Rachel Mathews - Author

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Better Reading’s 12 days of Christmas

Your definitive list

January 1, 2024
In The Media
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Better Reading’s 12 days of Christmas

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Your definitive list

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Rachel Matthews - Author
About Rachel

Dr Rachel Matthews is a Melbourne author, lecturer and teacher. Her debut novel Vinyl Inside received strong press reviews and was highly commended by the Australian Vogel Award judges.

Discover Rachel's Books

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In The Media

Herald Sun Review

Life is a minefield of cringes. They await one, ready to mar the most precious moments or, worse, to turn one so

November 23, 2023 No Comments
Changing Trends in Dating – Rachel Matthews Interview on Nine News
In The Media

Changing Trends in Dating – Nine News

Rachel was interviewed by Monika Cos on Nine News… watch the interview below View this post on Instagram A post shared by

November 9, 2023 No Comments
Events

RAW Readers Are Writers Shepparton

We are all storytellers…. Have you always wanted to explore creative writing but not known how to take the first step? Then

May 26, 2026 No Comments

Workshops

Rachel’s workshops are for all regardless of experience! Safe, fun, interactive and informative, these sessions can be tailored to your needs. Workshop

May 26, 2026 No Comments

Get a preview of my latest book

Subscribe to read the first 7 chapters of Rachel’s new book “Never Look Desperate”, as well as regular updates

Meet Ayanda from Sth Africa, excited to be arriving soon in Australia...we met on my working trip through Polynesia, running literature seminars on a lovely vessel called Quantum of the Seas...Ayanda says when all else fails, dance ♥️
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Meet Ayanda from Sth Africa, excited to be arriving soon in Australia...we met on my...

Over a month ago, @womensagenda published my article. The case remains under police investigation, yet the silence is striking. It is the very silence around women and football that I explore in my PhD and novel Siren. #aflw #integritymatters #respectwomen #languagematters #FootballCulture
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Over a month ago, @womensagenda published my article. The case remains under police investigation, yet...

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For several years, Trevor Chappell welcomed me as co-presenter on @abcinmelbourne Overnights for monthly writing...

A suburban affair, a librarian's lyrical language, a grandfather's machinery, a teacup holding time, forever friendships, the thump of new cities...lots of talent in the Tullamarine Writer's group who met on Sat for a Readers Are Writers session at the lovely local library. And a surprise visit from Nicole E. Hughes who drove two hours from the Goulburn Valley to share her new collection of poetry (see pic). She said a RAW workshop a few years ago helped her find confidence and create Rural Pixie Musings, publisher of microfiction. How brilliant. Quote of the day, 'No more writing about sex,' said Peter. Thanks to the wonderful Alessandro and Elizabeth and the friendly library team for a fun morning and for wrestling the photocopier! Public libraries are precious ❤️ #ReadersAreWriters #TullamarineWriters #CreativeWriting #AustralianWriters #WritersCommunity
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A suburban affair, a librarian's lyrical language, a grandfather's machinery, a teacup holding time, forever...

​I love books that dive into complex subjects and blur genres. ​The Time After Now by Anne Freeman delivers a very human and moving account of disability, love, rave culture and how timing impacts our life choices... ​Don't miss this gem 💫 ​#AnneFreeman #TimeAfterNow #AustralianLiterature #DisabilityFiction #RaveCulture
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​I love books that dive into complex subjects and blur genres.

​The Time After Now...

Looking forward to meeting the Tullamarine Writers' group and library community this Saturday! Sponsored by @humelibraries, it is no cost and open to everyone, 10am to 12pm. A few spots left! Thanks to Jaqui and the team❤️ See Events highlights for the link. . . . @humecitycouncil #humelibraries #ReadersAreWriters #writingworkshop #womenwriters #regionalvictoria #melbourneevents @transitloungepublishing @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings
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Looking forward to meeting the Tullamarine Writers' group and library community this Saturday!

Sponsored by...

As an antitodote to peptide madness and the battering of body ideals, here is 'A New Kind of Beautiful' by my writing buddy, the talented Suzy Zail. Paige is a young woman losing her sight but not her ability to touch people through her art. I love this book, don't miss it ❤️ Published by @walkerbooksaus 📚 #ANewKindOfBeautiful #SuzyZail #BodyImage #BeautyStandards #AustralianBooks YAFiction
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As an antitodote to peptide madness and the battering of body ideals, here is 'A...

You will love the world a little more after you experience this beautiful book by my clever friend Ilka. It takes courage to give space to the unspeakable, wrapped in a lot of heart.. don't miss it ❤️ #HowToLoveTheWorld #IlkaTampke #SummitBooks #AustralianBooks #Bookstagram
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You will love the world a little more after you experience this beautiful book by...

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Lost in the sublime sound of Brian Matthews and Wade Gregory, with the Goulburn Valley...

