Author Interview – Quick Fire Round

I was fortunate to be invited onto to TL Browns podcast, 12 Minutes (or Less) with the Author. We did a quick question rapid fire round. So difficult to keep it to a short answer. I had to bite my tongue many times not to say more!!

Time to celebrate #IndieFeatureFridaywith an interview with USA Today bestselling author, @HelenGarrawayAuthor!

Let’s jump straight into the Rapid Fire Round. In this clip, Helen answers:

1 – What is the last book you read?
2 – Name an author you admire.
3 – What character from a book (any book) would you like as a friend in real life?
4 – Which of your novels is your favorite?
5 – What genre would you like to write in next?
6 – What’s your favorite book to recommend to others?
7 – In five words or less, why will readers fall in love with your novels?

👉 The full podcast episode can be found on YouTube. 

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1JGQ73vlk8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2382593098898266

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.

The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.

Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?

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 one called Oathsworn and stay up to date with my writing journey.

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

Check out my recent Author Interview on ’12 Minutes (or Less!) with the Author’ Podcast

I was fortunate to be invited onto to TL Browns podcast, 12 Minutes (or Less) with the Author. Join us as we chat about my journey, my books and what’s coming next.

Come listen to — or watch — Episode 32 of TL Brown’s podcast, 12 Minutes (or less!) with the Author. Today, a prolific writer and author, Helen Garraway, joins the show. Helen is the USA Today Bestselling author of the award-winning epic fantasy Sentinal series, the fantasy romance SoulMist series, and the standalone dystopian fantasy, Harmony. She’s contributed books to two fantasy anthologies, Realm of Darkness and the Kickstarter, Reign of Dragons.

An avid reader of many different fiction genres — a love she inherited from her mother — Helen enjoys immersing herself in fantasy and is passionate about creating new characters and worlds, editing, and all things writing.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1JGQ73vlk8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2382593098898266

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.

The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.

Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?

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 one called Oathsworn and stay up to date with my writing journey.

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

Book Review Alert: Scale of the Dragon by Richard Fierce

Reviewed: March 27th, 2026
Released: July 5th, 2021
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Her key to freedom is also her torment.

Mina is an outcast. A childhood accident left her scarred and with a curse that her master exploits to hunt dragons for sport.

She wants freedom, from both her master and the curse, but unless the right dragon is killed, she’ll be a bondservant for the rest of her days.

With Mina’s uncanny ability and her master’s magical strength, the beast responsible for her misery will fall … even if she has to take matters into her own hands.

Read My Thoughts…

Did you love the Arifels from the Sentinal series?

Well now you can get your own sticker of Alf (Sentinals Origins) of Ari (Sentinals Awaken) or both! Aren’t these the most adorable chibi stickers? The arifels are mischievous messengers from my epic fantasy Sentinal series who were inspired by my cat Alfie. If you love cats and dragons then these beautiful stickers are ideal for your water bottle, laptop, notebooks or whatever you can think of. 

Designed by the amazing @dragonquillart

Available from my online store: bookshop.helengarraway.com

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

Check out my recent Author Interview on Confessions of an Indie Author Blog

Recently, it was my turn to be interviewed. You can find my interview with Melina Druga on her Confessions of an Indie Author blog.

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.

The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.

Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?

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

Book Review Alert: Kiss and Tell : How to Write Unforgettable Sex Scenes by Michelle Hazen

Reviewed: March 19th, 2026
Released: August 15th, 2026
Genre: Writing Aide

Dawn approaches…

Learn how to confidently write smoldering sex scenes…even if the idea of it has you nervous-giggling into a glass of Chardonnay.

This book is the holy grail for all spicy romance authors. Whether you’re a newbie who isn’t sure where to start or you’ve banged out so many sex scenes that your keyboard needs a cigarette break, this one’s for you.

As the author of nine critically-acclaimed—and very steamy—romances, I understand that lecturing yourself to “write this hotter!” isn’t enough. I’ve been a certified writing coach for nearly a decade, so I can lead you step-by-step through ACTUAL THINGS YOU CAN DO to turn your open-door scenes from “okay, let’s get this over with” to “melt your Kindle.”

