Picture an Australian storyteller who weaves tales of mental health and resilience with heart-wrenching empathy—meet Helena Fox! Born in Peru and shaped by a global childhood, this Wollongong-based author traded a law career for a pen, crafting stories that resonate deeply. Her debut, How It Feels to Float, has captivated readers worldwide, earning accolades for its raw honesty.
Helena’s journey is as vibrant as her prose. From mentoring young writers to exploring trauma through lyrical storytelling, she’s a beacon of hope and creativity. Let’s dive into her life, works, and the impact she’s making in young adult literature.
The Making of Helena Fox
Born in Lima, Peru, in the 1970s, Helena Fox grew up speaking Spanish before learning English at age five. Her childhood was a whirlwind, with moves across Peru, Spain, the UK, Samoa, and Australia by age 11. Settling in Australia, she attended seven schools, navigating loneliness but forging lifelong friendships. Initially studying law—a poor fit for her creative soul—she later pursued an MFA in Creative Writing at Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, cementing her path as a writer.
Helena’s diverse experiences, from living in vibrant cultures to facing personal mental health challenges, shaped her empathetic voice. Her work as a creative writing mentor in Wollongong reflects her passion for helping young people find their stories, a mission she holds dear.
Helena Fox’s Unforgettable Stories
Helena’s debut novel, How It Feels to Float (2019), is a lyrical exploration of grief, depression, and sexual identity. Following Biz, a teen grappling with loss and dissociation, the novel blends poetic prose with raw emotion. It won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award and Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Young Adult Literature, earning praise as a “modern The Bell Jar with ghosts.”
Her follow-up, The Quiet and the Loud (2023), delves into family violence, addiction, and the freedom of breaking silence. This novel, lauded for its compelling narrative, won the Ethel Turner Award. Helena’s upcoming Everything Under the Moon promises to continue her signature blend of hope and heartache. Her style—vivid, introspective, and laced with humor—draws readers into characters’ minds, making complex emotions accessible.
Influenced by films like Amelie and authors like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Helena crafts stories that feel both magical and grounded. Her focus on trauma and resilience resonates with readers seeking authentic, hopeful narratives in young adult fiction.
Why Helena Fox Matters
Helena Fox’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of mental health, a topic often stigmatized. Her novels offer solace to readers navigating grief or identity, showing that hope can coexist with pain. By mentoring young writers, she empowers a new generation to share their voices, fostering creativity and self-care. Her global perspective, rooted in her multicultural upbringing, adds depth to her work, making it universally relatable.
Her awards and translations into Dutch, German, and Spanish highlight her growing influence. Helena’s stories remind us that vulnerability is strength, and her mentorship ensures her legacy will inspire beyond the page.
- Born: 1970s, Lima, Peru
- Key Works: How It Feels to Float, The Quiet and the Loud, Everything Under the Moon
- Awards: Prime Minister’s Literary Award, Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, Ethel Turner Award
- Fun Fact: She posts sea photos and kindness tips on Instagram as @helenafoxoz!
About Helena Fox
Snag How It Feels to Float and dive into Helena Fox’s lyrical world of hope and healing!