Category Archives: Opinion

MAKING HEADLINES AUDIO BOOK – Chapter Five

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Chapter Five takes us back in time – two months prior – to an event that happened on a weekend away which became Rachel’s deep, dark secret. It was a difficult scene to write and even more difficult to read!

Me trying not to laugh reading the saucy bits!

Scenes that involve physical intimacy are challenging to write because you want them to be authentic without becoming too corny and saccharine. And then you have to find a balance between realism and NOT wanting to sound like something in an X-rated magazine. But you also want the reader to feel the heat of the moment and understand WHY Rachel was able to do what she did. I thought I’d found the right balance ten years ago when I wrote it but having to READ it for this audio book version was another matter altogether… It was quite confronting indeed but I think it’s come together well and I do think my partner in this project (and in life) Alan Fletcher, does a fabulous job as the seductive Damien Wilde!

I hope you enjoy listening to this latest instalment. Let me know your thoughts!

Rachel Bentley reporting ‘live’!

MAKING HEADLINES AUDIO BOOK – Chapter Four

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This is a shorter chapter than usual as it marks a pivotal point in Rachel and Tim’s relationship and is quite a feisty, public scene. Those who live in Melbourne might recognise real-life restaurant Bistro Thierry but you may not be used to hearing Alan Fletcher swearing like a trouper… !! Yep, he’s playing the character of Tim who has plenty to say when he learns about a secret Rachel has been hiding. Listen here to find out more:

I’d love to hear how you’re enjoying the book so far! Let me know in the comments section.

MAKING HEADLINES AUDIO BOOK – Chapter Three, Part Two

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In the second half of Chapter Three of MAKING HEADLINES, Rachel is noticing changes in the office after the departure of her beloved News Director boss, Tony. Meanwhile she includes her work buddy Julia in a girls night out where Rachel also seems to be drinking wine at an alarming rate. Is she using alcohol to mask her personal problems? Her girlfriends quiz her on her relationship issues with Tim, but she still appears to be hiding the truth. What IS this secret that is weighing so heavily on her?

On the work front, there’s some bubbling URST (unresolved sexual tension) building with Mitch, the editor, while on the home front, tensions escalate over wardrobe wars between Rachel and her sister Lou.

You can also listen to ALAN FLETCHER voice the male roles in this half of Chapter Three – including Rachel’s boyfriend Tim, as well as Mitch.

Enjoy and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Advice for Elon Musk – and why you should (and shouldn’t) buy a TESLA

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Buying a new car is a major decision for most people – including myself. After much consideration and taking climate change into account, I went off to Chadstone in 2020 to test drive the Model 3 Tesla. An electric vehicle is the way of the future – right? Great for the planet and this car was winning rave reviews.

Tesla display vehicle at Chadstone in 2020

It’s a beautiful looking machine and absolutely YES – it drives like a dream. The idea of never having to visit a petrol station again and deal with the increasing price of fuel was also very appealing. Not to mention the comfort features, touchscreen controls, an automatic phone charging console and no car-keys required – it’s all run through an App on your I-phone.

After one test drive, I was sold. Three months later, my dream car arrived. It’s been everything I had hoped for and more. I was starting to sound like a car salesperson when chatting with friends and should have earned a commission from TESLA for all the glowing reviews I delivered.

Then less than a year later – a horrific out-of-the-blue accident that’s turned into an ongoing nightmare. I was driving home from a shopping trip (ironically at Chadstone) with my daughter in a straight line down North Road when this happened:

Accident on January 17 this year

Accident on January 17 this year

The most important outcome from the accident was that Veronica, myself and the other driver survived without any major injuries. I largely credit the strength of the Tesla’s inner frame for protecting us. The inner cabin was unscathed but the car itself was almost a write-off. Still, it was deemed salvageable and sent off for repairs.

