My name is Helen and I’m a self-confessed unconfident writer. Every day I’m pushing myself to become braver with my writing and creativity. I write books, essays and have an Substack newsletter called The Red Fern exploring confidence, age and creativity in an online world.

I’m currently writing a non-fiction book about becoming a confident writer in the age of social media.

My podcast, Hiding Under the Desk, is where I share stories from other unconfident creatives and chat about their experiences of pushing through the fear and lack of self-belief.

In the sixteen years I’ve been online I’ve written articles, blog posts, newsletters, become an editor, Instagrammer, occasional influencer, podcaster, digital writer and YouTuber (where I talked to camera and everything). Each time I tried something new I was terrified. But each time I did it I became that little bit braver.

Most recently I’ve become a mentor for other writers and creatives who are looking for gentle help with their own creativity and being online.

My writing and mentoring is for those of you who are scared of pursuing your creative dreams.

You procrastinate, have little self-belief, and compare yourself and your work unfavourably with others. You’re scared of putting your writing or creative work out there into the world or onto the internet.

You think it’s just you. But it’s not. You are not alone.

On this blog and elsewhere I write honestly and openly about my struggle with confidence, particularly around my writing. I know what it’s like to be fearful, to procrastinate, to put yourself out there.

But I’ve come through the other side.

And now I’d like to help you.

Where you can find me online

Exploring age, confidence and creativity in an online world.