Because I love it! A newspaper clip, an event or an overheard conversation will spark ideas and have me jotting them down in my trusted notebook.

What’s not to adore about a dashing hero, a sassy heroine and their Happy Ever After, especially when they weren’t expecting or wanting to fall in love?

I’d started my first manuscript, way back in 2007, but knew nothing about internal/ external conflict or how to create tension.

I wrote to some of my fave Australian romance authors (Annie West, Trish Morey and Helen Bianchin) and they immediately replied with encouragement and strongly recommended I join Romance Writers of Australia.

Perfect timing. I joined RWA and a couple of months later attended my first conference in 2007, which was held in Sydney. It was incredibly daunting walking in to a room with over two hundred writers and not knowing anyone. However, everyone was so encouraging and it’s been a wonderful becoming a part of the romance writers’ sisterhood (although, I shouldn’t say this since there are some very talented male romance writers out there).

Since then, I’ve formed a wonderful circle of friends and critique partners who have been hugely supportive. We support each other with reading each other’s work in progress and providing feedback as well as being there during the highs and lows of the writing process.

I love eating vegetables, even brussel sprouts and broccoli however, I can’t stand capsicum (peppers)….urgh!

Read, read, read and then join Romance Writers of Australia (New Zealand, American and UK writers have their own associations  )

There are so many sub-genres of romance, find one you like, read books and also read blogs of your favourite authors. It’s important to learn your craft. There are heaps of fantastic books available as well excellent courses.

I’m also a strong advocate of critique partners and writing buddies. I owe part of my success to my writing friends and the romance writing community.