Meet the wonderfully fabulous Rosemary Gallagher

I'm so excited to have the lovely Rosemary Gallagher on Fiction Dreams today. She's such a great gal and therefore I'd like you all to meet her. So let's get started...

Do dreams ever inspire your writing? What did you last dream about?
Definitely! I think it was a dream that inspired me to write my book. And in both my books there are references to dreams that I had. I love going to sleep of a night wondering what movie I will be watching or what movie I will be staring in. :) Luckily, I don't have nightmares. I also write lyrics, and I wrote a song about my dad because of a dream I had of him. Very proud of that song.
My last dream was my seeing my dad (who has passed away). He looked about 45, and was very healthy. He was wearing a hand knitted baby blue jumper which I'd knitted for myself many years ago. It didn't fit that well, lol. He was happy and he was talking to my twin soulmate (who is not in my life) asking him if he liked horse racing (my dad loved it), generally just having a chat with him. Then it was time to go so he said 'goodbye' and walked back off to heaven. I watched him go feeling really happy, because he knew I was okay. My twin soulmate was holding my hand. It was a nice dream.

When did you first start writing? And when were you first published?
I'm a late bloomer. I started my creative writing when I was 50 years old. Although I didn't realise at the time I was going to write a book. I was just journaling a time in my life. One day I re read what I'd written and it made me laugh, so I thought it might make someone else laugh too. So with the help of a professional editor, I wrote my book and published it three years later in April 2013.

What is it about 'chick lit' that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres?
They are always fun, heartfelt and romantic. And who doesn't love a good laugh, good story and romance. I do.
I read lots of different genres - a good fictional drama is a favourite.

Can you tell us a little about your latest book?

It follows the life of Rose O'Carroll, who at the age of 40 leaves her life in Melbourne to embark on a new life in London, under the guidance of her Angels. She is an an eternal optimist and is still seaching for her 'One'. Eventually she meets the handsome American Joe DeMarco; who she later discovers is her twin soulmate - this chance meeting turns her life upside down and takes her on another journey she didn't expect. Everything happens for a reason and Rose begins to understand why she met Joe DeMarco when the timing was wrong. She had someone else she had to meet first and it was only the dishy Dr St Claire.

What inspired you to write it?
Unrequited love!

Who designs your covers?
My friend, Samantha MacKellar

If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?
Colin Firth as - Dr St Claire,
Jason Theoux - as Joe DeMarco
Cate Blanchett - as Rose O'Carroll

What's your favourite 'chick lit' book that made it to the big screen?
Sex and the City

What were the last two books you read?
Forty Rules of Love, by Elif Shafak and
Angels in my Hair, by Lorna Byrne

Name one female author you think deserves to be better known.
Me - lol :)

Where do you write your book.
I originally wrote both my books at work. Now I do my writing in bed, or on my sofa.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I read tarot cards and talk to Angels.

Who would play you in the movie about your life.

Eva Rinaldi Celebrity and Live Music Photographer via photopin cc

It would have to be an Aussie so I'm thinking Cate Blanchett' or American, Julia Roberts if she could master the Aussie accent.

Tell us an interesting fact about where you live.
Sir Ben Kingsley owns an apartment in my block.

What are your (writing) plans for the future?
I have just finished the sequel to I Listened To My Heart, which is called - MAKTUB: It is written. I'm hoping to have it published by Christmas although I might be pushing it.
I have a sequel planned for this as well, so it will be a triology. Then I want to write a novel based on past lives, and I'm doing research into it now.

Tell us one thing that's on your bucket list.
To write the lyrics to a number one hit song, then win a Grammy or an Oscar not fussed which one.

Name one of your all time favourite songs.
Gosh I have so many I can't choose...um, um,
White Christmas by Bing Crosby.

What do you listen to whilst writing
Nothing - I need total silence otherwise I could write anything.

Who (or what) did you want to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be grown up.

Rosemary Louise Gallagher is an author, tarot reader/angel intuitive and lyricist. She was born in Melbourne, Australia and spent most of her life there until moving to London in 2000.
For most of her professional career she worked as a Receptionist in various high profile companies. She recently left her day job to concentrate on her writing and spiritual endeavours. Rosemary has always held a strong interest in the metaphysical, especially the tarot cards and the angelic realm. After settling into her new life in London she began formal tarot studies at the Psychic College of London and has been reading the tarot professionally ever since.
Rosemary discovered her creative a few years ago after an emotional encounter turned her life upside down; I Listened to My Heart is Rosemary's debut novel and although fictional, is inspired by a real life experience. It is an uplifting story of faith, love and friendship. Rosemary is passionate about life and all things spiritual, with a strong interest in twin soul connections.