Putting My Pen to Paper Guest Post by Author Helen Hipp

“PUTTING MY PEN TO PAPER”

By Helen Hipp

I have always found writing difficult and after years of producing numerous college papers, I felt exhausted. It came as a huge surprise that writing would eventually become a cathartic and enjoyable experience for me. I found myself preoccupied with a story that was stuck in my head about my family’s own experience while on safari in Africa. But my thoughts were not the same as sitting down to write, although they were the spark!

Inspired, I decided to share the story with the world by weaving it into a children’s adventure book that celebrates differences – a desire that drove me to create, as I knew that the real-life lessons learned by my son were both significant and relatable to other children with special needs and their parents. Clearly, the motivation behind my writing had clearly shifted. Putting pen to paper no longer feels like work or something I have to trudge through. Instead, it is a passion fueled with purpose.

What made the difference? For me it was, and still is, a meaningful creative process that allows for my enthusiasm, imagination, expression and creativity to unfold in its own time.

What motivates you to pursue your dreams?

What sparks creativity in you?

Are you meant to be a writer?

ABOUT HELEN HIPP

Helen Hipp has had her own kind of safari through the land of a large family. She was always exploring new ways to      define herself. There are many ways to navigate the waters of life says Helen. “You may ride in a canoe, sailboat, motorboat, or you may find yourself on the back of a pink hippo!”

With a mindset that centered on creating opportunities out of obstacles, Helen explored career opportunities, by connecting her personal experiences (parenting a child with special needs) with her beliefs, professional skills, and aspirations.

Helen received her M.A. in counseling and began her career as a psychotherapist to help people find answers for their life problems. Her work eventually evolved into a coaching practice, WithinU Life Coaching, focusing on individuals with special needs and their families.

Helen has authored articles for Family Works and Washington Family Magazine and written multiple self-help articles published by ezine.com where she is viewed as an expert in her field. She has been a contributor as a special needs consultant to FOX44 News in Burlington, Vermont.

In addition to her work, Helen has written two children’s books creating a very effective way to motivate kids of all ages to meet their challenges with self-acceptance, confidence and understanding.

Her debut children’s book, A Different Kind of Safari, released in 2013 addresses the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities. Once again, the engaging safari family, led by Rosie the Pink Hippo inspires, and help you see your life differently in her new book, Rosie and Friends Positively Different. With a cast characters experiencing real-life issues such as anxiety, fear, physical differences and poor self-esteem, Helen Hipp’s adventure books provide children with the opportunity to identify, understand and feel supported by the characters handling of similar fears, interests, and concerns.

Readers can connect with Helen Hipp on her website and on Twitter.  

See my book review of Helen Hipp's book "Rosie and Friends Positively Different" here.