Come and meet 200+ authors and find a new book to read. Ask the authors your burning questions about their books, writing and even self-publishing. Everyone welcome.
Yorkshire’s Biggest Book Celebration
Come and meet over 200 authors and vendors in vibrant Leeds and enjoy an unforgettable festival weekend. This is your chance to buy signed books, chat to authors AND party the night away with them at the Gothic Ball. Don’t miss this must-attend occasion for literary lovers of all genres.
This year, the festival will be spread across two unmissable days and two locations: Royal Armouries Hall (RAH) and New Dock Hall (NDH). See below for full details.
Your Line-up
Friday October 24th, 2025 – First Signing Day in RAH
11am to 4.30pm (with a break for lunch)
Saturday October 25th, 2025 – Second Signing Day in RAH – I am only attending Saturday.
9am to 4.00pm (with a short break for lunch)
Saturday October 25th, 2025 – First and Only Signing Day in NDH
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
Come and meet 20+ authors and find a new book to read. Ask the authors your burning questions about their books, writing and even self-publishing. Everyone welcome.
Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.
If there is a specific book you want, then let me know, so I make sure I bring enough copies, and can reserve one for you, as now I have 13 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!
Attending Authors
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
I was a guest on Radio Marlow FM 97.5’s Good Morning Marlow show, on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, at 10.15am. I joined show hosts, Mary Flavelle and Geoff Motley, to chat about the forthcoming Marlow Indie Book Fair, my writing journey, and my books. I hope you get the chance to listen in. Sentinals Origins Part Two is on preorder.
Photo: Me with my latest book, Sentinals Origins Part One and the artwork by Kerem Beyrit for my short story, Secret Alliance, in the Reign of Dragons Anthology.
Marlow Indie Book Fair is on Sunday, September 7th at Liston Hall, Marlow, UK. Free entry. 10am-3pm.
My interview starts at timestamp 0:14.45 to 50.32.
Topics range from why I started writing, my passion for writing, the Marlow Indie Book Fair, the writing community, how a writer comes up with names and more!
Radio Interview- Marlow FM
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator
The concluding part of the prequel to the award winning Sentinal Series, Sentinals Origins, is now on preorder. This gorgeous cover is by Jeff Brown from Jeff Brown Graphics as are all the Sentinal book covers. (Except the novella which was by Miblart).
Birler, Tagerill and Serill have accepted the Lady’s invitation to become her personal guards, her Sentinals. They roam the territories of Remargaren in the name of the Lady, protecting those who can’t protect themselves.
But the threat against Lady Leyandrii is growing and Captain Guerlaire is in the Ascendants sights. He has been too successful in disrupting their plans and now time is running out, for him and the Sentinals. The Ascendants are determined to kill them all and show Leyandrii, once and for all, that they hold the power in Remargaren.
Birlerion’s discovery of his innate magic, offers Leyandrii an alternate path, but it’s a last resort and as Leyandrii teaches him how to control it, she is desperate to find another solution.
As the final confrontation looms and the natural world buckles under the backlash from the reckless use of magic, Leyandrii has one last throw to try and save their world from ruin and destruction, but will any of them live to tell the tale?
Grab your copy of the concluding part of this emotional conclusion to the prequel to the award winning Sentinal series today.
If you haven’t read part one yet, then you can find it in Kindle Unlimited or buy your own copy of the ebook or paperback.
Book Description
Wild magic is rife in the world of Remargaren and a shadowy group of dissidents have discovered how to exploit the power for their own purposes.
The goddess, Leyandrii, and her Captain, Guerlaire, must face down this new threat and protect the people from unseen dangers. As Guerlaire learns to wield his own power, three new cadets with the potential to change the world are beginning their journey to become Lady’s Rangers.
Drawn from the back streets of Vespers, a young boy is thrust into a world beyond his comprehension. Battling bigotry and violence, Birler will need to navigate the Rangers’ Academy while grappling with unexpected ties of friendship, a tantalising found family, and embrace ancient magical powers.
A heartwarming tale of friendship and family is set against a backdrop of bigotry and violence in a world where wild magic can precariously tip the balance. Birler and his new friends will have to fight their own battles, not only to earn the right to become rangers but to help Leyandrii and Guerlaire restore the natural balance and defend their world.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator).
