In your own words, how would you describe your creative work? 

My debut novel, The Searcher Of The Thames, is an urban fantasy set in Gravesend, with elements of true history and a generous sprinkle of the supernatural. My work always has one foot in reality and one very much planted in the dark and macabre. The town has so much rich and vivid history, particularly the story of Pocahontas, I couldn't help but be inspired.

I also write short stories and poetry. I like to find beauty in horrific imagery - tales of body horror, transformation and death, but with a gilt edge. I find inspiration from classic horror literature (Stoker, Lovecraft) but also from the world around me, fro. nature and pop culture.

When did you first discover your passion for music?

As a child, I was always reading. First Roald Dahl and Judy Blume, then onto Point Horror and evetually my mum's Stephen King and Graham Masterton novels (there wasn't really such a thing as "young adult" books back in the 80s and early 90s). I wanted to be an author when I grew up for as long as I can remember. I used to make up characters, I would write their back story, even draw them and design their outfits. I see my daughter doing the same thing now, which warms my heart.  

What's the creative process? 

Flashes of inspiration, flurries of furious activity, followed by crushing periods of self-doubt and the inability to string two words together. Being a writer, for me at least, gets harder and harder every year that goes by. I wrote my first novel while on maternity leave with my son. He will be 9 in December, and I have yet to finish the sequel. 

What does a typical day look like to you?

I work from home most days, so I start at 7am whilst fitting in around making packed lunches and school runs. I work for a Canadian tech company, so due to the time difference I have lots of late afternoon video calls, but this the global culture we are now all part of. Homework, dinner, clubs, bath time, bed time - a mother's work is never done. In the evening I can finally settle down with my husband, a nice bottle of Rioja and What We Do In The Shadows (a vampire sitcom).

What have you learned most about yourself in recent times?

I took up yoga during the covid lockdown, using it as a way to deal with migraines, but it became a part of my daily routine. It has taught me to breathe, align my mind and body, to ground myself, to take time to think rather than act, to be kinder, calmer and feel generally better about myself.

Do you have any wisdom you can share with others who are thinking of launching a creative business?

I have made very little money through writing and publishing, so the best advice I can give anyone is do what you love, that brings you joy, and if people are willing to pay you for the pleasure, even better! 

What is on your mind right now? 

Food. Always food. I'm not the world's best chef, but we do always like to cook our dinners from scratch, and going out to eat is one of my favourite things to do, especially when abroad. Trying new cuisines and finding new restaurants is a never ending source of pleasure. Lunch is probably the best meal of the day, especially fresh seafood by the beach (I can't stand eating too late) but also give me a good hotel buffet breakfast with plenty of pastries and fresh fruit and I'm one happy lady.

Book links:
Food Of The Gods
The Searcher Of The Thames
Ten Minute Warning
After Us
The Wassailers