Need a break from bin night or getting your tax ready? This Thursday eve, join me at the lovely Shepparton Library for a relaxed evening of storytelling and writing, part of Library Victoria's Libraries After Dark program 2026. Through RAW workshops across Australia and overseas and my writing segment on ABC Radio's Overnights, I've met office workers, year 12 students, nurses, new parents, truck drivers, retirees, travellers, circus performers, mountaim climbers, musicians, tradies and plenty of others. The common thread is: 'I don't know where to start.' But everyone has a story ❤️ If you've ever stayed up late turning pages, you already know more about writing than you realise. We'll explore where ideas come from, try simple activities and discover how everyday moments can become stories. As Chekhov said, find the 'extraordinary in the ordinary'. There'll also be refreshments, good company and opportunities to chat with people from your community. Listen in or share if you dare. A few spots still available! 😊 To book: contact Shepparton Library on 1300 374765, email shepparton@gvlibraries.com.au or visit the GV Libraries Facebook page. #Shepparton #GVLibraries #GreaterShepparton #ReadersAreWriters #RAWWriting #WritingWorkshop #CreativeWriting #Storytelling #RegionalVictoria #LibrariesChangeLives #WritersCommunity #BookLovers #WritingLife #SheppartonEvents #GoulburnValley Greater Shepparton City Council Shepparton News The Adviser ABC Radio Melbourne ABC Radio Australia Society of Women Writers Victoria
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Need a break from bin night or getting your tax ready?

This Thursday eve, join...

Don't miss the magnificent Justine Sless, comedy that strips back the chaos and infuses with wit and pathos..❤️ #MelbourneComedyFestival #MICF #MelbourneEvents #ComedyMelbourne #LiveComedy StandUpAustralia JustineSless MCShowroom WhatsOnMelbourne MelbourneNights ThingsToDoMelbourne ComedyNight LaughOutLoud SupportLiveComedy AussieComedy WomenInComedy FunnyWomen FestivalSeason MelbourneLife NightOutMelbourne CheapTickets BravoShow YorkshireTeaVibes
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Don't miss the magnificent Justine Sless, comedy that strips back the chaos and infuses with...

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this post contains the name and images of a deceased person. In my home town of Shepparton, this statue commemorates Uncle William Cooper (1860 to 1941), a Yorta Yorta man who, despite having no legal rights in his own country, led a march to the German Consulate in Melbourne to deliver a letter protesting the Nazi persecution of Jewish people, who he said were fellow citizens of the world. When I stand and look at the beautiful bronzed form of a remarkable human, it is hard to believe the void that was our high school lessons in 'Australian history' ❤️💛🖤
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Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this post contains the name...

Thanks to @womensagenda for giving space to this conversation... CW: This article contains references to sexual violence. #womeninsports #breakthesilence #authorslife #changethegame #womensissues
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Thanks to @womensagenda for giving space to this conversation...
CW: This article contains references to...

We met Priscilla at the Coachman Inn tonight, Parkes. Great to see women in Elvis suits, an alternative Elvis and lots of rockabilly. Then the treat of a burnt orange sky on the way back to Victoria, sending love to friends in country areas, stay safe ❤️
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We met Priscilla at the Coachman Inn tonight, Parkes. Great to see women in Elvis...

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It's a story... of a bunch of Australian authors, who shared some unforgettable moments in...

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In these shocking and very sad recent days, communities feel more important than ever.

The...

Finally. All students in Victoria will learn the real history of our state. 💛❤️🖤 #Treaty #TrueHistory #Victoria #Education #MovingForward
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Finally. All students in Victoria will learn the real history of our state.
💛❤️🖤
#Treaty...

素敵 Suteki: Beautiful Japan (and the big buddha HK) ❤️ . . . #beautifulspaces #royalcaribbeancruise #travelwriting #japantravels #storytellingphotography #royalcaribbeaninternational #cruisetime #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #japanlove #japanoninsta #culturaljourney #momentsintime #travelwithpurpose #travelmood @royalcaribbean @royalcaribbeanasia @royalcaribbeanhk #traveloften #goexplorewander #adventureanywhere #havingagoodtime #authorslife #storiesoftheeveryday #bucketlisttravel #fictionwriter #australianauthor #australianauthors #aussieauthor #actionadventure #traveldiary #japangram
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素敵 Suteki: Beautiful Japan (and the big buddha HK) ❤️
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#beautifulspaces #royalcaribbeancruise...

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚: 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧/𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 🚢✨ In the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting writing workshops across Australia, Nepal and Finland - but this ship journey from Hong Kong to Japan was unique! Sailing through late Autumn into Winter, on sea days we explored themes like sacred places and sensory stories through craft, history and food. What a privilege to hear pieces created by our global audience (from Finland, Alabama, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Hong Kong, Philippines, to Chile!). The audience also experienced Japanese poetry, origami and an impromptu Sumba dance performance (alongside my Mum’s art works from Country Vic on the big screen). Off the ship we enjoyed the reds and golds of Japan in late Autumn (Fukuoka, Saiki Minato, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Sasebo). 𝘼 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚: Whiteness, the sound of winter, walking in the rain on cold, frosty days, Hong Kong skies, sombreness, Northern Lights, low-laying sun, soft snow falling like a blanket, plum pudding, prawns and sunshine, mother: warm towels, soup and dumplings, crisp air, a mountain walk to grandparents, the joys of model trains, Freddy the dog’s obsessions, whiskey in Scottish snow and kilt surprises, riding a horse in elbow-deep whiteness, Christmas with Grandma, city blocks at first-snow… A thank you to Pastor Paul from San Francisco for his incredible bilingual reading, (performed in English and fluent Cantonese in front of his very proud husband). My favourite lines: 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘭𝘴 𝘶𝘱𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘈 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵, 𝘢 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺, “𝘏𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘪𝘬!”- 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘺 Grateful to the superb Roma (Events Management) and sound tech master Miguel, the wonderful audience and Spectrum of the Seas crew, representing 41 countries! And to James as always, IT and green-tea expert, photography and comic relief ❤️ . . . #royalcaribbeancruise #japantravels #writingworkshop #travelwriting #authorslife
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𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚: 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧/𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 🚢✨
In the past few years, I’ve had the privilege...

