LOU WATTS AUTHOR TALK
Our final ‘Author For All Seasons’ for 2025 is on this Saturday, November 22.
Lou Watts, a Bayside teacher and Education Manager of Find Ya Feet, presents her first book, ‘Timmy and the Wonky Fence.’
Charmingly illustrated by Ralee Winks, it is an engaging tale with a powerful message that is perfect for these times, presented by a dynamic speaker.
WHEN: Saturday, November 22.
TIME: 11.00 am.
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, 36 Florence Street, Mentone, 3194.
COST: $5.00.
BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/DHEMJ
OR: Cash or Credit Card on the day.
Book now. Not to be missed!
WRITELY OR WRONGLY AUTHOR TALK
Getting those words just write …
Mentone Public Library’s September Author For All Seasons is JOANNE ANDERSON, journalist with The Age and author of ‘Writely or Wrongly’, perfect for anyone who has cause to communicate in written form (most of us), or a passing interest in doing it better (some of us), or a disinterest in a book that is humourlessly preoccupied with rules (almost all of us).
As well as expanding on her irreverent guide to writing with more clarity and fearlessness, in her role as Chief Desk Editor at The Age Joanne will outline the challenges traditional newspapers face, particularly the impact of AI.
WHEN: Saturday, September 6.
TIME: 11.00 am.
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, 36 Florence Street, Mentone, 3194.
COST: $5.00.
BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/DEUYM
OR: Cash or Credit Card on the day.
Not to be missed!
JANUARY GILCHRIST AUTHOR TALK
AUGUST is coming soon. And so it’s time to meet January!
Mentone Public Library’s upcoming ‘Author For All Seasons’ presenter is January Gilchrist, a contemporary mystery writer whose debut novel, The Final Chapter, is being released next month.
Her publisher, HarperCollins describes it as “Benjamin Stevenson meets Nine Perfect Strangers.”
Asharp, bold, and gothic suspense novel about writerly ambition, self-discovery, and revenge, it examines a group of writers trapped with a killer who must confront their secrets … before they become the next victim!
January in August? Not to be missed!
WHEN: Saturday, August 2
TIME: 11.00 am
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, 36 Florence Street, Mentone, 3194
ADMISSION: $5.00
BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/DDQGO
Or By Cash or Credit Card on the day
KYLIE LADD AUTHOR TALK
IN FRONT OF THE GAME
In February this year, Kylie Ladd’s latest work of fiction, ‘The Mix-up’, was released, outlining the shocking after-effects when things go wrong at an IVF clinic.
Two months later, a major Australian IVF clinic admitted a patient had unknowingly given birth to a stranger’s baby. It was, they conceded, a “mix-up …”
How did Kylie do it?
Hear more about the writer’s art of being “in front of the game.”
Mentone Public Library proudly presents …
KYLIE LADD
‘THE MIX-UP’
WHEN: Saturday, July 5
WHEN: 11.00 am
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, 36 Florence Street, Mentone, 3194
ADMISSION: $5.00
BOOKINGS: https://www.trybooking.com/DCVXJ
Or By Cash or Credit Card on the day
Not to be missed!
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The local boy who became Australia’s most prolific sports author
Over 60 years Ken Piesse has played, watched, analysed, discussed, commentated on, dreamed of, and written about sport.
The result?
An amazing 88 books!
Now the journalist and author has turned the lens on himself, in ‘Living the Dream’, introducing us to the sports-mad kid from Beaumaris who:
* Borrowed all 18 of Parkdale Library’s books about cricket, lovingly arranging them on his bedroom shelf and imagining they belonged to him.
* Was so obsessed with the 1965 edition of the cricket Bible, ‘Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack’, he read all 1042 pages over and over – and over – again.
* From the age of 9, couldn’t wait to get to the MCG with his dad to watch … the Sheffield Shield.
An acknowledged entertaining speaker and commentator, Ken has accumulated plenty of inside stories about some of the most famous who have strutted the cricket and football stages.
Ken Piesse ‘Living The Dream’ is not to be missed!
WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 11.00 am
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, 36 Florence Street, Mentone, 3194.
COST: $5.00
BOOKINGS: Try Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CZZYJ
OR: Cash or Credit Card on the day.
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Historical Fiction Writing Workshop
Get on our newsletter list by emailing mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com to keep up to date on all our events.
