Want to know more about my writing process? I’ve got you.
Author Interview
Who are the Custodians/Traditional Owners of the land where you live/work?
The Wangal People of the Eora Nation.
When did you first admit that you were a writer?
2016, when I was writing a blog post for joyhopelove.com every week and working on a memoir.
What inspired you to write fiction books?
In May 2023, I couldn’t stop thinking about plot points for Avoiding The Friend Zone, so after a few sleepless nights, I decided to start writing. Eight weeks later, the messy first draft was done. Then, I began to imagine the stories for the other characters, which led to No More Simon Says and—still to come—two more full-length novels and a couple of shorter stories set ‘between the novels’, too.
Do you write for yourself or a particular audience?
Myself first, as it’s such great fun! But after my first novel, which was written entirely for fun, I now keep in mind an audience. I feel that these are people who enjoy a trip back to what nostalgically feels like a simpler time, around the turn of this century, with young people exploring the world of work and relationships. My fiction writing explores the joy and complexities of romantic, filial, and platonic relationships.
Your readers are found all around the world. Is there anything specifically Australian about your book/books?
Yes! So far, they are all set in Sydney, with references to Australian things like the Sydney Olympics in Avoiding The Friend Zone, and in No More Simon Says, a wine-tasting weekend in the Hunter Valley, and hiking in the Warrumbungles, and Cradle Mountain National Parks.
Are there any secrets hidden in your writing?
Of course! There are many little references to things that make me giggle but may not translate for the reader. But for the reader, little ‘easter eggs’ are scattered through the Single in Sydney stories (currently two novels & 1 short story).
Why do you think people should read your book/s?
They are ultimately feel-good stories, and we could all use more of that.
Is there a message in your book/books/writing? What’s the main message you’d like readers to take away after reading your book/books?
Love is always the answer, whether parental, filial, platonic, friendship, or romantic. My stories explore all of these, and I want readers to feel hope and optimism about their relationships with others.
Who is your most or least favourite character to write?
I love writing all my characters, but I have discovered that I enjoy writing the feisty ones! In ‘No More Simon Says’, Simon’s mates were great fun to write, as was Penny’s best friend Lin. They all have strong views and definite personalities, which were fun to explore and describe,
What’s the best response you’ve ever had to your writing?
“I couldn’t put it down”! A friend also told me that reading about how my characters tackled a challenging decision helped her think differently about how she tackled a big decision in her own life. Knowing a fictional piece I wrote could assist in this way was beautiful.
What genre/s do you write in?
Romance (sort of), but I’ve been toying with contemporary and have written a short mystery story, ‘Murder In Our Midst’, too.
What genre/s do you mostly read?
I love a cosy crime novel with a terrific female lead. I also, naturally, devour rom-com stories and contemporary romance as long as there is not too much spice!
As a writer, are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between?
A bit of both! Recently, I heard Australian-born, UK-based author Joanna Penn (who also writes as JF Penn) describe her process as a ‘Discovery Writer’, which is my style. I start with a scene or a loose idea and then write scenes or snippets of dialogue/inner thoughts as they come to me. Once I have a loose idea of what will happen or needs to happen, I might capture some plot points. Some of which I’ll use, and some will be irrelevant, as the characters might make different decisions from what I initially thought!
How much research is involved in your writing?
A little, but not a lot. However, as I set my books in real locations and recent history, I do want accuracy (for example, as a reader, it annoys me when a book that is ostensibly set in Australia has a character driving from Melbourne to Byron Bay in 4 hours – which was in a book I read!). So, for Avoiding The Friend Zone, I needed to research the details around dates and times for the Olympics. And for No More Simon Says, I wanted to check the hikes available in the various National Parks. I’d hiked many of them years ago, so I needed to refresh my memory and verify it was accurate.
What’s your writing routine – if you have one?
When I’m in what my husband calls my writing season (which conveniently lines up with winter in Sydney), I have a word count goal and write at least that many words daily. I can write more, but 500 words is my minimum. Later, in editing, they may be cut, but the practice of writing every day is what helps the novel progress.
Who helped you most when you were starting?
Fellow writer and friend Ian Trevena, Shelley Tonkin Smith was a great cheerleader and my friend and editor extraordinaire Brianne Collins.
What’s the most helpful writing advice you’ve been given?
Write what you know and provide enough details that make it feel real. I read this in a fiction book (The Last Love Note by author Emma Grey), and it struck me that I could do that. I hadn't begun writing fiction yet at that time, but it was just the message I needed.
What inspired your book cover/s?
Contemporary romance covers—I wanted my books to attract contemporary romance readers, so I created covers that I hope showcase the two main characters (two POVs) together.
Where do you write?
I work in my home office, in the park, and sometimes in the car—it just depends on when and where inspiration strikes. However, I primarily work in my home office.
What’s your favourite writing food and drink?
A cup of herbal tea – my current favourite is a peppermint and liquorice blend.
What words of advice would you give an aspiring author?
Practice writing, doing it as much and as often as you can. Find a writing community (in person or online, or a writer’s group or writer friends) and read and share your work so that you can receive feedback. Embrace a growth mindset!