Meet Erwin from the Philippines, a dining manager with lightning skills and great humour, grabbing a few hours of sunshine between shifts in Sasebo (a port city in Japan with US influences post WW2). After months at sea, he can't wait to see his family in Jan. Erwin swears by ginger for seasickness (we've had a a few rough passages). Pressure-point wristbands worked for me. Placebo? The best part of running seminars on a ship is the people. Crew and passengers from 41 countries. More soon. The ocean internet has also been a wild ride. 新しい友達 Atarashī tomodachi (new friends) ❤️ . . . #beautifulspaces #royalcaribbeancruise #travelwriting #japantravels #storytellingphotography #royalcaribbeaninternational #cruisetime #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #japanlove #japanoninsta #culturaljourney #momentsintime #travelwithpurpose #travelmood @royalcaribbean @royalcaribbeanasia @royalcaribbeanhk #traveloften #goexplorewander #adventureanywhere #havingagoodtime #authorslife #storiesoftheeveryday #bucketlisttravel #fictionwriter #australianauthor #australianauthors #aussieauthor #actionadventure #traveldiary #japangram
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Meet Erwin from the Philippines, a dining manager with lightning skills and great humour, grabbing...

• Women celebrating women in later life • People celebrating women • Women on bikes • Women navigating grief and violence with tenacity and grace. • Women with secret suburban lovers. • First Nations women leading the way. • Our honorary Meno Man VIP Tony Birch in fine form! Snapshots of our recent final event for 2025 in Fitzroy. Enormous thanks to Ian and Rob from the @tinpot_fitzroynorth, famous for its friendly, fun atmosphere...not forgetting the legendary cherry pie — and to the lovely Katie Smith from @ramonabookshop. Thanks also to our fabulous facilitator, the always entertaining @trishboltonwriter and Tony B for the pleasure of his readings. What a feisty, wonderful crowd❤️ . . . #MenoTour #melbourneevents #menopausematters #melbournelifestyle #ilovemelbourne #melbourneliving #authorevent #aussieauthor #spilledwords #writingsociety @cityofyarra @uqpbooks @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @rmitwp @literary_listings #writercommunity #australianauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #storiesoftheeveryday #spilledwords #fictionwriter
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• Women celebrating women in later life
• People celebrating women
• Women on bikes...

• Women celebrating women in later life • People celebrating women • Women on bikes • Women navigating grief and violence with tenacity and grace. • Women with secret suburban lovers. • First Nations women leading the way. • Our honorary Meno Man VIP Tony Birch in fine form! Snapshots of our recent final event for 2025 in Fitzroy. Enormous thanks to Ian and Rob from the @tinpot_fitzroynorth, famous for its friendly, fun atmosphere...not forgetting the legendary cherry pie — and to the lovely Katie Smith from @ramonabookshop. Thanks also to our fabulous facilitator, the always entertaining @trishboltonwriter. What a feisty, wonderful crowd❤️ . . . #MenoTour #melbourneevents #menopausematters #melbournelifestyle #ilovemelbourne #melbourneliving #authorevent #aussieauthor #spilledwords #writingsociety @cityofyarra @uqpbooks @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @rmitwp @literary_listings #writercommunity #australianauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #storiesoftheeveryday #spilledwords #fictionwriter
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• Women celebrating women in later life
• People celebrating women
• Women on bikes...

Having Love Boat fantasies...grateful for a 12 day gig on a ship to Japan, a lovely vessel ‘#SpectrumoftheSeas’ departed Hong Kong today..will be running workshops featuring Japanese stories, Murakami, Autumn haiku, Bruce Lee’s philosophies, chatted to a young man describing life in a HK bedsit on 70th floor...first stop Fukoana ❤️ . . . #beautifulspaces #royalcaribbeancruise #travelwriting #japantravels #storytellingphotography #royalcaribbeaninternational #cruisetime #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #japanlove #japanoninsta #culturaljourney #momentsintime #travelwithpurpose #travelmood @royalcaribbean @royalcaribbeanasia @royalcaribbeanhk #traveloften #goexplorewander #adventureanywhere #havingagoodtime #authorslife #storiesoftheeveryday #bucketlisttravel #fictionwriter #australianauthor #australianauthors #aussieauthor #actionadventure #traveldiary #japangram
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Having Love Boat fantasies...grateful for a 12 day gig on a ship to Japan, a...

