Bio
Helena Smrcek, writing under Helen St. Martin pen name, is a journalist, author, and screen writer. She believes in the power of a well-told story. Her readers can expect a captivating page-turner, filled with thrilling suspense, and heartwarming romance.
She started in publishing as a high school student, freelancing for Mississauga News. Her journalism carrier took off in 1999. Within three years Helena accumulated over 100 by-lines and interviewed Ann Graham Lotz, Carol Lewis, Cec Murphey, Kelita, and others. Her stories, many of them covers, have been published in Canada, the USA, Bermuda, New Zealand, and Australia. In 2002 she accepted a position at Listen Up TV, a current affairs program.
Helena became a founding member of Write!Canada, and The Word Guild, a Canadian national association of writers and editors. She is a graduate of Jerry Jenkin’s Craftsman Class, Act One, Donald Maass’ Fire in Fiction, Writer’s Police Academy, and several mentoring programs.
She regularly attends writers’ conferences and is a past or current member of such organizations as Word Weavers, American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Toast Masters International, Boni, The Writer’s Guild, and others. Helena loves to participate in NaNoWriMo and hosts a writers’ group.
As an entrepreneur, she is familiar with marketing, branding, and social media. She has volunteered with YMCA, mentoring new Canadians pursuing their business dreams, and was an active member of her local Chamber of Commerce.
When not at her keyboard, Helena loves listening to audiobooks, working on her hobby farm, and traveling. She lives in Southern Ontario with her husband, three Vizslas, several cats, a herd of goats, and an undisclosed number of chickens.
Where It All Began
My grandparents allowed me to live in a world of stories. I grew up immersed in their unconditional love, limitless patience, and storytelling.
Oblivious to the perils of our subdued nation, I climbed trees, talked to chickens, and wore dress-up clothes. My days entailed brave explorations, hands-on learning, and an occasional scraped knee.
However, the most special moments arrived with twilight. Grandpa would sit in his wing chair, cat purring on his lap, and Grandma and I would snuggle up on the sofa. This was story time.
Through the power of the story, I was transported past the boundaries of time and space. On my journeys, I met the most interesting characters, experienced tragedies, and comedies of ordinary life, and understood my roots.
Since then, I traveled through many winding paths. Guided by wise mentors, and learning from the best storytellers of our time, I spent countless hours developing my craft. I love the power of the story. A good story possesses the ability to captivate us, entertain us, and give us hope, but the best stories hold the power to change our lives.