I've always written, scribbling stories throughout my growing years and even sometimes taking them into school for my friends to read. Romances seemed popular, especially those that came in serials, with dramatic cliffhangers! One day, I became aware of this pile of books next to my mother's bed. They were little and had these intriguing covers of couples in clinches. I soon learnt that they were Mills and Boon novels and I'd read the backs of these secretly, wondering what lay within.

Soon, I began reading them and before I knew it, I wanted to write them. Knowing it was difficult to get published as a fiction author, I decided to make my name writing non-fiction first. I figured a publisher would take me more seriously if they could see I was capable of finishing a book!

Sending off my first three chapters to M&B was terrifying and some thirteen weeks later when they wrote asking me for the full manuscript, I screamed. Mainly because I'd not written the rest of it! Within two weeks, after working hour upon hour upon the manuscript, I had a full to send in and sent it off with baited breath.

It took nine weeks for a reply. They loved the writing style, loved my voice, loved the plot and dialogue, but as my hero had been 'off-stage' for the first three chapters, decided not to go with it.

I was devastated. But they had asked to see my next work, sending me a slip to attach to my work so that it would avoid the dreaded 'slush pile'!

I wrote another three chapters and sent it off. Again the full was requested. Again it was turned down. This time because the hero did not have an aspirational job. I'd made him a builder. They thought he ought to be something a little more high-flying.

So now M&B are currently considering my third manuscript. So keep your fingers crossed!

In non-fiction terms, I've had four books published, mostly to do with health, physical and mental. This guide will be my fifth non-fiction title. Details below:

OLD SURREY REMEMBERED (Sigma Press)
LIVING WITH EMETOPHOBIA (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
CHILDHOOD HEALTH : COMBATING OBESITY (Emerald Publishing)
TEENAGE PREGNANCY : A PARENT'S GUIDE (Need2Know)
WRITING ROMANCE (Self Help Guides)

Guides written by this Author (click title to view more information)

Writing Romance (Due out soon - Click to reserve a copy)