Who are your favourite authors?
Jane Austin; Liz Fielding; Nicola May. J.K Rowling. Roald Dahl. Winston Graham and Liz Young.
What are your favourite books?
Pride and Prejudice. All Bridget Jones. Harry Potter. The Cocklebury Bay series. The Wedding Date by my friend Liz Young and many Roald Dahl books. My favourite Big Friendly Giant and last but not least Poldark.
What is your favourite genre of writing?
I love Romance books especially Romantic Comedy; Romantic fiction, however I also write thrillers, children’s books and screenplays. Anything For Love is based on my Award-Winning screenplay..
How old were you when you started reading?
As soon as I got my first book, I was hooked. I now read such a lot of different subjects and Animal related books, blogs etc.
How old were you when you started writing?
As soon as I could hold a pen and make myself understood. I have a fetish about nice pens and note books. Now I like voice recognition software.
Did someone inspire you to write (ie an author, teacher, relative)?
I honestly can’t remember, I know my teacher used to tell me off for daydreaming so I reckon it’s been there for a long time. I just know I wanted a pen and a notebook at very early age and I’ve been writing ever since.
What part of the country do you live in?
I live in Yorkshire with my partner John and my Newfoundland puppy Jess.
What do you do for a living (or did if retired or otherwise not working)?
I have worked for British Gas for many years, I also worked in the offices of a five star hotel and more recently I retired from Government Offices.
Are you married, have children/grandchildren?
I live with my partner John and Jess my Newfoundland puppy and John has two grown up children who I love like my own and we have a granddaughter.
Is it easy for you to find time to write?
I do write anywhere I can. On a train or in a café but mostly I write at home in the kitchen or in the living room. I do have an office but health challenges have stopped me writing there but it is my goal to get back in there.
Do you have a favourite place (room in the house) to write?
I love writing in the kitchen, it’s near the kettle.
Are there certain times of the day you find most productive for writing?
Morning and evening.
Have you appeared in the media before (like local papers) and, if so, why?
I have been in the evening news a long time ago for helping the police capture two horses on a busy dual carriageway and getting them back to a secure field. I have also been in the Harrogate Police newsletter for painting a police horse for his handler as the horse Rusty was coming to the end of his life and career. One morning I saw a Rottweiler and a Mastiff puppy on a dual carriageway. I stopped and grabbed a ball from the car. I got the Rottweiler’s attention and threw the ball into the car. She jumped in the puppy followed and couldn’t get in so I hitched her up into my estate car and later found out their owners had been out all night looking for them. The owner gave me £10 which I donated to an animal charity.
Have you met anyone famous?
Many people when at the five star hotel; several Emmerdale stars over the years. I have also met Princess Anne at Rudding Park when she was riding in a Cross Country Event there.
If you could meet anyone famous, dead or alive, who would that be (more than one, if you like)?
Humphrey Bogart because he shared my love of Newfoundland dogs. I would love to meet the Royal family and their animals.
What has been your greatest achievement?
I suppose winning the best comedy screenplay but some of my greatest achievements are with my animals. Loving them and enjoying them.
Are you a member of a writing group?
Screen Yorkshire, an Alumni member of ScreenwritingU. I am also a full member of the Romantic Novelist Association.