Multi-voiced storytelling author. Stories Born From Memory, Myth, and Mischief
My Story
Helen Tran is a writer of satirical, myth-infused fiction inspired by her upbringing as the daughter of immigrants and refugees. Blending humor, folklore, faith, and sharp cultural insight, her stories explore family dynamics, gender roles, and the tension between tradition and modern life. Influenced by the adventurous spirit of Daniel Boone and the playful fantasy of authors like Piers Anthony and Robert Asprin, she writes with wit, irreverence, and heart. After publishing her first novel in 2011, she found her stride in short fiction, later creating the multi-volume Black Sheep Laundry Chronicles, a collection of interconnected stories that give voice to teachers, children, families—and even gods. Her work celebrates cultural memory, ancestral storytelling, and the enduring power of imagination.
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"I wrote them because I love my culture. I love my religion. And I love my family. In a world where superstition is ignored and paganism and religion are dampened by growing atheism, we lost our old stories: Our folktales, our ghosts, our mysticism, and our stories of ancient magic. I wasn't sure if I wanted to revive these beliefs and literature, I just know that I want my kids to respect the love of their culture. I want my community and elders to know how much I appreciate their discipline to drill these stories into my memories."
Other Works
An Old Shaman's Daughter: WU
An Old Shaman's Daughter: Wu tells the story of a woman scarred by the traditional beliefs of her Asian heritage where the status of men reign high up in the hierarchy. She's lived her life resenting her father, despising her brother, and unaccepting of the old traditions. But what traditions mankind create, the universe proves otherwise as the main character - upon her father's death - inherits an ancient gift and a very old family friend. Her inheritance will send her flying off to a world where she confronts her fears, her anger, and many many hidden family secrets.
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