From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Collins. Hello, everyone. No, it's not. Sam Stella Glory filling in for Sam Collie, who unfortunately is at home with a serious bout of man flu. So I thought I'd take the opportunity and sit myself down behind the microphone. And as usual, we have got a great talking vision for you this week. As you might know by now, it is radio phone time here at Vision Australia Radio and we're urging people to support this volunteer based Essential Service Vision Australia Radio for people living with a disability. And as part of that, we're asking people to be a good listener. And I'm having a chat with Sheila, who loves listening to Vision Australia Radio and considers herself to be a very good listener. And that's coming up later in the program. First, so I'll be unveiling some of the mysteries of orthotics and what an orthopedist can do. And I'll be chatting with an old doctor here at Vision Australia. And some of it took me by surprise, especially for people who are living with low vision. And a big treat for you this week at the end of the program, Francis Calland with some reader recommended I hope you enjoy this week's talking vision. Or to Awareness Week took place in late May and early June, and unfortunately it was overshadowed somewhat by the election. But we had an opportunity to speak with Melissa about Will Optus and what they do. And Melissa works for Vision Australia and I started with asking her about what not Optus does not.

From Vision Australia. This is talking vision. And now here's your host, Sam Collins. Hello, everyone. No, it's not. Sam Stella Glory filling in for Sam Collie, who unfortunately is at home with a serious bout of man flu. So I thought I'd take the opportunity and sit myself down behind the microphone. And as usual, we have got a great talking vision for you this week. As you might know by now, it is radio phone time here at Vision Australia Radio and we're urging people to support this volunteer based Essential Service Vision Australia Radio for people living with a disability. And as part of that, we're asking people to be a good listener. And I'm having a chat with Sheila, who loves listening to Vision Australia Radio and considers herself to be a very good listener. And that's coming up later in the program. First, so I'll be unveiling some of the mysteries of orthotics and what an orthopedist can do. And I'll be chatting with an old doctor here at Vision Australia. And some of it took me by surprise, especially for people who are living with low vision. And a big treat for you this week at the end of the program, Francis Calland with some reader recommended I hope you enjoy this week's talking vision. Or to Awareness Week took place in late May and early June, and unfortunately it was overshadowed somewhat by the election. But we had an opportunity to speak with Melissa about Will Optus and what they do. And Melissa works for Vision Australia and I started with asking her about what not Optus does not.

Optus is a health professional that specializes in eyes with sometimes confused with orthotics, which work with fate. But I promise you, it's definitely a definitely the other end of the body.

Optus is a health professional that specializes in eyes with sometimes confused with orthotics, which work with fate. But I promise you, it's definitely a definitely the other end of the body.

I have to I have to put my hand up for that, too, because I think food but it's it's easy mistake to make.

I have to I have to put my hand up for that, too, because I think food but it's it's easy mistake to make.

It is is a very common mistake. But no, we specialize in eyes and a vision Australia. We take a more functional approach to people's eyes. So it's what they see and where they see it and then how well they're coping on a day to day basis. So what they're struggling with, what they're doing really well with, and then trying to recommend some equipment or some other services from either Vision Australia or elsewhere that can help support clients to just have a more functional and safe day to day existence.

It is is a very common mistake. But no, we specialize in eyes and a vision Australia. We take a more functional approach to people's eyes. So it's what they see and where they see it and then how well they're coping on a day to day basis. So what they're struggling with, what they're doing really well with, and then trying to recommend some equipment or some other services from either Vision Australia or elsewhere that can help support clients to just have a more functional and safe day to day existence.

I guess because she was saying earlier, really in at Vision Australia it's mainly low vision optics.

I guess because she was saying earlier, really in at Vision Australia it's mainly low vision optics.

Yeah, it's a range. We get some people that have no vision or very low vision. Well, some people could come to us at the beginning of a diagnosis where they're just starting to, I guess, come to terms with their diagnosis and maybe experiencing some early signs of vision loss.

Yeah, it's a range. We get some people that have no vision or very low vision. Well, some people could come to us at the beginning of a diagnosis where they're just starting to, I guess, come to terms with their diagnosis and maybe experiencing some early signs of vision loss.

When? Ideally, when would an northop just like to see someone.

