Can you briefly introduce yourself?
I was born in England, travelled to work as a teacher in the Middle East, where I met my husband in Mexico, where we were married.
I have taught in primary schools in the local area and specialised in reading and school librarianship.
Besides writing, I am passionate about conservation and love being outside in the natural world.
Are you from the Pakenham area originally? And what is your favourite thing about the local community?
No, but my husband, Pat is from Pakenham and we chose to live here.
My favourite thing about the local community is the number of volunteers who contribute in so many ways.
Have you always had a love of writing?
Yes! I started with a love of reading and progressed to writing long ‘compositions’ (stories) at school.
What is your favourite food?
Roast chicken dinner followed by apple crumble and custard.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
England, my brother lives there and ageing relatives and my oldest friends.
Sadly I have also to scatter my mum’s ashes as she died during the Covid lockdown.
At school I…
Studied English, French and German, enjoyed Sport and failed miserably at Maths.
What are you currently reading?
7 1/2 by Christos Tsiolkas
Who is your favourite author/ inspiration?
Mem Fox for picture books, Roald Dahl for children’s books and Gerald Durrell who wrote the book ‘My Family and Other Animals’ and introduced me to the world of conservation through his other books.
He founded Jersey Zoo.
If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
Flying – or Teleport as in Startrek.
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
60’s and 70’s, classical and folk.
And what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in life/ motto you live by?
There’s got to be a way (to solve a problem).
