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.
Rainbows Through Cobwebs
Rainbows Through Cobwebs covers the topic of grief in its many forms. From grieving over the death of a loved one, including pets, to grieving over the loss of your identity or dreams, Rainbows Through Cobwebs has case studies with toolbox tips on how you can overcome grief.
Escaping Genocide
There’s hell on earth…where atrocities are committed everyday, where life has no value, where mercy and compassion do not exist; where fear reigns and survival depends on the dialect you speak; the ethnic group you belong to. Helena reveals the trauma of escaping genocide.
Fifty Years of Silence book review
Fifty Years of Silence is the memoir of Jan Ruff-O’Herne, a war rape survivor. Jan’s idyllic childhood in Dutch colonial Indonesia came to an abrupt end when war intruded on her life and she was captured and imprisoned.
JOY Film Review
Joy is a film based on Joy Mangano, inventor of the self-wringing mop. It’s a story about family rivalry & control; making mistakes; learning about business; perseverance and sheer determination to not give up on something you believe in.
A Taste of Circus Life: Trapeze and Hula Hoop Lessons
As part of my research for When The Glitter Fades, I sent my son on a trapeze lesson to report back what it feels like to swing through the air from a great height, while I took the safer option of hula hooping.
One-Act Play Theatre Festivals
Participating in One-Act Play Theatre Festivals was the inspiration I needed to write my own plays for my drama students. Some of my fondest memories come from the fun and laughter we had rehearsing for the theatre festival and the excitement of performing on the night.
Skydiving Bucket List Dare
Revenge. Whether it be on misbehaving teens, a mother or father-in-law, or your comatose partner, skydiving is the perfect way to get someone back for causing you grief… just throw them out of an airplane, preferably at 15,000 feet so that suffering is prolonged.
Captain Phillips – Film Review
Captain Phillips is a riveting film based on a true story about the chaos caused by four Somali pirates who hijacked a US 17’000 tonne container ship, the Maersk Alabama, off the Somali coast in 2009. This is a story of two men from contrasting continents, where one continent values life and the other values money over life. Desperation speaks volumes, and the rage against the western world is loud and clear in this film.
Harnessing the Power of the Creative Spiral by Lyne Marshall
Harnessing the Power of the Creative Spiral will encourage and challenge you to live the life designed for you. It inspires you to break free from the doubt, the excuses, the fear of failure, and to recreate what you have buried inside you and to do it with excellence.
Another Man’s War Book Review
Another Man’s War is the true story of Sam Childers’ battle to save the children of Southern Sudan.
The Boy Who Wouldn’t Die
David Nyuol Vincent was the boy who wouldn’t die. His story of fleeing war-torn Southern Sudan with his father is captivating. It is written in a matter-of-fact way, void of any bitterness or hostility, nor seeking to emotionally manipulate. It appears to reflect the manner in which he was trained to survive as a child soldier – by not showing emotion. Yet the book is candid and respectful.
Sizzling at Seventy
Lyn Traill has courageously spoken out about her severe abuse as a child at the hands of the people she was supposed to trust to love and protect her. As is usually the case, people who have been abused suppress the memories that have changed how they see themselves. Lyn takes you through the roller coaster emotions that were her journey throughout her adult years whilst she searched for the truth behind her nightmares. Her abuse began with her mother.