On Writing and Reading…

What do you love most about being a writer?

The escapism

What do you like least about being a writer?

How romance writers are dismissed and given no credit by other “serious” writers.

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

My fictitious hospital St Jude’s. It has the best and worst features of all the hospitals I’ve ever worked in. It’s the kind of hospital you’d have if money was no object - all the best facilities, the top people. But it’s the characters that make working in a hospital interesting so its been fun taking bits and pieces of people I’ve met along the way and throwing them into the mix as well.

Which of the books you have written is your favorite?

The Midwives Miracle Baby, of course!

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

I love anything by Jennifer Crusie – her heroines are brilliant. Also Fiona Brand – her hero’s make me swoon. Medically anything by Meredith Weber.

What are your five all-time favorite books?

Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
Anne of Green Gables - L.M.Momtgommery
The Harry Potter books – J.K.Rowling
A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
The Clan of the Cave Bear series – Jean Auel

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

Find a local like-minded writers group or critique partner and attend as many seminars, workshops and conferences as you can. The stuff you will learn about the market and the craft of writing will be invaluable.

On Romance…

Describe the ultimate romantic meal.

Cold seafood, chilled bottle of Chardonnay on the beach of a deserted island

What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?

I have three and it’s impossible to choose between them Notting Hill, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Bridget Jones’s Diary

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

Living Next Door to Alice by Smokie. This song was in the charts when I was six. I thought it was the most romantic thing I’d ever heard, I still do. A man being in love with you for 24 years and not knowing how to say it? Very romantic.

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

I get a gorgeous bouquet of flowers every Valentines Day. I love flowers!

How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?

It’s hard to find the time at this stage of our lives with a young family . Romance these days is in the little things rather than in big romantic gestures. My husband getting up with the kids at 6am so I can sleep in, a no-strings foot massage, a bunch of flowers for no reason at all.

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

Read more romance novels!

Where is the most romantic place you’ve ever traveled?

Venice. There’s just something about Venice.

All About me…

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

Painting. To be able to pick up a brush and re-create life in paint is amazing.

Who is someone you admire and why?

There are many people. My father, who only ever had three work shirts his entire life because educating his four kids was always a higher priority. My Mum, whose mantras when we were growing up were “the most important thing you can do in life is get a good education” and “only unintelligent people get bored. Read a book”. My best friend Leah, who had a baby at 16 and gave him up for adoption – a truly selfless act that has left a permanent bruise on her soul. People who work tirelessly for a cause or to right an injustice no matter what the cost to themselves – Nelson Mandella, Ghandi, Emmeline Pankhurst, Anita Roddick.

Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?

No