I started to write years ago, when I had small children. We’d moved to a fishing village on the West Coast of South Africa – a bleak, sandy place, where the people were poor, and the environment harsh. I’d always wanted to write, but because I hadn’t studied English at University, I thought I couldn’t.
But stuck in the back of beyond with no friends and no job, I had to do something. I began to write a novel based on my Great Grandmother’s experience immigrating to South Africa in 1890, so her husband could make his fortune on the newly discovered diamond fields.
I did loads of research into the history of Kimberley. I knew how they sieved the river sand for diamonds, and about the terrible flea problem that was so bad that in church everyone sat with their feet on the pew in front. I wrote 25 000 words. But when I read back over the story, I could see it was never going to be published. I just didn’t know how to get the scenes that were in my head to look the same on paper.
This was 1993. The internet hadn’t happened yet. I didn’t have any money to buy books on writing. I was on my own.
I began to analyse writers I enjoyed. I looked at how they created characters, how they used dialogue and action tags to break the rhythm of their dialogues. I wrote apprentice pieces, copying passages that I admired, but changing details, so that I could understand the writing styles that characterised different writers. It took me two years of hard work before I was brave enough to try a book of my own again.
This time I tried a book for children – 20 000 words seemed a lot more manageable than 100 000 for an adult novel.
I was very lucky. My first book was published in 1996. Since then I’ve published over 60, almost all for children and young adults.
I wish I’d had someone to teach me to write when I started. It was hard to keep going without a mentor.
This is one of the reasons I started teaching at The Writers’ College. I wanted to take the skills I’d learned and make them accessible to new writers.
I’ve taught hundreds of students, most of them in the Basics of Creative Writing Course. I never get bored with it. Every student brings something fresh to the course, and I’m very lucky to have such an endlessly interesting job.
About the author:
Helen Brain is the author of over 60 books for children, and has contributed stories and plays to numerous school anthologies. Her teen novel, Tamara won an ATKV award. She has also published short stories for adults, and her highly acclaimed memoir, Here Be Lions was published by Oshun.
Helen is the tutor for the enormously popular Basics of Creative Writing Course as well as the Write a Children’s Book Course at NZ Writers’ College, UK Writers’ College and SA Writers’ College.
Feedback from past students about Helen Brain’s online creative writing courses:
“The Basics of Creative Writing Course offers everything. It’s been an incredible journey for me. I love writing, and learning to understand specific skills has been truly wonderful. Helen is exceptional. She answered my questions when I struggled with certain areas of the course and gave me confidence and the will to keep writing. She is a very motivational tutor. My experience at The Writers’ College has taught me a side of writing to remember for the future. Thank you for everything.” Carol Hook, Basics of Creative Writing Course
“I have learned so much on this course, not just about the tools of writing but about what kind of writer I am and where I want to go with my words. Helen’s guidance on this course, and on the Basics course, has been invaluable in my journey to becoming a writer. I’m going to miss the structure and the hand-holding she afforded. The UK Writers College and the two courses I have attended have given me the confidence to run with my writing. Thank you so much.” Michelle Peart, Advanced Creative Writing
“It was an absolute pleasure taking this course. It was very professionally presented and the staff are friendly, helpful and supportive. My tutor Helen was absolutely amazing. Her insight and suggestions were both helpful and much appreciated. I would definitely recommend The Writers’ College to anyone who wants to hone their writing skills.” Jana Fourie, Basics of Creative Writing Course
“The course was a very good introduction to creative writing. It has motivated me to take the Advanced Creative Writing Course. Helen had some spot-on critiques and my writing improved after I followed her suggestions. The many exercises got me writing, instead of just looking at a blank page; I also feel more skilled than I did a few months ago. Overall, I had fun, improved my writing and I look forward to signing up for another course, so I’ll just let those facts speak for themselves.” Joshua Smith, Basics of Creative Writing
“My experience with the course was invaluable. I learnt so much. The course content and assignments have made me a much stronger writer. My tutor Helen was amazing, incredibly inspiring and insightful. She gave me a different perspective on writing and my final manuscript wouldn’t have been half as strong if it wasn’t for her; I owe her a lot. The Writers’ College is professional, credible and well worthwhile. The course absolutely met all of my objectives and more! It has made me a much more critical, thorough and refined writer and it has motivated me to reach my writing goals.” Lauri Thorburn, Write a Childrens’ Book
“I am so excited to reach the end of my novel – something I never thought would happen. I now have a polished story that I am happy with. Even if it never brings me in a cent, it proves I can do it, I can finish a book. The prospect of starting the next one doesn’t feel so onerous now. The course was well worth the money; it was wonderful to have someone looking over my shoulder while I wrote, to gently shift me in the right direction with the lightest touch and keep me focused on the story. Helen gave perfect advice – everything she said was pitched to push me further, make me think and drive me to write better. I have her voice in my head while I’m writing now and it’s helping to make my stories come alive – deep and grateful thanks. The Writers’ College has a professional, personal approach that will extend any writer at any stage of their career.” Irene Hamer, Write a Children’s Book.