I was fortunate to meet fantasy author J.M. Tibbott at a writing group I attended, and I am very pleased to welcome her to my blog.
Helen: Welcome, JM. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Could you tell us about your Pridden Saga series, and the first book, The Arrival?
JM:The Arrival is the first book in My Pridden Saga series, and introduces Kat, my protagonist. She’s a rather feisty young woman, who hates to be controlled.
Kat, a brilliant video game designer with a desperate desire to control her own life is faced with the option of losing a job she adores. Sent on a forced vacation to adjust her attitude she is stunned to find herself in a strange tech-free world. Confused and lost all she wants is a fervent desire is to return home.
Promised aid by the local ruler she is horrified to be tasked with an assignment to aid in preventing a devastating war, but without clear instructions on how to achieve this.
Amid vicious creatures and enemies lurking around every corner she must defend against a villain with sinister plans to seize the power she has no idea she possesses.
Can Kat survive in a land hurtling towards destruction?
Helen: That sounds like a great adventure, and for a gamer to be stuck in a world without technology, I am sure that gave you plenty of opportunity for conflict! What were your thoughts behind the cover design?
JM: Although I have designed covers for other authors, when I sat down to do this for my first novel, I simply couldn’t come up with anything that pleased me, so I contacted a UK designer (Deranged Doctor Designs) and after answering a lot of questions about how I envisioned the appearance of my protagonist, they suggested the woman on the cover. I loved the picture they chose – the red hair, and the rather stubborn look to her face. I think in this first series I rather tended to see how I would act in the situation the book suggested.
Helen: The story behind the cover is always so interesting. What about the title? How did you decide what to call your book?
JM: I spent a lot of time on the titles of the books and since this is the one where Kat is thrust into a strange new world, “The Arrival” just seemed to make the most sense, because this was the first time Kat found herself on Pridden.
Helen: What made you write this particular book?
JM: I had been writing many short stories, and I knew I was ready to attempt a novel, so when I woke one day with an idea for a story, I was captivated, and although I only planned a single novel at the beginning, the ideas for expanding it, began to drench me with ideas, and so it turned into seven novels.
Helen: That is so wonderful when the ideas begin to flow. Congratulations on writing seven novels. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
JM: I cannot remember a time when I didn’t love writing. At about the age of ten, I wrote strange plays, which I forced my sister to act in, and demanded my parents watch and pay a penny admission to view my efforts.
Helen: It’s nice that your creativity started young and you never lost it. What is the main genre you write, and who inspired you to start writing?
JM: I love writing high fantasy. My mother inspired me to read Sci-fi, and when I began to read Isaac Asimov, I was so entranced, I figured I could also do what he did.
Helen: If your main character, Kat, could tell us why to read your book, what would she say?
JM: I think Kat would say that we all have the opportunity to change, and even though she resists change, even she has managed to learn things from the odd life she is having to live on Pridden. Each book has changed her and made her a better person.
Helen: Are you a pantser or a planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?
JM: I am definitely a planner, I have a very specific way of planning my books, something I was privileged to learn from john Truby
Helen: Do you need to do much research as part of your writing process?
JM: I initially began Book one, and stopped because my characters needed challenges, and I then spent two years designing the world. I spent enough time on it, and did enough research, that it was sufficient to help me with all the subsequent books in the Saga.
Helen: What is the best thing that have happened to you since you started writing?
JM: I actually like reading my own books.
Helen: I first wrote my books for me read, and I decided to publish them so I could read them as a book, instead of on my laptop! Thank you so much for joining me today. One last question. If you didn’t write in High Fantasy, then which genre would you like to try and write in next?
JM: I believe I would like to attempt to write a cosy fantasy.
About the Author – J.M Tibbott
J. M Tibbott
JM Tibbott has been writing since childhood, but The Pridden Saga is her first series of published novels. As a writer of magazine and newspaper articles, being an editor for an online news-letter, and a writing instructor, JM belongs to a community of local writers, all of whom are continually upgrading their own skills.
JM has been teaching writing skills for over ten years.
She is in the process of combining a collection of her short stories, which she expects to publish later in the year.
JM welcomes comments from her readers, and encourages them to visit her website, to which she will be shortly a blog, showing illustrations and information about the various creatures populating the world of Pridden.
