Helen French
@helenfrench.bsky.social
medcomms writer by day, fiction writer by night. Dork.
I'm in this issue of Saros with one of my favourite ever stories - v excited to see it out and about :)
RELEASE DATE: What's better than a new issue from FF? Two issues on the same day! In our first-ever dual launch day, you'll be able to get FF#26 and Saros #4 in one handy download package.
Get excited for Monday, October 27th!
Get excited for Monday, October 27th!
October 26, 2025 at 11:27 AM
I'm in this issue of Saros with one of my favourite ever stories - v excited to see it out and about :)
If you have daily goals, like writing or walking (eg I have 1k and 10k ones), do you just give yourself a break if you have to be away from home, or strive to complete no matter what? Next week I'll spend 2 days mostly in the car for example. Then I'll be visiting family. I may just need to... rest?
October 26, 2025 at 11:16 AM
If you have daily goals, like writing or walking (eg I have 1k and 10k ones), do you just give yourself a break if you have to be away from home, or strive to complete no matter what? Next week I'll spend 2 days mostly in the car for example. Then I'll be visiting family. I may just need to... rest?
Audiobooks have pushed me to purchasing more print books than Netgalley this year. First it was Dungeon Crawler Carl, now it's Legends & Lattes - so different in tone but both creating worlds I want to spend more time in. Or, perhaps, people/cats I want to spend more time with...
September 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Audiobooks have pushed me to purchasing more print books than Netgalley this year. First it was Dungeon Crawler Carl, now it's Legends & Lattes - so different in tone but both creating worlds I want to spend more time in. Or, perhaps, people/cats I want to spend more time with...
My daughter was reading last night and asked: "Mum, why does all the dialogue here end in 'he said' or 'she said', but my teachers say we're not allowed to do that?"
Had to explain teachers want to extend her vocab, but that in published work 'said' is used so often because it's kinda invisible.
Had to explain teachers want to extend her vocab, but that in published work 'said' is used so often because it's kinda invisible.
July 14, 2025 at 3:15 PM
My daughter was reading last night and asked: "Mum, why does all the dialogue here end in 'he said' or 'she said', but my teachers say we're not allowed to do that?"
Had to explain teachers want to extend her vocab, but that in published work 'said' is used so often because it's kinda invisible.
Had to explain teachers want to extend her vocab, but that in published work 'said' is used so often because it's kinda invisible.
So pleased to land third place here. Now the hard work begins! (Because I still have some writing and editing to do...)
Agent @losbennett.bsky.social really enjoyed opening the portal to the I Am Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy entries this year and said the standard was really high. Our thanks go to Laura for her dedication. And congratulations to all of these intelligent offerings - very well done.
#SFF #SciFi
#SFF #SciFi
July 14, 2025 at 10:58 AM
So pleased to land third place here. Now the hard work begins! (Because I still have some writing and editing to do...)
Reposted by Helen French
Saros #4, edited by @hannahgreer.bsky.social, is currently in production! Featuring stories by @ctbideas.bsky.social @ericfomley.bsky.social @helenfrench.bsky.social @jlgeorge.bsky.social and Lex Chamberlin, with gorgeous cover art by @warls.bsky.social!
Stay tuned for more info!
Stay tuned for more info!
July 10, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Saros #4, edited by @hannahgreer.bsky.social, is currently in production! Featuring stories by @ctbideas.bsky.social @ericfomley.bsky.social @helenfrench.bsky.social @jlgeorge.bsky.social and Lex Chamberlin, with gorgeous cover art by @warls.bsky.social!
Stay tuned for more info!
Stay tuned for more info!
Very happy to have made the shortlist for one of the
@iaminprint.bsky.social novel categories this year! Some days/weeks/years you just need a little boost to your confidence to keep on going, and this news has worked wonders for mine.
@iaminprint.bsky.social novel categories this year! Some days/weeks/years you just need a little boost to your confidence to keep on going, and this news has worked wonders for mine.
June 23, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Very happy to have made the shortlist for one of the
@iaminprint.bsky.social novel categories this year! Some days/weeks/years you just need a little boost to your confidence to keep on going, and this news has worked wonders for mine.
@iaminprint.bsky.social novel categories this year! Some days/weeks/years you just need a little boost to your confidence to keep on going, and this news has worked wonders for mine.
