Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?
I was born in Canada, and raised in Melbourne and Perth, Australia. My childhood was great, my parents are amazing people. I'm so grateful for my childhood and for them. I hope to, one day, be as good at parenting as they are! The memories of my childhood which stay with me are the fun, and funny, times with family and friends.
What was your first story about?
My first book, This Time, is a contemporary romance based in my home city of Perth, Western Australia. It focuses on a single mum - Charlie - who goes out on the town for some fun and gets so much more. This Time is special to me because, not only was it my first published book, I have a few things in common with Charlie.
What is your favorite part of the day?
Going home, haha. I'm a home-body through and through. I might've been at work, or out with friends or family having a blast, but I love coming home. I'm a creature of comfort and home is my sanctuary.
How has your experience of working as a pharmacy assistant been?
It's great. I've worked at the same place for eleven years and there have been many changes over that time in terms of what roles I play and what tasks and responsibilities are required of me. It's a unique place to work and I take turns working in the pharmacy and working as a medical receptionist. I'm grateful for the experience it's given me as it's helped build my self-confidence, as well as my knowledge on people and health.
What gave you the idea for your book "Eeny Meeny"? Which actress do you think would be a perfect fit for the role of the protagonist?
This novella is part of a book series: Heels, Rhymes, and Nursery Crimes. There were certain aspects of writing a book for this series. To fit the series, the book had to be based on a female lead who was a bad gal. The female protagonist had to be some form of a criminal, so I wrote about a psycho vigilante. Who would I choose to play bad gal, Elizabeth Jacobs? Rihanna, of course!
How were you first introduced to the romance genre?
Along with every other teenager at the time: Twilight. Reading the Twilight saga was my first romance reading experience. Up until that point, I'd read James Patterson's novels. Twilight changed the game and suddenly I was reading books by Nalini Singh and J. R. Ward. Which then progressed to gay romance as well, or more accurately MM romance, by Onley James, Sloane Kennedy, and many more. During this time, I tried my hand at writing my own stories.
Who is your author's role model?
Nalini Singh. I absolutely adore her Psy-Changeling series and her ability to develop a fictional world so admirably and thoroughly.
What are some trends you see in the romance genre that you wish would disappear?
I can think of one trope which relates to gay romance specifically. I believe the term is "Bury Your Gays," and it's when a story features a same-sex couple and one or both characters die. - I feel this trope needs to die. Or disappear...
I know a story might involve death, as death is part of life, but I'm relieved to see more and more HEA (Happy Ever After)'s coming out!
How many books do you plan to write in the Bromley Brothers series?
I've written the third (and likely final) book in the Bromley Brother's series. It's in the editing phase and I hope to publish this in 2023.
How did you come up with the story of Nicholas Edwards and Caleb Roimata in "Time for Love"?
I'd actually been writing Nicholas and Caleb's story, when the characters went all quiet on me. This is why Charlie and Brad's story This Time came out first. Charlie, a work colleague and friend of Nicholas's, was determined her love story needed to be told. After all, we're all the main characters in our own story.
Nicholas and Caleb's story came to me naturally. In my mind Troye Sivan is Nicholas and Jason Momoa is Caleb.
Who makes your book covers for you? Where do you get the ideas and pictures for your book covers?
Most of my books were published through Hot Tree Publishing, and they helped find and obtain the book covers. For my novella, Eeny Meeny, the cover design had to fit in with the series, Heels, Rhymes, and Nursery Crimes; it needed to be a close-up of the female lead character.
When I saw the pre-made cover by Tracey at Soxsational Cover Art, I thought it was perfect for my book!
Would you ever write in any genre other than romance?
Although there is a love interest, Eeny Meeny is a short, psychological thriller. I've recently delved into the fantasy genre and hope to publish something soon!
In what ways do you try to better understand the craft of writing?
By reading a lot. When I'm not so busy working, I hope to join a writing workshop or two.
What are you currently working on?
Aside from perfecting the last book in my Bromley Brothers series, I'm working on a few different stories. The main one being a fantasy, shifter gay romance.
When did you join AllAuthor? How has your experience been?
I believe it was when I first published - maybe back in 2017. My experience with AllAuthor been great! Thank you Mady.