When? Ideally, when would an northop just like to see someone.

Ideally, we like to see people around the early stages of their diagnosis because often the support can revolve around just reassurance and information. But also there's a lot more options available for people in the early stages of vision loss. As the vision loss progresses, then there's just different options, but sometimes less options available. And some people could miss out on things that they could have been doing in the meantime, as vision was declining slowly.

Ideally, we like to see people around the early stages of their diagnosis because often the support can revolve around just reassurance and information. But also there's a lot more options available for people in the early stages of vision loss. As the vision loss progresses, then there's just different options, but sometimes less options available. And some people could miss out on things that they could have been doing in the meantime, as vision was declining slowly.

Now, how does orthotics. Intersect with other specialist eye care health roles. For example, ophthalmology or optometrists. All starts with or no.

Now, how does orthotics. Intersect with other specialist eye care health roles. For example, ophthalmology or optometrists. All starts with or no.

They do. And very traditional orthopedic work is usually along side and not some ologist. So we would be working within an eye clinic now, whether it's in a hospital or a private practice, and it's a much more clinical approach. In that sitting, we're looking at doing scans and testing and looking at the diagnosis and interpreting the results. So very often if somebody has seen an ophthalmologist, they've probably seen an or doctors as well and not realized because it's it's all usually within the same practice. But a subtest can also assist in visa. Sometimes we're inside the surgery for, say, LASIK or cataract operations, which is probably less well known. Then we often refer to and from optometrist. So optometrists great refers to ophthalmologists. And then we also refer back to them if there's a glasses issue or something else that they can deal with. In the meantime, while clients are having management of the ocular diagnosis.

They do. And very traditional orthopedic work is usually along side and not some ologist. So we would be working within an eye clinic now, whether it's in a hospital or a private practice, and it's a much more clinical approach. In that sitting, we're looking at doing scans and testing and looking at the diagnosis and interpreting the results. So very often if somebody has seen an ophthalmologist, they've probably seen an or doctors as well and not realized because it's it's all usually within the same practice. But a subtest can also assist in visa. Sometimes we're inside the surgery for, say, LASIK or cataract operations, which is probably less well known. Then we often refer to and from optometrist. So optometrists great refers to ophthalmologists. And then we also refer back to them if there's a glasses issue or something else that they can deal with. In the meantime, while clients are having management of the ocular diagnosis.

Have you been in surgery?

Have you been in surgery?

I have. I used to be in a laser vision center in Sydney, so I've seen a lot of laser surgeries, a lot of cataract surgery, some kids surgeries along the way.

I have. I used to be in a laser vision center in Sydney, so I've seen a lot of laser surgeries, a lot of cataract surgery, some kids surgeries along the way.

Now, this is part of Orthotics Awareness Week was where can orthopedist take you, which is about the career options. But before we talk about that, what drew you to optics?

Now, this is part of Orthotics Awareness Week was where can orthopedist take you, which is about the career options. But before we talk about that, what drew you to optics?

I was interested in health care. And funnily enough, back then, which was a few years ago, I was looking at a job that I could travel with. So other destinations apart from Australia, having actually got to work overseas just yet.

I was interested in health care. And funnily enough, back then, which was a few years ago, I was looking at a job that I could travel with. So other destinations apart from Australia, having actually got to work overseas just yet.

I had to sit on the last two years.

I had to sit on the last two years.

Especially not in the last three years. That's probably probably been overlooked just a little bit. But it is a job that you can do in other countries because places like Canada, the UK, also America, they have pretty strong orthopedic fields. Other places, it's a bit less known, but certainly even within Australia there's lots of different avenues that orthopedists can take. We already talked about the surgery or working alongside ophthalmologists. You can specialize in pediatrics if you really love kids and putting in eyedrops, which is not always the most fun part of the job. But you can do that. You can specialize in adults or even in a particular part of the eye. Lots of orthopedist work in clinics that might deal only with corneal issues, for instance, or retinal trouble. So you can actually specialize in a few different areas if that's the the avenue that you want to choose.

