A Workington author who has written 10 children's books has just released her first non-fiction book - for aspiring writers.

Flying Start Stories is Helen Haraldsen's latest book.

"It brings together everything I’ve learned over my years as an aspiring, and then published, author, to help others fight off the writing gremlins and get their book written," said Helen, an English teacher at Keswick School.

Helen's first book was published in 2019 "after a lifetime of dreaming about becoming an author, and 15 years after writing my first book", she said.

She is keen to share her experience with others.

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"Since I’ve become an author, I’ve had so many people say to me that they’d love to write a book, or that they’ve started one, or more, got stuck and given up.

"I totally understand that, as it happened to me too. Life gets in the way and writing requires an awful lot of discipline, self-belief and effort.

"Add to that the lack of support and company along the way, and it’s easy to see why so many stories get abandoned and never make it into the hands of readers."

Helen will be sharing tales of her "life-changing" journey at 7pm, on Thursday, April 20, at The New Bookshop in Cockermouth.

"I want to help aspiring writers develop the confidence and motivation to plan, start and complete their children’s book so they can enjoy the experience of being a published author and make their dream come true too," she said.

Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from the shop.