Author Helen Row Toews’ self-published book ‘The Legacy’ has been recognized as a top contender in the Whistler Independent Book Awards. Photo courtesy of Chandra Fischer
Helen Row Toews has been nominated for an award for her self-published book titled ‘The Legacy.’
“The Runestaff Chronicles; there’s four books in the series, this is the third,” said Row Toews.
“It’s a finalist in the Whistler Independent Book Awards. So, this is all independently published books from across Canada.”
Row Toews is currently working on the fourth book in a series of romance novels, and recently returned from a trip to France, which she used to draw inspiration for her new novel.
“I have a lot of material to work with now, and it was a lovely place to be. I’m working on a book that is set in Provence, France,” said Row Toews.
“I’ve fabricated an estate in Provence that is a vineyard and an olive grove, centered around the Belleveau family, and so I’m planning at least five books around that … the fields are full of vineyards and it’s inspirational.”
She said her romance series is centered around ‘sweet romance’, not eroticism like in some books in the same category.
“It’s a lovely story. There’s always twists and turns, there’s more to it than just a romance. There’s some intrigue,” she explained.
Row Toews always knew she wanted to be a writer, ever since she was a child.
“When I was 11 in Marshall school, I wanted to be a writer and my mother wrote to W.O. Mitchell, who was a famous Saskatchewan and Canadian author and he wrote back. He said ‘For any young person wanting to become a writer, they should write every day,” and that sentiment is something that has stayed with Row Toews over the years.
“Just writing every day whether you feel like it or not, it can’t help but make you better. And reading. So I always tell kids that … if they have an aspiration to become a writer—it sounds simple, but it’s very true. It works.”
Row Toews also works as an educational assistant at a local elementary school, which is a great fit, since she can pass on her expertise to children who are just learning to read and write.
“That’s my favourite part of the job, is helping kids with their writing,” said Row Toews.
“Kids will say ‘well, what am I supposed to write about?’ I say, well you’ve got to tap into your imagination. There’s all sorts of ideas out there!”
To purchase Row Toews’ books head to helentoews.com.