Especially not in the last three years. That's probably probably been overlooked just a little bit. But it is a job that you can do in other countries because places like Canada, the UK, also America, they have pretty strong orthopedic fields. Other places, it's a bit less known, but certainly even within Australia there's lots of different avenues that orthopedists can take. We already talked about the surgery or working alongside ophthalmologists. You can specialize in pediatrics if you really love kids and putting in eyedrops, which is not always the most fun part of the job. But you can do that. You can specialize in adults or even in a particular part of the eye. Lots of orthopedist work in clinics that might deal only with corneal issues, for instance, or retinal trouble. So you can actually specialize in a few different areas if that's the the avenue that you want to choose.

Is there a particular part that you love most about your role or enjoy or find interesting?

Is there a particular part that you love most about your role or enjoy or find interesting?

Yeah. I think thinking when you work in low vision, as I'm doing now, it's a lot more personal. So you're talking to clients about how they're coping on their like within their day to day activities, which I find is a bit more satisfying than if you're working in a traditional family setting. There's not really the time to spend with people actually finding out how they're going and how they're coping and if life could be made better for them because it's just a different type of like the clinical setting is just a much different aspect of looking at someone's vision. Whereas at Vision Australia you can look at how people are coping and there's sometimes very simple strategies or good support networks out there that can actually make life a lot easier.

Yeah. I think thinking when you work in low vision, as I'm doing now, it's a lot more personal. So you're talking to clients about how they're coping on their like within their day to day activities, which I find is a bit more satisfying than if you're working in a traditional family setting. There's not really the time to spend with people actually finding out how they're going and how they're coping and if life could be made better for them because it's just a different type of like the clinical setting is just a much different aspect of looking at someone's vision. Whereas at Vision Australia you can look at how people are coping and there's sometimes very simple strategies or good support networks out there that can actually make life a lot easier.

And that segways into. Can you share a memorable story about one of your clients?

And that segways into. Can you share a memorable story about one of your clients?

I can't. I can't use any names, but I think most recently I've been involved in an eccentric reviewing training program that's particularly good for clients with macular degeneration. So I very recently I saw a lady who's in her nineties. She's lost vision and can no longer read. And we started out at around print size in one toe. And then with the progression of this training, which helps her to find a better part of the macular or the retina in order to read risk, she's managed to get down to about in 45 size print, and we're about halfway through the session. So we're really hoping that she'll get down to something smaller, maybe around in 12 to in 20, which will at least allow her to read a bit easier. And then maybe we can introduce some low strength magnifies to help break it down to about an eight size print, which is traditionally in newspapers and magazines and things like that. So that's been really satisfying.

I can't. I can't use any names, but I think most recently I've been involved in an eccentric reviewing training program that's particularly good for clients with macular degeneration. So I very recently I saw a lady who's in her nineties. She's lost vision and can no longer read. And we started out at around print size in one toe. And then with the progression of this training, which helps her to find a better part of the macular or the retina in order to read risk, she's managed to get down to about in 45 size print, and we're about halfway through the session. So we're really hoping that she'll get down to something smaller, maybe around in 12 to in 20, which will at least allow her to read a bit easier. And then maybe we can introduce some low strength magnifies to help break it down to about an eight size print, which is traditionally in newspapers and magazines and things like that. So that's been really satisfying.

Oh, that that is fascinating. Can you take us through those numbers again, the original numbers, and then maybe explain what that size actually, you know, for for those of us who aren't familiar with that, what was the first number that you mentioned?

Oh, that that is fascinating. Can you take us through those numbers again, the original numbers, and then maybe explain what that size actually, you know, for for those of us who aren't familiar with that, what was the first number that you mentioned?

So I end in 120 is what she started out with. This particular lady, which is quite a large print, it's even larger than newspaper sized headlines, is very big. And she would like to be down to reading size for magazines, which is traditionally around in age, which is probably what most people are used to seeing, either in magazines or newspapers, books, things like that. And then she's currently at about in 45, which is well to say it's more than 50% improvement, but we're still going. So she could potentially get down to around in 12, which would be closer to newspaper headlines. And then if you introduce a little bit of magnification or better lighting, she might end up getting down to that an eight size print, which is what most people are able to read pretty comfortably.