Need a rescue....or a standout latte? Ian and Rob the dynamic duo are at hand, owners of the gorgeous @tinpot_fitzroynorth....our hosts last night with Tony rockstar Birch as guest and the divine @trishboltonwriter, facilitator....big thanks to the rowdy crowd and Katie from @ramonabookshop! More snaps coming soon ❤️ . . . . . . #MenoTour #melbourneevents #menopausematters #melbournelifestyle #ilovemelbourne #melbourneliving #authorevent #aussieauthor #spilledwords #writingsociety @cityofyarra @uqpbooks @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #writercommunity #australianauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #storiesoftheeveryday #spilledwords #fictionwriter
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Need a rescue....or a standout latte? Ian and Rob the dynamic duo are at hand,...

𝘈 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺, 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥.. Magical moments from a collection by our VIP guest at the recent Sam Merrifield library (@mooneevalleylibraries), @mooneevalleycitycouncil. @justinesless’s beautiful treasure chest of stories, Measured, Silk & Other Stories, celebrates everyday people and women in later life (who exist without yoga and Qantas points and cafes)... Huge thanks to the hilarious and insightful Justine (comedian/author/health facilitator), who brought the sass, guided by the clever @trishboltonwriter, facilitator extraordinaire and co-host this year. And to our delightful, eclectic crowd—we loved the tender moments and chuckles ❤️ An enormous shout out to the brilliant library events crew: Kelvin Frost (who shall be very missed after decades of community care - remember the novel), James our tireless roadie and the amazing Alex, Eda and team. Your care was exceptional. Public libraries are sanctuaries for everyone, providing friendship, safety and cups of tea. Join us for our final 2025 meno-women event featuring author Tony Birch on Thursday, November 20th, 6 PM at @tinpot_fitzroynorth. Get Tickets Here, standing room only left: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1485916 #MenoTour #melbourneevents #menopausematters . . . #MenoTour #melbourneevents #menopausematters #melbournelifestyle #ilovemelbourne #melbourneliving #authorevent #aussieauthor #spilledwords #writingsociety @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @lindsaybamfield @writersvictoria @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @rmitwp @literary_listings #writercommunity #australianauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #storiesoftheeveryday #spilledwords #fictionwriter
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𝘈 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺, 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳,...

How do you spend birthdays? When @gailrice.psych.writes, Sydney psychologist and writer turned 70, she weighed up two options: jump out of a plane or hire an escort. Her article re the experience (and requesting a refund later) has since been picked up by the New York Times, The Times (London) and Yumi Stynes on ABC Radio. What an afternoon at @theroyaloak, Balmain, Sydney—once a powerhouse of working-class industry, shipyards and unions, where big ideas have always had a home. Our VIP guest Gail, read beautifully from her piece in public for the first time, to an eclectic crowd of all ages and backgrounds. Nice to have some men in the house too. Big thanks to the lovely Maureen Thornett and the Royal Oak team. We missed co-host @trishboltonwriter — my Thelma ❤️ Read more: NYT/Modern Love (articles and podcasts) https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/01/podcasts/gail-rice-escort.html | iNews UK https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/turned-70-hired-male-escort-sensuality-desire-young-3971238 . . . #sydneyevents #womenwriters #menopausematters #menotour #innerwestsydney #midlife #midlifewomen #midlifewellness #betterwithage #menopausematters #menopausesupport #sydneycity #sydneyfolk #sydneycommunity #visitsydney #sydneystyle #sydneylifestyle @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @rmitwp @literary_listings #womenwriters #womenauthors #australianauthor #aussieauthor #authorslife #femaleauthors #writingsociety #writercommunity #communityevent #communityevents #perimenopausesupport #midlifecrisis #perimenopausehealth
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How do you spend birthdays? When @gailrice.psych.writes, Sydney psychologist and writer turned 70, she weighed...

What happens when Tony Birch wears a red cape? Join us to find out.... I can’t wait to sit with two of my favourite writers, Tony (our VIP guest) and @trishboltonwriter, at the gorgeous @tinpot_fitzroynorth, 6 pm, 20 Nov, as we celebrate the power, wit and beauty of women in later life. A special way to top off our 2025 national tour where Trish and I have been privileged to meet people across regional and urban Australia. Audience-friendly and interactive, with hosts the lovely @ramonabookshop. Limited seats, go to: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1485916 . . . #MenoTour #melbourneevents #menopausematters #melbournelifestyle #ilovemelbourne #melbourneliving #authorevent #aussieauthor #spilledwords #writingsociety @cityofyarra @uqpbooks @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #writercommunity #australianauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #storiesoftheeveryday #spilledwords #fictionwriter
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What happens when Tony Birch wears a red cape? Join us to find out....

I...

Huge thanks to the brilliant Melbourne author and performer, Dr @sianpriorshy, our VIP guest at Woodend Library. What a skill to move from memoir to mischief in a moment! ❤️ . . . #menotour #womenwriters #contemporaryfiction #macedonranges #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #centralvictoria #authorevent #womenauthors #spilledwords #writingsociety @goldfieldslibraries @macedonrangessc @trishboltonwriter @text_publishing @rmitwp @literary_listings @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria #writercommunity #australianauthor #aussieauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #SayYesToYou #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness
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Huge thanks to the brilliant Melbourne author and performer, Dr @sianpriorshy, our VIP guest at...