So it finally happened. I finished listening to the last (currently available) Dungeon Crawler Carl book (sob!). What do I do now? Do I move on to reading them all instead? They are very lovely in hardback form…
June 20, 2025 at 8:14 PM
So it finally happened. I finished listening to the last (currently available) Dungeon Crawler Carl book (sob!). What do I do now? Do I move on to reading them all instead? They are very lovely in hardback form…
I feel like I only really talk about audiobooks online nowadays, but I've been on a really satisfying listening spree for months. Currently I'm on book 7 (of 7 so far) of Dungeon Crawler Carl and I'm going to be bereft when it's over. What on earth can I read next?!
June 13, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I feel like I only really talk about audiobooks online nowadays, but I've been on a really satisfying listening spree for months. Currently I'm on book 7 (of 7 so far) of Dungeon Crawler Carl and I'm going to be bereft when it's over. What on earth can I read next?!
Really pleased to have a flash story in the latest issue of Mythaxis. You can find it here: mythaxis.co.uk/issue-41/saf...
Or use the link in the quoted post to see the whole issue.
Or use the link in the quoted post to see the whole issue.
April 1, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Really pleased to have a flash story in the latest issue of Mythaxis. You can find it here: mythaxis.co.uk/issue-41/saf...
Or use the link in the quoted post to see the whole issue.
Or use the link in the quoted post to see the whole issue.
Reposted by Helen French
Last chance to read for free! The thrilling story "The Race For His Heart" by Helen French (@helenfrench.bsky.social) is free to read until midnight!
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
The Race For His Heart - Part One
By Helen French
dailytomorrow.substack.com
March 30, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Last chance to read for free! The thrilling story "The Race For His Heart" by Helen French (@helenfrench.bsky.social) is free to read until midnight!
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
The final part of my serialised story (about a catfishing robot) is now out at @thedailytomorrow.bsky.social!
You can use the same link to read from the beginning, and there's an afterword for paid subscribers.
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
You can use the same link to read from the beginning, and there's an afterword for paid subscribers.
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
The Race For His Heart - Part Seven
By Helen French
dailytomorrow.substack.com
March 8, 2025 at 4:16 PM
The final part of my serialised story (about a catfishing robot) is now out at @thedailytomorrow.bsky.social!
You can use the same link to read from the beginning, and there's an afterword for paid subscribers.
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
You can use the same link to read from the beginning, and there's an afterword for paid subscribers.
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
Part six of my serialised story on @thedailytomorrow.bsky.social is up now - final part tomorrow! You can also use the link to start reading from the beginning:
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
The Race For His Heart - Part Six
By Helen French
dailytomorrow.substack.com
March 7, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Part six of my serialised story on @thedailytomorrow.bsky.social is up now - final part tomorrow! You can also use the link to start reading from the beginning:
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
dailytomorrow.substack.com/p/the-race-f...
Reposted by Helen French
Writersky is talking about writers and ages again, so it bears repeating: there is no expiration date on writers except for death. Up until your last day, you can be writing, you can be published, you can be produced, you can sell. There's no "Too late." Only you can decide when your done.
March 4, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Writersky is talking about writers and ages again, so it bears repeating: there is no expiration date on writers except for death. Up until your last day, you can be writing, you can be published, you can be produced, you can sell. There's no "Too late." Only you can decide when your done.
Thrilled to have a story serialised in The Daily Tomorrow this week - parts one and two already available!
Happy New Story Sunday, Daily Tomorrow readers! This week, we're excited to share a "charming" tale by the inimitable Helen French. We hope your heart is stolen by...
The Race For His Heart
By Helen French
@helenfrench.bsky.social
The Race For His Heart
By Helen French
@helenfrench.bsky.social
The Race For His Heart - Part One
By Helen French
dailytomorrow.substack.com
March 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Thrilled to have a story serialised in The Daily Tomorrow this week - parts one and two already available!
I've recently really got into my walking treadmill - it actually helps me stay focused. But it means, for the first time in my (very dorky) life, I've started buying trainers... Now, can someone explain to me - how on earth do you get brave enough to wear white ones outside?
March 3, 2025 at 2:22 PM
I've recently really got into my walking treadmill - it actually helps me stay focused. But it means, for the first time in my (very dorky) life, I've started buying trainers... Now, can someone explain to me - how on earth do you get brave enough to wear white ones outside?
I have a 100-word drabble available to read today over at @blackharepress.bsky.social. The prompt was 'Evil Editors'!
Revising Evil www.blackharepress.com?p=14387
Revising Evil www.blackharepress.com?p=14387
www.blackharepress.com
March 3, 2025 at 11:06 AM
I have a 100-word drabble available to read today over at @blackharepress.bsky.social. The prompt was 'Evil Editors'!
