When I was fifteen, I read Margaret Way's novel King Country. I fell in love with the Australian Outback and the heroes and heroines' struggles to find their happy-ever-after. I hated English at school, so writing wasn't where I thought I would find my peace. My writing has become a large part of my life, just as my characters sometimes overtake it when I don't expect it. Thankfully, I have a family that gives me support and encouragement and listen when I hit that dreaded wall of writer's block.

I started dating my husband when I was seventeen, married at nineteen, and had our beautiful daughter when I was twenty-one. Two years later, we welcomed our wonderful son. They make me proud every day with their integrity and compassion for the people around them. My son-in-law is an honourable man who adores my daughter; what more can a mother ask for her child?

I have been blessed with three marvellous grandchildren. The eldest, my grandson, has grown into a man of integrity and considerate to people of all ages. My granddaughters are girly girls into make-up, they grow up too fast. They both compete in most disciplines of dance. They light up the stage when they perform.

I'm one of six children, somewhere in the middle. I was born in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia, a small coastal town. We lived in Sawtell at this time I was born. Unfortunately, I have few memories of those early years. When I was two, we moved down to Carrington, a small suburb in Newcastle. Life could be challenging at times, but we always knew we had our parents love.