I have always loved to write. I live in Sydney Australia with my wonderful man and his two young boys. I work as a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Aged Care, in my day job. Telling a fun story women can relate to is great therapy for me. Australians have a great sense of humour, and I enjoy showcasing this in my books. I started to write my first full novel 4 years ago, and have just published my first work titled Crayons and Chaos, my little novella.
Where did the inspiration for your novella Crayons and Chaos come from?
It is a fun story inspired by my real life experience of becoming an instant step mum to two young boys, at the age of forty one, having no children of my own.
I wanted children of my own, but life had other plans for me. Following a marriage breakup, I fell in love with a wonderful man, who had two young boys from a previous relationship.
A few months into our relationship, I was introduced to his offspring. We discussed having his kids week on and week off, meaning I would be taking on a lot, as my partner works shift work. I thought, what the hell am I getting myself into? I dived in head first, despite my fears.
Suddenly I was a step mum to two boisterous boys, and my life has never been the same since. My life as I knew it, had changed forever.Real life is often the best inspiration for a story. This book is a light-hearted romp through the ups and downs of step parent-hood. A large chunk of the plot is based on true events, with a bit of poetic justice thrown in.
It was a fun story to write, as I reflected on both challenging moments, and some great laughs with the kids. I hope my readers enjoy the story of Natalie, and her experience of wrangling two miniature terrorists.
Describe Natalie in three words.
Real
Strong
Honest
