I use an android tablet and open-source apps to read most of my favorite works from authors. I must say, my reading addiction also spills over onto my phone if desperate. Squinting at that tiny screen is worth the headache to get my fiction fix.

It's made of recycled wood that was once blue. It's sanded back (mostly) and lacquered. Looks rustic! The remainder of my desk is littered with pens, coffee cups, notepads, wireless devices, and air-conditioner remote and bills I need to remember to pay!

I grew up in the middle of nowhere ... almost literally. A very remote town amidst a sea of deserts that did nothing but spark the imagination. The clean (occasionally dusty) air, the brilliant sunsets and sunrises, and the ever-changing landscapes was an inspirational trigger for my romantic and adventurous writing tones.

I started as a primary school student. My first ever story was only a few hundred words long and a rather dramatic and sad piece about a boy on a remote farm in the middle of fire season. I've always jotted down stories and ideas, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I decided I might be able to turn my passion into a living. Here's hoping!

Becoming an indie author is all about taking responsibility of your own creativity, as well as harnessing a LOT of confidence and motivation to get the book out there. For me it's been a long journey, but with other author friends forging ahead and succeeding, my motivation has never wavered. It's rewarding. YOU made the book. YOU published it. Now YOU get to reap the benefits of your tireless efforts. Can't beat that!

I love creating new characters, new situations, new lives, and new interactions. For me, as a romance writer, its all about showing how love really can conquer a lot. It provides strength to those that may never have had it before. It can help heal deep emotional scars. It can provide inspiration and motivation for change. It can provide the glue to keep people together, and I love to write about those situations coupled with adventure, angst and comedy. The joy I get is showing the reader the journey my characters take, and I hope I write those journeys in a fresh, enjoyable manner.

I'm working on a few short stories and several novel-length stories. I love to write long romantic adventures, but have entered the self-publishing world on the back of a short story (or two). I figured that getting my name out there would help when I finally complete those 100K word novels and publish them. My next short story release is coming soon and is based on the celebrity pass idea, and my first novel-length story (hopefully also coming out soon) is an Australian rural romance.

I love Wilbur Smith. Those African sagas set in such an amazing landscape ... wow! I'm also a huge fan of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels because they make me weep with laughter. Christopher Paolini is also a favorite. That dragon world he created and his narrative really gets to me. Brilliant. You may have gathered I've an eclectic taste in reading, and these are but a few of my favorites.

Outdoors! At the beach, playing sport (of which I do several), fishing, and the normal humdrum world of housework. Coffee with friends is a huge priority!

I consider what the story is about and try to find image(s) that represent what happens inside. I have a few favorite fonts I use, but I try to match fonts to the story also. Cover design to me is all about a clean background, a logical placement of text, nice colors and the ability to be viewed big or small without losing detail.

Absolutely! I write for pleasure, but reading expands my knowledge, my exposure to narrative styles, and provides an escape that lets my mind go on a journey and my body relax. I LOVE to read.