switch off as the story doesn’t involve them. Too much, and they’ll forget about the book, telling you all about their breakfast, pets, or mother’s secrets instead. I find asking the occasional question when turning a page (“Do you think he’ll find what he’s looking for?”) pointing out something in the illustrations, or getting everyone to join in with an animal noise or repeated phrase works well. Interaction also helps fill the pauses caused by fumbled page turns!
There’s nothing like not being able to see to cause kids to become disruptive. With bigger groups, I like to do a sweep with the book, so that those at the edge get a chance to see the illustrations. Doing this while saying the last three words on each page keeps the story moving. Just remember to vary whether you pan right to left or left to right, or you might get kids on one side complaining that the other got the better deal!
A good picture book should flow well enough that you can sight read it aloud easily, however, a quick practice beforehand is still a good idea. You’ll find any tongue-twisty bits and get a feel for the rhythm. It’s important to read as if you’re experiencing the story for the first time though. Get scared in the scary bits, be surprised, delighted, or amused. Kids will follow your reactions and will be much more comfortable laughing or gasping if you do too.
Vary your pace and volume where it fits the story. Speeding up during dramatic action, or slowing down when tension is building, indicates to children that something different is happening. This brings their focus back to the book, even if they weren’t listening previously. If children are getting noisy, it can be tempting to raise your volume with them, but dropping your voice to a whisper adds drama and will have them quietening down and leaning in to listen.
Finally, make sure you’re having fun! Kids will pick up on your energy, and if you’re enjoying reading the books, they’ll enjoy listening to you.
The Book With No Pictures, B. J. Novak
Underwater, by Helen Vivienne Fletcher
- Reviewed by Sarah Forster
Originally published on The Sapling 31 May 2018
On its surface (see what I did there), Underwater is a simple teen holiday resort drama, like the ones I recall devouring as a ten-year-old. But deeper down, it is a very well told story of a family trying to put the pieces back together after an unimaginable loss.
Sixteen-year-old Bailey and her seven-year-old sister Tilly are at Pine Hills Resort for a summer holiday with their grandma. We meet Bailey as she is sitting at the side of the resort’s pool, wishing she could get in with the others. She is a natural swimmer, and loves the water, but something is stopping her. She meets the eye of a boy in red trunks, sitting on the other side of the pool. ‘It was strange. Everything seemed so fast here, so frenetic, but he was really still. I watched him, feeling some of the calm rub off on me.’
His name turns out to be Adam, and he has a younger brother as well, which means they see each other at the playground most days and soon become friends. But he is one of the group of teens who have been coming to the resort for a decade – you know the type, those people that go to the same place every year to holiday together. And he used to be with a girl called Clare. Clare has a few issues.
Cue teen drama, romance and the joy of new friends. Underwater is written in the first person, something Fletcher is very good at, achieving the perfect tone for her teen voices. At no point does it seem as though Bailey is anything other than a teenager, despite her family situation. The characters include Clare as the manipulative camp bitch, Amber and Jenny who are secretly together together, Freya as Bailey’s slightly nerdy but kind roommate, and some peripheral teen characters. Clare is fleshed out as a character, but needed just a little more motivation for me to understand her actions entirely.
Underwater is written in the first person, something Fletcher is very good at, achieving the perfect tone for her teen voices.
At the beginning of each chapter, in italics, Bailey talks a little of her memories of life before, and as we carry on through the book, we begin to get the story of what happened to her family, told in italics. The tension is beautifully held by Fletcher, you are pulled tightly through the novel to the point at which the event which I can’t tell you about is finally revealed. At first, the big reveal seemed too early, but this makes sense in the wider story arc and I really enjoyed the ending.
Underwater has some pithy phrases as well – this made me chuckle while sitting on a bus: ‘I’d had hard-core meat eaters get pissy about the vegetarian thing before, but Clare made it feel like she might actually turn cannibal to prove her point.’
Bailey is a relatable and sympathetic character and I really enjoyed Underwater. I’d recommend it for kids aged 11+, just be aware there are descriptions of extreme violence and PTSD.
There’s no such thing as Humans by Helen Vivienne Fletcher (HVF Publishing)
- Reviewed by librarian Dave Tucker.
Originally published on The Sapling July 8 2021
What lurks beyond the edge of the forest? Since the beginning of time, the unusual, the unknown and the unexplained has interested and intrigued all of us. Should we be curious, cautious, or plain scared of what we are unsure of?
Therein lies the conundrum of a persistent little monster called Grub.
Cautionary family myths and fun fairy tales often serve as harmless boundary-setters for the more adventurous members of our clan, and Grub’s well-meaning mum has carefully constructed certain unproven secrets to keep her mischievous offspring close to home.
This parental plan seems to have kept Grub at bay, until now.
Grub steps out with his partner-in-grime Puddles, and they egg each other on, eager to end their life’s obsession with that unknown being named ‘human’.
Do our meagre monsters dare to tread where no monster has stomped before?
You bet they do.
“There’s no such thing as humans, there’s no such thing as humans.” These are the words repeated to all young monsters, so this must be true, right? This is where our adventure begins, beyond the edge of the forest, where each intrepid foot-stomp takes Grub and Puddles further into the world of being near humans and far from the safety of their lovely lair.
