I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was a small child. As soon as I could read, I wanted to create my own stories. I won my first writing competition when I was six and that really spurred me on.
Did you have any influencing writers growing up?
I was a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and Terry Pratchett when I was growing up. I didn’t start liking romance, which is the genre I write until I was much older.
Are any of your characters based on people in real life?
Sometimes, yes. Often, my characters are an amalgam of different people I know.
Iain and Elise in my Christmas novella Top of His Naughty List were based on a colleague and myself and an embarrassing situation I found myself in once.
Finn, in The Alpha’s Mark was inspired by a friend’s husband who gives off a similar vibe.
Where do you draw your book inspirations from?
Sometimes my books are inspired by the world around me. I’m from the Scottish Highlands, so there’s a lot of history and legend to inspire me.
The de Moray family who feature in some of my historical novels - His Stolen Bride, His Conquered Bride, His Headstrong Bride and the Lairds of Dunriach series were inspired by the real-life de Moravia dynasty who settled in the North of Scotland in the 12th century.
My wolf-shifter series, Claimed Mates, came about after I read an article about someone who wants to reintroduce wolves to the Scottish Highlands.
Do you use have a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?
I use a basic outline, but don’t tend to stick to it too rigidly. Sometimes the characters take me to unexpected places.
When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?
I usually have a picture of the main characters to hand. Either that or I make a list of their physical attributes so I have a clear idea of what they look like. It’s also important for me to be able to hear their accent. A lot of my Scottish male characters would sound like Gerard Butler.
Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?
My favourite way to relax is with a glass of wine and a good book. I love those rare times when the weather is nice and I’m able to sit out in the garden.
Who are your favorite current authors to read?
I like a lot of different authors but always enjoy books by Marlee Wray, Cora Reilly, Vanessa Brooks and Golden Angel.
What are your favorite books by others?
Absolute favourite are the Born in Blood and Camorra Chronicles series by Cora Reilly. In non-romance, I love anything by Neil Gaiman and I devour crime novels by Val McDermid and Ian Rankin.
Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?
Yes, they’re always places I’ve either been or want to visit. A lot of my books are set in Scotland because I was born and still live in the Highlands.
Do you write in single or multiple POV?
Generally, multiple POV so the reader gets a sense of who the two main characters are and what they feel about the situation.
What do you find to be your best research tool?
For historical romances, it’s about going out to castles and other historical sites to soak up the atmosphere and get a bit of background to help my writing. Otherwise, Google is my best tool. I hate to think what someone who doesn’t know I write would think of my search history.
Do you write under a pen name?
Yes, I do. It would be awkward for me in my day to day life if people knew I wrote erotic romance. I find it freeing to write under a different name.
What genre do you write and why is this your preference?
Within the larger genre of romance, I write contemporary, Sci-Fi, historical and paranormal. I love telling stories where people come together, overcoming different obstacles to achieve a happy ever after. My stories are an escape from the pressures of the real world and I think we all need that.
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Write every day, even if it’s only 50 words. It’s important also to find the right publisher, one whose aims are similar to your own. When it comes to working with an editor, which I strongly recommend all writers do, leave your ego at the door. They will point out flaws in your work, but they’re not doing it to be mean. They want you to put out the best book you can.
Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky traits...what led to you being you?
Before I became a full-time writer, I was a university lecturer specialising in Medieval Scottish Literature. I still do some translation work in that field. I have a large family but like to keep my home life private.
I love driving and will go miles out of my way just to spend more time in the car. I’m a speed reader and go through at least fifteen books in every week. If it wasn’t for Kindle Unlimited, I’d be broke!
How do you deal with and process negative book reviews?
It depends. If there’s something constructive in the review, I will consider whether it’s something I need to look at in my writing. Most reviews, though, are just one person’s opinion and I try not to let it bother me too much. We all have different likes and dislikes.
I did have my nose put out of joint when a reviewer said she hated one of my characters because he was nothing but selfish because in my mind he’d been willing to adapt for his mate. On the whole, I don’t let it affect me - life’s too short to dwell on the negative.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Finding time to write uninterrupted is hard. Starting each new chapter in a book can be challenging also. Once I have the first sentence, I tend to write quickly, but until that comes to me, I can find my creativity stalling.
What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?
Nothing - just a laptop.
What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?
Chocolate. I like to have a box nearby to pick at as I write.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?
That’s so hard. There are so many great authors out there. If pushed, I’d pick someone from outside the romance genre, like Neil Gaiman. I love his wit and wisdom on Twitter and think he’d be incredibly entertaining to spend a day with.
What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?
I write in the mornings, mainly, so I sit in front of a screen for as much time as possible between 9 am and 3 pm.
I drink a lot of tea when I’m writing and snack on chocolate or cashew nuts.
Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?
Sometimes. It depends on what I’m writing.
I love classical music, but sometimes what I’m writing calls for hard rock, so that’s what I’ll listen to.
When I wrote the wedding scene at the start of Taken by the Wolves, I listened to a lot of Scottish fiddle music, to get me in the mood.
Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
I don’t have a pet at the moment. Up until two years ago, I had a gorgeous little West Highland Terrier who used to lie at my feet as I wrote. She was more of a help than a hindrance, though. It was nice having her there with me.
What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?
Having the kids coming into the room. Can’t write sex scenes with a five and seven year old looking over your shoulder!
Have you ever killed off a character that your readers loved?
Not yet.
How do you celebrate after typing THE END?
I sometimes have a glass of wine or a French Martini, if I want to celebrate.
Usually, I take a couple of days off to enjoy family time
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