I grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney and as a keen horse rider, often competed in local gymkhanas and even broke in a few horses from time to time. As I was surrounded by animals, I decided at an early age to become a nurse, however I couldn’t stand the sight of blood and so opted for a career in teaching. It’s a bit ironic that I married a surgeon.

I read my first Mills & Boon novel when I was 17 and that encouraged me to continue reading romance novels; the lure of the tall dark handsome hero, who in reality I fell in love with and agreed to marry on our second date! We moved to Scotland so my husband could work and study for his MD in surgery. Two lively sons later I decided teaching was the last thing I wanted to do - I knew when I was beaten!

I went back to University and up-graded my teaching diploma to a degree and then went on to do a Masters but still I felt as if something was missing. I sat down one day and began writing and everything clicked into place - I had finally found ‘my brilliant career’! I write from instinct rather than a specific plan. An idea will pop into my head, sometimes it will be just a simple phrase and Im away! The characters come to life and virtually tell me what to write. Because I am a keen athlete I find the times I swim really helpful-I find a three kilometre swim will often solve a plot dilemma!

I learnt to swim as an adult and after some great coaching, I went from a non-swimmer to National Top Ten in Masters Swimming plus several State records. I look on any scary task now in much the same way I did swimming. Yes, Im scared but I can at least try, rather than say I cant. I guess you could say thats my motto-Dont say I cant-Say I can try!!

Writing is a skill that can be learned and the best way to learn it is to read and to write. So many people feel they have a novel in them and very probably they are right-the only trick is to get it out. My advice to ‘would be’ wr