Mum-turned-author set for US debut after writing through bed rest, motherhood and postnatal depression

A Sunshine Coast radiologist, mum of two and now published author, Elise Helliwell is taking her debut novel international, with Within the Space of a Second launching in the United States on May 19.

Originally released in Australia in December, the novel is now set to reach a global audience — marking a major milestone for the local author who wrote much of the book in the most unlikely of circumstances: while on bed rest during pregnancy.

“I didn’t start writing to become an author,” Elise says. “I started because I needed somewhere to go.”

What began as a quiet coping mechanism during a physically and emotionally challenging time evolved into a fully realised novel – written in fragments across years of early motherhood, postnatal depression, a demanding medical career, and the uncertainty of COVID.

At the same time as bringing two daughters into the world, Elise was also bringing a story to life—one that explores fate and free will, love and timing, and the idea that a single moment can change everything.

That story is now resonating with readers, who describe it as immersive, emotionally layered and hard to put down – a slow-burn blend of romance, mystery and time-bending elements that draws them in and offers a meaningful escape.

But beyond the pages, her journey reflects something many local families understand: juggling everything.

From writing and editing to pitching, promoting and now preparing for an international launch, Elise has taken on every role required to get her book into readers’ hands—all while raising her young family on the Sunshine Coast.

“I think people imagine there’s a big team behind it,” she says. “But for a long time, it was just me – finding small moments and continuing to show up.”

That grit paid off. After coming close to self-publishing, Elise secured a publishing deal at the eleventh hour. Now, with her US release imminent, Within the Space of a Second is gaining traction as an engaging and thought-provoking read – one that offers a brief but meaningful escape from the pace of everyday life.

It’s a theme that resonates strongly with women in particular – those balancing careers, motherhood, and the mental load of modern life – who are increasingly turning to books as a way to reconnect with themselves, even in small pockets of time.

“Sometimes it’s just 10 or 15 minutes,” Elise says. “But those moments matter.”

As the first in a planned series, the US launch signals the beginning of a much larger story—for both the book and its author.

From bed rest on the Sunshine Coast to bookshelves in the United States, Elise Helliwell’s journey is a reminder that even in life’s most demanding seasons, something meaningful can be created – and shared with the world.

“I didn’t start writing to become an author,” Elise says. “I started because I needed somewhere to go.”