Dr Helen Edwards Australian Author

Meet Dr Helen Edwards, Australian Author, Speaker & Psychology PhD.

Dr Helen Edwards is an Australian author and speaker who writes stories of nature, magic and history. She has a PhD in Psychology and a long background working in mental health.

Helen is a mid-career SA Literary Fellow in 2025, supported by Writers' SA and the State Library of South Australia. She will be working on a new magical historical novel featuring the wreck of the S.S Admella in South Australia and the Cape Jaffa lighthouse, as well as exploring themes of ocean conservation. This project is also supported by the History Trust of South Australia’s South Australian History Fund.

On Gallant Wings is out now with Riveted Press. It's a sweeping WWII adventure about family, courage and knowing when to break the rules that shines a light on many little-known aspects of the war's impact on Australians at home. Order via bookshops and at Helen's online shop here.

The Disappearing Circus co-written with award-winning author Kate Gordon is coming on 29th July with Riveted Press. It's a spellbinding tale of friendship, hope, and summoning the courage to become the hero of your own story.

Legend of the Lighthouse Moon is out now with Riveted Press. Rich with folklore and brimming with adventure, it's a dazzling tale of family, resilience, and the enduring magic of the sea.

It was the winner of the Category Two section in the Forevability Book Awards 2025, for books that feature Disability, Illness, Inclusion and Own Voice stories.  You can buy your copy at bookshops across Australia and at Helen's online shop here.

The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, is out now with Riveted Press. It's a captivating time-slip tale about a girl lost to grief who meets a daring rebel on a misty mountain, who guides her to rediscover her courage and find her way home. This middle-grade novel was shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards. It was also longlisted in the DANZ Children's Book Award. You can buy your copy at Helen's online shop here.

With thanks to Arts SA for supporting the writing of The Rebels of Mount Buffalo and Legend of the Lighthouse Moon.

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Latest from Helen's Blog

Gladys & Stripey by Michele Gierck & Marina Zlatanova

By Helen Edwards | August 31, 2023

Being the smallest fish in the stream is not easy. For Gladys and Stripey, it gets even harder when, after a night of heavy rain, fast flowing water sweeps them out of their home habitat. What can they do? Will they make it back home?This (almost) true story, written by Michele Gierck, is based on…

The Rebels of Mount Buffalo by Helen Edwards launches 11 October 2023

Memories, Research & History

By Helen Edwards | August 29, 2023

Can you believe it is nearly September? Spring is already here judging by the blossoms and birds. This morning there is a warmth in the air that tells me it won’t be long before the cold days of winter are a distant memory. Memories are funny things. They can be slippery and foggy and hard…

Honey and the Valley of Horses by Wendy Orr

By Helen Edwards | August 25, 2023

When you open a new book by award-winning author of Nim’s Island Wendy Orr, you can be assured of a fantastic ride, and her latest middle-grade novel, Honey and the Valley of Horses, walks, trots, canters and gallops towards the end, as it explores family, resilience, self-reliance, bravery and hope. I loved this book, for…

Book Launch at The Mount Buffalo Chalet!

By Helen Edwards | August 14, 2023

Join me and my lovely hosts, the rangers at The Mount Buffalo Chalet, for this very special event to celebrate the launch of my debut middle-grade novel – The Rebels of Mount Buffalo! There are 4 time slots from 10am-12pm across the morning of October 11th. Spots are limited to 25 people per time slot.…

Andy & Ghost Boy by Karen Tyrrell

By Helen Edwards | August 7, 2023

Karen Tyrrell is a Brisbane based children’s author, children’s rights ambassador and key-note speaker. She writes books with the aim of empowering children to ‘live STRONG.’ She also presents interactive reader’s theatre, inspirational talks and writing workshops, empowering children and adults to overcome bullying, manage emotions and care for the environment. Karen’s latest book, Andy…

The Gargoyle Zana Fraillon, Ross Morgan

The Gargoyle by Zana Fraillon & Ross Morgan

By Helen Edwards | August 3, 2023

Zana Fraillon knows how to write a story filled with magic and wonder. She also knows how to expertly draw you into the worlds she creates, fully and wide-eyed, leaving you with a permanent imprint on your heart. Her latest book – The Gargoyle – with stunning illustrations by Ross Morgan, is a picture book…

The Rebels of Mount Buffalo Cover Reveal!

By Helen Edwards | July 31, 2023

COVER REVEAL TIME!!! I am absolutely thrilled to reveal the cover for The Rebels of Mount Buffalo! It has been an epic journey to get here and I am so happy with it! The misty background is a photo taken from the plateau of Mount Buffalo at The Cathedral, which is very important in the…

Saving Charli by Di Walker

By Helen Edwards | July 21, 2023

Di Walker is not afraid to broach difficult themes in her middle-grade novels. I have read all three of her books and reviewed her last one Every Thing We Keep here. Di is able to access the teen voice with great skill, taking you inside the head and heart of her main characters, while at…

Reading Pictures – Drawing Words: Database of Picture Books for Older Readers

By Helen Edwards | July 10, 2023

The National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature Inc (NCACL) is an incredible collection of resources about Australian authors, illustrators, publishers and their creative works. The collection holds books, artwork, ephemera, authors’ papers and manuscripts, and author and illustrator research files. It forms a unique and special resource that is the keeper of Australian children’s stories.…

Awards & Memberships

Individual Project Grant 2023
Individual Project Grant 2023
1st Place Winner
History Trust Grant 2025
History Trust Grant 2025
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Recipient Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grant 2021
Recipient Richard Llewellyn Deaf and Disability Grant 2021
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