So I end in 120 is what she started out with. This particular lady, which is quite a large print, it's even larger than newspaper sized headlines, is very big. And she would like to be down to reading size for magazines, which is traditionally around in age, which is probably what most people are used to seeing, either in magazines or newspapers, books, things like that. And then she's currently at about in 45, which is well to say it's more than 50% improvement, but we're still going. So she could potentially get down to around in 12, which would be closer to newspaper headlines. And then if you introduce a little bit of magnification or better lighting, she might end up getting down to that an eight size print, which is what most people are able to read pretty comfortably.

Wow. So this is with age related macular degeneration.

Wow. So this is with age related macular degeneration.

Yeah. And that's pretty common in the clients that I see. That would probably be about four out of five people that I see in my clinic each day.

Yeah. And that's pretty common in the clients that I see. That would probably be about four out of five people that I see in my clinic each day.

It is a radio, it's on time. And we're asking people or our listeners to be a good listener. And speaking of good listeners, I am speaking to one right now. Sheila Blanchfield, thank you so much for your time today, Sheila.

It is a radio, it's on time. And we're asking people or our listeners to be a good listener. And speaking of good listeners, I am speaking to one right now. Sheila Blanchfield, thank you so much for your time today, Sheila.

No problem, Stella.

No problem, Stella.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm very much a senior personnel involved with Vision Australia for many years. I went to school at Saint Paul, Stephen with Schoolmate Stephen Jolly. And so that's my. So I've really been involved with Vision Australia Radio IPA. I remember the first meeting when we all about it.

I'm very much a senior personnel involved with Vision Australia for many years. I went to school at Saint Paul, Stephen with Schoolmate Stephen Jolly. And so that's my. So I've really been involved with Vision Australia Radio IPA. I remember the first meeting when we all about it.

Well, this is a surprise. So you were a part of the organising of.

Well, this is a surprise. So you were a part of the organising of.

Oh, no, no. I just came along. I think we all put in a little bit of money, and that's what I remember. To get it off the ground.

Oh, no, no. I just came along. I think we all put in a little bit of money, and that's what I remember. To get it off the ground.

You've gone from approach to vision. Australia Radio is still listening. So there must. We must be doing something right.

You've gone from approach to vision. Australia Radio is still listening. So there must. We must be doing something right.

Well, first of all, I've very well over the years, of course, and situations have changed because in those days it was really only a few hours a night and Neville Kerr was running horizons. I think I remember on a Sunday night we listen to that and it would be probably from about 7 to 11 or 10:00 at night, and that was as much a licence to allow that to happen and then extended and then involved with probably the Association for the Blind Phone. And then gradually things improved and licences got better and moved to Kooyong. So it's gone on from there and it's able to get many, many volunteers with really interesting how things have changed and the technology has allowed it to be a lot better in many way. And now from digital radio and the web and everything.

Well, first of all, I've very well over the years, of course, and situations have changed because in those days it was really only a few hours a night and Neville Kerr was running horizons. I think I remember on a Sunday night we listen to that and it would be probably from about 7 to 11 or 10:00 at night, and that was as much a licence to allow that to happen and then extended and then involved with probably the Association for the Blind Phone. And then gradually things improved and licences got better and moved to Kooyong. So it's gone on from there and it's able to get many, many volunteers with really interesting how things have changed and the technology has allowed it to be a lot better in many way. And now from digital radio and the web and everything.

Through all those changes and they still do some of the radio live to air. Yes, but the way you listened hasn't really changed because you still listen to the radio.

Through all those changes and they still do some of the radio live to air. Yes, but the way you listened hasn't really changed because you still listen to the radio.

Oh, yes. The radio is a big part of my life and I believe so many vision impaired people. Indeed.

Oh, yes. The radio is a big part of my life and I believe so many vision impaired people. Indeed.

Let's talk about some of your listening habits. Have the programmes that you listened to changed over the years? Did you once listen to one program and think, I'm not interested in that anymore and moved on to another program? Or are you loyal to a particular type of program?

Let's talk about some of your listening habits. Have the programmes that you listened to changed over the years? Did you once listen to one program and think, I'm not interested in that anymore and moved on to another program? Or are you loyal to a particular type of program?

No, probably stay on. I'm loyal to the programs that I like to listen to, which are often paper, radio and online newspapers. I find they're good. I quite like having lunch and listening to the afternoon show and I do different things on different days because of readings. I'm always discovering something is a bit different too. I discovered the other day that they were reading the read Reader's Digest. Yeah, I'm sure even at night there would be things that when we're watching TV or listening to the football or something, there's a great show on Saturday night, I think about 832 with older people.

