When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
My other great passion is infra-red landscape photography. I love the way the images can be processed to look like high-contrast, unusual black and white photos. There is something ethereal about the lightness of foliage and the depth of the sky - and it is exciting because you can never quite predict how an image will turn out. You will see some of my favourites as the background images on my website. I admire photographers who get up before dawn to capture the amazing light as the sun rises - but I'm not a good early riser. Infra-red works best on a warm day, followed by coffee - very civilised.
And . . . I am also a senior teacher at the local high school, where I manage the careers education program and teach Maths and English.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I really want my characters to get out into the world so that people can enjoy them. The story often seems to take on a life of its own and when I wake in the morning there is a strong urge to write the next bit. Sometimes I have to stop and ask myself 'What happens now?' or work out the logistics of a scene, but usually the next part of the plot is sitting there asking to be told. Sometimes characters take on a surprising life of their own and speak with a strong voice. I also love doing the artwork, which makes a break from writing sometimes. It is another way of bringing the characters to life, and I hope, adds something to the whole experience.
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