About Helga Lockheart
Helga Lockheart is a poet and author whose work delves into the complexities of love, loss, and emotional healing. Her debut collection, Shadows of the Ruined, explores the aftermath of emotional destruction, while her second book, The Ghosts We Left Behind, takes readers on a journey of grief, resilience, and the discovery of hope. Through lyrical and evocative poetry, Lockheart gives voice to the silent struggles many face, highlighting both the darkness and the light that emerge from life’s most challenging moments.
A lifelong lover of literature, Lockheart began her writing journey as a way to process personal loss. Her poetry is inspired by writers like Lancalii, whose raw emotional depth deeply resonated with her. In addition to her books, she has been recognized as an honorable mention for poems in the Dark Poets Club, further cementing her presence in the literary world.
Beyond writing, Helga is an artist, using drawing and painting to express herself in ways that words sometimes cannot. Her creative work continues to inspire readers and viewers alike, inviting them to embrace their pain as part of their healing process. With a passion for exploring the human experience through both words and art, Lockheart hopes to continue to connect with readers and encourage them on their own journeys toward hope and self-discovery.
LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?
Helga Lockheart: The Ghosts We Left Behind is my second poetry collection, following my debut Shadows of the Ruined. While my first book explored the emotional aftermath of destruction and the search for meaning in loss, The Ghosts We Left Behind dives deeper into the journey of healing. It reflects on the emotional ghosts we carry with us and the difficult, yet beautiful, process of finding hope again. Writing this collection was a continuation of my own healing after the loss of someone dear to me. Through the poems, I sought to give voice to the silent struggles many face in the darkness, with the underlying message that they are not alone. While the collection can be seen as dark and melancholic, it is also a testament to resilience—the notion that even in the darkest times, there is a glimmer of light and hope to be found. The book portrays the bittersweet beauty of memories and the ghosts of the past that linger within us, urging readers to embrace their pain as part of their journey toward healing. It’s about recognizing that pain is not just something to endure, but something that shapes and refines us. The collection invites readers to walk through their own darkness and find the light that waits on the other side.
LiFT: Why you chose this title?
Helga Lockheart: The title The Ghosts We Left Behind speaks directly to the themes of love, loss, and emotional healing within the collection. The “ghosts” in the title symbolize the memories, past relationships, and emotions that stay with us long after someone or something is gone. I wanted the title to reflect both the grief and the process of moving forward—acknowledging the past while finding hope in the future. It’s about recognizing that the things we’ve lost don’t disappear; they shape us, and we carry them as we continue our journey.
LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?
Helga Lockheart: I’ve always been an avid reader, and literature has always held a special place in my heart. However, it wasn’t until I experienced a personal loss that I truly realized I had to write in order to process my grief and connect with others who might be going through similar emotions. My first book, Shadows of the Ruined, came from a place of deep sorrow, but The Ghosts We Left Behind was born from the desire to offer hope, to show that healing is possible. My greatest inspiration comes from authors like Lancalii, particularly her work I Fell in Love with Hope. The way she conveys raw, emotional truths inspired me to write with that same vulnerability and authenticity.
LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?
Helga Lockheart: In ten years, I see myself continuing to evolve as a writer, possibly branching into other genres while still maintaining the emotional depth and honesty I’ve built in my poetry. I’d love to explore novel-writing and even other forms of storytelling while staying true to the core message of my work—connection, healing, and the power of vulnerability. I want to be a voice that readers can turn to when they need a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?
Helga Lockheart: I believe marketing and quality both play crucial roles in the success of a book. Without effective marketing, even the best-written book can go unnoticed, as readers need to be made aware of its existence. On the other hand, no amount of marketing can replace quality content. A book’s soul—its raw emotion, authenticity, and the way it resonates with readers—cannot be replicated through just promotion. The magic happens when a book is not only well-promoted but also genuinely connects with its audience. The right readers will always seek out meaningful stories, so it’s important to find a balance between great writing and strategic marketing.
LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?
Helga Lockheart: At the heart of The Ghosts We Left Behind, my message is simple: you are not alone. I want readers to know that it’s okay to feel lost, to grieve, and to experience dark moments. These feelings are part of the human experience, and through them, we can find hope, growth, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. My poetry serves as an extended hand, offering comfort and a reminder that even in our deepest sorrow, there is beauty in surviving and moving forward.
LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?
Helga Lockheart: When I’m not writing, I enjoy drawing and painting. Art allows me to express myself in ways that words sometimes can’t. I find that creating visual art helps me process emotions, much like writing does, but through a different medium. Nature also plays a big role in my creative process, and I love spending time outdoors, finding inspiration in the world around me. Drawing and painting are my personal ways of reconnecting with myself and nurturing my creativity.
LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?
Helga Lockheart: Writer’s block is inevitable for any writer, but I’ve found that stepping away from the page and taking a break often helps. A walk in nature is my go-to remedy. The quiet, the fresh air, and the beauty of the surroundings always seem to bring clarity. It helps me reset and find inspiration again. Sometimes, simply allowing myself not to write for a bit can help the words come back when I least expect them.
LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.
Helga Lockheart: Yes, I am working on my next book! While I’m keeping the details under wraps for now, I can share that it will continue in the vein of my previous works—emotional, raw, and deeply introspective. I want to keep exploring themes of human vulnerability, the struggles we face, and the beauty we can find in our darkest moments. While the topic may be new, the style and tone of the writing will be consistent with what readers experienced in Shadows of the Ruined and The Ghosts We Left Behind. It’s a journey that feels very personal to me, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?
Helga Lockheart: For budding writers and poets, my advice is simple: keep writing and believe in yourself. It’s easy to doubt your work, especially in the early stages, but trust the process. Write from the heart, experiment with different styles, and embrace the emotions that come with it. Don’t be afraid to explore new themes and take risks with your writing. Read as much as you can—it’s the best way to learn from other writers. And most importantly, remember that the right audience will find you when you stay true to your voice.For budding writers and poets, my advice is simple: keep writing and believe in yourself. It’s easy to doubt your work, especially in the early stages, but trust the process. Write from the heart, experiment with different styles, and embrace the emotions that come with it. Don’t be afraid to explore new themes and take risks with your writing. Read as much as you can—it’s the best way to learn from other writers. And most importantly, remember that the right audience will find you when you stay true to your voice.
Click here to order Helga Lockheart’s Book – The Ghosts We Left Behind
