Some Questions and Answers.

On Writing and Reading

*What do you love most about being a writer?

The idea that someone who I have never met, is going to take precious time out of their life to go on a journey with the characters I have created.

For me, reading a book is a one to one relationship between the author, the characters, and the person holding the book and experiencing the story inside their head. And that is so very special, because every single reader will come to any book with expectations founded on their unique lifetime of personal experience.

My goal is to create stories filled with hope and love wrapped up in a warm smile. Stories which are worthy of my readers.

*What do you like least about being a writer?

The very short distance between my home office and the refrigerator and my chocolate stash.

*Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels - What is it and why is it your favorite?

Although I live in a rural part of the South of England, I am only 60 miles from London. English village life plays a large part in my work, but I also love the energy of city life and find London to be a constant source of inspiration for settings.

*Which of the books you have written is your favorite?

My very first Mills and Boon Romance book 'Always the Bridesmaid' was published in July 2009. I hope that readers love the story as much as I do.

*What is your favorite recent Mills & Boon or Silhouette or MIRA title by another author?

I pounce upon anything written by Ally Blake and I loved 'The Magnate's Indecent Proposal' so much that I actually sent her my first fangirl letter.

*What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)?

Oh. This is such a difficult question to answer - I have bookcases crammed with Romance, Crime and Science Fantasy, as well as science and reference books.

All time favourites include:

'Bet Me' by Jennifer Crusie
'The Miles Vorkosigan' series by Lois McMaster Bujold
'Absolute Power' by David Baldacci
'The Crystal Singer' by Anne McAffrey
'Natural Born Charmer' by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

 *What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?

If you want to write for Harlequin Mills and Boon it is crucial to identify which of the many lines is the best home for the kind of stories that you want to write. In this way you can focus on the guidelines provided for that line, so that your book can be as compelling as possible.

On Romance...

*Describe the ultimate romantic meal.

Freshly caught fish in a Greek Island harbour taverna, with a glass of local wine.

*What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?

Hobson's Choice.

*What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?

'Kissing you' by Des'ree

*What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?

I love to watch the hedgehogs which visit my garden each summer evening, and my husband presented me with a set of silver hedgehogs for my 25th wedding anniversary.

*How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?

Laughter and shared simple pleasures such as cooking a meal together or a stroll.

*What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?

Romance does not have to be grand show-stopping events. The small, intimate things of everyday life can be the most precious of all.

*Where is the most romantic place you've ever traveled?

It has to be Paris.

All About me...

*Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to design and create my own clothing.

*Who is someone you admire and why?

The British mountaineer Joe Simpson, who survived against the odds after a horrific climbing accident.

*Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?

I am not superstitious, and firmly believe in the old saying that hard work brings its own luck.

*Share one of your favorite indulgences with us.

I love the Soft Amaretto biscuits that are available at Christmas time in the UK.

*What quality do you most admire in a man?

Humour combined with positive thinking and personal integrity. Stunning!

*What is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?

Swim. Years of lessons have yet to cure me of a healthy respect for open water.

*If you weren't a writer, what would you be?

A professional scientist. In fact I gave up my career in the Pharmaceutical Industry to become a fiction writer.

*What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it?

"Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead." Scottish proverb