The Health Lottery Podcast with former Criminal Barrister Helen Fields

Million selling author Helen Fields recently sat down for an insightful conversation on The Health Lottery’s Paying It Forward podcast, where she shared her journey from a successful career as a barrister to becoming a celebrated author and discussed the importance of paying it forward in both professional and personal life.

In the podcast episode, hosted by presenter Danni Menzies, Helen Fields candidly recounted her experiences working as a barrister, highlighting the diverse range of cases she handled and the profound impact they had on her perspective. From defending clients in criminal trials to witnessing stories of resilience and transformation, Fields emphasised the importance of recognising the positive aspects often overlooked in the criminal justice system.

Fields whose latest propulsive crime thriller novel Profile K is out now, also discussed her transition from law to literature, describing the pivotal moment when she decided to pursue her passion for writing. “My husband very realistically said that my life at the bar was unsustainable in terms of family…[so] I made the decision to come away from the Bar,” she explained. “What I had always wanted to try doing was to write a book, and he gave me the time and space to try that.”

Reflecting on her journey as an author, Fields expressed gratitude for the support she received from fellow authors and the writing community. “Other authors are extremely kind when you start as a debut…it creates this lovely warm atmosphere whereby we’re able to properly support each other and build each other up,” she noted.

Throughout the interview, Fields emphasised the importance of paying it forward and supporting others, whether through mentoring aspiring writers, volunteering in the community, or advocating for fellow professionals in the industry. “I spend some of my time working with the Society of Authors…it is really important work,” she stated. “We all sleep better when we’ve done at least one good thing in a day.”

As the episode concluded, Fields offered words of encouragement to aspiring authors and individuals hesitant to pursue their dreams. “Go ahead and do it…don’t get hung up on what everybody else writes or how you should do it. You must do it the way that feels right to you,” she advised.

Listeners to Helen Fields on The Health Lottery’s Paying it Forward podcast available on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music on Thursday 24^th October.