1. Why do you write novels?

Because the urge is always there.

2. Who inspired you?

There are a lot of writers who’ve inspired me, but Toni Morrison’s writing showed me what books can be: an exquisite use of language, haunting and atmospheric, socially aware, and with a strong story tying everything together.

3. What’s the essence of your style? The part, if removed, is not your voice anymore?

I never look too closely at my own style; it’s a bit like listening to your recorded voice or staring too much in a mirror. There’s an innate knowing how different features come together to make you you and this is something I don’t feel I need to dwell on.

4. What was your dance-around-the-kitchen moment in writing?

I have never had a dance-around-the-kitchen moment in writing. Is this a thing? I feel like I’ve been missing out. I’ve had the pulling-teeth moment, many times. And the hot-cheek-against-cool-surface moment. Also, that gorgeous feeling of your feet on the ground and head in the clouds. That beautiful otherness when the real world feels less substantial than the one you’ve created. But alas, no kitchen dancing yet.

5. What do you want to accomplish in your writing career?

The stories that most appeal to me are the ones are that beautifully written with gorgeous prose and atmosphere, but are also unputdownable, well-paced stories. This is not an easy balance to maintain, and these are the kinds of stories I want to write.

6. Can you ever envisage not writing novels - running out of ideas or energy?

I always want to write, but burn-out is a thing. Sometimes the well runs dry and I do need to pull back. I almost always have something on the go, either drafting or revising, and there are times when I take a week or two and make myself step away because taking a break will mean better work than if I just slog through it.

7. What advice would you give to your younger self?

If something’s not working for you, you can walk away.

8. Away from writing, what are your passions, and what do they mean to you?

Probably my family and friends, nature, trees, meditation, the usual. I tend to get excited about crafty things (candle making, embroidery) and then move on. Currently, I’m obsessed with self-hypnosis and deep sleep.

9. How would your best friend describe you?

Private and self-contained, but also whimsical and dreamy. Always keen for the laughs.

10. What’s a significant question to ask you, that no other interview has to date, and what’s the answer, only for New2theScene?

Dogs or cats? Dogs, always.