On Writing and Reading…

What do you love most about being a writer?

The opportunity to dream and create characters that for me, become very real. So much so, that I worry about them before I go to sleep at night!

What do you like least about being a writer?

The administration side of things! I’m not the world’s most organised person and paperwork sends my brain into a spin!

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

The British Isles because I was born here, and Ireland because I have family connections there and to me it’s the most romantic country in the world.

As a romance writer, what are your greatest goals?

To really bring my characters to life, for the readers to really care about what happens to them and to find out more creative ways of writing great love scenes!

Which of the books you have written is your favourite?

A Convenient Marriage. Two lonely people, a tragedy, then joy when they finally realise they were meant to be together.

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

Anything by Ruth Wind, Fiona Brand or Sharon Sala.

What are your five all-time favourite books?

Mists of Avalon by Marion Bradley
The Sevenwaters Trilogy by Juliet Marillier
Aram Cara by John O’Donohue
Lord of the Rings by J. R. Tolkein
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

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

Write something everyday if you can, even if it is only a couple of sentences. This, to a large degree helps overcome writer’s ‘resistance’ and allows stream of consciousness to flow.

On Romance...

Describe the ultimate romantic meal.

My husband is a great cook and anything he dishes up comes under the category of romantic because of the love that he puts into the preparation.

What quality do you admire most in a man?

Integrity, loyalty and a sense of humour!

What is your all-time favourite romantic movie?

Last of The Mohicans

What is your all-time favourite romantic song or composition?

I Will Find You (the theme from Last of The Mohicans) by Clannod and Man with the Child in His Eyes by Kate Bush.

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

When we were first together, my husband spent hours compiling a tape of his favourite, most intimate lovesongs for me.

How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?

We share our hopes and dreams, fears and worries and every evening we talk about our day together.

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

Really, you have to connect. Talk about things that are meaningful as well as trivial and be thoughtful of each other’s needs.

What is the most romantic place you have ever travelled?

I would have to say Ireland. I don’t know whether it’s the legacy of my ancestors or what, but it definitely calls to my soul. It’s wild and beautiful with a great sense of poetry and the mystical.

All About me

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

I would loved to have been a singer or a dancer as well as a writer because I am absolutely passionate about music.

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

Firewalk!

Share one of your favourite indulgences with us.

I have two: Chicken Tikka Masala and ‘Green & Black’s’ dark chocolate (but not at the same time!).

Who is someone you admire and why?

All the ‘unsung’ heroes/heroines in the world who quietly go about making the world a better place and do not seek publicity or fame.

Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?

I’m not superstitious but I definitely believe I magic. You only have to look around you to see that life is such an amazing miracle.

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

I have no plan. I make minute-by-minute my divine plane. Stuart Wilde