I loved this original and quirky early reader. The inviting cartoon-like illustrations and snappy chapters are easy to devour and promote a ‘just scary enough’ story bite between bath and bedtime.
With lots of comic-like pictures to cradle its generous font, the author understands the careful balance between a slow-release plot with an out of this world imagination. This adventure will be perfect for your next shared wrapped up winter story time.
To celebrate the launch of my new book, There’s No Such Thing As Humans, I’m holding a creative writing competition for Kiwi kids.
Grub, the main character in There’s No Such Thing As Humans, is absolutely terrified of humans, especially the one his brother says lives under his bed. I started to wonder, what other strange things might you find under the bed? A monster? A treasure map? A moldy piece of toast you forgot to eat?
Write a story about finding something under a bed for your chance to win a book prize pack. Email your entry to brainbunny@hotmail.co.nz by 5pm Friday 14th May 2021. Maximum word count 1000 words. Please include your name, age, school, and email address (or parent/teacher’s email address, so I can contact you if you win) in your email.
Please read the terms and conditions for more details. If you still have questions, feel free to email me.
You must be aged 12 or under to enter this competition.
Entries must be received by 5pm, Friday 14th May 2021 by email to brainbunny@hotmail.co.nz. Entries received after this will be disqualified.
Entries must be under 1000 words. Entries over this length will be disqualified. Entries can be shorter – there is no minimum word count.
Entries must include something under a bed, as outlined in the prompt above, but can include other things too, if you want – your imagination is your only limit!
To be eligible for the book prize pack, children must be based in New Zealand. Children outside of New Zealand may enter if they wish, but won’t be eligible for the books due to postage costs.
Entries must include the entrant’s name, email address (or parent/teacher’s email address) the entrant’s age and the entrant’s school. Children who are homeschooled or do not attend a school for any reason are still welcome to enter, please just put “homeschool” or similar in your email.
The winner will be announced at the launch of There’s No Such Thing As Humans, 3pm 16th May 2021 at The Children’s Bookshop, Kilbirnie, Wellington
If there are sufficient entries, judging will be broken into age categories. If judged in one group, the age of each entrant will be taken into account when reading each story. This gives all ages an equal chance of winning.
Entries may be sent from a parent or teacher’s email address if preferred.
Winning Entries may be published on the Brain Bunny website. I will double check this with you first.
Grub is a little monster with a big problem – he’s absolutely terrified of humans, especially the one his brother says lives under his bed.
Grub’s mum says there’s no such thing as humans, but even so, they must never go to the edge of the forest. That’s fine by Grub, until his brother dares him. He can’t refuse a double dare, can he?
Will Grub find humans at the edge of the forest … or something even worse?
Join us for the launch
Where: The Children’s Bookshop, Shop 26 Kilbirnie Plaza, Kilbirnie, Wellington
When: 3pm, 16th May 2021
There’s No Such Thing As Humans is full of lots of fun characters. Meet all in the book!
Grub is a little monster with a big problem - he's absolutely TERRIFIED of humans, especially the one his brother says lives under his bed.
Puddles loves teasing Grub about being a scaredy-monster, but he has a secret... he's just as terrified of Humans as Grub is!
Our third and fourth characters are a pretty cute brother and sister pair. Ben and Charlotte are just as scared of monsters as Grub and Puddles are of humans!
Introducing the villain of the story - Edgar Ashworth, a wizard with a nasty spell in mind.
Finally, meet Harold. His pet humans - or owners as they insist on being called - are Ben and Charlotte.
A few people have asked about the reading ages of my books recently, so here is the updated list. If you're looking for a gift recommendation for someone in particular, please feel free to flick me a message and I can point you in the right direction
Jenny No-Knickers - ages 0-7
Aunt Kelly's Dog - ages 0-7
Do Fruit Worry About Getting Fat? - ages 0-7
The Trespassers Club - ages 8-12
Underwater - ages 11+
Reactive - ages 11+
We All Fall - ages 12+
Broken Silence - ages 14+
Familiars and Foes - teens and adults
Symbolic Death - older teens and adults
If you’re in New Zealand, you can buy signed copies from me directly, or support local by through your favourite indie bookshop (even if they don’t have copies on the shelves when you go in, they can still order copies in for you).
If you’re overseas, you can find copies on Amazon or Book Depository.
It’s always lovely to receive nice notes from readers, and I was especially pleased to receive this review of the large print edition of my book, We All Fall. I’m so glad vision impaired readers are finding these editions easy to read!
“We All Fall by Helen Vivienne Fletcher
Large print edition: Beautiful cover, perfect paper and font choice, these books were made for us.
This suspenseful YA novel will keep you guessing until the end. Set to the unusual backdrop of a circus, the characters are well-rounded and three-dimensional. The magical realism is woven throughout, held together with the literal thread of Myra's sewing and sequins. A mystical exploration of guilt, blame and responsibility. Great to also have a representation of disability intersecting with LGBTQ+ characters.”
- Jen from Wellington
Thanks so much, Jen! So glad to hear you enjoyed the story and found the large print edition easy to read.
The large print edition of We All Fall can be purchased from Book Depository and Amazon. Retailers and libraries can also purchase copies through the Ingram Group.