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
An engaging addition to our literary line-up in Mentone Public Library’s Centenary Year, this is our second writing workshop…
Historical Fiction Writing Workshop
Presented by JENNY FREWIN, teacher, writer, host.
WHEN: 11 am 29th March Writing Historical Fiction
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, 36 Florence Street, Mentone,
3194
PRICE: $5.00
BOOK NOW: https://www.trybooking.com/DACGI
Event #2
Writing Historical Fiction
Historical fiction has been an area for much debate – Does
historical fiction have a duty to be accurate? An opportunity
for discussion and appreciation of several ‘stand out’ moments
in historical ction including Hilary Mantel, Phillipa Gregory
and Pat Barker to name but a few.
Please feel free to bring your own selections from authors you particularly enjoy to any session.
** Workshop attendees are welcome to share their work during the last few minutes of the session.
Coming up in the series: Travel Literature, Writing for Television. Subscribe to our newsletter list for news of upcoming events by emailing mentonepubliclibrary @ gmail.com.
Mentone Public Library – celebrating 100 years of service
to the Kingston community.
_________
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
Max Gillies
Mentone Public Library exclusive!
Max Gillies, the master of parody, reflects
From Bob Hawke to Kevin Rudd, from John Howard to John Elliott, Max Gillies poked fun at them all, his brilliant parodies of our political leaders and public figures drawing roars of applause. In conversation with Graeme Johnstone, one of Australia’s consummate performers reflects on his extraordinary life, times, local connections and achievements.
TICKETS SELLING FAST, BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
WHEN: Saturday October 5, 11 am.
WHERE: Mentone Activity Hub
BOOK NOW: https://www.trybooking.com/CVIZJ
Entry $5.
29 Venice Street, Mentone, Victoria, 3194.
mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com
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Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
Kerryn Mayne author talk
OFF the back of her hugely successful bestseller Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder, local author Kerryn Mayne’s second release Joy Moody Is Out Of Time is sure to be a cracking read and make for a wonderful morning of literary fun.
This is Kerryn’s second talk at the Writers Centre and she lights up the room outlining her fast-moving literary career, while working in the
police force and being the mother of four.
Her books are variously funny, wise, illuminating, powerful, insightful and
tell a great story with perfect pacing and suspense. You’re sure to get a lot out of this talk.
WHEN: Saturday, September 7, 11 am.
WHERE: Mentone Public Library.
ENTRY: $5.
BOOK NOW: https://www.trybooking.com/CUOWQ
OR by Bank Transfer to BSB 013 352, Acct no 009777676, Reference ‘Kerryn Mayne.’
OR by Cash or Credit on the day.
36 Florence Street, Mentone, Victoria, 3194.
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
Kylie Ladd
Gifted writer of compelling stories
KYLIE LADD is fascinated with how relationships and family dynamics are affected by upheaval – an affair, a lost child, maybe an unexpected death.
As a result, she writes popular contemporary novels that explore the impact of devastating or momentous events on the lives of her characters.
Graeme Simsion, author of the smash success ‘The Rosie Project’, describes Kylie’s latest work, ‘I’ll Leave You With This’, as a “compelling” read.
A funny and honest novel about a brother’s legacy and the tangled bonds of sisterhood, Graeme lists it as “heartwarming, uplifting and inspiring.”
Kylie’s books also include ‘The Way Back’, ‘Mothers & Daughters’, ‘Into My Arms,’ ‘Last Summer’, and ‘After The Fall,’ all achieving enthusiastic critical and reader response in Australia and overseas.
Mamamia digital media founder Mia Freedman describes her as “a gifted writer who knows how to weave the complexity of relationships into a beautifully crafted story.”
As a psychologist, Kylie also contributes feature articles to publications including The Age and Reader’s Digest, and with Leigh Langtree edited ‘Naked’, a non-fiction collection of confessions of infidelity and adultery.
Certain to be a great presentation.
AUTHOR: Kylie Ladd.
WHEN: Saturday August 3, 11 am.
WHERE: Mentone Public Library.
BOOK NOW: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CTHWD
OR by Bank Transfer to BSB 013 352, Acct no 009777676, Reference ‘Kylie Ladd.’
OR by Cash or Credit on the day. Entry $5.
