I write fiction - specifically, category romance and single title women’s fiction.  My writing has won and placed in various contests - including Wisconsin Romance Writers Fabulous Five Silver Quill, Magnolia State Dixie First Chapter, Romance Writers of Australia's Emerald Award and the Valerie Parv Award.

I’m British-born, Aussie bred, living west of Sydney, where it gets too hot in summer and never cold enough in winter.  In my former, paid (non-writing) life, I was an assistant/secretary/PA, office manager, software trainer and aerobics instructor. I've also done heaps of work with Romance Writers of Australia and am currently one of their contest judges and just finished a 6-year stint as editor for Hearts Talk, their monthly mag.

I've been writing ever since the age of eleven after I got hooked on the glorious historical romances of Johanna Lindsey, Kathleen Woodiwiss and Shirlee Busbee.  At sixteen, I tried a collaboration with my then-best friend (our first attempt!) but it fizzled when we both started jobs and then she moved to another city.

My other early influences were historical writers Jennifer Wilde, Sergeanne Golon, Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught. My

contemporary faves include (but are not limited to) Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Ruth Wind, Bronwyn Jameson, Fiona McArthur, Jill Mansell, Laurell K Hamilton, Lori Foster, Jennifer Crusie, Nora Roberts, Linda Castillo, Eileen Wilks, Nancy Warren, Tess Gerritsen, Kristen Hannah... whew! The list goes on and on and..... :O)

Joining Romance Writers of Australia in 1994 was the best thing I ever did for my writing career, as was entering contests (86 to date, I believe).  It all paid off when I got The Email on my fourth full manuscript on 7th September 2006 1.19am...

Want to know more?  Okay, here's a snapshot of the total sum of me:

People I love the best: my family, my crit group - the Coven,  and my writing girls - Bron Jameson, Kelly Hunter, Kaz Delaney,  Linley, Holly Cook, Trish Morey, Anna Campbell, Annie West and Yvonne Lindsay.

I can't stand: folks who lie, organ food, paw paw, cruelty in any shape or form.

Most guilty pleasure: the internet and trashy reality TV (Big Brother, anyone?)

Favorite time waster: the TV (I am addicted to US shows - give me CSI, Gray's Anatomy and House and I'm one happy camper.)

Person I most admire: Nora Roberts, Oprah, survivors of great tragedies (9/11, Bali, Port Arthur).

When I was young I wanted to be: a vet... or a dancer (a la Flashdance).

Best movie ever: Titanic.  Chronicles of Narnia.  The Great Escape.  All for different reasons.

The books that had the most impact on me: The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton - I kept wishing for a faraway tree of my own!  Elynne Mitchell's Silver Brumby series (I adored the fact that it was set in a place a couple of hours drive away), and Captive Bride by Johanna Lindsay, which started my life-long obsession with the romance genre.

When no-one's watching I like to:  bludge (that's "do absolutely nothing" for all you non-Aussies!)

Best band ever: Without a doubt, it'd be Sister Hazel.  I adore those guys.

I never fail to cry when I hear:  Because of You by Kelly Clarkson, Forgive by Rebecca Lynn Howard and Loving Arms by the Dixie Chicks.

What makes me smile: a child's laugh (especially my own!)

What makes me want to dance: any groovy remake of songs from the 70s and 80s.

Songs I never want to hear again: Venus by Bananarama.  Loveshack or Rock Lobster by the B52s.  (well, anything by the B52s, really).

My biggest adventure has been: backpacking across Europe.

My biggest character failing:  I procrastinate.  And I hold a grudge.

Most people remember me for:  laughing a lot.  Being crazy.  Not acting my age (but in a good way!)