Fast-forward years later, and I’m writing paranormal and contemporary novels for Young Adults. (I had considered a career as a psychic but I quickly vetoed it due to a lack of natural ability.) My stellar critique partners, Romance Writers of Australia, and the amazing YA community both here and in North America have done more than they know to improve my books. I recently signed with Writers House literary agent Robin Rue after her assistant, Beth Miller, “discovered” me.

I also work full-time as a television captioner and editor, providing media access to the Deaf and Hearing Impaired. What’s not to love about a job where I can watch TV all day?

My musician husband and I are the parents of two adorable cats, who are blissfully unaware of pending home renovations. I guess I should’ve completed that course in animal psychology after all...

(P.S. Ms. Graham, I forgave you a long time ago.)

When I was growing up in suburban Australia, at various times I wanted to be a test pilot, lawyer, actress, surgeon, veterinarian, acrobat, psychiatrist, fashion designer, architect, jockey or a make-up artist.

Then a moment of horror at school gave me a novel idea. An English teacher (Ms. Janye Graham, if you’re out there, I’m talking about you!) mortified me by reading one of my short stories TO THE WHOLE CLASS an example of A+ work. As she read, mispronouncing a character’s name as Reg-I-na instead of Re-GEEN-a, the other kids stared daggers at me. But quietly I realized I could do whatever I wanted as a writer. All I needed was my imagination...and drive, focus, energy, chocolate, stationery, etc.