On Writing and Reading… What do you love most about being a writer? The freedom to create. There’s nothing like the buzz when an idea for a new book or fresh characters first pops into my head. I also love the wonderful friendships I’ve made. What do you like least about being a writer? Interruptions. Unfortunately, they’re a fact of life and unavoidable but when I’m on a roll with a particular scene they can put a real dampener on things. Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite? Has to be Melbourne, hands down! I adore living in Melbourne and try to convey the hip, vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere in my books. From the fabulous restaurants and cafés to the trendy boutiques, from the lush gardens to Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne has something for everyone and really is a gorgeous setting for a book. I try to give readers a taste of the city and have set books in Acland Street, the home of the best cakes and pastries in the country, Brunswick Street, boho central and Lygon Street, Melbourne’s very own Little Italy. It truly is a fabulous city! Which of the books you have written is your favorite? Ooh…too hard! Though if I absolutely had to choose one I’d have to say Purchased for Pleasure. I have a thing for men in uniform so creating my very own Navy SEAL was an absolute blast! Plus I love feisty heroines (as most of mine are!) so creating an independent, strong-willed career woman to match it with a macho alpha male was great fun. What is your favorite recent Mills & Boon or Silhouette or MIRA title by another author? Would have to be Liz Fielding’s “The Secret Life of Lady Gabriella.” Loved the humour. What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)? Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich Envy by Sandra Brown No Second Chance by Harlan Coben Paradise by Judith McNaught What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career? Be dedicated. Write, write…and write some more! Writing is a craft that needs to be constantly practiced and refined. On Romance… Describe the ultimate romantic meal. Both involve seafood and spectacular sunsets. The first, eating garlic prawns on the beach at Jimbaran Bay, Bali. The second, indulging in a seafood feast at Doyles, Watson’s Bay, Sydney. (In fact, any five star meal shared with my hubby, who enjoys food as much as I do!) What is your all-time favorite romantic movie? Has to be Dirty Dancing. A dancing hero in the guise of a tough guy sweeps the shy, young heroine off her feet…plenty of up-close-and-personal action, great soundtrack and a happy ending…Sigh…. What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition? Sway by Michael Bublé. The beat is incredibly sensual and along with the lyrics conjures up visions of hot bodies, hot dancing and passion, loads of passion! What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received? My two gorgeous sons are the best gift I’ve ever received! Nothing could be more romantic than sharing their arrival with my husband. How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship? Daily hugs, kisses and saying those magical three little words, I love you, often. What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic? Share a laugh together and lots of flirting! Where is the most romantic place you’ve ever traveled? Cruising Alaska with my hubby was very special and extremely romantic, snuggling up while surrounded by icy, glacial splendour. All About me… Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have? I wish I could sing. Oh, how I’d love to be lead singer in a band…jazz…pop…anything, if I only had a voice! Who is someone you admire and why? My mum, for her constant effervescence; she loves life and it shows! And my dad, for always putting his kids first. I hope I can be half as unselfish with mine. Do you have a good luck charm or superstition? A medal my Papa gave me years ago when he was alive. It’s special. Share one of your favorite indulgences with us. Okay, this may sound weird but it’s truly heavenly. It’s called a Javanese Lulur: a one hour massage, followed by the body being covered in a yellow paste (consisting of tumeric, sandalwood, sweet wood, ground nuts) allowed to dry and rubbed off to exfoliate, then rinsed off. A moisturising yoghurt is splashed onto the body next, rinsed off, followed by a leisurely soak in a step-down flower-filled bath while sipping on honey, lemon and ginger tea. Aah…what bliss…. What quality do you most admire in a man? A sense of humour. Oh, and I have this thing for chests; broad, muscly ones! What is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try? Fly in a helicopter. I’ve flown in jumbos all around the world but don’t really relish the flying experience all that much so flying in a small object with rotating blades holds even less appeal! If you weren’t a writer, what would you be? A travel agent. I love seeing the world and though I’ve been lucky enough to see a huge part of it, what better job to have that combines business with pleasure? What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it? 'Life’s short. Play hard'. I think it was a sporting company’s slogan? Not sure which one, but it left a lasting impression. I always try to make the most of every minute, every hour in every day.

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