No, probably stay on. I'm loyal to the programs that I like to listen to, which are often paper, radio and online newspapers. I find they're good. I quite like having lunch and listening to the afternoon show and I do different things on different days because of readings. I'm always discovering something is a bit different too. I discovered the other day that they were reading the read Reader's Digest. Yeah, I'm sure even at night there would be things that when we're watching TV or listening to the football or something, there's a great show on Saturday night, I think about 832 with older people.

Baby Boomers Guide.

Baby Boomers Guide.

That's right. Yeah, I remember now.

That's right. Yeah, I remember now.

So you're saying that you when you're having lunch or in the mornings, you listen to the reading programs? Why is it important to you to listen to those particular programs? What to get out of it?

So you're saying that you when you're having lunch or in the mornings, you listen to the reading programs? Why is it important to you to listen to those particular programs? What to get out of it?

I don't do a lot of newspapers online, all that. So I think it's important because you get a wider view of what the public is reading or been in contact with. You can hear the news every hour for about 5 minutes and you get a bit of an overview. But often there will be articles about a particular interview or something like that that might broaden what you've heard on on the news.

I don't do a lot of newspapers online, all that. So I think it's important because you get a wider view of what the public is reading or been in contact with. You can hear the news every hour for about 5 minutes and you get a bit of an overview. But often there will be articles about a particular interview or something like that that might broaden what you've heard on on the news.

And what about perennial favorite shows? What about some sort of specialty programs? Were there any that you enjoy listening to? And this is a very pointed question.

And what about perennial favorite shows? What about some sort of specialty programs? Were there any that you enjoy listening to? And this is a very pointed question.

I say yes, well, of course, talking vision and is even deafness. And you were doing it and now it seems do it. And then on Friday we have, for instance, with the Vision Australia Library Show and that's terrific.

I say yes, well, of course, talking vision and is even deafness. And you were doing it and now it seems do it. And then on Friday we have, for instance, with the Vision Australia Library Show and that's terrific.

Yeah. Let's talk about Francis's show here. This it's hugely popular. And you know, when she recommends a book on the program because the library get all the phone calls and it gets downloaded.

Yeah. Let's talk about Francis's show here. This it's hugely popular. And you know, when she recommends a book on the program because the library get all the phone calls and it gets downloaded.

Oh, well, that's really great, because I've often wondered how many people listen. And I know some of my friends do, but often I've told people about the show and they didn't know that it was on is the library is getting feedback. I said that really well. It's a wonderful, lovely, lovely person.

Oh, well, that's really great, because I've often wondered how many people listen. And I know some of my friends do, but often I've told people about the show and they didn't know that it was on is the library is getting feedback. I said that really well. It's a wonderful, lovely, lovely person.

I'll try not to take that personally.

I'll try not to take that personally.

No, just so you.

No, just so you.

She's really great.

She's really great.

I had a little listen the other day. There's a new show on and it was for the children and.

I had a little listen the other day. There's a new show on and it was for the children and.

Oh, happy.

Oh, happy.

And it's 10:00 on Saturday morning. And I just come home and I have a bit of listen today. And they were doing stretching and things and I thought, Oh, I'll go with that. And once you put your hands behind your back and engaged right up to your shoulders, and I think I can do that, it might have been no one else's skin, but it was really good. I was quite impressed. It could just tell that I've put a lot of work.

And it's 10:00 on Saturday morning. And I just come home and I have a bit of listen today. And they were doing stretching and things and I thought, Oh, I'll go with that. And once you put your hands behind your back and engaged right up to your shoulders, and I think I can do that, it might have been no one else's skin, but it was really good. I was quite impressed. It could just tell that I've put a lot of work.

What do you get out of listening to something like Talking Vision? What does it mean for you to have programmes like Talking Vision and hear this?

What do you get out of listening to something like Talking Vision? What does it mean for you to have programmes like Talking Vision and hear this?

From my point of view, I feel that it really is amazing what the young people are doing now. The experience they have of life and technology has made a huge difference and the interviews with young people going for jobs and it's getting positions that in many ways we didn't have the opportunity to have or they weren't there. I know it's a lot more difficult days, but certainly the day of the young people were just going gangbusters and doing some wonderful things. Really terrific to hear that.

