Jo Carter – a kickass spy living right here in Canberra. I think there’s so much opportunity to have a female, Australian spook – we haven’t really seen one yet – and given our diabolically dismal socio-political circumstances here in Australia, there’s plenty of material!

I attended a workshop run by one of the ‘hot new things’ in Australian writing. Immediately prior, attendees were given the chance to have 10 minutes one-on-one with his publisher, to whom one of my short stories had been sent for comment before the meeting. No sooner had I sat down, did she destroy my story, writing and confidence – all within three minutes, leaving a full seven minutes during which I squirmed and she squinted. Needless to say, my creativity was sapped and by the time the workshop began, I had sworn myself off writing ever again! Fortunately time and distance have helped heal the wounds!

When my kids are in bed. My other half lets me get on with it and is very supportive (he enjoys most of my stories!). It’s hard though, as I have lots of competing demands for the two hours I have to myself each evening. Writing doesn’t always win out.

I think I’ve got quite a good handle on dialogue, so it’s probably no surprise that I struggle with pacing. I am working on ways to slow my writing down, giving myself some space to explore the motivations of my characters.

I am a keen quilter! Not the ‘grandmother’s garden’ type of quilter. Musty, folksy colours/fabrics really are not my scene. There’s a handmade revolution going on out there and there’s more gorgeous, modern, funky fabric being produced every day. I really must start making some quilts for my own home though – I’ve given away all but two quilts, and those were for my kids. One for my own bed would be nice…