1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I’ve crossed the Atlantic ocean twice on a luxury motor yacht and survived the phenomena of passing through the Bermuda Triangle. Strange things really did occur…
2. What is your nickname?
Dim – but nice. Fairly accurate summation.
3. What is your greatest fear?
My own-kind scares me the most. I’m also a bit nervy about the absence of fear. Without the effort to master it (fear), we lack the momentum to keep moving forward, just ask any wildebeest.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
A bag of liquorice allsorts: mellifluous, satirical, quirky, pure-hearted, inspired.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Tenacious, generous, committed, evolving, genuine.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I always wanted to live a day in Laura Ingalls’ shoes. Wild, wide-open spaces, horse-drawn covered wagons, slates to write on – life on the prairie was very inviting when I was younger.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I wouldn’t go forward. Too scary. I wouldn’t go back. Too risqué. Sideways travel to explore different outcomes in the present is intriguing but I’m happy to leave it to the Doctor. Then again, I did adore the 80s and would love to revisit more time with my grandparents on the land…
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Let go – more often and remember that when jumping, it’s not always about the landing. It’s about the flying. Actually, I think I’d say that to my ten-year-old self. I was a pretty staid little girl.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Mother Nature. Her omnipresence gives resonance to every other significant word or action I encounter from those around me.
10. What/who made you start writing?
My kindy teacher. Followed by an insatiable need to record stuff. I love making home videos and keeping diaries for the same reason. Reading the stories of others has been a constant source of inspiration too. From age six, I thought books and the stuff in them, were the richest source of magic on the planet. I still do.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Pusillanimous – it sounds like its meaning. I love the way it bleeds out of your mouth.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A dismal life! Maybe The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I just can’t seem to dislodge this one from my heart.