From my point of view, I feel that it really is amazing what the young people are doing now. The experience they have of life and technology has made a huge difference and the interviews with young people going for jobs and it's getting positions that in many ways we didn't have the opportunity to have or they weren't there. I know it's a lot more difficult days, but certainly the day of the young people were just going gangbusters and doing some wonderful things. Really terrific to hear that.

Do you know other people who listen to Vision Australia Radio and listen to the same programmes that you do and do you have conversations about the programmes?

Do you know other people who listen to Vision Australia Radio and listen to the same programmes that you do and do you have conversations about the programmes?

Well, I think a lot of people listen to the story that I've mentioned. I know we talk about those programmes a bit, but I think a lot of people listen to different things and they have different ways of listening, particularly with the podcasts and everything. You don't necessarily have to listen when the show is on and the library often put podcasts, they're available on people's bookshelves and that sort of thing so they can listen.

Well, I think a lot of people listen to the story that I've mentioned. I know we talk about those programmes a bit, but I think a lot of people listen to different things and they have different ways of listening, particularly with the podcasts and everything. You don't necessarily have to listen when the show is on and the library often put podcasts, they're available on people's bookshelves and that sort of thing so they can listen.

Sheila, it's been an absolute pleasure talking to you today. I'll talk to you for the rest of the afternoon, but I'm sure you've got better things to do. And thank you very much for being a good listener and sharing your listening stories we.

Sheila, it's been an absolute pleasure talking to you today. I'll talk to you for the rest of the afternoon, but I'm sure you've got better things to do. And thank you very much for being a good listener and sharing your listening stories we.

Think we should. Thank you very much.

Think we should. Thank you very much.

And I have been speaking with Melissa, who is one of our brilliant authorities here at Vision Australia, and she works mainly with people with low vision. And wasn't it fantastic to hear about all the work they can do? So if you'd like more information about one or top two stars or what not Optus could do for you and about seeing a vision Australia or Optus, you can go to our website at Vision Australia dot org. And on the website you can also find the information you need to self-refer. Or you can call us on one 300 847466. That's the Vision Australia number 138474w6. Now as mentioned earlier on in the programme, it is Vision Australia's Radiothon and we're asking people to be a good listener and asking you to support and not for profit, volunteer based, essential service for people living with a disability. A couple of ways that you can be a good listener, including heading to our VIP radio dot org website or call our 13847466 and donate now. Donations over $2 or more are tax deductible and your support will help us continue broadcasting for the next 12 months. That website again vision Australia radio dot org and now so good to hear her voice again. And now. Oh, so good to hear her voice again. Here's Francis Killin with some cozy murder mysteries, and Reader recommended.

And I have been speaking with Melissa, who is one of our brilliant authorities here at Vision Australia, and she works mainly with people with low vision. And wasn't it fantastic to hear about all the work they can do? So if you'd like more information about one or top two stars or what not Optus could do for you and about seeing a vision Australia or Optus, you can go to our website at Vision Australia dot org. And on the website you can also find the information you need to self-refer. Or you can call us on one 300 847466. That's the Vision Australia number 138474w6. Now as mentioned earlier on in the programme, it is Vision Australia's Radiothon and we're asking people to be a good listener and asking you to support and not for profit, volunteer based, essential service for people living with a disability. A couple of ways that you can be a good listener, including heading to our VIP radio dot org website or call our 13847466 and donate now. Donations over $2 or more are tax deductible and your support will help us continue broadcasting for the next 12 months. That website again vision Australia radio dot org and now so good to hear her voice again. And now. Oh, so good to hear her voice again. Here's Francis Killin with some cozy murder mysteries, and Reader recommended.

Another book that takes a lighter look at the world of murder, which can be very gritty and sordid, is the writing class. This is by Jessie Willis. Aimee Gallop is a reclusive widow whose only bright spot is the evening writing class that she teaches at the university. This semester's class is full of the usual suspects the overly enthusiastic student, the slacker, the prankster, and the undiscovered talent. But there's something different about this class. And the clues begin with a scary phone call and obscene threats instead of peer evaluations. Amy soon realizes that one of her students is a very disturbed individual indeed. When a student is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect. As she dissects each student's writing for clues. Amy must enlist the help of everyone in her class, including the murderer, to find the killer amongst them. Let's hear a sample of the writing class by Genki Willis. It's narrated by Jenny Roulette pick.

