Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written several books across three genres, including urban fantasy, historical fiction and children’s motivational books. My background is actually in law. I worked for almost two decades in the industry before deciding to take the plunge into full time writing. I worked for several years as the coroner’s lawyer and in historic sex abuse litigation. Both these rolls called for me to exercises my investigative and storytelling/ building skills, which in turn strengthened my writing.
Working as the coroner’s lawyer, I saw first hand the ramifications of poor mental health. My father, an ex-serviceman, also suffered from mental ill health. Ultimately, he died as a result of his mental illness and this inspired me to write children’s books aimed at cultivating a positive and healthy mind-set.
Coming from a military family, and having enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force Reserves (RAAF) during my university days, I also have a long-standing passion for military history. I particularly enjoy delving into the contribution women have made during periods of conflict.
I am actually a screenwriter as opposed to a novelist. You will note that I write ten and 13 episode screenplays that I break down into books containing four to five episodes. My first degree was in Communication: Creative Writing. I loved the course until I started taking screenwriting classes. I HATED it! After my first term of screenwriting foundations, I promptly took myself to the university administration building, transferred to law and enlisted in the RAAF. I walked out swearing that I would never deal with scripts again… How wrong I was! After a decade and one very embarrassing debut novella later, I found my self exploring screenwriting again… and here we are…
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am currently focused on promoting ‘Gumtree Gargoyles’, my urban fantasy action and adventure series, and ‘Her War’ my historical fiction series set in the Pacific Theatre. I wrote both these screenplays several years back. With every intention of hard-launching myself to a place of epic success, life happened, including COVID, the birth of my two children and my demanding legal career. I am finally in a place where I can dedicate myself to writing and promoting my work, and loving every minute of it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm… Not so sure my habits are unusual. I generally meditate before writing and do a significant amount of research for my historical pieces.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Is it cliched of me to say Charlaine Harris and Neil Gaiman? Probably… but hey, they’re both successful for a reason= talent! I’m a sucker for a good fantasy book. It’s the healthiest form of escapism and much cheaper than a good bottle of wine… although, I do like a couple of glasses of same from time to time.
I also have a list of amazing historical non-fiction books related to WWII that I adore. All of them have been penned by Australian writers/ historians.
What are you working on now?
I am currently researching Australian war brides. Without giving away too much, some 15,000 Australian women migrated to America to be with the serviceman they had met during WWII.
For those who do not know, Australia was the home base for the conflict in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. Thousands upon thousands of American soldiers flooded Australia’s shores during this period. Away from home and loved ones, these men pursued Australian women and many formed loving and long-lasting relationships, which resulted in the women migrating to America. It was Australia’s largest female migration movement, and the stories of these women assimilating into American life are amazing.
I am following Joyce once again (Her War), as she follows Chuck back to his homeland to build a future.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this one out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! There is a path you are meant to tread, and the Universe will show it to you step by step. You cannot see the top of the staircase in this game. It’s one step at a time, with every small success being worthy of celebration.
When I first started, I thought I would sky-rocket to success. That has not been my story. I started this game over a decade ago with mediocre talent and monumental ego. It’s been a slow tread up the mountain (which I am still climbing). What I can say, is that each set-back has forced me to reorientate and refine my skill set. I am a much better writer and business person now than what I was ten years ago. I also like to think I am a lot more humble. Specifically, I no longer view others as competition. There is enough success for everyone and we should champion each other along the road to ‘best selling author’.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to get biblical on everyone, but ‘walk by faith, not by sight’. While there are instant overnight success stories, for the majority of people, this game is a journey. Along your journey, you will grow as a writer. There will be times of immense frustration, and it is in these times that you need to have faith. Faith in YOU and faith that you are walking the right path. Persistence is key.
What are you reading now?
A non-fiction book on war brides.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I actually just had Gumtree Gargoyles translated into Italian. My husband is Italian, so I would love to break into the Italian market. Outside of writing, I am focused on tackling the marketing game in Italy. Any tips?
What is your favorite book of all time?
Oooohhhh… I can’t commit to just one, sorry.