Guest Author Interview with H.C. Helfand
I recently had the opportunity to interview H.C. Helfand, author of The Arcadia Chronicles. I hope you enjoy our Q&A! –AJ
Hi, HC. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to interview you today. Can you introduce yourself and your book(s) to our readers?
Thank you, A.J., for the opportunity to be interviewed! Like many writers, I have enjoyed writing since I was a child. Along the way in my career as a lawyer and a judge, I produced much legal writing, which by necessity is quite different from my creative endeavors. The upside is that I experienced many situations that now provide a plethora of fodder for my work, albeit fictionalized!
My first published work was in college when I authored a monograph. The topic was excruciatingly boring, but seeing my name in the Library of Congress catalog was thrilling! The beginning of my current writing career came with a children’s book authored with a friend (more about that, below).
My novel, Fee Simple Conditional, is the first in a series entitled The Arcadia Chronicles. I have recently completed Book 2, Clear and Convincing Evidence, and am working on Book 3, The Right of Redemption. I also have plans for Books 4 and 5. The series involves a group of (sometimes quirky) characters, their involvement with the law, and their personal growth amid the changes life brings.
Would you like to talk a little about your writing process?
I generally characterize my style as a plotster, a combination of a plotter and a pantster. I make lots of notes and have a general outline of precipitating events, scenes, and dialogue. So far, I have not formally outlined my work in advance. But I am always learning about the craft of writing, so am constantly open to other techniques. I also tend to construct backstories to better understand my characters. Some of these aspects of their lives may never reach print status, but they illuminate their reasoning and motivations to me.
I read your book, Fee Simple Conditional, and really enjoyed it. It focused on an aspect of the law (titles and land ownership), that I’m not terribly familiar with. As a former lawyer, how much of the story was influenced by your work experience?
Thank you! I always say that I’m not into writing for remuneration but in the hope of having others enjoy it.
So much of the atmosphere of the story arose from my experience as a title searcher and real estate lawyer. The environment of the land record office portrayed in the book was very real and many of the characters and incidents are based on actual individuals and occurrences. I’ve embellished or altered them, but there was a lot of real-life inspiration.
It was true that the work tended to attract eccentric individuals. I think it was the independence and singularity of the job. There was a lot of freedom, but also pressure. After I left, the profession underwent extensive change, and I wanted to preserve the atmosphere and stories so they would not be forgotten.
You’ve also written a children’s book, And There Was Evening And There Was Morning. Can you share a little about that process, since it’s quite a bit different than novel writing/publishing?
The children’s book was a completely anomalous and different experience. I had written a children’s book in verse a long time ago and eventually asked a friend whom I admired as an immensely talented artist to take a crack at it. She spent over a year working on her illustrations. When she sent me the first few, I wept. They were exactly as I had envisioned. At first, I thought we would independently publish, but she suggested sending it out to a few traditional publishers to see what would happen. And amazingly, one of them took it on. I am certain that her incredible art sold the book. Later, the publisher made an arrangement with a book distributor and sold 30,000 of them. I’m still awed. It received a starred Kirkus review. But, I do not ever plan to write another children’s book—it was the hardest thing I ever wrote! I feel novels are my calling and that’s how I’m pursuing my writing journey. My artist partner, however, has gone on to independently publish some other children’s books and I’m delighted for her!
Do you have any upcoming releases you’d like to talk about?
I plan to release Book 2 of The Arcadia Chronicles, Clear and Convincing Evidence, shortly after Thanksgiving. This book continues the story of the main character, Abigail Fischer, and of David Armacost, who appeared at the end of Fee Simple Conditional. I found him a compelling character and wanted to more deeply explore him, so some of the chapters in the new book are written in his voice. In this book, Abby starts a new career as a public defender representing patients committed to psychiatric hospitals. So, as her life with David grows, so do her legal challenges and the needs of the clients she encounters. As in the first book, there are some legal twists and turns, humor (I hope), and the expansion of the characters’ relationships through time. Readers can expect some previous characters to return and the opportunity to meet new individuals who make their mark on Abby’s life.
What project(s) are you currently working on, and can you share anything about them?
My plan is for the next book in the series to partially return to the real estate theme, as it takes place during the foreclosure crisis. It continues to follow the existing characters and introduce new ones. I’m also planning a stand-alone novel, and I’ll see where that fits into my writing scheme. My interest seems to be drawn to complex characters and the stories that form along the trajectory of their lives.
Besides being a writer, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read and try to consume and review as many books as I can (but never as quickly as I’d like). I’m currently in three monthly book clubs, all distinctive, so that provides me with a lot of disparate learning. I also have a desire to pursue some art projects. I’m not particularly talented, but why not?
Do you have any parting thoughts you’d like to share?
I am extremely thankful that I have been able to follow my dream to write and publish my work and would encourage anyone with that desire to do so. Even though it might be a cliché, it’s never too late, and the means for doing it have become so easily available. I’m also grateful for my readers and the friends I’ve made from the #writing community. Their support, knowledge, and encouragement have enhanced my life and enabled me to grow as a writer and individual.
Thank you again, A.J., for your interest and the chance to share! Wishing you and all of your readers a beautiful holiday season.
A huge thank you to HC for taking the time to chat about her books, which are available Amazon.com. Or you can learn more about The Arcadia Chronicles on her website, hchelfand.com