Another book that takes a lighter look at the world of murder, which can be very gritty and sordid, is the writing class. This is by Jessie Willis. Aimee Gallop is a reclusive widow whose only bright spot is the evening writing class that she teaches at the university. This semester's class is full of the usual suspects the overly enthusiastic student, the slacker, the prankster, and the undiscovered talent. But there's something different about this class. And the clues begin with a scary phone call and obscene threats instead of peer evaluations. Amy soon realizes that one of her students is a very disturbed individual indeed. When a student is murdered, everyone becomes a suspect. As she dissects each student's writing for clues. Amy must enlist the help of everyone in her class, including the murderer, to find the killer amongst them. Let's hear a sample of the writing class by Genki Willis. It's narrated by Jenny Roulette pick.

First class. The list. This is a fiction workshop. We will meet once a week for nine weeks, counting tonight. At the end of which time each of you will have written at least one piece of fiction and submitted it to the group for critique. Amy paused a bit, as she always did. So anybody who thought this was a balloon winemaking class butter throw dignity to the winds and beat feet. Somebody tittered, but the rest was silence, except for the drone of that cheap standing fan in the back of the room. It was way past time to tweak the speech. Balloon winemaking used to get the big laughs. Amy had a thought. You do know what balloon winemaking is? A generically lovely young woman raised her hand. Isn't that where they, like, sail over the vineyards and sort of check out the vines? Amy Side Bloom Winemaking was a sexy thing. You mixed wine in a bottle, stuck a balloon over the neck and watched it ferment. Yeah, said a guy in the back row. And after a couple of weeks, he got to watch it explode all over your garage. Big laughs. Blessings on the little man. He didn't look quite old enough to remember the sixties, though. Only Amy, in all the world was that old. Older. Even than this stocky, balding little guy with a great wide mouth like a frog. Maybe she could get a routine going with him. A little break the ice patter. Maybe he'd help her work the room. She made a little show of studying her preregistration list, which she would turn before the night's end. Into her own mnemonic cheat sheet. Froggy. She would pencil in next to his name. Amy had a poor memory for faces, let alone names, and needed all the help she could give herself.

First class. The list. This is a fiction workshop. We will meet once a week for nine weeks, counting tonight. At the end of which time each of you will have written at least one piece of fiction and submitted it to the group for critique. Amy paused a bit, as she always did. So anybody who thought this was a balloon winemaking class butter throw dignity to the winds and beat feet. Somebody tittered, but the rest was silence, except for the drone of that cheap standing fan in the back of the room. It was way past time to tweak the speech. Balloon winemaking used to get the big laughs. Amy had a thought. You do know what balloon winemaking is? A generically lovely young woman raised her hand. Isn't that where they, like, sail over the vineyards and sort of check out the vines? Amy Side Bloom Winemaking was a sexy thing. You mixed wine in a bottle, stuck a balloon over the neck and watched it ferment. Yeah, said a guy in the back row. And after a couple of weeks, he got to watch it explode all over your garage. Big laughs. Blessings on the little man. He didn't look quite old enough to remember the sixties, though. Only Amy, in all the world was that old. Older. Even than this stocky, balding little guy with a great wide mouth like a frog. Maybe she could get a routine going with him. A little break the ice patter. Maybe he'd help her work the room. She made a little show of studying her preregistration list, which she would turn before the night's end. Into her own mnemonic cheat sheet. Froggy. She would pencil in next to his name. Amy had a poor memory for faces, let alone names, and needed all the help she could give herself.

And you are.

And you are.

She maintained eye contact and let her mouth hang open expectantly. Froggy wiggled bushy eyebrows and smiled a secret smile. Oh, crap. You want me to guess? Nah. You'd never do it. I'm not on your list.

She maintained eye contact and let her mouth hang open expectantly. Froggy wiggled bushy eyebrows and smiled a secret smile. Oh, crap. You want me to guess? Nah. You'd never do it. I'm not on your list.