36 Florence Street, Mentone, Victoria, 3194.
mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
True Crime Author Talk With Famed Author And Podcaster Vikki Petraitis
Across 30 years, Vikki Petraitis has become one of Australia’s premier writers about the dark side of life, her ability to research and report on some of the nation’s worst criminal events drawing high praise and immense reader response. As well as true life material, including ‘The Frankston Murders’, ‘Inside The Law’ and ‘Once A Copper’, Vikki has successfully ventured into fiction, her first novel, ‘The Unbelieved’, winning the inaugural 2002 Allen & Unwin Crime Fiction Prize.
A compelling speaker, Vikki Petraitis is not to be missed!
WHEN: Saturday July 6, 11 am.
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, 36 Florence Street, Mentone, Vic, 3194.
BOOK: https://www.trybooking.com/CSQTJ
Or by Bank Transfer to BSB 013 352, Acct no 009777676, Reference ‘Vikki’.
Or by Cash or Credit on the day. Entry $5.
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
Kate Forster. Read all over the world. Coming to Mentone.
Kate Forster is the most successful Australian author that you’ve (probably) never heard of!
Forster has written 18 books, all with thousands of positive ratings on Goodreads, Amazon and other sites.
Her distinctive covers and delightful titles such as “Fly Me to Moongate Manor” and “Starting Over At Acorn Cottage” can be easily spotted in bookstores, libraries and airports all over the world.
Her novels are described by readers as “cosy romance”, the perfect thing to snuggle in and enjoy when you really want to escape to somewhere wonderful.
Hugely successful author Kate Forster will outline all, including taking you through the steps of writing a book with her unique “Write Your Novel” planner.
Spend a delightful Saturday morning finding out what makes a story tick.
WHEN: Saturday June 1, 11 am.
WHERE: Mentone Public Library.
BOOK NOW, TRY: https://www.trybooking.com/CRSFA
Or by Bank Transfer to BSB 013 352, Acct no 009777676, Reference ‘Kate.’
Or by Cash or Credit on the day. Entry $5.
mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com
Rear of 36 Florence Street, Mentone, Victoria, 3194.
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
KYLIE ORR is a Melbourne-based writer who once kicked the winning goal in a charity football match. And has never let her family heard the end of it!
But her gripping novels explore a much darker side of humanity, inspiring comments such as “I couldn’t put it down” and “the suspense had me staying up until 3 am.”
In her latest book, ‘The Eleventh Floor’, a mum seeking a rewarding break from the daily grind via a night alone in a hotel is placed in an invidious position when things go horribly wrong. Will her cover-up lie cost another woman her life?
Kylie discusses ‘The Eleventh Floor’, her award-winning debut novel ‘Someone Else’s Child’, the writing process and, in all likelihood, that epic winning goal, with journalist and author Graeme Johnstone.
DATE
Saturday 4 May 2024 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM (UTC+10)
LOCATION
Mentone Public Library
36 Florence Street, Mentone Victoria 3194
Not to be missed!
Dreams do come true
From hard times growing up in 1950s Ceylon, Beverley Pinder OAM
achieved her dreams and much, much more when she arrived in
Australia as a shy 13-year-old: Photographer’s model, beauty queen,
head of one of Melbourne’s most successful public relations firms,
charity fundraiser, voice for the homeless, and City of Melbourne
councillor.
Beverley outlines her amazing life at a special Mentone Public Library
author presentation of her book ‘Pride without Prejudice.’
WHEN: Saturday April 6, 11 am
WHERE: Mentone Public Library
BOOK NOW: https://www.trybooking.com/CQEAU
Or by Bank Transfer to BSB 013 352, Acct no 009777676, Reference
‘Beverley’.
Or by Cash or Credit on the day. Entry $5.
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre Presents:
Open Mic
Each month we come together and read out five minutes of our latest writing. Get feedback, try out some ideas, or just enjoy the performance of it. Always on the fourth Saturday of the month, at the library, at 11am. A very supportive, nurturing space for writers of all levels.
Entry is $5, pay on the day.
Alice Pung’s Amazing Adventures In Literary Land
We are thrilled to announce that on Saturday 11am, March 2 we will be hosting Alice Pung, one of Australia’s most well-known literary figures at the library. Pung has written a veritable bookshelf of Australian literature classics and is internationally known for her mentorship. She has guest lecturered at prestigious American institutions such as Brown University and Vassar College and she’s bringing that sort of A-level class to our humble Writers Centre here in the heart of Mentone village.
Bookings are absolutely essential for this one. You can book and pay online right now here, or send us an email and pay with cash or card on the day.
WHEN: Saturday, March 2.
TIME: 11 am.
