After the dramatic events of Chapter Fifteen, Rachel is now facing the consequences – not only for her erratic drunken behaviour at a high profile fashion show – but is also likely suffering from PTSD after the Collins Street bombing.
Rachel needs time-out after the trauma of reporting on the Collins Street bombing
On top of all that, a package arrives from Rachel’s Devoted Admirer X and it’s not from the gift emporium at David Jones.
And just when Rachel is feeling ready to tell her boss about her stalker’s latest delivery, he launches into a full-scale attack over her public pash. Mr Fletcher had fun playing this role – voicing Helmut Becker – but I’m sure it’s not the kind of language Dr Karl ever used!!
AND if you’re still missing Neighbours (don’t you love this flashback photo of Fletch and Jackie Woodburne!) at least you still get to hear the dulcet tones of Alan Fletcher in MAKING HEADLINES!
This is a profound chapter for myself AND for Rachel. But let’s start with Rachel…
At an elite social occasion, Rachel’s emotions run high when she spies her ex with his new girlfriend – prompting her to down one too many cocktails. This in turn, leads to an unfortunate public display of affection with a high profile man – and all in front of flashing cameras. Worse still, it comes just weeks after a promotion at work where she’d been warned to be on her best behaviour in public.
Rachel being warned to behave like a princess when in the public eye…
The next day – hungover and feeling sorry for herself – Rachel is thrust in to one of the most terrifying and challenging situations she’s ever faced as a journalist.
And this is where I can tell you what this chapter means to me. The story about Rachel reporting on a bombing in Melbourne is indeed based on my own real life experience – being part of the news team which covered the Russell Street bombing. It was an emotional chapter to write and to this day, brings back frightening memories. It is with great sadness, we remember the loss of Constable Angela Taylor, killed in the blast. As well as the bravery of the police and emergency services who dealt with the fallout on the day. I also pay tribute to my colleagues – the cameramen, journalists and producers – who did such a wonderful job putting the bulletin together under such confronting and distressing conditions.
Reflecting on the past.
As usual, Mr Fletcher has done a great job using his vocal talents to bring seven male characters to life, while also paying respect with his delivery to the gravity of this chapter. Thank you Fletch.
Let me know your thoughts in the Comments section.
In Chapter Thirteen, a family reunion puts Rachel’s dubious cooking talents to the test – while her sister Lou ruffles feathers with some snarky comments about Rachel’s love life.
It’s timely then that Rachel’s pal Kate may soon have a solution for their accommodation dilemma.
But amid the celebrations, the sinister letters from Rachel’s Secret Admirer continue to keep coming, raising concerns among her work colleagues.
It’s a shorter chapter this week, so a lighter workload for Mr Fletcher – only two male characters – both are brilliant. Take a listen and let me know your thoughts in the ‘comments’ section.
In the second part of Chapter Nine, a feisty clash between Rachel and a news sports colleague has consequences Rachel wasn’t expecting. However, she does manage to do a good deed for a sick child which helps compensate for any setbacks.
What Rachel thinks is her ‘sparkling wit’ in an exchange with a newsroom colleague has unexpected repercussions…
A busy week again for Alan Fletcher – voicing FOUR male characters. Do you think any of them sound like Dr Karl from Neighbours? Let me know in the comments section!
In Chapter Three, we see Rachel’s reaction to the announcement of who will be the new News Director for Network Six as well as her attempts to smooth over the bumpy start to her friendship with Mitch, the chief editor. Rachel navigates living back at home with her sister and nephew, while adjusting to a different kind of relationship with Tim. The biggest development comes when Rachel runs into someone who might help unlock the mystery about the secret Rachel is hiding about what exactly went on in Sydney and why she is carrying such a huge burden of guilt.
In this chapter, listen to Alan Fletcher play the roles of Rachel’s News Director boss Tony Nielsen: a male reporter colleague, Gerard Martin; chief editor Mitch Allan; Rachel’s boyfriend Tim Lucas and TV host Damien Wilde.
Stefan Dennis and Fletch at the launch party for MAKING HEADLINES in February 2016
Enjoy and let me know what you’re thinking of the book so far in the ‘Comments’ section!
