My Story
Some pictures of me from my younger years - clambering around a Welsh castle not far from where I lived in Shrewsbury, pondering life, the universe, and everything, or, more likely, my next story (at the gorgeous National Botanic Gardens in Canberra), and cuddling my beloved cat, Bobby, at my home on the South Coast (New South Wales).
My workspace looking unnaturally tidy, the totally gorgeous view through my study window where I now live in rural New South Wales, and another much loved cat, the venerable Max (who ruled our household for 23 years!).
Visiting the UK to meet my writing hero, Terry Pratchett, when I was shortlisted in the Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now Award in 2013 (we talked about cats!).
Celebrating my dream-come-true, my first very own book, Trouble at Home! (No cats here, although there is one in the second book, Trouble and the Missing Cat.)
Once Upon a Time
What can I say? I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I love stories. When I'm not reading, I'm making up adventures and characters, and dreaming up amazing places.
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If anyone asked me as a child what I wanted to do when I grew up, I would always answer, 'Write books!'. Creative Writing was always my favourite thing to do in primary school, along with reading.
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I wrote poems (bad ones) as a teenager and kept a journal to record my feelings, and submitted my first full-length novel to Pan Macmillan when I was in my early twenties (and received my first rejection letter).
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​​​The Story Continues​
After that, life took over for a while - being a mum and working as a teacher, but I never stopped writing.
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Then, much later, something wonderful happened. I entered a writing competition, submitting a story I’d been working on for a while. It was my first competition and I didn't win, but I was short-listed and the story was published in an anthology.
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It was a new beginning. Over the next few years, I had a range of articles and short stories published in anthologies and magazines. I was on my way!
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Dream Come True
Now, my childhood dream has come true and I have six children's books published - a series of four books about a troublesome dragon, one about a girl who becomes a witch by mistake, and one about what happens when an emergency rescue angel gets involved in a boy's life!
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I still love to write and always have stories on the go - researching, writing, and editing - it is all fun!
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Sharing the Love
I also love teaching writing courses and workshops for both adults and children and presenting inspiring talks about my journey as an author. If you're interested in booking me for a writing workshop or talk for your library, writers' centre, school, or other organisation, here is some more information.
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Let's Keep in Touch
Anyway, it has been lovely to have you drop by for a quick visit and I hope you are enjoying discovering new adventures through one of my books. If you would like to stay in touch, please subscribe to my newsletter for information about my books, courses and talks I am presenting, and what I'm up to!
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