Again I want to state that my reason for publishing my story is to help others understand the importance of continuing to have mammograms as we age, regardless of what the medical ‘experts’ advise.
If you missed the first chapter, please scroll down and read it, to make better sense of this one.
I hope that by going public with my breast cancer journey I will help others who might also be somewhere on this journey.Continue reading
During the week I had an unusual (for me) experience, presenting my book ‘The Green Velvet Dress,’ and my personal story to a group of men who get together each week in their Men’s Shed. I imagine lots of tools, noise, dust, a bit of swearing and plenty of talk about football or other sports; maybe the grandkids, state politics, especially our recent election, but probably not books they’ve read.
I must be telling them about the nerdy teenager that I was.
So, I happily went along to the Mundaring Speaker’s Circle on Thursday, presuming that I’d have a few men and more of their wives, as my audience. One lady arrived, followed by another one I know from my own social groups. All the rest were men. I’m used to public speaking so that wasn’t a problem, but a bunch of guys who get together to fix and make things? Too late to adjust my talk, I leapt in, hoping to at least keep them awake. One chap gave a mighty yawn and another seemed to be nodding off, but when I got to the part about me being a nerdy teenager they all laughed and I could relax a bit.
My son is a comedian. He had warned me about adapting to the audience. I skipped a few paragraphs and elaborated on the more entertaining sections of my development as a writer. Once I got to the part where I read out sections of the novel, I could lay it on, (I’m a frustrated actress as well as a writer) and we all enjoyed ourselves.
Now I feel ready to entertain any group – old or young, male or female. They get free entertainment, I sell a few books and we share afternoon tea. Any suggestions for groups near Perth in WA wanting a speaker, I’m available. Please just tell them about me and/or ask me.
The sculpture is of me, created by my daughter, Stephanie Burns. On rainy days I seem to frown, but today, I’m happy in my garden.
My first daffodil bloomed on the first day of spring.
Grevilleas grow amongst my rock walls.
After such a wet, cold winter, to walk out of my back door and bask in gentle sunshine, filled my heart with joy and my body with warmth. My fingers were itching to plant and dig, to gather my harvest, or just get down and dirty.
Birdsong filled the air as my feathered friends darted in and out of grevilleas that grow amongst the rock walls tumbling down from my house.
My camera was busy that day, capturing colour.
A day earlier I spotted a bright blue wren, the first of the season to land on my patio—a young male, eager for his first mating season, attacking his image in the glass doors. Unfortunately I couldn’t capture him on camera, but when one appears, I’m ready for the rest.
On Tuesday evening, the 24th November, my author presentation went very well at the Lesmurdie Library. I am now relaxed about doing these presentations and everyone enjoyed the evening. Most members of the audience bought at least one book and several bought three.
The library put on drinks and tasty nibbles before the talk, giving me the opportunity for a quick word with my audience. Review sheets were placed on each chair and I am delighted to report that everyone rated the evening as excellent or very good. Here are a few comments:
‘Most interesting talk and Victoria covered many aspects of writing.’
‘Well spoken presentation. Lots of info. on the book.’
‘Great to hear a local author speak, especially about life in WA.’
Each audience is different, but all the libraries I have attended have been most helpful and welcoming. I am keen to speak at other libraries and to expand my audience to any groups interested in books and writing. If you know of any, please let me know.
I think this will be my last presentation for 2015, so please join me if you can. 
At Dunsborough Library
I recently spent a few days in and around Dunsborough, presenting ‘The Green Velvet Dress’ in the library, where I enjoyed the scones and coffee and sold copies to all who attended.
I then took my novel to book shops and interesting galleries between Dunsborough and Boranup. I now have four new outlets (see on my list under ‘Buy the Book’ ) and the library has two copies.
At the Mundaring Library
The Green Velvet Dress presented at two libraries in one week. A bit daunting, but I’m getting into the swing and starting to enjoy myself.
For evening events the libraries have provided a glass of wine and some delicious nibbles, which helps me to relax and puts the audience in a receptive mood.
About fifteen people attended the Mundaring presentation on Thursday the 1st October. I noticed heads nodding in agreement when I talked about teaching in 1961 and again in response to my comments about society’s rules for women at the time.
I had lots of questions to answer at the end and most people bought books, which made me very happy. I look forward to reading their reviews.
At Denmark Library they enjoyed my talk and the readings
Due to a full house for the Mundaring Library presentation of my novel ‘The Green Velvet Dress’, I am delighted to be doing another one at Greenmount Library from 5.30-7pm on Tuesday, 6th October. Drinks and nibbles at 5.30, talk starts at 6pm.
A few places are still available so if you wish to join us, please contact the library by phoning 92906755 or use this link http://mizengreenmount.eventbrite.com.au to read about my presentation and/or to make your booking.
In his review on Page Turners (West Weekend magazine in the West Australian newspaper Saturday 25 April) William Yeoman said that my novel, The Green Velvet Dress, is ‘Perfect for book club’ and is ‘intelligent rural romance.’
I am very excited to have such a positive review and invite you to please read it all here if you missed Saturday’s edition.
If you missed the interview with Di Lynne on the 18th April, I have at last managed to download it and you can hear it here.
Victoria Mizen Interview Modified
Sorry it has taken so long. I’d love to know what you think of it.