Some stories come from a single spark. Others smolder for years before igniting into something bigger than imagined.
For George Toft, Helsgaard’s Heroine began in the unlikeliest of places: a series of music videos made inside World of Warcraft. That early visual experiment lingered in his imagination for over a decade—until one pivotal question changed everything. What if the dragons killed her parents… and she never knew they were her parents?
From that twist came an entire world—layered, character-driven, and shaped by George’s own military experience and storytelling instincts. In this AutoCrit Author Interview, we talk with George about how a scrapped screenplay led to a completed novel, why sarcasm has a place in sci-fi, and how Novel90 gave him the structure and support to finally get it done.
This is the story behind the story—and why it was worth the wait.
Tell us about Helsgaard’s Heroine! Can you share a synopsis or blurb?
Lozen, a homeless half-Aelf outcast, is arrested for a string of thefts and is given a choice: Trial and imprisonment, or become a spy for the king and report to Helsgaard Keep. She arrives at the remote outpost, but hospitality comes at a price. To earn her place among the Keep’s defenders, she must first prove her worth in a trial by combat. Her skill and determination shine through, securing her acceptance and opening the door to a new life.
Within the Keep’s walls, Lozen undergoes rigorous training, transforming her into a formidable warrior. Alongside the Keep’s only other Aelf, the medic, they share their archery knowledge with the Humans, honing their skills and preparing them for the looming threat.
Pushed to her limits–and sometimes beyond–by her unrelenting trainer, Rohand, she faces grueling challenges that test her strength and resolve. She emerges as a top-notch Ranger through blood, sweat, and tears, ready to lead the charge against an invading army from her former homeland as they descend upon the Keep. Leading a daring patrol, she sets out to ambush the enemy, her heart filled with a fierce determination to protect her new home when her past and present collide.
In a world embattled in an ongoing 18-year war, Lozen’s courage and loyalty will be pushed to the breaking point. Will she rise above the shadows of her past and become the hero Helsgaard Keep desperately needs? Or will the weight of her exile crush her spirit?
Embark on an epic adventure filled with heart-pounding action, unforgettable characters, and the unwavering spirit of a warrior fighting for acceptance and redemption. Discover a world where loyalty is tested, friendships are forged, and the line between heritage and duty blurs.
What inspired you to write this story?
It started sixteen years ago, when I created three Machinima music videos using the World of Warcraft game engine. The characters and world stuck with me. In February 2024, I revisited the idea—this time as a short live-action film for festivals. I wrote the script, but a reviewer posed a powerful question: “What if the dragons killed your main character’s parents… and she never knew they were her parents?” That question cracked everything open and inspired me to write the prequel, Helsgaard’s Heroine.
With coaching from the Phoenix Screenwriters Association, I dove deeper into storytelling, learning the craft piece by piece. Eventually, I transitioned from screenwriting to novels, and that’s when everything clicked. What began as a visual experiment became a layered epic about identity, rebellion, and the cost of survival.
Like many authors, I wove parts of myself into the story. The barely competent Mission Commander who rose through the ranks by the attrition of those above him was based on a real person. As a retired military member, I naturally infused the dialogue with the kind of sarcasm and bluntness that comes from a full career in uniform. It might be abrasive to some, but that edge is real. Military people are a different breed, and I didn’t want to soften that for the page.
What motivated you to enter the Novel90 Writing Challenge specifically?
I was still new to AutoCrit when I joined. I had just gotten my screenplay thoroughly (and deservedly) torn apart by a successful screenwriter/director, and after licking my wounds, I decided it was time to try something different. Writing a novel gave me a fresh path forward, and Novel90 showed up at exactly the right moment. The challenge gave me structure, the AutoCrit community supported me, and I just wanted to see if I could do it. Turns out, I could.
What role did the team-based coaching play in your process during Novel 90?
The Zoom calls were a great part of the experience—fun, interactive, and full of new insights. It was inspiring to see other writers in the challenge and hear what they were working through. I especially enjoyed meeting with Bekah; her energy and encouragement helped keep me motivated. Over time, I discovered I lean more toward being a planner than a plantser, which surprised me. The coaching helped me figure that out. Overall, the community and support made the whole process feel less overwhelming and way more rewarding.
What was your favorite part of participating in Novel 90?
I loved the structure and support behind the challenge—just the idea that I could go from concept to completed draft in 90 days was incredibly motivating. Of course, I’ve since learned that “done” doesn’t mean “ready to publish”—it was just the first draft—but it was a huge milestone. What really stood out was the emphasis on marketing and building interest early. Thanks to what I learned during Novel90, I already have over 200 followers on Facebook and a growing audience ready for what’s next.
Well, that sounds amazing! Where can we follow your work?
You can follow my work on my website!
Registration is now open for Novel 90: Summer Edition and the 2nd Annual Novel 90 Writing Challenge! We hope to see you there!
