writer-Author bio

My formal, professional bio is as follows:

Amy Jane Helmericks is writer who helps other people tell their own stories. Writing is her second language, and words are her way of imposing order on reality. Amy Jane offers story-coaching and professional bio services to help people say what is important to them, and provides input and a listening ear  to refine ideas. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and created her minor, Children’s Storytelling and Performance, around her eclectic studies that didn’t fit an established program.

In January 2015 she published her first novel, Lindorm Kingdom, and in her free time she continues to work on novels and encourage other writers.

I am interested in a crazy-wide variety of things (most of them having to do with the way people tick), adore ideas, see unexpected connections, am good with the English language, and get excited about using these tools to help others working toward the best version of themselves.

I am a Christian who believes both in God’s sovereignty and in the freedom God laid heavy on us when he allowed humanity the choice of choosing or rejecting him.

I believe we are born broken, live by mending, and that the grace of God is glue.

(a la Eugene O’Neill)

I like words. I like it when things are said *just so,* to great affect; and when I find someone else whose already said it, and better, I prefer to use their words.

That is to say: I like quotes. Lots and lots of quotes.

They make me laugh and they make me think: two of my favorite things to do.

~ ~ ~

Burying myself in writing and reading, thinking and exploring is great fun, but there’s really no alternative to the work of getting well, so I keep pushing, and living and learning, all while the people I live with keep expecting food and clean clothes and loving snuggles.

They remind me I need those things too.

Life is better than it was, but the “happily” of Happily-Ever-After is not code for easily.

Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.
After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.
And sing.