H. J. Worthington-Smith

Helen is a writer and lover of Young Adult fantasy. She grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and studied physiotherapy before moving to the UK with her husband. Helen lost her mother to cancer when she was eleven and over the following years spent much of her time reading where she discovered the joy of discovering worlds in which she could lose herself and characters who showed her that within deep pain there is also hope. 

Helen explores the themes of healing, authenticity and prejudice in her writing, drawing on her experiences of growing up in post apartheid South Africa as well as learning how to be one’s true self after experiencing a profound and life-changing loss.

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Kate Packman

Kate grew up reading widely and has eclectic taste. Likewise, her work refuses to fit into a specific genre. Writing for adults and children, Kate enjoys exploring themes linked to identity, and playing with time in the structure of her novels. 

Once Kate realised being an insurance broker did not meet her creative needs, she completed a BA(Hons) in English Studies. Despite being determined not to teach, she has spent the last decade teaching English  in a middle school and loves it. Recently she completed an MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck. In July 2024 she was long listed for the Bridport Novel Prize.

When not reading or writing, she organises pop up book clubs and hosts author events. She chaired Ampthill Literary Festival for five years.

Sophie E. Mills

Sophie is a contemporary fiction and romance writer who is fascinated by the human connection. She spent her formative years in France and returned to the UK when she was eighteen where she still lives today. Sophie spent hours writing short stories, poems and songs throughout her childhood as a way to understand her feelings and this love of writing eventually led to her completing a BA(hons) in English Literature, Creative Writing and Spanish. 

Sophie’s passions are varied but you will always find music, travel or sport at the centre of her writing. More than that though, Sophie loves love and her epic romances will stay with you long after the story ends.

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