WHERE: **Change of venue** Mentone Activity Hub, 29 Venice Street, Mentone
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: entry $5.00, via: Try Booking – https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1174755?
Or RSVP via email and Bank Transfer to BSB 013 352, Acct no 009777676, Reference ‘PUNG’ or use Cash or Credit on the day.
WE’RE NOW ACCEPTING DONATIONS!
Eager for more inspiring events like this?
A special opportunity to champion the creative spirits in our community! MPL is open to donations—Your contribution, no matter the size, empowers local voices and fuels our entirely volunteer-run centre to offer a decent space, deliver more resources, and provide more ideas exchange opportunities to the local writing community, just like this one. Contribute here.
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Mentone Public Library Writers Centre presents:
Cartoons! The Art Of Telling Stories Through Pictures
How do they do it?
Writers write. Artists draw.
But cartoonists?
They are the rarest of breeds, skilfully combining both.
The topic. The line. The nuance. The gag.
In a break from our “author” tradition, Mentone Public Library proudly presents award-winning local cartoonist and caricaturist ALAN ROSE, outlining his career in one of the most challenging of the publishing arts: setting up the scenario and delivering the punchline.
WHEN: Saturday, November 11.
TIME: 11 am.
WHERE: Mentone Public Library, Rear, 36 Florence Street, Mentone, 3194.
BOOKINGS: entry $5.00, via: Try Booking – https://www.trybooking.com/CMTHG
Or Bank Transfer to BSB 013 352, Acct no 009777676, Reference ‘Rose’.
Or Cash or Credit on the day.
Let us know you are coming: Click “Going” or send us an email mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com
ALAN ROSE: The Herald, Australasian Post, Sunday Observer, Juke Magazine, Recorder Newspapers UK; working alongside luminaries including Geoff Hook, WEG, Vane Lindesay and George Haddon.
Not to be missed.
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PAST EVENTS
Mentone Public Library Writers Centre presents:
Katie McMahon and “The Accident” and “The Mistake” in an Author For All Seasons
Author Katie McMahon talks about her two acclaimed, best-selling novels, ‘The Mistake’ and ‘The Accident.’
Katie’s skill at creating contemporary psychological drama has drawn rave reviews from leading Australian authors:
The Mistake
‘I absolutely loved this novel. Fresh, funny and heartfelt.’- Lianne Moriarty.
The Accident
‘Katie’s done it again: an escalating sense of foreboding that drew me in.’ – Fiona McIntosh.
Hear all about the books, as well as Katie’s remarkable life story: Growing up and going to school in Frankston, where she excelled in literature, her travels leading her to an Indian ashram, which inspires her to go back to school – by now, being able to drive herself! – and do VCE again in order to become a doctor.
Living now in Hobart with her family and teaching communication skills to medical students, while her own remarkable writing talent flourishes.
When: Saturday 16 September, 11am
Where: Mentone Public Library Writers Centre
Rear, 36 Florence Street, Mentone 3194
Bookings essential, seats go fast!
Book here: trybooking.com/CKTWA
Open Mic:
Come along to our mid-winter Open Mic event on Saturday, 29 July, 2023 at Mentone Public Library at 11am
Cost $5, book online here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1092332
Mentone Public Library presents:
Lover, Husband, Father, Monster and the art of coercive control
Coercive control in marriage is very much in the public discussion right now. One woman is being killed every week as a jealous husband takes it on himself to punish his ex. Often children are victims as well.
Graeme and Elsie Johnstone wrote three inter-connecting novels on this topic under the banner of ‘Lover, Husband, Father, Monster’, and titled ‘Her Story’, ‘His Story’ and ‘The Aftermath.’
The Herald Sun described them as an ‘engrossing tale of family breakdown.’
These books were written ten years ago, initially while the Bayside couple spent a year living in Dublin, the Irish theme further underlining what a universal problem it is.
Indeed, little has changed. The effect of these heinous acts is still being felt widely, with distraught family and friends left to pick up the pieces.
Come along to hear chilling excerpts and join in what is likely to become a lively discussion.
Where: Mentone Public Library, rear of 36 Florence Street, Mentone, 3194.
When: Saturday July 15.
Time: 11 am
Price: $5.00
Bookings:
Try booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CJIBK
Or by Cash or Card on the day.
Or pre-pay by Bank Transfer: BANK: ANZ; ACCOUNT: Mentone Public Library; BSB: 013 352; ACCT NO: 009777676.
Mentone Public Library 