A new visitor to my blog this week as Helga Jensen, author of A Scandinavian Summer joins me to talk about why she became a writer – fascinating story! Over to Helga …
A huge thank you to Morton for including me on her fantastic blog.
I became a writer as I am former cabin crew and saw some amazing things when I travelled the world. Having seen such wonderful sights, I wanted to share what I had seen with people who may never have the chance to explore some of these places. Visiting the Taj Mahal in Delhi, for example, was such a wonderful experience that I wanted to tell the world! Similarly, staying in Africa with a Masai Mara tribe and going on safari was another unbelievable experience. I was also very fortunate to be selected to fly on private jets for royalty. There were gold taps and pyjamas laid out on the bed on board the aircraft and I thought, wow, nobody would ever believe this. So, there was always this seed in my head that one day I would write about my experiences, even if they might sound far-fetched!
I trained as a journalist 18 years ago and thought I could find my way to writing books that way. I still work as a freelance journalist but was thrilled to receive a two-book publishing contract in 2020. There are two things I insist on with my books: that I take the reader to a fabulous setting abroad and that the protagonist is over forty. Although I have yet to write about my actual life experiences, I love taking the reader on a journey somewhere glamourous.
My first book was set in New York and my second in Denmark. I have recently signed a new two-book publishing contract and am working on book three, which will probably be set in Paris. When I am not working, I am doing a PhD, and the book I am working on is set in Sri Lanka and the Middle East. Therefore, every book I have written most certainly has a travel element. For me, this is absolutely perfect as, whilst I may have hung up my airline uniform, I still go on an adventure every day with my books, and I hope the readers will enjoy the trip.
About Helga Jensen
Helga Jensen is a freelance journalist and award-winning author. In 2020 Helga secured her first two-book publishing contract with Hera books. Her debut, Twice in a Lifetime, was published in June 2021, and A Scandinavian Summer was published the following summer. A further two-book publishing contract was signed with Hera Books in 2022, and Helga is now working on her third novel.
Helga has a BA Hons in English Literature and Creative Writing through the Open University and a Creative Writing MA from Bath Spa University. Helga is currently studying for a Creative Writing PhD.
Social media contacts
Twitter – @HelgajensenF
Instagram – @Helgajensenauthor
Facebook – @Helgajensenfordeauthor
About A Scandinavian Summer
It’s the right time for love, but is it the wrong place?
After the tragic, premature death of her husband Anthony, Martha has spent all her time focused on her teenage daughter Rosie in their small Welsh village.
But with Rosie leaving the nest, and Martha’s own job on the line, it feels that life is passing her by.
Inspired by her love for Scandi-noir dramas, Martha impulsively books a trip to Denmark, determined to push herself out of her comfort zone – even if the thought terrifies her…
Her trip to the tiny island of Fano becomes something much more: in the form of a handsome stranger, Lars. Can Martha find love under the Scandinavian skies… but more importantly, can she find herself?
You can buy A Scandinavian Summer and Twice in a Lifetime here:
AMZ: amzn.to/3JdMRO6
Kobo: bit.ly/3J5FyrT
Apple: apple.co/35X1tDk
Hive: bit.ly/3GHtlJn
Thank you for joining me and good luck with your books and your PhD! Mx
Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Summer at Lucerne Lodge published as an eBook, paperback and audio download too – Amazon Check on my Choc Lit author page for other purchasing options here
Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe published as an eBook, audio and paperback – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Nook Books, Google Play and Choc Lit for other options.
Sunny Days at the Beach is now available as an eBook, audio and paperback – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Nook Books, Google Play and at Choc Lit for other options.
Christmas at Borteen Bay is available as both an eBook and audio download – Amazon Kindle, Audio, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Choc Lit for other buying options.
The Truth Lies Buried is available from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks and also as a paperback and audiobook.
The Girl on the Beach published by Choc Lit is available as a paperback and from all eBook platforms –Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play.
Morton S. Gray - Author 