‘Whiff of success’ for lecturer after four-book deal
The Supersonic Fart by Helen Rose is being released by Pan Macmillan in July
ARU Law lecturer Helen Rose and puppy Luna, who stars in The Supersonic Fart
A Law lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has signed a four-book deal with publishing giant Pan Macmillan and will be releasing her debut children’s book, The Supersonic Fart, in July.
Aimed at children aged between three and six, The Supersonic Fart by Helen Rose tells the hilarious rhyming story of how a big stink has been caused at the birthday party of the year, and a family’s battle to avoid disaster.
The book is illustrated by Garry Parsons, who also worked on The Dinosaur That Pooped bestselling series of children’s books, and includes a bonus “fart chart”.
Helen, who is based at ARU’s Chelmsford campus and specialises in insurance law, is a former solicitor who has been writing in her spare time for several years. After several rejections from publishers, she broke through thanks to the All Stories mentoring programme for writers.
“I’ve always loved writing but working full-time and being a mum, it’s always been hard. When I was on maternity leave, I used to write when my daughter was asleep.
“I can’t believe I’ve gone from writing on my kitchen table in my spare time to being published by Macmillan. I’ve been trying to get published for three years, and I’ve written stories about subjects from a baby ninja to squabbling siblings who happen to be witches.”
ARU Law lecturer Helen RoseWhen Helen worked as a solicitor in London, she took part in outreach activities with schools and felt at home in a teaching environment. She credits the support of her ARU colleagues after her career transition to becoming a lecturer, for helping her forge ahead with her writing dream.
Helen, who has now signed to a literary agency and is represented by Julia Churchill of AM Heath, added: “I love teaching and during my time as a solicitor I always felt I was a teacher in a lawyer’s body. I like to use my writing to show my students that it’s important to have other interests. I talk to them about my writing and I encourage them to talk about their interests outside of the course too.”
The Supersonic Fart will be published on 2 July, and Helen is carrying out a number of public appearances and workshops including storytime events in Colchester and Brentwood, and talking at the Chelmsford Science Festival in October.
Next in store is a Christmas follow-up to The Supersonic Fart, followed by a book about encouraging girls in technology. Helen’s fourth book is currently being written.
The Supersonic Fart is priced at £7.99 and is available for pre-order now from Waterstones at https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-supersonic-fart/helen-rose/garry-parsons/9781035085460