Parlaiment has never looked so good ❤️💛🖤
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Parlaiment has never looked so good ❤️💛🖤

Women are mighty at every age. There’s more to celebrate about later life than beige cardigans and whether Robert Irwin wins Dancing with the Stars. In a sold out event at the lovely Cheltenham library, local women (and two brave men) shared wisdom, laughs and tender truths, smashing tropes with great wit and insight, with our brilliant and very entertaining VIP guest @jacquie_byron, @trishboltonwriter (our gun facilitator) and I. A huge thanks to Dani, Leanne, Ivan, Claire, and the crew for a full house that left us with full hearts. . . . #menopausematters #menotour #kingstonlibraries #cityofkingston #melbourneevents #womenwriters #midlifewomen #midlife #contemporaryfiction #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram @kingston.libraries @kingstoncouncil @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @rmitwp @literary_listings #writingcommunityofig #womenauthors #agepositive #ownyourstory #authorevent #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #spilledwords #writingsociety #writercommunity #freeevent #communityevent #communityevents
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Women are mighty at every age. There’s more to celebrate about later life than beige...

Thank you to the legendary Dr @carmelbird53 (Australian literary icon and author of more than thirty books) for gracing our Menopause Is Not a Use-By Date session at @bendigolibrary with her trademark humour, warmth and fearless intelligence. A reminder that a woman’s voice only grows more powerful, more playful and more essential with time ❤️ . . . #bendigo #menotour #womenwriters #menopausematters #explorebendigo #centralvictoria #regionalvictoria #countryvictoria #victoriaaustralia #authorevent #womenauthors #spilledwords #writingsociety @transitloungepublishing @trishboltonwriter @goldfieldslibraries @cityofgreaterbendigo @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #writercommunity #australianauthor #aussieauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #SayYesToYou #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth
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Thank you to the legendary Dr @carmelbird53 (Australian literary icon and author of more than...

Come to the spectacular Capitol Theatre! The RMIT Odyssey literary festival is in full swing today, an incredible student led program ❤️
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Come to the spectacular Capitol Theatre! The RMIT Odyssey literary festival is in full swing...

It was an honour to have Louise Le Nay as our #MenoTour VIP guest panelist. We’re excited to see her novel Edenhope included on the @readingsbooks Fiction Shortlist ❤️ . . . #womenwriters #contemporaryfiction #macedonranges #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #centralvictoria #authorevent #womenauthors #spilledwords #writingsociety @sthgrampiansshire @text_publishing @trishboltonwriter #writercommunity #australianauthor #aussieauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory #midlifewomen #SayYesToYou #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness
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It was an honour to have Louise Le Nay as our #MenoTour VIP guest panelist....

In a time when women across the world face days we cannot imagine, this was a precious experience. After arriving in Gunditjmara country, @sthgrampiansshire post a long drive from Warrnambool, James escaped from the car at the Bandicoot Motel (named after the local sanctuary), after suffering through 3.5 hours of @trishboltonwriter and I discussing life, the galaxies and everything in between. Our VIP Louise Le Nay’s magnificent readings held the room in a hush then set it laughing again. Women told us, ‘It is so good to have these conversations.’ Thank you to the library team, Jenny Poynton, Bianca and Chris, to @bellcourtbooks and James on camera and comedy. Beauty, courage, community. Highlights: • Louise Le Nay’s Judi Dench delivery • The eloquent F-bomb • Commentary from regional women, radiant and real • Trish’s beautiful characters, learning to live again • ABBA on entry • Morning tea from local bakers • Stories of love and loss held with care • Challenges to the tired tropes • The Big Bandicoot • The double rainbow farewell over green paddocks❤️ . . . #menopausematters #menotour #womenwriters #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #explorevictoria #countryvictoria #midlifewomen #midlife #contemporaryfiction @text_publishing @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #womenauthors #agepositive #ownyourstory #authorevent #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #spilledwords #writingsociety #writercommunity #freeevent #communityevent #communityevents
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In a time when women across the world face days we cannot imagine, this was...

Grateful for our time at the wondrous @warrnamboollibrary – a sanctuary of light, books and shiny floors. Georgie,Jackie, Megan and team, alongside James (library sound tech) made us feel right at home, while our James (roadie and entertainer) kept spirits high during this afternoon of conversation, stories and writing. Our VIP @thirty_books (Stella Glorie) brought sassy new characters, @trishboltonwriter moved us with friendship and loss and the audience wrote about the beauty, pain and joy of women’s lives in later life. Enormous thanks to @womenshealthbsw for their support. Highlights: ✨ Light streaming through the grand walkway at the library entrance 📚 The smell of books and the echo of footsteps on shiny floors 💬 Chatter and smiles in the lounge area 👓 Writing about a mother, clutching her glasses ❤️ Writing about returning to a place of love and pain 🧵 Stories of Sportsgirl, resin and red fabric 👀 Tales of seeing someone for the first time, in a long-term relationship 🚗 Our interstate guest Mary and loyal Menowomen groupie Ange 🌿 Green fields and sparkling skies as we rolled on to Hamilton. Public libraries are the heart of regional communities 💚📚 . . . #warrnambool #menopausematters #menotour #womenwriters #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #explorevictoria #countryvictoria #midlifewomen #midlife #contemporaryfiction #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram @warrnamboolcity @allenandunwin @transitloungepublishing @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #writingcommunityofig #womenauthors #agepositive #ownyourstory #authorevent #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #spilledwords #writingsociety #writercommunity #freeevent #communityevent #communityevents
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Grateful for our time at the wondrous @warrnamboollibrary – a sanctuary of light, books and...

