True Stories
True stories are the inspiration for Jacqx’s articles, book and film reviews. Jacqx’s articles also include the writing journey of her debut novel, When The Glitter Fades, the inspiration behind her work, and some writing tips to inspire you to write your story.
Jacqx Author Talks
Jacqx invites you behind the scenes of her writing journey for When The Glitter Fades. Enjoy photographs and film clips of Shirley Broadway’s life as a child vaudeville performer and Frank Gasser (Circus Royale) interview about the time he was attacked by his wildcats.
The Gum Tree – A Poem by S. Thomas Montgomery
S. Thomas Montgomery, a poet from the small town of Goondiwindi located on the border of Queensland and NSW, shares his beautiful poem, The Gum Tree.
Researching Australian Entertainment History
Researching Australian entertainment history was a challenge well worth the effort. When The Glitter Fades encapsulates the 1920s to 1950s in an engaging generational saga, love triangle revenge story of murder and mayhem among spectacular performances.
Sydney Writers’ Festival 2025 – Jacqx’s Highlights
The Sydney Writers’ Festival was a stimulating opportunity to delve into a smorgasbord of books and author talks.
What Inspires Me to Write?
Jacqx Melilli shares what inspires her to write and what she’s learnt about mastering the craft of writing.
Gold Nuggets From GenreCon 2025 Writers Conference
Attending GenreCon presented by the Queensland Writers Centre was like plugging myself into a power point to recharge my creative batteries and, in the process, getting overloaded with great marketing tips, and inspiring stories of writer’s successes.
Barry Crocker – The Last of the Entertainers Book Review
Barry Hugh Crocker AM is an Australian Gold Logie-winner, a television personality, singer, storyteller extraordinaire, comic, and a variety entertainer.
Everyone Has a Story: A Guide to Writing Your Memoir
Who do people think you are? What legacy do you want to leave behind? Your life matters, so writing your memoir is a way to leave a footprint of your existence on this earth.
Sound of Freedom Film Review
Sound of Freedom is based on the true story of Tim Ballard’s life and his mission to rescue children sold as sex slaves.
Writing my debut novel – When The Glitter Fades
When The Glitter Fades is my debut historical fiction novel, loosely based on Shirley Broadway’s life story of growing up performing in a vaudeville troupe in the 1930s during the Great Depression.
Who Are You? A Guide to Writing Your Memoir
Who are you? Who do people think you are? What legacy do you want to leave behind? These are questions worthy to be asked for you to leave a footprint of your existence on this earth. Your life matters, whether you realise it or not. There are many people who are curious to know more about you. Whether it’s your family, friends or strangers. You have stories, skills and knowledge stored within you that are valuable. Isn’t it time you passed them on?
The Freedom Circus
When Mindla Levin and Kubush Horowitz first met, they were instantly attracted. Mindla worked in a leather factory and Kubush was a clown in the Circus Staniewski. Mindla’s father disapproved of Kubush, saying: “A clown is not a husband… nothing good comes from a clown.” That clown saved their lives.