I am first generation Australian.  My father was born in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, Scotland and I have always had a fascination with all things Scottish.  I have visited Scotland twice (with my husband Iain who also had a Scottish father) and feel at home when I go there.  I started researching my family tree some years ago and the information I uncovered was worthy of three historical fiction novels.  I have used the family history, and all the tragedies that befell them, as the basis of the novels and imagined how the characters would have acted and reacted in certain situations.  It was a tough life on the land and in the miners' rows and life was especially hard for the women who had to bear and look after large families in difficult conditions.  I have spent my working life as a Newspaper Journalist, Magazine Editor and Theatre Reviewer but am now enjoying researching and writing books.  I also regularly have skin cancers removed so, after a life spent in the sun and surf of Australia, I now have to stay indoors a lot - I'm really glad I'm a writer and not a pro surfer!

I hold a Bachelor's degree majoring in Journalism, Literature and Philosophy