About Helene

I was raised in a rural area at Linfarn, Manjimup, Western Australia. My school teacher mother handed on a love of literature and a tradition of story telling which, for me became a life long passion. 

After a short nursing career, I married a school teacher and raised a large family.I wrote covertly as a young mother – short fiction, private journal writing and poetry, honing my craft through TAFE correspondence courses. After studying Education and English and obtaining a degree as a mature student at Edith Cowan University in Bunbury, Western Australia, I wrote my first book. Operation Clancy (1994) was inspired by my wish to produce an ‘easy to read’ thriller for reluctant older readers.

Since then, the sheer joy of invention and a fascination with the writing process has kept me in there. I am an experienced presenter and writer/facilitator in schools and in community centres and institutions for adult learners and delight in sharing the writing process with others.

 

Books by Helene Smith

Helene Smith is best known for her children’s books, including Aberash, The Potter’s Son, Operation Clancy,   Leaping the Tingles, Dreamstone and Children of Morwena.

Audiobook editions are now available for Aberash and Children of Morwena.

Finding the Joy

A poignant celebration of an Australia that has changed so much in a lifetime. Released 21 Nov 2024

Aberash

A story for teens and the young at heart.

Children of Morwena

A novel for teenagers and older readers.

Operation Clancy

A novel suitable for young adults 11-14 yrs.

Leaping the Tingles

A story for mid to upper primary and lower high school.

Dreamstone

A junior novel that can be enjoyed by older readers.

You can find more information about each of these books including reviews, extracts from letters, illustrations, writing activities and where to purchase the book, in the Books section of this web site.