JM declares — “If I could not write, I could not breathe,” which is similar to how her favorite author, Isaac Asimov, felt about his writing.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: June 17th, 2025 Released: October 31st, 2024 Genre: Writing craft
Revised and updated for the twenty-first century, Steering the Craft is Ursula K. Le Guin’s carrier bag of the essentials of a writer’s craft, a generous gift from one of the great thinkers about how – and why – to write.
This handbook is an accessible and profound guide to the craft of writing and editing. Le Guin lays out ten chapters that address the most fundamental components of narrative, from the sound of language to sentence construction to point of view. Drawing on the global canon, Le Guin offers her inimitably witty commentary and incisive dissection, developing into an exercise that the writer can do solo or in a group. No other writing guide offers such a comprehensive, experienced and kind approach to “steering the craft” as a writing crew.
Steering the Craft deserves a place on every writer’s shelf. Read My Thoughts…
The first part of the prequel to the award winning Sentinal Series, Sentinals Origins, which launched on, May 5th, 2025 reached the Amazon bestselling number 1 spot for Classic Fantasy New Releases.
As Sentinals Origins Part Two grows, intended for a 2025 Autumn/Fall release, it’s important to pause and celebrate releasing my thirteenth book. I am so thankful for the support of my fellow indie authors from the writing community, to my readers who have embraced my latest book, and my small but mighty ARC reader team.
Sharing some of the history and background of the Sentinals has been great fun, and as you meet the Descelles and Greens, I hope you love them as much as I do. Having the opportunity to write strong and relatable characters like Leyandrii and Guerlaire, Warren and Melis, and many of the Sentinals, hopefully gives you many more insights into the Sentinals and will enhance your reading experience as you revisit the series.
Sentinals Origins Part One was the recipient of a Five Star Readers Favourite book review by Jamie Michele
Now Live!
‘Helen Garraway’s Sentinals Origins is an excellent fantasy with a lot of moving parts, each of which melds perfectly into the origin story that the author creates for the rest of the series. Birler’s growth is really well done, as he evolves from an uncertain, impoverished young man into a competent and self-assured cadet. The intense relationship between Guerlaire and Leyandrii brings a unique sizzle, and sparks fly when Garraway allows us into the more intimate moments. The setting details are striking. I love the juxtaposition of the beauty of the temple, contrasting against the grim, impoverished reality of Harbourtown, both of which stand out as entrenched social divides. Ways of life vary, and as a reader with total wanderlust, the Terolian nomadic culture and its reliance on the sun, sand, and stars for navigation, and its reverence for family are really lovely. The Ascendants, who seek to control and corrupt, are worthy antagonists in a powerful story that makes me want to carry on. Very highly recommended.‘
Book Description
Wild magic is rife in the world of Remargaren and a shadowy group of dissidents have discovered how to exploit the power for their own purposes.
The goddess, Leyandrii, and her Captain, Guerlaire, must face down this new threat and protect the people from unseen dangers. As Guerlaire learns to wield his own power, three new cadets with the potential to change the world are beginning their journey to become Lady’s Rangers.
Drawn from the back streets of Vespers, a young boy is thrust into a world beyond his comprehension. Battling bigotry and violence, Birler will need to navigate the Rangers’ Academy while grappling with unexpected ties of friendship, a tantalising found family, and embrace ancient magical powers.
A heartwarming tale of friendship and family is set against a backdrop of bigotry and violence in a world where wild magic can precariously tip the balance. Birler and his new friends will have to fight their own battles, not only to earn the right to become rangers but to help Leyandrii and Guerlaire restore the natural balance and defend their world.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator).
Haven’t started the Sentinal series yet? Then now is the chance to get your copy of book one, Sentinals Awaken. Kindle countdown offer on Amazon US and UK until May 10th, 2025.
When a long-forgotten threat starts to reemerge, one man stands as the last defense against darkness…
Jerrol Haven serves his king without question. When he finds evidence of corruption and is attacked, the loyal soldier’s mind spins after his touch of a sacred tree awakens the dormant spirit of a three-thousand-year-old protector. But he fears he has failed after the crown prince accuses him of treason and orders his execution…
Fleeing the city, Jerrol is stunned when the goddess appears to him, appoints him captain of her warriors, and charges him with a quest to find artifacts that can save the realm. And as he runs into danger and more betrayals, the steadfast hero discovers a rare gift that may be the world’s only hope…
Can Jerrol rally the forces of good to stop a rising evil?
