Helen Stockton

Helen Stockton (www.helenstockton.co.uk) has been writing since she was able to hold a pencil. Her poem about a fox, was published when aged nine, in the Caravan Club Magazine, and she has continued to hone her skills into adulthood.
She is an eloquent and imaginative writer and poet who relishes language and its multiplicities and vagaries. She writes in different genres but has a particular penchant for the autobiographical and poetic. She enjoys exploring the humour of everyday experiences, both in a fictional and non-fictional context, giving a wry take on alternative possibilities and incorporating a knowledgeable and observant view of the animal and natural world in much of her writing.
Her work is published in many national magazines, an anthology of poetry, and on-line. She has also been short-listed in national writing competitions for a children’s short story about dogs and for wildlife writing. She is perhaps best known, rather regrettably, for her dog-blog, www.rolotheborderterrier, written by her Border Terrier, Rolo, who has a very similar writing voice to her own....
She teaches creative writing, is a writing mentor and has been accepted as an examiner for the AQA creative writing A-Level. She has a book published: Teaching Creative Writing, by How To Books, and is a member of the National Association of Writers in Education and Lapidus, an organisation that promotes well-being through writing. Creative Writing is at the centre of most of her endeavours, both professional and personal, and she is keenly interested in all things literary.

Credentials

Helen Stockton in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1974 Northwich, Cheshire

What do you love about short stories?

The constraints of conciseness.

Do you write in other forms?

Poetry, creative and often humorous non-fiction, blogs, stories for children and wildlife writing.

What distracts you from writing?

My family, my dog and my garden.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

My family, my dog, my garden, country walking, and having a laugh over the odd glass of wine with friends.

What is your favourite book?

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Who are your favourite writers?

Charlotte Bronte, Ian McEwan and Sarah Waters

Where is your dream location?

My back garden - boring but true!

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Celebratory authors with little writing ability........

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Always look to improve your skills and develop. Don’t stand still.