early career
One of my earliest memories was being lulled to sleep by the sound of my mother’s manual typewriter - so I guess I was always bound to become a writer. On completing my BA (Hons) degree at Melbourne University, the obligatory overseas trip beckoned, where I ended up working on Today newspaper in London. Returning back home I worked as a journalist for a number of years before the affinity I have with horses and racing was too great to ignore.
racing and breeding
When I entered racing I was very fortunate to have the legendary horse trainer Colin Hayes as my mentor, and his son Peter Hayes trained all of my horses until his tragic death. With success on the track it was only a matter of time before I was bitten by the breeding bug. With Colin's amazing guidance, and newly purchased property on the Mornington Peninsula was transformed into a boutique horse stud.
Success on the track continued and I found myself more and more deeply involved in researching thoroughbred breeding for the ever increasing band of broodmares. I joined the committee of Thoroughbred Breeder's Victoria and was later asked to join the committee of Moonee Valley Racing Club where I continue to be involved.
Horse racing is addictive - full of extraordinary highs and devastating lows, and every other emotion in between. The diversity of the people and the experiences make it a perfect backdrop for any drama.
a novel is born
After the selling up of my beloved horses and stud due to the conclusion of my marriage, it was important to reinvent myself. So I took up the challenge with a pen. It had always been my dream to one day write a book, and that day had finally dawned.
It is my hope the sheer joy I experience everyday while writing is infectious for the reader. Riding High was both a delight and a challenge to construct, and fortunately there are plenty more stories where that came from!
at home
On the personal front, I have just recently married (Aug 09) the most gorgeous, supportive and loving man, and feel so very fortunate to have found Neville. He has been my rock through hard times, calls me every day to see how I am feeling and encourage my writing, and makes my soul sing.
The breadth of life experiences and my adventurous nature helps give texture and depth to my stories. Writing can be a lonely business locked away with your thoughts all day long, but my two burmese cats keep me company - whether they are fighting over lap rights, or just busy sleeping all day.
