Helene Smith was raised in a rural area at Linfarn Manjimup, Western Australia. Her school teacher mother handed on a love of literature and a tradition of storytelling which became a lifelong passion. After a short nursing career, Helene married a school teacher and raised a large family, whilst all the time writing 'covertly' as a young mother - short fiction, private journal writing and poetry, honing her 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, she wrote her first book; Operation Clancy (1994) was inspired by a 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 Helene in there. An experienced presenter and writer/facilitator in schools, community centres and institutions for adult learners she delights in sharing the writing process with others.