Meet the Author: Helly Acton

Helly Acton studied Law at King’s College London before going into advertising. In her twenties, Helly escaped the rat race and took a career break. After a life-affirming break-up she returned home to find herself the last of her single friends. Helly threw herself into online dating and uses her experience as a single woman in her thirties as inspiration for her stories. The Shelf is Helly's first novel. It is published by Bonnier in July.

Who were your literary heroes as you were growing up and when did you first realise you had a talent for writing?

Roald Dahl for the imagination, Toni Morrison for the language, Sue Townsend for the humour and Ken Follett for the stories. I discovered I could write quite late in life. I was 28 and working in advertising as an account manager. When the creative teams were busy, I wrote the copy for my clients instead. The creative director spotted something in me and offered me a full-time role in the department.

Can you tell us about your new book, The Shelf?

The Shelf is a self-love story about life pressures, reality television and the power of female friendships. It follows Amy, who feels like she’s being left behind while everyone else is getting engaged, married or pregnant. When her boyfriend invites her on a dream holiday, she’s convinced he’s going to propose. Instead, he breaks up with her on the set of a reality TV show called The Shelf. On the show, Amy, and five other housemates, compete in sexist challenges to prove their worth and be crowned ‘The Keeper’ to win a million pounds. Think Big Brother meets Bridget Jones.

Have you got used to being a published author yet? Did it live up to your expectations?

Not really, it still feels like a mad dream! When I first saw (and sniffed) my hardback in the flesh, it felt more real. I’ll properly believe I’m a published author when I see The Shelf in high street bookstores and libraries. I’ve had many magical moments in this incredible journey to publication - but that will probably top them all.

What is the message you want your readers to take away from The Shelf?

I’d like readers to realise that it’s better to be single than to be in the wrong relationship. And that this life race it feels like we’re in - especially as women - isn’t real. Don’t feel pressured to do what others are doing.Go at your own pace, in your own time and with your own style. You don’t need to be in a relationship to feel worthy. Put your energy into the relationship you have with yourself, first.

Is there anything you can share about your next project?

Yes! The Couple is my second novel. It imagines a post-relationship near-future, where long-term monogamy no longer exists. In this future, it’s considered taboo to be in a couple in adulthood. People in relationships are viewed as strange and weak for depending on another human to be happy. So, when Millie and Ben fall for each other at work, they have to hide their relationship from their co-workers, friends and family - or risk being treated like outcasts forever. The question is, is their love worth the risk?

Are there any books you have read recently that you can recommend to Suffolk readers?

Certainly! Three books I’ve recently loved are The Animals of Lockwood Manor by Jane Healy, Grown Ups by Marian Keyes and The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley.

Can you tell us one thing about yourself that your readers may not know?

I used to be a Viscountess!

Can you describe yourself in three words?

A determined daydreamer. The Shelf is available as an eBook on our Overdrive platform.