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helen

@hejparry.bsky.social

writer of children's books, wrangler of cats, waster of time A Scrap of Moss & Magick, my MG debut, is out in October 2026 with @dfbstoryhouse.bsky.social (now available to pre-order! From all good bookshops & bad ones too) British in Belgium she/her

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helen@hejparry.bsky.social · 3d ago

Every Wednesday (or Thursday!), I'll post a children’s book I’ve enjoyed. If you’ve read it too, or you want to share another book, join in! Crow: Thief of Magic by Fiona Dixon, cover illus by Endimion. Sorry Fiona I cut your name off in the photo. Alt text for why I like it. #ukkidlit #kidlituk

Picture of my hand holding a copy of Crow: Thief of Magic by Fiona Dixon. The illustration shows a boy in a dark coat standing on a rooftop beside a cat. Below them lies a city, with a beautiful palace in the distance. The boy has opened a glass bottle and gold dust is swirling out of it into the sky. The cover is a dreamy mix of greens, golds, oranges and browns. Why I like it: obviously Nekima, the talking cat-who-may-not-exactly-be-a-cat, who is just a delight; but also the deeply realised world of Starsgard, the making of dreams, the deftly portrayed characters, including Crow, loyal and brave. And the concept of a dream library! I’d love to visit one! Power differentials are subtly explored, with the street gang providing a microcosm of a wider society where those in power batten off the poor and vulnerable. It’s exciting and fun and there’s going to be a sequel!
helen@hejparry.bsky.social · 4d ago

My darling cat Clara had an operation yesterday & I was really worried about her. Fortunately today she is back to doing what she does best, sabotaging my writing. You can just see my notebook, swept aside by a cruel stripey tail.

Photograph of the rear view of a tabby cat sitting on a table. In the corner, a pencil case and a notebook, repudiated. In the background, the hen house, some lawn, the man cave.
helen@hejparry.bsky.social · last wk.

I know I shouldn't do this, but... Am working on Book 2, have written c.10,000 words & even planned some of it, thought about characters, settings &c. Meanwhile another idea that's been hanging around is clicking together nicely & seems more original & exciting... Shall I ditch Book 2? #amwriting

roterote@roterote.bsky.social · last wk.

Here is the full suspension letter from UGent that was sent to Nathan Cofnas, it shows ample reason for his suspension and potential termination. Including breach of contract, using the University of Ghent’s name and legitimacy to promote his racial supremacist views and causing reputational damage.

helen@hejparry.bsky.social · 2w ago

Every Wednesday (that I remember!), I will post a children’s book I’ve enjoyed. If you’ve read it too, or you want to share another book, join in! Bramble Fox, by Kathrin Tordasi, trans. Cathrin Wirtz, cover illustration by David Dean. Alt text for why I like it. #ukkidlit #kidlituk

Photo of Bramble Fox. The cover is shades of purple, a fox, in the background two children stand in a doorway into a wood. Why do I like it? I think it captures the eeriness of magic brilliantly. The children Portia and Ben are well drawn, and there’s a fox! but what really stands out is the strangeness of Faerie, beautiful and sinister.
Marie Gardiner@mariegardiner.bsky.social · 2w ago

Tired of everyone wanting to have stuff done as quickly and with as little effort as possible. Thinking of ideas is enjoyable. Research is enjoyable. Knowing you've done a good and thorough job is satisfying. Where's the joy or skill in mashing the Magic 8 ball.