Articles written by Helen Brain

Bushman's Kloof offers luxury accommodation, ancient rock art and a pristine natural setting in one of South Africa's most beautiful, malaria-free areas.

Jan 23, 2011 - Helen Brain

Step by step instructions for writing a note to thank a sports coach.

Jan 21, 2011 - Helen Brain

How to write a professional covering letter that shows off your resume or CV to potential employers

Jan 15, 2011 - Helen Brain

Highlighting just one detail of a character in your creative writing will lead to strong, evocative descriptions.

Sep 29, 2010 - Helen Brain

The Desmond Tutu Children's Bible, the world's biggest children's Bible project, was launched at the Cape Town Book Fair on 30 July 2010.

Aug 25, 2010 - Helen Brain

Acclaimed South African chick-lit writer, Fiona Snyckers talks about how she starts a new book, and works it through to completion.

Jul 26, 2010 - Helen Brain

Fiona Snyckers, South African chicklit writer, speaks about her writing journey from childhood scribbling to successful novelist.

Jul 19, 2010 - Helen Brain

Five more tips to help new writers find their feet in the publishing world from a top South African chicklit author.

Jul 18, 2010 - Helen Brain

Acclaimed South African chicklit writer, Fiona Snyckers offers five tips for new writers.

Jul 18, 2010 - Helen Brain

Three ways to find the time to write your book - by keeping a notebook, by setting SMART goals, and by signing up to a website that prompts new habits.

Jun 10, 2010 - Helen Brain

The Children of God Storybook Bible, the new Children's Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, will be launched in Cape Town on July 30th 2010.

May 17, 2010 - Helen Brain

Learn the easy formula, and view examples to write the perfect thank-you note to your wedding minister.

Apr 19, 2010 - Helen Brain

Four simple changes can improve the opening of a short story for adults or teenagers.

Apr 1, 2010 - Helen Brain

Smories website holds a monthly competition for the most popular story submitted to this exciting new project.

Mar 24, 2010 - Helen Brain

Jeff Kinney's series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has topped the best seller charts. Read about the author of these much loved children's books.

Mar 13, 2010 - Helen Brain

Enid Blyton's emotional immaturity helped her to write for children.This article looks at how her portrayal of adult characters reflected her childlike world view.

Feb 3, 2010 - Helen Brain

Enid Blyton topped the bestseller list because of seven elements common to all her mystery and adventure books. This article explores this formula.

Jan 5, 2010 - Helen Brain

Learn about Enid Blyton, author of over 700 children's books, and discover some of the secrets of her publishing success.

Jan 1, 2010 - Helen Brain

Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve was voted the world's best hotel in 2009. What makes it so remarkable?

Dec 23, 2009 - Helen Brain

Follow these examples and learn the easy formula for writing the perfect thank-you note to your wedding minister.

Dec 15, 2009 - Helen Brain

Activity books for children aged 5 to12 make wonderful gifts for holidays or birthdays.

Dec 7, 2009 - Helen Brain

Learn more about Where the Wild Things Are, the most loved picture book in the world, and the inspiration for the movie of the same name.

Nov 12, 2009 - Helen Brain

A brief history of the seven Mary Poppins books by P.L. Travers

Oct 6, 2009 - Helen Brain

A Fundisa account earns you up to 25% government bonus on money you save for a child's education.

Oct 4, 2009 - Helen Brain

Ways for authors to find extra minutes in the day to spend on writing a novel or short story.

Sep 26, 2009 - Helen Brain

Shalford House in Rondebosch, Cape Town offers a comfortable self-catering apartment with separate entrance and is excellent value for money.

Sep 12, 2009 - Helen Brain

Tips from successful eatery owner Judy Sendzul for opening a new restaurant.

Sep 5, 2009 - Helen Brain

An interview with Children's Author Andy Stanton, author of the hilarious and anarchic Mr Gum books for 7-10 year olds.

Sep 5, 2009 - Helen Brain

Jane Griffiths speaks about the process of writing her fabulous book on growing organic vegetables and herbs.

Aug 29, 2009 - Helen Brain

The second part of an interview with South African crime writer, Peter Church about his first novel Dark Video.

Aug 25, 2009 - Helen Brain

The first of two articles interviewing South African crime writer, Peter Church, about his novel Dark Video

Aug 25, 2009 - Helen Brain

A reading of Broken Music, the memoir written by Gordon Sumner aka Sting reveals many things to inspire creative people working in any discipline.

Aug 24, 2009 - Helen Brain

The right level of language can make or break a book for children. Learn what kinds of words to avoid when writing for kids.

Aug 10, 2009 - Helen Brain

Writer and Illustrator Anthony Browne has been chosen as the British Children's Laureate for 2009.

Jun 15, 2009 - Helen Brain

There are loads of fun events planned for children at the 2009 Cape Town Book Fair.

May 26, 2009 - Helen Brain

Cathy Cassidy talks about writing for girls aged 8-12, and the role her website plays in helping children with personal problems.

May 19, 2009 - Helen Brain

Cathy Cassidy talks about how she writes her fiction for girls.

May 19, 2009 - Helen Brain

Top tips for making sure your beauty business makes money year after year.

May 17, 2009 - Helen Brain

When writing fiction, always choose Anglo Saxon based words. They are vivid and vibrant and ignite the reader's imagination and feelings.

May 4, 2009 - Helen Brain

Archeology is an exciting career for students with a fascination for the past and an eye for the finer details.

Apr 27, 2009 - Helen Brain

Gingersnaps, the newest book by British writer Cathy Cassidy, is an excellent read for girls entering puberty.

Apr 25, 2009 - Helen Brain

Learn why English has words from Anglo Saxon and Latin roots, and which words fiction writers should choose to make their writing vibrant and exciting.

Apr 23, 2009 - Helen Brain

When writing fiction it is usually best to use the Anglo Saxon version of a word rather than the Latin or Greek. What exactly is the difference between these two forms?

Apr 19, 2009 - Helen Brain

A thank you gift for your minister or pastor doesn't have to cost a fortune. This article gives gifting ideas for priests and other members of the clergy.

Apr 16, 2009 - Helen Brain

Learn how to construct a sincere and heartfelt note to thank a church minister

Apr 16, 2009 - Helen Brain

It is possible to save money on weddings, if you are prepared to think out of the box. These ideas will help you to arrange a happy, relaxed celebration.

Mar 7, 2009 - Helen Brain

Follow these nine hints to ensure your career as a writer is successful

Feb 23, 2009 - Helen Brain

Avoiding the following behaviours will make visiting hour easier.

Jan 25, 2009 - Helen Brain

This article is the third in a series teaching how to cut descriptions of action to bring your writing alive.

Jan 20, 2009 - Helen Brain

The answer sheet to the first exercise in cutting back over-detailed descriptions of action.

Jan 20, 2009 - Helen Brain