What was your childhood like? Tell us your fondest memory.
I didn’t particularly enjoy my childhood, I spent lots of time doing activities that would keep me out of the house.
I did Ballroom dancing from age 2-22 and a fond memory was dancing in Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Do you remember the first piece of writing you ever wrote? What was it about?
It was a story on AO3, it was about a relationship between two women on a holiday resort in Sharm-el-Shiekh
You mentioned receiving messages to leave your previous job due to stress and anxiety. How have writing and exploring your creativity helped you cope with these challenges?
My developing Spirituality has helped no end with my creativity and development and I am still growing in all aspects of my work.
Your career has been incredibly diverse. How have your experiences as a SCUBA diving instructor and working in various parts of the world influenced your writing?
I have numerous ideas and stories scribbled down to make stories from.
Your debut fantasy series, "A Tail of Two Squirrels," sounds intriguing with its unique premise. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to focus on squirrels and their perspective on life?
I was developing shamanic skills and during meditation kept seeing wolves and squirrels. I was told both were my totem animals and they began visiting my garden and I kept seeing them everywhere.
I studied some Mythology and the Tree of Life has a tiny messenger squirrel that runs up and down it. All tiny signs around me.
Apart from weaving folklore and humor into your stories, what other elements can readers look forward to in "A Tail of Two Squirrels"?
An insight into my twisted sense of humour and some discrimination aspects that are important to me and should be explored by everyone.
Your series is set around the countryside and riverbanks of Caerleon, Bulmore, and Kemys. How does the setting play a role in your storytelling, and what do you find most captivating about this environment?
I grew up visiting my grandparents farm that was set in the woods and overlooked the riverbank where I learned to swim. Seeing Roman artefact's being unearthed on a weekly basis and playing in the amphitheatre while pretending to have been there.
Living in Cwmbrân, South Wales, with your partner and three miniature dachshunds sounds charming. How do your surroundings and pets contribute to your creative process?
I’ve recently moved to the top of a mountain in Pontypool where I have a fantastic view from my bungalow of the mountains to one side and right across the river to Weston-Super-Mare in the other direction. The mists rising and settling in the mountains and views towards Abergavenny have always made me think of dragons and their breath travelling through the valleys.
Recently we lost our oldest boy George but the other two help me relax, the one boy comes to lie on me when I meditate and does it with me. My little spiritual baby Berticus (Bertie).
Can you describe the main themes and messages you hope readers will take away from "Falling for You"?
That you can be whatever you want to be, love whoever you want to love and do exactly as your spirit guides you to do.
Your book features two squirrel protagonists and their perspectives on life. What do you hope readers will take away from the unique viewpoints of these characters?
Don’t ever be forced to conform because that’s what is expected of you. It’s your life to do exactly what you want to do with it. Like is meant to be fun, enjoy it while you can.
How do you envision the future of your writing career? Do you plan to explore more genres or continue expanding the fantasy world you've created?
I’m curious to see where my mind travels. I enjoy fantasy because I can make it anyway I want and nobody can say that’s not how it should be. It’s my creative world and there’s so much freedom to be me in there.
I am writing about humans in fantasy and fiction and a friend mentioned I write good smut so I’ve began doing that but with lesbian relationships which are completely under represented.
I’ve recently parted ways with the publisher and have regained by intellectual property back, so now I’m thinking about going down the self publishing route or manifesting into the Universe for a new publishing company who will actually promote my work and work with me rather than just leaving everything up to me to do it all.
Who are some of your literary influences, and how have they shaped your approach to writing fantasy?
My influences growing up were Enid Blyton then Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, Piers Anthony, Agatha Christie to name but a few.
Terry Pratchett showed me my own twisted humour can be appreciated by others. Piers Anthony’s use of puns and sarcasm was enlightening. Both authors made me chuckle out loud and that’s exactly what I want my readers to do.
The title of your series is quite playful. How important is humor in your writing, and how do you blend it with the fantasy elements of your story?
I think life is way to serious with everything going on in the world and humour should be more important to help people relax and destress. Laughter is so powerful, it reduces stress and helps people feel better in a world of anger.
You're already working on the next books in the series and another series about dragons. Can you give us a sneak peek into what readers can expect from these upcoming works?
More humour and I just want to express my gratitude to those readers who enjoy reading my work.
There’s always going to be some areas of darkness but love and laughter will always have the upper hand and the last word.
How has your experience working with AllAuthor been?
It has been a very nice experience and hopefully it will continue.