Sentinals Awaken is the first book in the Sentinal epic fantasy series. If you like endearing characters, immersive world-building, and gritty conflict, then you’ll love Helen Garraway’s award-winning tale.
Buy Sentinals Awaken to restore the guardians today!
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator).
Sentinals Origins Part One was the recipient of a Five Star Readers Favourite book review by Jamie Michele
‘Helen Garraway’s Sentinals Origins is an excellent fantasy with a lot of moving parts, each of which melds perfectly into the origin story that the author creates for the rest of the series. Birler’s growth is really well done, as he evolves from an uncertain, impoverished young man into a competent and self-assured cadet. The intense relationship between Guerlaire and Leyandrii brings a unique sizzle, and sparks fly when Garraway allows us into the more intimate moments. The setting details are striking. I love the juxtaposition of the beauty of the temple, contrasting against the grim, impoverished reality of Harbourtown, both of which stand out as entrenched social divides. Ways of life vary, and as a reader with total wanderlust, the Terolian nomadic culture and its reliance on the sun, sand, and stars for navigation, and its reverence for family are really lovely. The Ascendants, who seek to control and corrupt, are worthy antagonists in a powerful story that makes me want to carry on. Very highly recommended.‘
Book Description
Wild magic is rife in the world of Remargaren and a shadowy group of dissidents have discovered how to exploit the power for their own purposes.
The goddess, Leyandrii, and her Captain, Guerlaire, must face down this new threat and protect the people from unseen dangers. As Guerlaire learns to wield his own power, three new cadets with the potential to change the world are beginning their journey to become Lady’s Rangers.
Drawn from the back streets of Vespers, a young boy is thrust into a world beyond his comprehension. Battling bigotry and violence, Birler will need to navigate the Rangers’ Academy while grappling with unexpected ties of friendship, a tantalising found family, and embrace ancient magical powers.
A heartwarming tale of friendship and family is set against a backdrop of bigotry and violence in a world where wild magic can precariously tip the balance. Birler and his new friends will have to fight their own battles, not only to earn the right to become rangers but to help Leyandrii and Guerlaire restore the natural balance and defend their world.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator).
The first part of the prequel to the award winning Sentinal Series, Sentinals Origins, which launches on May 5th, 2025, and has just been awarded a Five Star review from Readers’ Favorite.
Sentinals Origins by Helen Garraway is part one of the fantasy series Sentinals. In Remargaren, unchecked wild magic threatens stability as a covert faction rises, seeking to twist its forces for their own gain. Leyandrii, a goddess charged with safeguarding the realm, and her captain, Guerlaire, confront the growing danger while Guerlaire masters new abilities. At the same time, three cadets embark on rigorous training to join the Lady’s Rangers. Among them, Birler, a boy from Vespers, faces hostility and unfamiliar challenges within the Academy. He must navigate prejudice, build trust among fellow trainees, and awaken dormant powers linked to the world’s ancient magic. As conflict escalates, Birler and his comrades must not only complete their training but also stand with Leyandrii and Guerlaire to prevent the forces of chaos from overtaking their world.


Helen Garraway’s Sentinals Origins is an excellent fantasy with a lot of moving parts, each of which melds perfectly into the origin story that the author creates for the rest of the series. Birler’s growth is really well done, as he evolves from an uncertain, impoverished young man into a competent and self-assured cadet. The intense relationship between Guerlaire and Leyandrii brings a unique sizzle, and sparks fly when Garraway allows us into the more intimate moments. The setting details are striking. I love the juxtaposition of the beauty of the temple, contrasting against the grim, impoverished reality of Harbourtown, both of which stand out as entrenched social divides. Ways of life vary, and as a reader with total wanderlust, the Terolian nomadic culture and its reliance on the sun, sand, and stars for navigation, and its reverence for family are really lovely. The Ascendants, who seek to control and corrupt, are worthy antagonists in a powerful story that makes me want to carry on. Very highly recommended.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator).
Helen Garraway 