About the Event
Join Marcia Van Zeller, discussing her debut novel Be a Good Girl, Valerie in conversation with Kathy Heys.
The Mandurah Readers’ and Writers’ Festival is an annual adult literature event presented by City of Mandurah Library Services. The aim of the festival is to foster a love of reading and literature and encourage creativity in our community.
In 2026 the festival will be held from 8 - 10 January at Seashells Mandurah, bringing together an array of established and emerging storytellers from across Western Australia. This three-day festival includes author talks, and panel discussions.
Marcia Van Zeller
Born in Canada, Marcia van Zeller completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto before landing a job in television production. Marcia arrived in Perth, Western Australia in the 1980s to embark on a long career in journalism and professional writing.
After many years spent composing words to the specifications of others, Marcia decided she had a story or two of her own to tell. She completed her first novel as part of her PhD thesis through Curtin University’s School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry.
Marcia continues to work as a freelance editor and is a professional member of the Institute of Professional Editors WA.
Be a Good Girl, Valerie
When Valerie, now in her sixties, learns that her Gen Z co-worker, Anna, has effectively been fired for rejecting the boss’s advances, Valerie becomes her champion, and so ensures that justice will prevail. But it brings back traumatic memories of when Valerie herself was the victim of sexual assault when working as an aspiring TV reporter in 1970s London.
Exposing the unfair consequences of saying ‘no’ in the workplace, the book vividly and with warm humour illustrates the power of standing up for another woman’s rights, and your own.
Kathy Heys
Kathy Heys graduated from UWA with a degree in English Literature and a Graduate Diploma of Education and embarked on a career teaching in public schools. Recently retired from her role as Head of English at Coodanup College, after 18 years at the school, she is completing a creative writing and professional writing course at Curtin University. Kathy is looking forward to having more time to devote to developing her creative skills, while also working for Curtin University supervising beginning teachers as they embark on their internships.
What to Expect:
2.00pm: In Conversation
2.45pm: Q & A
3.00pm: Book sales and signing
Tea and Coffee Provided.
Festival bookseller is Dymocks Busselton.
Places are limited. Bookings required.
Tickets per event $5, Book Here!
All day tickets $15, Book Here!