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8 decades on, my dad, the jazz man
(on clarinet, Commercial Club hotel Albury) ❤️...

@CityofGreaterBendigo gave us fruit bats, blooming gardens and sunshine (and a mysterious red wig), before a Friday night to remember at the beautiful @bendigolibrary 🌿✨ In a climate feeling overwhelming, these public sanctuaries provide a safe and warm place, for everyone. A treat to host the one and only @carmelbird53 as our guest, reading beautifully from her Patrick White Award-winning novel ‘Family Skeleton’. Carmel was radiant in silk and colours. ‘Live with heart,’ her reminder, leaving a hush across the crowd. @trishboltonwriter, facilitator extraordinaire, kept it playful and provocative. Huge thanks to Wendy at @bookishbendigo, a gem of a bookstore and community hub and to the audience who called the conversations entertaining and challenging. Lovely to catch up with @RMITuniversity alumni and author @mslisabigelow and family. Special nod to library manager Robin Pearson, wearing tourmaline quartz for luck and his vision of a library of ideas and inclusivity. And James, our roadie and muse. PS: highlight post event, waiting for plant burgers in the Hungry Jack’s carpark while Trish and I pondered the glamorous life of authors ❤️ . . . #bendigo #menotour #womenwriters #menopausematters #SayYesToYou #explorebendigo #centralvictoria #regionalvictoria #countryvictoria #victoriaaustralia #midlifewomen #midlife #contemporaryfiction #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram @goldfieldslibraries @transitloungepublishing @allenandunwin @rmitwp @literary_listings #writingcommunityofig #womenauthors #agepositive #ownyourstory #authorevent #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #spilledwords #writingsociety #writercommunity #australianauthor
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@CityofGreaterBendigo gave us fruit bats, blooming gardens and sunshine (and a mysterious red wig), before...

Next stop for @trishboltonwriter and I, the gorgeous @goldfieldslibraries, where Emma, Sue and the Woodend Library team made us very welcome. The wise and witty audience expressed a big no to tired tropes about women in later life, shared laughs and reflective moments and applauded the mighty storytelling of our VIP guest Dr @sianshyprior, queen of memoir and all things writing. Then chats and writer’s therapy at the cosy 600 Above with local authors Ilka Tampke and @michelle.scott.tucker (and the lovely host who brought out complimentary sweet treats). Thanks to James our one-man-band on tech support and entertainment. We love the precious places of community and creativity in regional Aus ❤️ . . . #woodend #menotour #womenwriters #menopausematters #SayYesToYou #macedonranges #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #centralvictoria #midlifewomen #midlife #contemporaryfiction #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram @goldfieldslibraries @macedonrangessc @trishboltonwriter @allenandunwin @text_publishing @transitloungepublishing @rmitwp @literary_listings #writingcommunityofig #womenauthors #agepositive #ownyourstory #authorevent #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #spilledwords #writingsociety #writercommunity #australianauthor #aussieauthor
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Next stop for @trishboltonwriter and I, the gorgeous @goldfieldslibraries, where Emma, Sue and the Woodend...

@trishboltonwriter and I have been meeting superb humans on our travels. A huge thanks to @suzannelealauthor for her generousity, good fun and talents (including vintage shop whisperer) at @bathurstlibrary, #menotour #womenwriters #contemporaryfiction #bathurst #centralwestnsw #regionalnsw @bathurst_council #bathurstnsw #authorevent #womenauthors #spilledwords #writingsociety #writercommunity #australianauthor #aussieauthor #authorslife #ownyourstory @centralwestwomenshealthcentre #midlifewomen #SayYesToYou #menopausematters #midlife #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #agepositive #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness @literary_listings @harpercollinsaustralia @writingnsw @thesocietyofwomanwritersnswincp
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@trishboltonwriter and I have been meeting superb humans on our travels. A huge thanks to...

Meet Robo from Pulso Place Indian restaurant in Melbourne's West. Hema, waitress and full time student, loves her new buddy ❤️
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Meet Robo from Pulso Place Indian restaurant in Melbourne's West. Hema, waitress and full time...

