Elaine Fraser, author of Beautiful: beauty tips for the soul and Too Beautiful: more beauty tips for the soul is from Perth, Western Australia. After many years of teaching English and Drama in secondary schools, she now spends her time writing and travelling the world. Although Elaine was best known for her non-fiction work, she has branched out into inspirational fiction. She has published two young adult novels in the Beautiful Lives series: Perfect Mercy and Love, Justice. The third book, Amazing Grace is due out in 2015. ‘I write books that are honest, concerned with real lives and issues with a spiritual edge. I remember reading books as a girl that inspired me to be a better person. To Kill A Mockingbird and Little Women are two examples. ‘My books are contemporary and don’t always have the perfect ending. Life is not perfect, however, if we live the best life we can in any circumstance, we will flourish.’ Elaine is passionate about serving others and has volunteered in various capacities – as a youth leader, drama coach, events management and, most recently, in the Riverview Children’s Foundation. Since 2005, Elaine has worked as an education consultant for Transform Cambodia, as a coordinator of training programs for Khmer teachers. Mentoring and assisting young writers has become a part of Elaine’s life. ‘The saying goes, once a teacher, always a teacher. I’m not able to teach in a regular classroom because of my nomadic lifestyle, but I can teach and encourage young writers. Each year, she and her husband Steve donate time and skills to non-profit organizations. Steve Fraser is a world-renowned photographer and 2014-2015 Ambassador for Water for Africa. Elaine and Steve also travel extensively. From Antarctica, to Cambodia and beyond their travels open up new opportunities to build, not only their own careers and creative pursuits, but to share their time and skills wherever they are needed. Leaving traditional careers and creating a ‘new normal’ has meant that their lives are often the envy of others. ‘People say I have the dream life. I get to do what I love – write, study, travel, mentor writers and enjoy living in one of the best cities in the world with my wonderful husband, young adult children and golden retriever, Bear,’ Elaine says. ‘I agree with Marc Anthony when he said, If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. Elaine blogs at www.elainefraser.co