That was the writing class by Genki Willis. Genki is spelled j i n c y j i n c y. Willis is spelled w i. Double l e double t w i. Double l e. Double t. And unsurprisingly, just looking at Genki with its website, she's got a very dark sense of humor. She's got a list of websites that she recommends for people who have a bleak sense of humor. One is called Sad and Useless, the most depressive humor site on the Internet and American humorist David Sedaris is a bit of a fan. That's just a little bit there about Gypsy Willis.

That was the writing class by Genki Willis. Genki is spelled j i n c y j i n c y. Willis is spelled w i. Double l e double t w i. Double l e. Double t. And unsurprisingly, just looking at Genki with its website, she's got a very dark sense of humor. She's got a list of websites that she recommends for people who have a bleak sense of humor. One is called Sad and Useless, the most depressive humor site on the Internet and American humorist David Sedaris is a bit of a fan. That's just a little bit there about Gypsy Willis.

Thank you, Francis. And that was Francis Calland from the Vision Australia Library Radio program. He is now the Bishop in Australia. Library opens up a world of audio and Braille books, newspapers, magazines and podcasts for people living with a print disability. And you can find more information about the library at the Vision Australia website. Or call the library number one 300 654656. That's 13654656. Or email library at Vision Australia dot org. That's the library at Vision Australia dot org. Now, as well as having a brilliant catalogue, the Vision Australia Library also has a brilliant round of events, including right away an introduction to writing in four genres. The Vision Australia Library is delighted to present a new writing series with Writers Victoria, guided by four expert writers in their genre. Over four weeks you'll learn about the principles of poetry, crime fiction, fundamentals of fantasy, and the elements of romance writing. Now registration is open to members of Division Australia Library, which is a very easy thing to do. Participants can register to join the whole series or select only the sessions you're interested in and the dates. So it's all online, so it doesn't matter where you are in Australia. So introduction to poetry is on Wednesday, the 15th of June, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time. Then a week later, you've got a taste of crime with dinner. You can McKenzie. You've got introduction to fantasy with Karen Warren and on the 14th of July, Introduction to Romance with Jodie McAllister. Places are limited. So again, either call Vision Australia Library or Vision Australia or head to our website. I'm Stella Glory and that's the program for this week. Talking Vision is a production of Vision Australia Radio. Thanks to all involved with putting the program together. And if you have heard anything on today's program or you would love to give us your feedback, you can email us at Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org. That's Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org. And it's bye for now. You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 300 847466. That's one 300 847466 or by visiting vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia total.

Thank you, Francis. And that was Francis Calland from the Vision Australia Library Radio program. He is now the Bishop in Australia. Library opens up a world of audio and Braille books, newspapers, magazines and podcasts for people living with a print disability. And you can find more information about the library at the Vision Australia website. Or call the library number one 300 654656. That's 13654656. Or email library at Vision Australia dot org. That's the library at Vision Australia dot org. Now, as well as having a brilliant catalogue, the Vision Australia Library also has a brilliant round of events, including right away an introduction to writing in four genres. The Vision Australia Library is delighted to present a new writing series with Writers Victoria, guided by four expert writers in their genre. Over four weeks you'll learn about the principles of poetry, crime fiction, fundamentals of fantasy, and the elements of romance writing. Now registration is open to members of Division Australia Library, which is a very easy thing to do. Participants can register to join the whole series or select only the sessions you're interested in and the dates. So it's all online, so it doesn't matter where you are in Australia. So introduction to poetry is on Wednesday, the 15th of June, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time. Then a week later, you've got a taste of crime with dinner. You can McKenzie. You've got introduction to fantasy with Karen Warren and on the 14th of July, Introduction to Romance with Jodie McAllister. Places are limited. So again, either call Vision Australia Library or Vision Australia or head to our website. I'm Stella Glory and that's the program for this week. Talking Vision is a production of Vision Australia Radio. Thanks to all involved with putting the program together. And if you have heard anything on today's program or you would love to give us your feedback, you can email us at Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org. That's Talking Vision at Vision Australia dot org. And it's bye for now. You can contact Vision Australia by phoning us anytime during business hours on one 300 847466. That's one 300 847466 or by visiting vision Australia dot org. That's Vision Australia total.