Welcome, Laney!
Tell us about what you write.
Under my ‘real name’ as well as this pseudonym, I write across a number of genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, light sci-fi romance, dark romance, women’s fiction, and erotic fiction, both novellas and novels.
What drew you to writing?
I fell in love with Enid Blyton’s stories when I learned to read, at around three years of age. Growing up in country Australia, we had no television, no entertainment other than what the seaside and country offered (okay, so that wasn’t exactly a hardship…picture the gorgeous South Australian coast, and the rolling plains of the Riverlands…) and I’d lose myself in the Enchanted Wood. I read the books to my children, multiple times, and still have all the original copies. When you love something that much, I guess it’s only natural to want to emulate your idol, in some fashion, even if not by writing in the same genre (which is not to say I don’t have a fairy story beneath my bed…
Tell us about HOOK: THE LURE OF THE MER Book One:
Marine biologist, Jayde Collins, has a love affair with the ocean. Lucky for her, because lately, swimming is the only way she can get satisfactorily wet. While out diving, she's caught by the crew of a trawler, beaten, and dumped as shark bait. Rescued and magically healed by a hot lifeguard, she's not sure if she's dreaming—but with the fantasy he presents, she's sure she doesn’t want to wake.
Trent Okeanós leads an elite group of Australian lifeguards who hide a secret; they are the last of the Mer. Their law forbids relations with humans unless specific conditions are met. But when Trent saves Jayde, he’s unprepared for the choice he must make; to fall in love and claim her as his own, he must sacrifice his immortality.
Tell us about your experience with the publishing process.
Always greedy, and never patient, I’ve a finger in every pie! Agented under my real name, I’m both traditionally published and indie published under my pseudonym.
Any new projects on the horizon?
I have a series of four books, CAT SHIFTERS OF AAIDAR out with my co-writer, Christina. The follow up to this book, LINE: THE LURE OF THE MER Book Two, comes out in a few weeks…and a third book, a contemporary romance based in Hawaii, will be released by The Wild Rose Press in a few months.
Christina and I are working on two new series, and I’m writing sequels to both THE LURE OF THE MER and my new Hawaii-based series (remember what I said about fingers and pies, right?)
Words of advice for fellow writers in the trenches:
I’m sure everyone says it, but that’s because it’s true – keep on writing. It’s a craft, there’s always room for improvement, and you will improve. Get yourself a range of critique partners—you need those who will pad your ego, pat your back and provide a safe space for venting. But be aware that you also need those with a firm hand to run the red pen through your work.
What was the hardest/most unusual/interesting part of the story to write/research? Never having studied ancient history, I had to make certain I had the lesser Greek gods straight!
Speed Round!
Oxford comma, yes or no? Yes, I think. Maybe. Hang on, I’m not sure, ask my editor…!
Ice cream? Yuk. Zip. Nothing. Nada. Not a fan.
Coffee or tea or wine? Yes, please. Oh, was that an either/or question?
What does your desk look like? I’ve just spent the princely sum of $5 on this second desk that is absolutely perfect for a nook in my library. Or perfect as a cat bed, apparently. (picture attached)
What is your writing vice or must-haves? A double shot of coffee.
Where is your favorite place you've visited? Oooh, a toss up between New Zealand and Hawaii….and I’ve road tripped right around Australia, which is spectacular!
(I love New Zealand — let’s chat about that sometime!)
You have a time travel machine: past or future? Where/when? I’ve a book set in 1870’s country South Australia, and I’d love to nip back and check if all my research was correct!
How many hours a day do you write? At least six hours a day, seven days a week—though much of this time is spent mentoring other writers.
Favorite childhood book? The Magic Faraway Tree/Enchanted Wood
