In 1972, Helen was part of a crack commando unit that was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit.* She promptly escaped, disappearing into the underworld of a small Yorkshire town by the name of Thirsk, and started to write books. She is now a novelist and poet best-known for her York-set murder mystery novels featuring a crime-solving librarian. She also writes historical romance novellas, non-fiction books and poetry.
Helen has been writing professionally since graduating from her MA in Literature and Creative Writing at the University of York St John in 2006. Between now and then, Helen has written editorial for TV, radio, magazines and websites providing commentary on a range of topics including film, literature, travel and feminism. The publications she has written for include The Guardian, The Spectator, Film Fatale Magazine, movieScope Magazine and Film4.Com.
For five years, Helen edited the independent film magazine: New Empress Magazine, and has since written several non-fiction volumes.
Helen’s poetry has been published in Popshot Magazine, From Whispers to Roars, Riggwelter and the TL;DR women’s anthology. She has previously performed her poetry at The Poetry Cafe, The Poetical Launch Party and That’s What She Said, hosted by For Book’s Sake. You can read a selection of her poems here.
Helen’s novel-length fiction has been published by Quercus Books and Harper Collins. She also independently publishes steamy romance novellas under the pen name Helen Louise Cox.
Helen is a qualified teacher and experienced lecturer in Creative Writing, English, Film and Media. She coordinated in the creative writing department at City Lit, London for three years and still teaches the occasional course for them. She has spoken for a range of institutions, events and programmes including: BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, Keats House and City University.
Anybody wishing to get in touch with Helen regarding writing opportunities should contact her agent Joanna Swainson at Hardman & Swainson.
To contact Helen directly about speaking engagements please email helen@helencoxbooks.com.
Book lovers wishing to sign up to Helen’s mailing list can do so here.
*Some of this factual information may not be true.