Travelling with my co-host @trishboltonwriter has been a joy. She is the only person I know who can still look glam after hours on a coach, along rough roads! 📍From Hobart to @bathurst_council — a time for all women: full of discoveries, laughter and heart. With our wonderful VIP guest @suzannelealauthor at the gorgeous @bathurstlibrary, we explored how books and media portray women in later life then gathered for a writing workshop to share tales of love, loss, First Nations stories and hope. Watching women discover their voices as storytellers was a privilidge. Huge thanks to @centralwestwomenshealthcentre, Matt from @collinsbooksellersorange and the incredible Victoria, Mel and library team! Highlights: ☀️ Sunlit glass of the library 🧀 Local cheese, fruit and cakes ❓ Kath’s courageous questions and an ode to plastic 📖 Jamay’s novel-in-the-making on quiet kindness 🌿 Alissia’s flashback to Girl Guides 😂 Trish’s hilarious ten commandments of ‘what thou shalt wear and do’ 👵 Vanessa’s tender memory of her grandmother’s hands and perfume 👜 Suzanne’s tips on juicy characters and her Mary Poppins supplies ✨ Kennett’s fridge-born magic 💚 Alex’s love story with green eyes and dark lashes 🎶 Nicole’s street-style beats of “enough” 🎤 The random rap from our all-day stayers 🤗 Goodbye hugs and talk of a new writing group 👋Running into relos Rod and Rhonda from Vic, intrepid road warriers 🚐Road trip to Sydney with Trish and Suzanne, stop at GleeBooks BlackHeath ⛰️Blue Mountains views
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Travelling with my co-host @trishboltonwriter has been a joy. She is the only person I...

Bathurst library frivolity! A recent visit to this gorgeous part of NSW with my co-host Trish Bolton and our wonderful VIP guest Suzanne Leal..what a delight to meet everyone. Big thanks to our meno-women guests, Victoria and the lovely library crew and Central Women's Health. More coming soon and from regional VIC!!
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Bathurst library frivolity! A recent visit to this gorgeous part of NSW with my co-host...

Readers often know a lot about writing! Melbourne author and co-host @trishboltonwriter and I, will be joined by guest literary critic and writer @thirty_books, for a friendly, interactive workshop in Warrnambool. We’ll play with words, spark ideas and help you shape the stories that matter to you. ✨ No expectations. No experience needed. Just your curiousity! 📍 @WarrnamboolLibrary 🎟 Free bookings, see Events highlights for link. . . . #warrnambool #ReadersAreWriters #writingworkshop #SayYesToYou #womenwriters #regionalvictoria #AllenandUnwin #explorevictoria #victoriaaustralia #centralvictoria @allenandunwin @warrnamboolcity @transitloungepublishing @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings @swtafe @deakinuniversity @deakinartsed @swh.vic @thefprojectarts @cwaofvic #writingchallenge #writersofinstagram #writerscommunityofinstagram #writerscircle #writersunite #femaleauthors #writingprompt #writinggoals #pentopaper #amwritingfiction #storiesoftheeveryday #spilledwords #writingskills #writinglove #writersworld #writingsociety #writercommunity #fictionwriter #fictionwriting #literaryfiction
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Readers often know a lot about writing!

Melbourne author and co-host @trishboltonwriter and I, will...

📚 Menopause Is Not A Use-By Date is heading to regional Victoria this September. These events are about more than menopause — they’re about dismantling outdated cultural scripts that diminish older women, and amplifying the stories that show later life as a time of creativity, agency and vitality. I@trishboltonwriter and I will be in conversation with some remarkable local writers: 📍 Woodend Library – Sep 4 | Dr @sianshyprior 📍 @bendigolibrary – Sep 5 | @carmelbird53 📍 @warrnamboollibrary – Sep 6 | critic and writer @thirty_books (with RAW) 📍 Hamilton Library – Sep 8 | Louise Le Nay From literature to lived experience, we’ll be exploring how representation matters, and why stories of older women deserve to be visible, nuanced, and celebrated. See MenoTour highlights for the booking link! . . . #MenoTour #menopausematters #regionalvictoria #woodend #bendigo #warrnambool #explorebendigo #SayYesToYou #macedonranges #explorevictoria #victoriaaustralia #centralvictoria #midlifewomen #midlife #contemporaryfiction #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram @goldfieldslibraries @macedonrangessc @cityofgreaterbendigo @warrnamboolcity @sthgrampiansshire @allenandunwin @text_publishing @transitloungepublishing @societywomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #writingcommunityofig #womenauthors #agepositive #ownyourstory #authorevent #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #writingsociety #writercommunity
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📚 Menopause Is Not A Use-By Date is heading to regional Victoria this September.

These...

Thanks to @womensagenda for publishing my latest piece. As AI remakes the creative industries, we need to ask: whose voices are being silenced, whose labour is being scraped and how do we measure the loss of storytelling? . . . #womenwriters #creativitymatters #artificialintelligenceai #writerslifeforme #authorslife #womeninmedia #creativityunleashed #writingcommunityofinstagram #writingcommunityofig #creativityeveryday @marcialangton @bornstein_josh @sophtreeofday #creativityforlife #techworld #internetofthings #futuretechnology #australianauthor #aussieauthor #australianauthors #connecting #writingchallenge #writerscircle #writersunite #femaleauthors #womenwhocreate #storiesoftheeveryday #spilledwords #writingskills #writinglove #writersworld #writingsociety #writercommunity
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Thanks to @womensagenda for publishing my latest piece.

