I have heterochromia or two different coloured eyes – one blue and one brown.
2. What is your nickname?
2. What is your nickname?
Learos, H or Hells Bells depending on whom you ask!
3. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is your greatest fear?
Sharks and fire. Probably shouldn’t have moved to Australia!
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Engaging, entertaining and inspiring kids to become strong, brave and kind.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Funny (I hope!), rhythmic, dynamic, engaging, storyteller.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Funny (I hope!), rhythmic, dynamic, engaging, storyteller.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I’m a huge fan of Nordic Noir, so one of the dark and brooding detectives like Kurt Wallander or Harry Hole.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Any time in the '80s. Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I’m an '80s nut! I love the music, the movies, the fashion and even the dodgy food.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Well done for getting out there and travelling the world. That was what I always wanted to do.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My parents. They’ve always encouraged me to travel, to try new things and always reach for my goals. Also my partner, Markus, who is a futurist and delights in educating and terrifying me on what is to come!
10. What/who made you start writing?
10. What/who made you start writing?
I have always had a love of writing, from creating short stories as a child to my work today as a communications consultant and writer. I love the written word and find it a great form of expression. Since having kids I’ve also wanted to create special stories for them, which is how my debut book Frankie Pants & Mr Fox came about.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
11. What is your favourite word and why?
My one-year-old has just learnt to say ‘watermelon’, which to me now sounds like the cutest word in the world!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A photo album filled with pictures of my family and friends.
Helen Lear is a communications consultant, writer and author. Since becoming a mum of two boys, Helen has aspired to create her own stories that will engage, entertain and inspire them and other children to become strong, brave and kind young people. See www.frankiepantsbook.com.
