How It Started
Winning my First Award. The 2012 RWA Emerald
I'd been writing for about three years when I found myself impulsively entering the Emerald, the Romance Writers of Australia's annual contest for unpublished manuscripts. At this point, no one had read my stories except for a few trusted friends, and I hadn't even given editing a thought. My technical knowledge in terms of formatting was so bad, the contest coordinator had to instruct me on how to set a margin in a Word document!
I sent off my entry, and decided it was all good experience. Perhaps I'd get some constructive feedback...even if I came last.
When I made it through to the second round of the contest, I was stunned. When I made it to the finals I was flabbergasted.
When I won...well, let's just say everyone is very polite when they talk about it, but I know for a fact I staggered up to the stage at the awards ceremony and rambled incoherently for about five minutes in front of three hundred people whilst clutching a trophy in shaking hands. It was one the scariest, and most proud moments of my life.
Gumnut Press
About my Australian Publisher
Established in 2018, Gumnut Press is a small independent publishing company based in Perth, Western Australia with a passion for producing engaging books that challenge, excite and inspire every reader.
Gumnut Press is committed to providing writers with opportunities to inspire and encourage the author within.
Gumnut Books
My sexy (Award Winning) Christmas Novelette, Ghosts of Grace Cottage and Purr-Fect Pitch, my (triple award finalist) Rom-Com novella out both available now through Gumnut.
Serenity Press
About my Australian publisher
Serenity Press is a growing independent publishing company with heartfelt passion and a burning desire to create beautiful books.
Established in 2012, Serenity Press Pty Ltd is a small independent press based in Perth, Western Australia. In 2017, the Serenity Press then co-directors Karen McDermott & Monique Mulligan took out Bronze in the 2017 Ausmumpreneur Awards (Global Brand).
Serenity Press endeavours to share inspirational stories from the literary folklore-fairy tale genre, bringing readers authors who write from the heart, and books which inspire, empower, awaken, amaze and inform.
Our aim is to keep traditional stories and storytelling alive by fostering curiosity about, and understanding and enjoyment of, folklore, fairy tales and myth.
Beginning with our collections featuring folkloric fantasy and fairy tale retellings or re-workings, we hope to pave the way for more beautiful books to enter the world, empowering readers to see their worth and embrace the wisdom woven through each story.
Memories of Secret Cravings Publishing
My very first publisher
My first foray into the world of being a published author was in 2012 with an independent USA publishing house called Secret Cravings. Although they ceased trading in 2015, they made my first publishing experience a true joy and I will always be grateful for everything they taught me. I'm thrilled to announce my Secret Cravings back-list have been acquired for republishing by Serenity Press, and Gumnut Press. It's wonderful to see these original tales find a new home.
Professional Affiliations
Happy 2022 to everyone!
This year should bring some exciting changes to existing books, and hopefully new stories as well. Stay tuned xx