One of the first read-alone books I ever had was a Treasury of Fables where I learned about swans and spindles, tiny men and sleeping princesses, golden apples and djinnies, witches and enchanted worlds.  Subsequently I have continued my love of folklore by reading many stories from many different cultures, thus opening a Pandora’s chest of unusual adventures and characters.

Obviously like most writers, there is a long and varied list of classic authors, both adult and childrens’, who inspire me, but I also have great respect and admiration for the late Dorothy Dunnett, the doyen of historical fiction.  The Lymond Chronicles and The Niccolo Series were, for me, the best novels I have ever read!  There are also places for Rosamunde Pilcher, Cathy Kelly, Jilly Cooper, Fiona Walker, Nicole Mones, Alison Goodman, Juliet Marillier and Cecilia Dart Thornton to name a very tiny few off my list of many!  The last three are Australian and top echelon fantasy writers and if I aspire to be half as good, it will be an achievement.

Inspiration also comes from the history and culture of fourteenth and fifteenth century Europe in which I majored at University and from embroidery which is as valuable to me as the air I breathe.

Finally, inspiration derives in no small part from the land and seascapes of my home and whether on the water or land, there is a light, a sight, a smell or a sound that stirs something really elemental inside me.