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Total books written: 10
Ages of readership:
Most typical wordcount per book:

Countries published in: Australia, U.K.

Movie rights, merchandise or other exciting offshoots: I wish!

Title of Featured Book: Rosemary for Remembrance, Book 1 of The Janna Mysteries

Blurb: When Janna seeks justice for her mother's death,
>she risks her life and happiness to solve the mystery of her past.

Place where your book is set: Medieval England

Genre(s):Medieval Crime

Extract from an independent review:

'Beautiful descriptions are intertwined skilfully with personal emotions
>and the politics of everyday life, and the characters are varied and
>believable, leaving the reader wanting more ...'
>
>'JH' Reading Time, Vol 49 No. 2

What's the inside info about your life as a writer?
I grew up in a small bush town in Africa, and I used to think history was
>boring until I realised it was all about people and the exciting lives they
>led! I particularly like writing about medieval England at a time when life
>was 'nasty, brutish and short' - especially for the peasants! Australia is
>home now, but I've visited England several times to write my Shalott
>trilogy and my new medieval crime series, The Janna Mysteries.

Do you have another job as well as being a writer?

No - but fortunately my husband supports me!

Why do you love to write?

It's really exciting following characters on their adventures into other
>worlds, and I learn a lot along the way - about my characters and their
>situation, but also about myself and what I think about things.

What inspired you to write your book (or series which includes this book)

When I finished writing the Shalott trilogy, I couldn't get medieval time
>out of my head. I loved being there, and I also love to read and write
>crime fiction, so it seemed a good idea to combine them both in my new
>series: the Janna Mysteries.

What surprised you during research, writing or publishing of this book?
How ignorant I am! I've had to do a LOT more research into the 1140s:
>the civil war between Stephen and Matilda and how ordinary people lived in
>those times. I've also had to learn about herbs and healing and the English
>countryside. I'm having a ball writing the series, and the books look
>beautiful!

If students are doing assignments on this book, what special insight into
symbolism, metaphors, choice of title, characters or research can you
provide:

The titles reflect Janna's knowledge of herbs plus the themes of the books, eg Rosemary for Remembrance, Rue for Repentance and
>Lilies for Love, etc. (Books 2 & 3 will be out next year.) There are
>detailed historical notes and a glossary at the end of each novel.

Secret writing tip for students:

Read your stories out loud. You'll be amazed at the
>errors you pick up when you 'hear' your story instead of seeing it on the
>page.

Personal pet peeves: I have a habit of repeating myself: the same thought, even the same word,
>often 2 or 3 times in the same paragraph.

When you were aged 8 to 15, what job(s) did you think you would have (if not a writer):

Artist, musician, doctor .. anything so long as I was famous.

What you're working on next: Books 2 & 3 of The Janna Mysteries: Rue for Repentance and Lilies for
>Love

Are you available for paid school visits at ASA rates?: Yes

Are you blue-card approved to conduct school visits in Qld:

Are you available for free school visits in your local area during book launch months?: Yes, but free only in special circumstances.

Is your computer/internet connection set up to do online chats?: Yes

Do you speak/webchat in any languages other than English?: No