I spent a many years of my childhood aboard cruise ships. This was the cheapest way to travel and so, before I turned seven I had circumnavigated the globe twice - not on my own, mind you, there were a lot of people on those ships!

The experience gave me a lot of ‘fodder’ to draw from when I was asked to write stories in class. I was also an only child and from a very early age I felt the need to recount my thoughts to my friend, Rupert the Bear. Together we’d try and nut out the weird and often unfathomable logic of adults. We’d record the fantastic things we saw – flying fish; armed military standing on every corner in some dark mysterious land and a psychedelic poster in the rec room (that kept me intrigued for hours!)

During this time I developed a great love of pencils, paper and drawing and I still have Rupert.

I spent a many years of my childhood aboard cruise ships. This was the cheapest way to travel and so, before I turned seven I had circumnavigated the globe twice - not on my own, mind you, there were a lot of people on those ships!

The experience gave me a lot of ‘fodder’ to draw from when I was asked to write stories in class. I was also an only child and from a very early age I felt the need to recount my thoughts to my friend, Rupert the Bear. Together we’d try and nut out the weird and often unfathomable logic of adults. We’d record the fantastic things we saw – flying fish; armed military standing on every corner in some dark mysterious land and a psychedelic poster in the rec room (that kept me intrigued for hours!)

During this time I developed a great love of pencils, paper and drawing and I still have Rupert.

I don’t remember reaching for my journal at birth but I know I started pretty early. I still have a book I made when I was five. It was a record of our holiday to Ireland. I had cut pictures from a travelogue and glued them in and written commentary next to them. I must have got tired before I finished because the writing on the last page begins straight but then drifts downward. I really treasure this book and, like Rupert Bear, it holds a special place in my heart.

Throughout school all I can remember is writing... writing stories, writing reports, writing notes... always writing.

The Gypsy Curse is the 5th book in the Astro’s Adventures series. I enjoy writing these stories so much I plan to use different scenarios and explore how the characters deal with them. I have always had a soft spot for gypsies – I may even be one, who knows!

In previous titles, Astro and the gang have travelled to the States to fight ghosts; have helped destroy monster robots at Melbourne airport; been smuggled into a cat show and; saved lots of dogs from The Check Out! I also have plans to do an ‘under the sea’ story; a cowboy; circus and a space themed story. Thankfully my imagination is endless!

All the characters in my books are based on real dogs and cats. I started with my and my friend’s pets and in each book I introduce another friend’s dog. The Gypsy Curse involves a plucky little corgi named Scrappy. In real life, Scrappy was called Lilly but I couldn’t use that name because it belongs to another character. Sadly, Lilly passed away before the book was published but I think the story honours her courage and tenacity and is a true reflection of the bond she shared with her owner.

Over twenty years ago I dreamt of being published but I was rejected over and over again. In the end I just gave up. When I discovered that I could do the whole thing myself I got really excited. I have operated a business for many years and that’s how I approach my books. I market, advertise, produce and publish them myself. It’s an exciting process and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to learn all the facets of book publishing – print and ebooks.

Smashwords has been fantastic. I couldn’t have gained the confidence I needed to keep going without being given the opportunity to publish my books electronically. The system is so easy to use and the feedback essential for any up and coming author.

I like to make people laugh, especially children. I think the sound of children laughing and being joyful is one of the most beautiful sounds we can hear. When I conduct workshops I get a thrill when I see the children’s eyes light up. Being happy is the best defence to the difficult times children are often exposed to. I use humour to encourage children to take care of their pets and themselves. I hope they will extend these feelings to the wider community.

My characters all work together and each one is very different so there’s always a particular trait that a child will identify with. Through my characters I hope the child will identify with the message and enjoy reading and learning more. And I always hope they get a big belly laugh!

My fans mean everything to me. I love them all! They make me feel proud and humble at the same time. It always amazes me that other people like what I do. I watch adults pick up my books and flick through the pages. Then they smirk as they read one of the humorous lines.

They often remark that the dogs portrayed remind them of their own pets. I have found my fans to be generous and kind but also willing to offer advice and criticism and I am really grateful for this because it gives me the opportunity to grow and develop my work and realise my dreams.

As usual I have more than one iron in the fire! I am illustrating Speed Bump Charlie’s ABC and I am editing the 6th manuscript for Astro’s Adventures. It's a Christmas story that involves Santa's sleigh being stolen, three cheeky ducklings and a young pup commissioned to save them all. Unfortunately, at this rate my first Christmas book might be out for Easter 2014!

I am also planning out the seventh title ... I just can’t stop myself!

As well, I am running competitions and have sent my books to their first Book Fair. It’s in China and we are very interested to see how the tale of a grey shaggy dog is received in this beautiful country.

Five books? Hmmm, there’s so many to choose from. Okay, here goes...

Number 1 – The Little Mouse Trapped in a Book. I love this book because there are no words – not one. All the action is played out via the fabulous illustrations. The little mouse finds himself trapped in a book and has to work his way through various possibilities and escape. The artist was able to capture perfectly the different stages of emotion the mouse goes through. It’s brilliant – sorry, I can’t remember who created it.

Number 2 – The Oath of Bad Brown Bill by Stephen Axle. This is a rollicking tale told in rhyme that shares the story of Bad Brown Bill and his horse, Mudpie. The illustrations are engaging and some of the lines I will hold with me forever. For example, “He got such a scare, it turned his teeth to toast!”

Number 3 – To Kill a Mockingbird. I’m not sure I need to tell you what a fabulous story this is. I love the way the rhythm softly lulls you along and reflects the warmth of humid afternoon in summer.

Number 4 – Canary Row. Another timeless classic you don’t need me to explain. Again, it’s the way words are used to enhance the mood and atmosphere. Recently, I was at a loud party and I picked Canary Row up from the shelf and began to read the opening pages. For all I knew the party could have frozen in time I was so completely transfixed.

Number 5 – Anything Stanley Coren has written about dogs and their behaviour.

My Samsung Galaxy S4 - I Love it!!!

I have a corner desk which as the computer at the centre and draws and cupboards on either side. There are stacks of books about InDesign and Photoshop; the proof copies of all my books (I don’t like to have them far away); the usual stationary and a large, very large green peg!