George Ivanoff shows what the writing game is all about George Ivanoff describes himself as a “jobbing author”, that is, an author who makes his living from his writing. He refuses to self-publish, as he considers that too hit and miss. His writing is his income and he has a family to feed, clothe and educate. Much time is spent pitching to publishers and copyright and licencing holders, dreaming up an idea, writing a treatment, submitting it and keeping fingers crossed that it flies. It is still a good part of his productive time. Many are rejected, some get through.  It takes hard graft. It takes patience. It takes tenacity. It takes talent and it takes an eye for a good story. In the early days, all his work was obtained this way but now, as a well-respected author with over 130 books under his belt, he has an excellent working relationship with Penguin and other publishing houses. They now come to him. He has also built up a successful series of networks with licencing firms an...

Gabby Greig – Urban Poet  at Mentone Public Library for  An Author for all Seasons Series 13  on 11 February, 2023   Gabby Greig’s poems have a real lyrical aspect to them. I can see some talented musician taking her words and making them into beautiful songs. And that, in a way, is what Gabby does when she presents! Her delivery is magical, intonation superb and voice melodic. She is the full package. Writer and presenter. On Saturday the Mentone Public Library was treated to her readings from her recently published Poetry anthology “Re-Framing”. She has illustrated her poems with her gentle photography. And as an added treat we were privy to some poetry that will be published shortly. We all loved it! She explores life and living in the 21 st  century from the mature and empathetic eyes of an older lady. Her topics range from the global concern of climate change, to very personal reflections of life and our place in the world.  Gabby’s attention to rhyme ...

  Open Mic, February, 2023   What our first Open Mic for the year lacked in numbers, it made up for in the quality of presentation and the hour stretched into a very entertaining and thought-provoking session, which produced lively conversation and excellent feedback. We enjoyed poems, short stories, oral rantings and, for the first time, we had a singer song writer in our midst and were treated to a live musical performance. Mark McGurgan, a travelling minstrel, is in town to catch up with his mother, Lesley, and to do a gig at the forthcoming Mordialloc Festival next weekend. Mark delved into the back of his camper and produced a piano size keyboard and his trusty guitar. He writes and sings his own songs and travels Australia sharing the joy.  We were lucky enough to have him present at Mentone Public Library last weekend.  He and his twin brother will be at the forthcoming Mordialloc Festival this coming weekend, an acrobat from southern Tasmania, and will unite ...

  The Writer Meets The Reader what it is and when  Meet the writer, 22  March 2023 afternoon. ‘Remote Rescue’ by George Ivanoff For our first Book Club this year, local author George Ivanoff, will take us on a journey where we dig deep into the mind of those teenage boys in our lives to discover what motivates them and what they are reading.  George has made a very successful career out of catering for that demographic who often resist reading, simply because they are not interested in the subject matter offered to them. He tells stories about ordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances and that breaks down barriers. George Ivanoff has written more than 100 books for kids and teens, including fiction and non-fiction, although he admits that Science fiction and fantasy are his two of his favorite genres.   He has won prestigious awards for his You Choose series, an interactive work consisting of 13 books. He has also done a series of science fiction novels e...

MENTONE PUBLIC LIBRARY'S first Open Mic event for 2023 is on 25 February 2023 at 11am. We aim to have them on the 4th Saturday of the month. Come and visit the library's cosy space and check out the significrant additiohns to the collection, as well as sharing your own writing if you have some, and listening to other writers present.  Entry only $5  See you there! See image for detials. Nathaniel Davies Volunteer Editor

  George Ivanoff, chidren's author joins us at Mentone Public Library Saturday 10 December 2022 at 11am. Entry only $5     Visit George Ivanoff's website for information about his huge and exciting back catalogue of books, and watch some of his quirky Vlogs on the webpage about them. Click link below for George Ivanoff https://georgeivanoff.com.au/ If you are coming to the event please email the library for bookings if you are able. We are at mentonepubliclbrary@gmail.com

Open Mic for Saturday 26-11-2022  at Mentone Public Library. 11am. Only $5 entry. Come and bring a 5 minute piece of your writing, poetry or play to share. And Check out the video!