1. What inspired you to write this book?

The same thing that inspired all my novels! I am passionate about shining a light on the female standpoint in history.

2. The earliest incidents you recall from your life where you first felt you had a writer in you?

My earliest incident of knowing I was meant to write was the morning when I was sent by my teacher to the headteacher of the infant school to show her one of my stories. By eight, I knew I wanted to be a writer.

3. Who do you think are the ideal readers for this book?

Readers who love Tudor history; readers who love novels imagining the lives of women in history. Readers who enjoy good, heart-touching books.


4. What changed in your life most noticeably after you became an author?

My life deepened and became a true adventure - an adventure of mind, and life. Walking this road has ‘grown’ me into the person I am today. A person who is still growing – and will continue to grow whilst I walk this writing road.

When I look back on my journey, I am just so grateful I was brave enough to follow my heart. I may not be rich money-wise from my writing life, but I am rich in all the ways that matter.

5. What kind of schedules you had while doing this book? How many hours did it all take?

Writing this novel took many, many hours - countless hours, at least two years of my life. But writing makes up a part of my life - and not the whole. I have a family, and I work as a sessional tutor of writing at Swinburne University. Tutoring has funded my research trips to England and Spain - and also funds a two-week writing retreat, which has been an annual part of my life. Alas - not in this pandemic year...

During the academic year, I always keep one day of my week dedicated to my own writing - and hope for two. I also have three months each year when I do not tutor - so I do a lot of catching up then.



6. What's the one great hack from your journey of becoming an author that you can share with other authors?

Just remember it is true: perseverance furthers.

7. Who are the 5 people you would like to acknowledge & thank that mattered most on your journey to becoming an author?

From my writing tribe - my friends Glenice Whitting, Rachel Nightingale, and Paul Staff, a friend I have lost touch with, but who will always remember with gratitude because he encouraged me to finish my first novel. My husband Peter who has been there every step of the way. My sister Karen - who listened to my dreams from childhood and pushed me to achieve them.



8. Your personal favorite inspiring quote of your own?

It has to be PERSEVERANCE FURTHERS. This was something passed on to me by an established author when I was depressed about not finding a publisher for my first novel. I embraced the saying, and twenty or so years later I can now say it describes the journey of my writing life.

9. An advice for all other aspiring writers:

If you are passionate about writing – then do it, and persevere no matter what.