Here’s a taste of what you’ll get:

  • Take the guesswork out of what makes something sexy or not.
  • Stand out from the herd by writing sex scenes with depth: character specific, emotionally complex, and hot as h*ll.
  • Deploy sneaky sentence-level tricks that will drive your readers’ subconscious experience.
  • Choose vocabulary that doesn’t sound like you’re teaching sex ed.
  • Advice that works for queer and straight romances alike. Nope, we’re not going to be hetero-norming over here!
  • Break down how to write a Big Kiss scene that has the trumpets swelling.
  • Analyze examples from authors at the top of their game, like Katee Robert, Tiffany Reisz, Natalie Naudus, and more!
  • BONUS: I’ll reveal the dirty secret of sex-scene writing that no one is supposed to say out loud–the one that’s going to revolutionize the way you look at sex scenes!


So go ahead. Grab some popcorn, kick your feet up, and let’s have a laugh along the way to making your happy couple even happier!

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: The Vein Severed by Estelle Tudor

Reviewed: March 13th, 2026
Released: August 25th, 2025
Genre: Dark Historical Fantasy

Dawn approaches…

Lady Roselle Lamont made an impossible choice a century before. Torn between the life of her twin sister, or new husband Lorcan’s freedom, she paid the ultimate price, resulting in one hundred years of punishment.

For love exacts a sacrifice, one coated in blood and betrayal.

With the century drawing to a close, Roselle resigns herself to facing retribution as she clings to the last vestiges of her humanity. When Lorcan discovers her on route to London, after being summoned by their punisher, Roselle must prove her love to him while plotting out her own revenge.

But the past is not all it seems, and new lies are revealed.

Roselle and Lorcan must decide who to trust in the dark and twisted dance of Court politics if they are to ensure their survival and any hope of a chance at a future together. Yet those who crave power cling to it with every last bloodied fang, and will not relinquish it so easily…

Read My Thoughts…

Sentinals Justice is shortlisted in the Pascify Fantasy Book Awards!

If you are attending Pascify and would like to vote for Sentinal Justice as part of these awards, they vote here.

You may only vote if you are attending PascifyCon in Harrogate on April 11th, 2026.

Lost guardians. Tensions brewing in the frozen north. Can a goddess-appointed champion prevent a looming war?

Jerrol Haven’s last run-in with evil has left deep scars. Recovering from the torture that damaged him mentally and physically, the guilt-ridden commander searches for the whereabouts of one of his captured allies. But he feels the chance to rescue the awakened sentinal slipping away when his king requests his aid in peace negotiations at a remote and unstable border.

Accompanied by his beloved, Jerrol arrives at his destination only to discover the enemy’s corruption running rife. And after he’s cut down by a shocking betrayal, the skilled soldier’s destiny plunges into bloody chaos.

Can he overcome his failures to forge a desperate victory?

Sentinals Justice is the thrilling third book in the Sentinal epic fantasy series. If you like courageous characters, action-packed suspense, and gritty battles, then you’ll love Helen Garraway’s emotional rollercoaster ride.

Available in ebook, paperback, audio or in Kindle Unlimited.

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

Author Event – Come and meet me at the Farnham Indie Voices Book Fair

When: Saturday 7th, March, 2026, 11am-4pm

Where: Graphics Dept, ACU, Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS

FREE Entry

Cafe on site. Part of the Farnhm Literary Festival.

Have a booklover in the family? Eager to find a new book to read? Signed by the author?

I’ll have my latest release, Sentinals Origins Part Two, in paperback, and you can get the Sentinals Origins duology at a special show offer price.

Do your booklovers love dragons? Then I will have a limited number of the most amazing fantasy anthology with foiled cover, sprayed edges, beautiful artwork and 18 dragon-themed stories. The ideal present for your bookdragon hoarder!

Come and meet over twenty local authors, all with tales to share and books to talk about. 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 please let me know, so I make sure I bring enough copies and can reserve one for you, as now I have 15 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!

Hope to see you there.

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

Book Review Alert: Flames Over Frosthelm by Dave Dobson

Reviewed: February 20th, 2026
Released: June 11th, 2019
Genre: Epic Fantasy

An Investigation Gone Awry Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves.

Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city.

After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.

Read My Thoughts…