Since I was just 12 years old, I have known that a writer is all I have ever wanted to be.

 I was born in 1968 and raised in the north-east of England. These days I’m a globe-trotting ex-pat Brit. I love books, movies, music, German Shepherd dogs and wolves. I enjoy meeting other authors, discussing the writing process and some have described me as “an inspirational muse” because I love to help other writers get their own projects off the ground.

I enjoy cooking, black coffee, red wine and I have a devilish, sometimes zany, sense of humor. I can’t resist a practical joke so be warned: if you are ever walking through a door and a bucket of water tips over you … it was most likely me that put it there.

 My novels are mainly revenge-thrillers, some with a supernatural twist.

 Wrath and Remembrance, Comparing Scars, Hitting Back and God's Soldiers run sequentially to form a quartet.

Blood and Water is a separate story, but linked to Comparing Scars through one of the characters.

The stories deal with the themes of murder, revenge, sin, temptation, love, absolution and salvation.

I want people to be entertained by my stories ... but, at the same time, I want my stories to make the reader think about what is around them and ask themselves questions like ...

Am I in control of my own life?

Would I know if someone else was trying to manipulate me?

If I lost my soul, would I know it?

Just because you can't see or hear some things ... it doesn't mean that they don't exist!

I have several books planned and noted for the future.  

No rest for the wicked.

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                                   5.  Romance Industry News  
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If you weren't an author what would you be doing now?: Aside from going crazy? Well I'm still in University so I guess I'd be doing that then working in the Media industry.

 How do you prepare for writing a novel?: Well, I get some junk food, turn on some music, lock myself in my room, turn of the cell phone and let er rip!

 Where do you draw the inspiration from for your characters, the way they behave and act etc?: I draw from what I think the perfect man would be (sure perfect lol) and the kind of man my parents said they wouldnt strangle me for bringing home.  The females though I draw from my friends, people around me, cultures I met in my daily life. They are some wonderful people, most of them.

 Who has been the greatest influence on your life and why?: My parents and friends. My parents told me to shut up about writing and just do it already. My friends (one in particular) threatened to stop speaking to me if I dont get out there and do some kind of writing...that's more of a duress situation but look where it led me?

 What was the turning point in your life that guided you to becoming an author?: A new year's resolution! I sorta had to do it but when I saw that DCL was doing castles I immediately think of hot scottish man, pardon me while I drool.

 Is there a moment in your life that if you had a chance to do again you would and why?: So far, I've been lucky not to have one of those moments. There are moments though that I stop to think that but then think, if I hadn't done it then I wouldn't have met a good friend or I wouldn't have learnt a certain thing...so it's hard to have regrets.

 Tell us something about yourself that is not that widely known that won’t embarrass you?  We wont laugh, promise!: I am highly addicted to Lee Min Woo, Woo Hyuk and Rain (Bi)

 What is your ideal romantic moment?: The lead up to the love scene with Edmond Dantes (Jim Caviezel) in the Count of Monte Cristo. 

If you had a chance to take someone special to any holiday destination in the world, where would it be and why?: Bora Bora. It's warm, there's a beach everywere.

 Do you have any tips for aspiring authors/models who maybe looking at breaking into the romance industry? Be patient. I got reject so many times I am not even gonna go there.  Be patient, do your research on the publishing houses you want to submit to and whatever you do, stay true to what you write.

 If you where to cook a romantic dinner for that special loved one what would it be and also can we have the recipe?: Since I'm Jamaican it would have to be something Jamaican, like jerk chicken and rice and red peas. I dont know the FULL recipe but its really simple:

 One whole Chicken - this you cut up by cutting the legs and wings off first. Season the whole thing with black pepper (ground pepper), paprika, all spice and jerk sauce (only if you're putting it on the grill) and let sit all night in an air tight container. If you're not using the grill do not put the jerk spice on until after you've partially cooked the chicken. (for extra goodness? Fry chicken first until the pieces are brown on all sides, then add the jerk sauce and wrap in an airtight foil container and stick it in the oven)

 The night before, put a half of cup of red peas to soak in water. Then the next day cook until soft. Wash your rice and dump in and let cook in low to medium until the water is gone and the rice is soft (not mushy but soft).

 You can serve this with a bottle of Red Label Wine (which may be hard to get in foreign countries *blush* sorry)

 Are you a romantic at heart and do you have silk sheets for that special evening?: Why DCL *blush*! lol. Yah, I try not to be a romantic at heart but I can't help it. I still read certain romance stories and sob my brain out and when I saw "PS I love You" I was a sobbing mess. But I digress, no I don't have silk sheets.....yet. dun dun dunnnn!

           This phrase, “Don’t move or I’ll shoot,” brings back a lot of memories to this former MP.   I recall holding my Army issued, Nine Mil Beretta in my hands during a confrontation, and saying those exact words.

           How times have changed!   I’ve traded my uniform and sidearm in for a laptop and camera.  And the Nine Mil has been replaced by a Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera and pointing it at someone with the intent to shoot is necessary and a very good thing!

           DCL is growing by leaps and bounds; creating a lovely dilemma for me.  We need more photos of our Dark Lords to put on our book covers!!!  Therefore, I find myself preparing for the first of several photo shoots at a castle that is nestled in the scenic Hocking Hills region of Ohio.  Ravenwood Castle is a 12th century Norman style stronghold that has been transformed into a bed and breakfast.  Yes, dear readers, a B &B!!  Not only do we get to photograph this keep, we also get to sleep within its lovely stone walls!!!  And to top that off, we will be accompanied by a few of our Dark Lords!!!  Talk about a fantasy come true!!!   (You can read more about this wonderful place by going to www.ravenwoodcastle.com.)

           I can’t just grab my camera and head to the castle though.  There is a lot of planning ahead of time to make this shoot a success.  It’s time to go through my checklist of things to do before I even set foot on Ravenwood lands.

1.     Call the castle to make my reservations to stay in the King Arthur suite and then the second night in the Silversmith’s cottage.   Check.

2.     Contact the Dark Lords to let them know when and where the photo shoot will be.  Check.

3.     Brainstorm on what photos I want from which Dark Lords.  Even though we are going to be at a castle, I want to make sure we shoot some contemporary scenes as well.  Check.

4.     Begin gathering props, costumes, etc. for each Dark Lord.  Check.

5.     Contact each Dark Lord to make sure they know what they are to bring with them to the shoot.  Check.

6.     Put the camera though a thorough cleaning so I’m able to get the best photos possible of our Dark Lords.  Double Check.

7.     Confirm my reservations for dinner at the castle.  Check.

8.     Contact the Dark Lords who are attending the shoot to make sure they remember what time to arrive at the castle.  You know our brave Lords…they are so busy defending our beloved Castle Blackwood and protecting our ladies that they need constant reminding of what their schedule is.  Check.

9.     Call my Rear Detachment Commander to let them know where I will be just in case of emergency.  Gotta love this Army life!  LOL  Check.

10.  Pack the carriage (Suzuki XL-7) and feed the horses (fill with gas) LOL.  Check.

11.  Print the directions from Mapquest.  Check.

12.  Get the kids settled in at the babysitters, making sure I leave them with their dad’s cell phone so I can call to check on them from time to time.  Make sure I brief the babysitter about my son’s obsession with the video game features on the phone!  Check

Ok…I’m ready to go!!!  Perhaps I’ll even get a few photos of myself this time!

Stay tuned for next month’s Newsletter when I give you a report of which Dark Lords attend and what happens at the photo shoot!!!  And if you’re lucky, I might even share a few photos with you!

Hugs, kisses, and happy reading;

Annie