BUT it’s coming up to FIVE months since the accident and I still don’t have my car back. I’m not blaming the car repairer – they are doing their best – but there’s a global problem with the supply of vehicle parts (and actual vehicles) causing major headaches for the entire industry. It seems TESLA is one of the worst hit.

So while I would still thoroughly recommend buying a TESLA – do keep in mind that IF you have an accident (and God-willing, you don’t) you could lose your car for up to six months or more.

And if you want to BUY a new TESLA – which was listed last year as Australia’s BEST-SELLING electric vehicle – the wait time is now between nine and 12 months.

Which leads me to my advice to Elon Musk. Given these ridiculous delays, why not start a TESLA manufacturing plant HERE in Australia – instead of investing in TWITTER?

More than TWELVE THOUSAND Teslas were sold in Australia last year. Given the statistics are still on an upward trend, we’re going to need a LOT more Teslas AND plenty more spare parts for any of them that are involved in accidents.

The body and chassis the TESLA are made of bauxite aluminium, titanium, and boron steel – all of which are produced here in Australia. How good would that be for sales – if car buyers knew they no longer had to wait an eternity – not only for their vehicle to arrive – but also to get their cars back after an accident? It would also be great for employment in the technology and car industries in Australia. Not to mention the benefits for climate change with a bigger uptake of electric vehicles.

So, Elon, what do you think?

And if not a new plant in Australia – could you at least fast-track the ONE remaining part required to fix my car (a sub-fame or front-cross-member: part number 10444531-00-B) so I can get back on the road again?

Lastly, thank you for making such a strong vehicle that means Veronica and I are still alive and happy.

Veronica and me

Veronica and me

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NOTE: I tried putting various questions about Tesla sales and manufacturing statistics as well as the wait on parts for my vehicle to the Tesla PR company at apacpress@tesla.com but all three of my emails remain unanswered.

Why we need to support the NOW Australia crowd-funding campaign

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Tracey Spicer has done something pretty remarkable. With all the stories bursting forth in the wake of #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns, she has recognised that we need to seize on the momentum for change and do something practical. We need more than just words.

That means taking action that will keep the issues of inequality and sexual harassment in the spotlight AND help victims with support and the right tools to seek justice and protection.

Tracey Spicer has launched the NOW Australia campaign

Tracey Spicer has launched the NOW Australia campaign

 

Tracey has formed NOW as a nationwide organisation supporting survivors of sexual harassment and through crowdfunding, and is hoping to raise $250,000 to fund its work for twelve months. Just click on the blue link here to donate.

Can you chip in and help NOW reach its target?

Here is part of the Now campaign’s brief:

 

“Across Australia, one in two women, and one in four men, have experienced sexual harassment. Many people may not be getting the support they need, simply because they don’t know where to go. While there are a number of specialised counselling and legal services available, laws and services differ from state to state. When people do come forward, navigating this landscape is a daunting experience. NOW will provide a first point of call for everybody, no matter who they are or where they come from, to connect with the support they need.”

I am thrilled to have been asked to be an Ambassador for NOW. Given how many instances of sexual harassment and discrimination I have witnessed over the years, I am excited to be part of a movement that is keeping the momentum for change going with such an important initiative.

Tracey is spearheading the organisation, which will be a non-profit, non-partisan network for people across all industries who have been sexually harassed, assaulted or intimidated.

NOW will help people understand their rights and options, and support them if they wish to tell their story. The money raised will go to fund to pay for counselling and legal services, including a growing network of lawyers around Australia.

Please donate NOW – it’s so important we make this work!

The other way you can help is by purchasing a brilliant song written and performed by one of Australia’s greatest singers, Melinda Schneider, called MY VOICE, on iTunes.

You can buy My Voice on iTunes

You can buy My Voice on iTunes

All proceeds from sales of the song will go to NOW Australia.

So there you have it. If you’ve ever wanted to take action but been too afraid, NOW you really can help. This is an initiative that will be a game changer. Help make it work.