Revising Evil www.blackharepress.com?p=14387
Revising Evil www.blackharepress.com?p=14387
After a couple of weeks with a walking pad and a standing desk, I can now walk and type without too much wobble or slowdown. It's time to attempt creative writing while walking next. Any tips? #amwriting #writingcommunity
February 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
After a couple of weeks with a walking pad and a standing desk, I can now walk and type without too much wobble or slowdown. It's time to attempt creative writing while walking next. Any tips? #amwriting #writingcommunity
I finally read (ok, listened to) Octavia E Butler's Parable of the Sower and it's incredibly powerful and prescient. Wonderful. 5 stars. But I don't think I can bear the next one as Butler never got to finish the series. And I'm scared of it not being as good. Sensible or weird?
February 22, 2025 at 9:26 PM
I finally read (ok, listened to) Octavia E Butler's Parable of the Sower and it's incredibly powerful and prescient. Wonderful. 5 stars. But I don't think I can bear the next one as Butler never got to finish the series. And I'm scared of it not being as good. Sensible or weird?
I have a ridiculous amount of short stories out on sub and I'd normally be expecting a rejection or two per day by this point. Where are they? Yes, I'm aware that mentioning this will cause a rejectolanche! Or maybe a whole bunch of sales? Sure!
February 7, 2025 at 10:13 AM
I have a ridiculous amount of short stories out on sub and I'd normally be expecting a rejection or two per day by this point. Where are they? Yes, I'm aware that mentioning this will cause a rejectolanche! Or maybe a whole bunch of sales? Sure!
I've got two novelly projects I can't decide between, so I've decided to work on both (2 windows open side by side whenever I'm at my desk writing). That's totally reasonable and going to help me make progress, right? #amwriting #writingcommunity
February 2, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I've got two novelly projects I can't decide between, so I've decided to work on both (2 windows open side by side whenever I'm at my desk writing). That's totally reasonable and going to help me make progress, right? #amwriting #writingcommunity
The more I listen to audiobooks, the more I realise the ability to listen well is a skill. I still have a lot to learn! I find it easiest to listen to series, where knowing the characters a bit helps keep me on track. What tips do you have? #audiobooks
January 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The more I listen to audiobooks, the more I realise the ability to listen well is a skill. I still have a lot to learn! I find it easiest to listen to series, where knowing the characters a bit helps keep me on track. What tips do you have? #audiobooks
That brief period of sweet relief when you're up to date with all your reviews for NetGalley for the month... (nb I've just signed up to StoryGraph, alongside Goodreads for now -would you recommend?)
January 19, 2025 at 3:12 PM
That brief period of sweet relief when you're up to date with all your reviews for NetGalley for the month... (nb I've just signed up to StoryGraph, alongside Goodreads for now -would you recommend?)
Reposted by Helen French
Dearest writers,
Updated submissions info!
We plan to open Jan 22-29
22-25 to works by BIPOC authors
26-29 open to all
Short fic!
Flash fic!
Poetry!
Please check guidelines; apologies for any confusion.
We are eager to see your words!
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
- A
Updated submissions info!
We plan to open Jan 22-29
22-25 to works by BIPOC authors
26-29 open to all
Short fic!
Flash fic!
Poetry!
Please check guidelines; apologies for any confusion.
We are eager to see your words!
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
- A
https://psychopomp.com/fantasy-magazine-guidelines/…
January 16, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Dearest writers,
Updated submissions info!
We plan to open Jan 22-29
22-25 to works by BIPOC authors
26-29 open to all
Short fic!
Flash fic!
Poetry!
Please check guidelines; apologies for any confusion.
We are eager to see your words!
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
- A
Updated submissions info!
We plan to open Jan 22-29
22-25 to works by BIPOC authors
26-29 open to all
Short fic!
Flash fic!
Poetry!
Please check guidelines; apologies for any confusion.
We are eager to see your words!
psychopomp.com/fantasy-maga...
- A
When I was a teen at school in the UK in the 90s, one of the worst things you could say about someone was that they were ‘sad’/a saddo (alongside all the usual homophobic stuff). For story-writing purposes, what was the equivalent sort of insult in the early 2010s? #writing #amwriting
January 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
When I was a teen at school in the UK in the 90s, one of the worst things you could say about someone was that they were ‘sad’/a saddo (alongside all the usual homophobic stuff). For story-writing purposes, what was the equivalent sort of insult in the early 2010s? #writing #amwriting