Fiona Harper

As a child, I was constantly told off for two things: having my nose in a book and living in a dream world. Things haven't changed much since then, but at least in writing I've found a use for my runaway imagination.

I started writing fiction again in 2004 after finding a few scribbled scenes I had written more than a decade ago. I had expected to cringe as I read it, but instead I was pleasantly surprised. A short while later I had an idea for a story, and since my youngest had just started pre-school, I decided to give writing a novel a go.

I joined the RNA in 2005 and submitted my first polished and completed manuscript to their New Writers’ Scheme and nervously awaited the verdict. Much to my delight, they liked it and decided to send it on to Mills & Boon, and by November 2005 I had sold my first book. Getting published has been both a dream come true and a wild rollercoaster ride. I'm hanging on with white knuckles and trying not to scream too hard!

In 2006 I received the RNA's Joan Hessayan New Writers' Award for my first book, Blind-Date Marriage, which also won a Cataromance Reveiwer's Choice award and was nominated in two categories, Best First Book and Best Traditional Romance for the presitgious RITA award in 2007. This year has also brought more good news, with both Her Parenthood Assignment and English Lord, Ordinary Lady making their way onto the shortlist for the RNA's Romance Prize.

I still live in London, but my other favourite places to be are the highlands of Scotland and the English countryside on a summer’s afternoon. I love cooking, good food and anything cinnamon-flavoured. Of course, I still can’t keep away from a good book, or a good movie—especially romances—but only if I'm stocked up with tissues, because I know I'll need them before the end, be it happy or sad.