Meet Helen Starbuck | Author, speaker, and editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helen Starbuck and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helen, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always drawn, painted, and written fiction. I was diverted from a degree in studio art by the fact that earning money as an artist isn’t easy. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t feel my talent was up to the challenge. I became a nurse because it was a familiar profession since my mother and grandmother were nurses. My creative side took a back seat for quite a while, turning into something I did, but only as a private hobby.

I took a job as a clinical editor for a nursing journal and that is what opened up the possibility of writing as a more serious pursuit, I found a story I had begun many years ago and discovered I still liked it. I finished it, and The Mad Hatter’s Son was my first published novel. The books kept coming and I have now published eight books. It has given me a lot of joy and to my surprise my books have won awards and have a loyal following of readers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write a mystery series and standalone romantic suspense fiction set in Colorado. I am most proud of the fact that my books have won awards and been recognized by Kirkus Reviews and other important reviewers. Most importantly, I have found readers who love the books and keep asking for more.

Working as a clinical editor for many years helped me fine tune the basics and, when I began writing my fiction, the mechanics of writing were already there. Writing the books was easy, finding my way through the publishing process and marketing the books has been much harder. I have been fortunate to connect—sometimes by accident—with the right people who helped me get my books published. Marketing is a daily struggle. It’s a learning process that all authors must become familiar with.

I’ve learned that connection with other authors and the writing community are important for support, referrals to the help you need, and to encourage you to continue writing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Over a week long trip, I’d take them to downtown Denver first and take them around the shops and restaurants in Larimer Square, and explore LoDo. Then I’d take them to the Cherry Creek area, which is full of great restaurants and shops to explore. I’d take them to the Denver Art Museum. Glenwood Springs would be next on the list to enjoy the hot springs and the mountain town. If they liked to ski, I’d take them to the ski resort of their choice and while they skied, I’d sit in the lodge in front of a fire, read a book, and enjoy a glass of wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thanks should go to my sister, Lorelei Starbuck, who listened and encouraged me to keep writing my first book. I’d also like to thank my first editor, Dorrie O’Brien, for walking me through the fiction editing process, guiding me when I got off track, and trusting that I would listen to her comments and suggestions and make my manuscript the best it could be.

Website: https://www.helenstarbuck.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenstarbuck_author

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Image Credits
Helen Starbuck