As AI remakes the creative industries, we...

Trish Bolton and I are very excited to have legendary writer, broadcaster, educator and performer Dr @sianshyprior join us for a night at the lovely Woodend library! Please come along, Thursday Sep 4, 5.30 to 7pm for a friendly and stimulating conversation that challenges narrow ideas about women in later life. Still some spots available! See MenoTour highlights for the booking link! . . . #woodend #SayYesToYou #menotour #womenwriters #menopausematters #macedonranges #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #centralvictoria #midlifewomen #midlife #contemporaryfiction #menopauseawareness #menopausehealth #writingcommunityofinstagram @goldfieldslibraries @macedonrangessc @trishboltonwriter @allenandunwin @text_publishing @transitloungepublishing @societywomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #writingcommunityofig #womenauthors #agepositive #ownyourstory #authorevent #womenover50 #womenshealthmatters #midlifehealth #healthyaging #midlifewellness #spilledwords #writingsociety #writercommunity #australianauthor #aussieauthor
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Trish Bolton and I are very excited to have legendary writer, broadcaster, educator and performer...

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Karens’ and ‘crones’ are derogatory labels re older women. We loved gathering Friday night at...

With gratitude to acclaimed screenwriter, playwright, and author @elizabethcolemanauthor! – our first MenoWomen VIP guest at the @ballaratlibraries. Check out her amazing works right here, all classics❤️ . . . #MenoTour #ballarat #womenwriters @trishboltonwriter @allenandunwin #menopausematters #womenshealthmatters #authorevent #australianauthors #visitballarat #ballaratlife #centralvictoria #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #visitnswaustralia #writinglife #womenwhowrite #fictionwriter #fictionwriting #fictionbooks #womensfiction #midlife #midlifewomen #midlifewellness #betterwithage #menopausematters #menopausesupport #womenauthors #aussieauthor #authorslife #femaleauthors #writingsociety
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With gratitude to acclaimed screenwriter, playwright, and author @elizabethcolemanauthor! – our first MenoWomen VIP guest...

What happens when you combine feisty regional women with red capes and masks? Great things! What a night at the gorgeous @ballaratlibraries. Huge thanks to events queen Melissa Waight and team for the warm welcome—(and for helping with my nervous water spill!) And to our brilliant facilitator, @trishboltonwriter, for expertly navigating the conversation. And friends who helped with the pack up in record time! Our VIP guest, screen-writing legend and author, @elizabethcolemanauthor, was brilliant. Her industry experience and entertaining readings (such as the ‘disappearing spouse’ fantasy) brought much depth and fun to the discussion. And Trish’s sharing of a moving scene from her novel left the audience enthralled.  Highlights of the night included: • Librarian Super-Doug taking flight. • Other librarians color-coordinating their outfits with masks. • The woman who winked at me as I shared a fictional moment involving a one night stand and Colonial pine furniture. • The declaration that Perimenopause should be called ‘Peri-Peri’ because “older women are hot.” • My partner James (our invaluable tech support) channeling Phil Donahue with the mics. The conversations that lingered afterwards were a joy.  Thank you to all ❤️ . . #MenoTour #ballarat #womenwriters #menopausematters #womenshealthmatters #authorevent #australianauthors #visitballarat #ballaratlife #centralvictoria @cityofballarat @allenandunwin @health.happiness.hormones @transitloungepublishing @societywomenwritersvictoria @writersvictoria @rmitwp @literary_listings #regionalvictoria #victoriaaustralia #visitnswaustralia #writinglife #womenwhowrite #fictionwriter #fictionwriting #fictionbooks #womensfiction #midlife #midlifewomen #midlifewellness #betterwithage #menopausematters #menopausesupport #womenauthors #aussieauthor #authorslife #femaleauthors #writingsociety
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What happens when you combine feisty regional women with red capes and masks? Great things!...

@trishboltonwriter and I are so excited to be bringing Menopause Is Not A Use-By Date to Tasmania! Joining us as our local guest writer is the incredible @lizevanswrites. See MenoTour highlights for the event link! . . . #hobarttasmania #womenwriters #menopausematters #menotour #cityofhobart #hobart #discovertasmania #tassie #tassielife #hobartandbeyon #midlife #midlifewomen #midlifewellness #betterwithage #menopausematters #menopausesupport @fullersbookshop @cityofhobarttas @allenandunwin @ultimopress @transitloungepublishing @rmitwp @literary_listings @societyofwomenwritersvictoria @writerscentreau @writersvictoria @taswriters #womenwriters #womenauthors #australianauthor #aussieauthor #authorslife #femaleauthors #writingsociety #writercommunity #freeevent #communityevent #communityevents #exploretasmania #perimenopausesupport #midlifecrisis #perimenopausehealth #postmenopause
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@trishboltonwriter and I are so excited to be bringing Menopause Is Not A Use-By Date...

Rachel Mathews - Author

Dr Rachel Matthews is a Melbourne author, lecturer and teacher. Her debut novel Vinyl Inside received strong press reviews and was highly commended by the Australian Vogel Award judges.

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