Welcome! My name is Dr Helen Edwards. I'm an Adelaide-based children's author who weaves diverse stories of nature, magic and history.
I'm represented by Golvan Arts Management for my literary works and by Lamont Authors for school bookings.
My debut middle-grade novel, The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, is out now with Riveted Press, distributed by Simon & Schuster.
With a neurodivergent main character and an inspiring real-life mountain guide from the 1890s, it's a captivating time-slip tale in which a girl lost to grief meets a daring rebel on a misty mountain who guides her to rediscover her courage and find her way home.
It was recently longlisted in the DANZ - The Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Book Award. This award has been created to recognise, award, and celebrate diverse children’s fiction. This means a children’s book published in Australia or New Zealand which 'pushes boundaries, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates diverse and marginalised people and communities.'
You can order your copy from me here and from Riveted Press here . It's also available in many bookshops and libraries. If you can't find it in your local bookshop or library, just ask them to get it in for you!
See more about The Rebels of Mount Buffalo here.
My next middle-grade novel - Legend of the Lighthouse Moon - is coming in November 2024 with the fabulous Riveted Press
I absolutely love this story about 13-year-old Mona McKenna, a girl living in 1970 with type 1 diabetes in an island lighthouse, featuring the stunning backdrop of Kangaroo Island and the gorgeous and endangered sea lions, as well as drawing on the true history of Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. As usual, I'm weaving nature, plenty of magic, and true history to create a very special and diverse story that's full of heart and wonder, inspired by my grandmothers who were both born on islands in the UK, the legends from these regions and my life growing up with type 1 diabetes. With thanks to Arts SA for supporting this project.
Cover reveal, blurb, pre-order details, and more details for Legend of The Lighthouse Moon are coming soon!! Sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with details on release dates, pre-orders and events.
A Little Bit About Me!
I have a PhD in Psychology and before becoming an Australian children's author, I worked in mental health for many years. I've done all sorts of things in my life, including founding an award-winning charity and online counselling service, supporting thousands of people with diabetes across the world. I was even a state finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards for this work!
After completing my PhD in Psychology, I decided to follow my life-long dream to become a children's author and here I am! I'm passionate about inspiring action for our beautiful, fragile planet and nature features in all of my books. I find history fascinating and uncover stories that may have been forgotten, or hidden, and bring them into the light. I also believe that fantastical things can happen and see magic in the everyday.
More about me here.
Sign up to The Story Weaver for all the latest details about my own books, book reviews and recommendations, and more. More info about bookings for author talks and workshops available here.
x Helen
Latest From My Blog
Why You Must Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin
I have had one of those weeks, well maybe a little longer than a week. You know the ones that hit after you have had extremely exciting news and then, as time passes, you start to wonder if it really happened? Being told I am a state finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards was…
Read MoreWhy You Should Get Up Early and See the Sunrise
Are you an early riser or someone who hits the snooze button numerous times before finally crawling out of bed? It does not matter what you prefer, that is totally cool but today, I am asking you to try something tomorrow that will make an impact on your wellbeing & your day. Today’s task is…
Read MoreWhy I Broke Up With Alcohol & Said Hello to Sunday Mornings
When is the last time you had a drink? We went for a drive on Sunday, and it ended up with us talking with the kids about alcohol and driving safety, and got me thinking about why I broke up with alcohol and said hello to Sunday mornings. Australians are huge alcohol consumers, but you probably already…
Read MoreA Letter To The Ones Who Are Hurt, Hiding Or Lost
Last weekend I attended the annual Pro Blogger conference, which is where all the bloggers from around the country come together to talk about all things pro blogging – funny that! But so much more than that, more than any other conference I have ever been to (and there have been many), this event moves…
Read More3 Reasons Why You Need to Smile at a Stranger Today
Are you a stranger smiler? I always feel like I need to smile at someone as I pass them in the street. If I don’t, or I avert my eyes, I always feel, well, wrong. There have been many times where the other person has averted their eyes, or even worse, just stared at me…
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