What was your life like growing up? What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Growing up in the post-WW2 era is filled with memories of parents who loved me, enabled me to become a special child – yet an only child. A child who knew only love and protection. My strongest memory is the love of my mother, pouring out her soul for the loss of her missing fiancé, Charlie Kincaid. My father, Syd, should be deemed a Saint as he well knew of Mattie’s pining for Charlie, but he remained calm and faithful to my mother.
Do you remember the first story your mother told you about her WW2 love for US Navy Diver Charlie?
As soon as I was able to listen, at the age of five, I’d get into bed in the morning with my mother and a cup of tea was brought to us by my father. And the stories began… “Here is the moment on the tram when the beautiful dark eyes of a stranger met mine.” My mother tenderly described his US Navy uniform – his soft, liquid Southern drawl became her love… her desire to live.
How did you find Mattie’s 30 letters from Charlie?
The letters sat hidden in an old paper bag above my Mother’s wardrobe. She would get them down sometimes, fondle them, tell me about them, but she never read them out to me. They were carefully tied in a bundle with a wide string – and safely hidden away from the wonderful life she had chosen for herself. My mother was killed in a tragic auto accident. It was only when my beautiful husband, Bud, read them years later and remarked, “You must write a book” – then we acted to create The Rigel Affair.
Where did you meet your editor/advisor husband, Bud? Why did you choose to write in romance genre?
Inspired by my Mother’s vivid recollections of Charlie, I corresponded with several American “pen friends”. I felt compelled to find what my Mother had lost. Eventually I stumbled onto Bud, and we wrote for over a year before he decided to jump on a plane and “See what this Kiwi gal was all about.” We toured the South Island and eventually melded.
The Rigel Affair is really in the Romantic Suspense genre and landed there because it is based upon a True Story and filled with both Romance and Action – It is What it is !!
How was your experience of publishing multiple short stories for NZ magazines? Do you enjoy writing short stories?
Publishing short stories in NZ was a learning experience and while always helpful to gain publication – New Zealand is a very small market. Thankfully we received some truthful advice from a small NZ publisher that advised our story really needs to be released in America. Writing short stories is beneficial, as can be any publication… but our focus is on full-length novels.
What are the numerous Creative Writing courses that you and Bud have completed at Auckland University? How do you think these courses have helped you shape into a writer?
Bud and I wanted to develop our skills as writers and attended numerous Creative Writing courses to learn this Writing craft – and the basic courses are excellent. The apex and finality of our attendance was a visiting guru from London who asked for student submissions of their story ideas and outlines. Bud was a Commercial Real Estate Agent for over 20 years and well-used to sniffing out Peckerwoods. This lady from London did not like Bud’s questions and as soon as she had all her students story ideas in hand – she fled back to London. Advice – if any instructor asks for your story ideas – give them a wide berth!!
Being an accomplished expressionist Artist, what themes do you pursue?
My love is Pablo Picasso. I have viewed and studied his works from here to Australia and to Florence. Picasso is the master and taught me, “Don’t starve your pallet.” Which means, load your brush and palette with a rainbow of ideas. So look for his influence in my Impressionist work.
What inspired you to write the character of Charlie Kincaid in the book "The Rigel Affair?" Would you have escaped servitude with your uncle?
My Mother’s recollections and Charlie’s 30 letters command his presence in a novel. I fear and wonder about my own adverse reaction to servitude, but think I would be next to Roxy, escaping with Charlie to a better… free life.
What makes the thriller genre special to you?
The Thriller genre brings the anticipation and excitement a reader needs to turn the pages. You must immerse and convince the reader quickly!
How important do you think is the cover of a book?
The book cover is critical – find and engage the best cover artist for your genre.
What is the most challenging part about being an author?
Good support and keeping the ideas flowing. Patience must prevail because ideas are precious.
Would you say that your life has changed much after becoming an author?
While we respond to all the challenges of life – Bud and I react to life’s daily challenges and rewards in a good way. So our life remains steady as a rock… in spite of perturbations.
How would you describe the genre 'historical fiction'? How does it differ from normal fiction and what is it about this genre that you love?
Historical Fiction involves a tremendous amount of research to maintain an accurate historical perspective for a novel, which by nature is Fiction but will quickly be brought to bear by readers who know the history.
We love the education and excitement Historical Fiction brings to readers because they learn accurate history amongst the character portrayals.
Normal fiction has free reign to delve out whatever the writer wishes.
What are some things you are working on currently? Are we to expect more fiction or non-fiction books in the future?
We are about to release in the weeks ahead… The Rigel Affair Sequel
Only fiction books currently are in the works.
Do you think the AllAuthor platform has been helpful to you in marketing and promoting your books? How did you first come to know about this website?
AllAuthor is an absolutely Brilliant venue for authors. AllAuthor has been critical in our successful marketing and promotion of our novels Well Done!!
