Tell us about yourself.
Chocolate is a staple food. Bacon is a vegetable. By day I’m a medical doctor, by night if I can pull myself away from reading, then I am a writer, but I keep on getting distracted by photography and plotting holidays.
What inspired you to start writing, and how did you get started in the world of storytelling?
My husband challenged me to write my own book. Once started I didn’t stop.
What’s the most fun part of writing—plotting a twist, creating a quirky character, or something else entirely?
Having an alter ego. People try and place one in a box. But if your box is a mirage, you can poke holes in it while satisfying your own curiosity.
What’s the most unusual or quirky source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a story?
I ran into a street sign and knocked myself out. Sun low on the horizon, peak cap obscuring my vision. That inspired the inciting incident in my first book.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?
Join an author group and learn from them, but remain true to yourself. You don’t need to change your moral compass to please other people.
What role does research play in your writing process, especially when you’re exploring new genres or themes?
It’s a rabbit hole. When writing time travel I need to know when a word was first used, so the character doesn’t jump centuries in their sentences. It’s bad enough that I switch languages while talking.
Can you share a favorite quote or line from one of your books that holds a special meaning to you?
It’s rather a phrase. "Wannabee doc." Once upon a time a very long time ago, I was there.
What is your favorite part of the writing process, and why?
Creating characters that are so real to me that I have conversations with them.
By the end of this interview you will be convinced that I am thoroughly mad…
How do you approach character development? Are there any real-life influences in your characters?
I create a character sketch as well as a physical sketch before I start writing. I need to know how each character will react in a given situation. If I’m stumped I dream about them, then try and work out what it was that was stumping me.
Have any of your characters ever “taken over” a scene and surprised you with where they went?
Not yet, no saying they won’t. They might just invade my dreams to get their own way.
If your book were to get a movie adaptation, which actor would you cast as the protagonist, and why?
Keira Knightley has the perfect amount of spunk and defiance to act Dr Charlie (Charlotte)
How do you maintain creativity during tough writing moments or when you’re experiencing writer’s block?
I’ve accepted that with a full time job including overtime, in addition to other commitments, there will be periods when I simply cannot write. Then I read, make sure I get enough exercise and get out of doors to recharge.
What do you hope readers take away from your books, and how do you want them to feel after finishing one of your stories?
I want a smile on their face and a satisfied sigh with a little wiggle of contentment.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Themes certainly
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