When did you know that you were a writer?

When I was young I wrote in my diary every day. I wrote poetry that was really prose. In my teen years, I thought I should give it a go, but lacked confidence. It wasn't until I was married, with a toddler, that I decided to put pen to paper. I’ve never really stopped since. I've always written something, that I'd love to share.

When did you first read your writing aloud or give it to someone to read and what was their reaction? How did it impact did it have on you?
To my mum when I was starting out writing. I felt shy and nervous but excited. Later I read my stories to The Ten Penners or at Gold Coast Writers when doing a creative writing exercise. I have read stories on the podium at GCW also when showcasing my stories. Reading from Spooktacular Stories at their book launch.

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What and when was your first acceptance? How did you feel?
Firstly, when I had an e-book publisher tell me my book was worth getting out there. I was thrilled but still needed to develop and edit the book to make it more saleable. My writing journey has continued since then. I now self-publish.

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What is your favourite genre to write? Why?
I write Science Fiction / Science Fantasy because it’s what I love reading. Anne McCaffrey is my favourite fantasy author. I love to be lost in the Dragon World of Pern. I also love Young Adults, middle grade, and children's books, I gravitated towards when I joined The Ten Penners.

 

How long have you been writing? And what have you written?
For most of my life. It's as important to me as breathing. I now write every day, usually a blog post. Blogging is fun. I'd like to become more financially successful, (wouldn't we all! I hear you say).

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Of your own work – do you have a favourite? Why is it your favourite?
Dual Visions and Vashla's World are Books 1 and 2 of The Ancient Alien Series. I've since completed the manuscripts for the third and fourth books in the series, Travellers and Orthama's Children. I've also completed two Young Adult Science Fiction books - 'MicroWorld' and 'MicroWorld Undersea', which are in the final editing stage. These are my current favourites because they are so fresh in my mind.

I do love the stories I’ve written for The Ten Penners anthologies. I'm very proud of these anthologies. Our newest anthology 'Backyard Beasts & Curious Capers' is an exciting addition, offered to young readers, in no small part due to the illustrations by fellow Ten Penner and friend Jennifer Scicluna.

What is your favourite genre to read? Why?
Young Adults, Science Fiction/Fantasy, and lately the odd murder mystery. time-shift stories like Outlander. Anne McCaffrey is my favourite author, other than J K Rowling on the international front. Local authors have always been my focus. I like Australia’s Wilbur Smith in the charming Peter Watt. His books are great. I read all genres and rarely find a book I give up on.

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Did/do you have any writing heroes or mentors?
Yes, my writing mentor in the recent past, is Robyn Lee Burrows. I  appreciate the input she's given me as a writer. The other members of The Ten Penners are all mentors to me as we share our writing journey and increase our creative output.

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How do they encourage you?
While reading my work, Robyn pointed out little things that make a huge difference in the final story. This has made me more conscious of my bad writing habits (get rid of got). To be more critical of the story plot, to use foreshadowing, and to be willing to accept other people's critiques. I also learned a lot from Michelle Worthington during her Facebook challenge.

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Do you mentor others? What do you do?
Now, I've taken on the role of Co-ordinator of the Ten Penners, I share the joy of writing and the need to keep tabs on our projects. I don't feel this is mentoring though. 

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Do you write full-time? If not what are your other jobs?
No, I work part-time as a volunteer, although, I’d love to be a full-time writer and share what I've learned to date.

Have you ever won an award/s or been shortlisted? What was it for?
I’ve come places in a few little short story competitions when I first started with Gold Coast Writers and doing a TAFE Creative Writing course.

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Have you ever been awarded a grant? How did it help you?
No, but I might try that out.

Do you belong to any professional organisations? What are they and how do they help you?
I am a member of Queensland Writers Centre, Gold Coast Writers Association and their sub-group 'The Ten Penners.' I also receive many online writing groups, such as Michelle Worthington's 'Share Your Story' group helped me get a story in each of the anthologies 'Spooktacular Stories' and 'Tell 'em Your Dreaming'. Jackie Hosking's PIO online magazine. 'Just Write for Kids' has also allowed me to be part of blog tours. All these organisations have been instrumental in helping me develop my writing skills.

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Do you participate in writing workshops as a student? Which ones were memorable?
I completed a 'Comprehensive Writing' course by 'Lifestyle Learning' in 2008. The course pushed me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to looking for different ways of expanding my creative writing.

Do you run writing workshops? What do you include? How might you be contacted in relation to running workshops or school visits?
No, I haven't run a writing workshop. However, as a member of The Ten Penners, we have attended various schools and presented ourselves as authors to children of different age groups.

We all know that would-be writers should read and write as much as possible – do you have any other advice?
Follow your passion, and don't give up, no matter what anyone says.

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Have you had any other Stories or books published?
Yes I have, here are my other publications - Dual Visions, Vashla’s World
I was Co-author of Fan-tas-tic-al Tales and Mystery, Mayhem & Magic by The Ten Penners

and a contributor to 'Spooktacular Tales' and 'Tell 'Em Your Dreaming' by Share Your Story Group

as a member of the Gold Coast Writers.

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