Writing about what she knows made good horse sense for bestselling author Helen Haraldsen
As a youngster, Helen Haraldsen was passionate about three things: reading, writing and riding. ‘My parents encouraged me and I always had lots of books on the go,’ she says. ‘I loved ponies too and would get taken to Michael Moon’s second-hand book shop in Whitehaven where I discovered lots of classic pony books. I started and riding lessons when I was nine and my parents bought my favourite riding school pony, Pearl, for me when I was ten.’
Pearl was the inspiration behind the launch of Helen’s first book which became a hit with pony-loving youngsters and has since become a bestseller in Amazon’s equestrian chart. Helen is a firm believer that part of her success is due to writing about the things she knows best.
‘Despite my passion for reading and writing I thought I could never be a writer as I was very much in awe of authors and their fantastic brains. But there was one thing I did know about and that was ponies and the experiences I’d had with them so that’s how it began. Pearl was a fell pony. She was safe and steady but also opinionated and quite stubborn. She taught me a lot about perseverance, practice and patience which have been excellent skills for life and for being an author. The book was a tribute for her and all that she taught me.’
Helen has been immersed in the world of horses from a young age and her Amber’s Pony Tales series – for readers aged 8 to 12 – is based on her own ponies and her experiences of a range of equestrian sports through the UK Pony Club.
‘The Pony Club was brilliant for developing horsemanship skills and knowledge, making friends, having a good time and being involved in training and competition as an individual and as part of a team.’
Helen’s heart-warming stories, which follow the adventures of pony-mad Amber and her ponies, encourage youngsters to learn about fun, friendships, responsibility and how to deal with competitive situations in a realistic and relatable way. When her final book of the series – The Gift Horse – was recently published it went straight to number one in Amazon’s equestrian chart.
‘I’m pleased my books have had positive reviews and I’ve been contacted directly by readers too, who’ve said the stories have given them more confidence and made them want to develop their horsemanship for the benefit of their pony. One family told me they were new to ponies and reading my books was helping them to learn along the way. I hope readers learn compassion for their ponies and for themselves too and to enjoy time with their pony; develop a bond and appreciate them as the individual they are.’
Helen, who teaches English at Keswick School, is keen to pass on her love of literacy to young people. ‘It’s vitally important that children learn to enjoy reading and writing rather than see it as a chore, so they become literate adults. That’s why it’s so important for children to find books they love to read, and which inspire their curiosity and confidence. They also need to be given opportunities to write freely without rules or judgement. I run a Writers and Illustrators club at school, where groups work together to plan, edit and publish complete novels though a team writing process. The current club members, who range in age from 11 to 18 are now working on our third book.
‘To me, writing is very much like riding. The daily commitment of looking after horses gets you used to routine and dedication and, as riding competitions are a sport of huge ups and downs, you get used dealing with disappointments and to picking yourself up afterwards. Developing as a horse rider requires lots of patience, practice, perseverance, and dedication. My life with horses has been perfect preparation for becoming a writer. If you want to complete a book you’ve got to sit down and get words on the page whether you are in the mood to write or not, with no guarantee of success at the end.’
Helen still enjoys riding and relaxes with her three horses, Maddy, Charlie and Holly, alongside two dogs and two ducks. ‘I’ve enjoyed Riding Club activities, British Eventing and Eventer Derbies in Cumbrian venues. I’m at my happiest on a warm summer day, in the countryside, either horse riding or walking the dogs.’
Helen has also written the Daley’s Dog tales series, which are illustrated adventure stories inspired by her dogs who star as the main characters.
The past three years have been a busy time for Helen. ‘I’ve published ten children’s books as an independent author, with three bestsellers on Amazon, sold the translation rights for another and won Theo Papthitis’ Small Business Sunday award, run a free online writing challenge during National Storytelling week and just published my first non-fiction book – Flying Start Stories – which is a book of tips to pass on to aspiring authors.’
Helen’s advice for aspiring writers is to find a subject you’re passionate about and then to spend a lot of time working on a story so that you grow to love it. ‘When it comes to working on it, seeing your name on it, talking about it and marketing it, you’ve got to love your book and be proud of it if you are. going to convince people to read it.’
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