Canberra authors Simone Hamilton and Julie Okely with their book, Tales of Tinderella, in a place where all good first dates start. Photo: Michael Weaver.
Is there such a thing as a happy ending? What are your dating dealbreakers? Is finding your one true love just a myth?
The truth here may be stranger than fiction according to two Canberra women who have explored the answers to these questions and much more in their book, Tales of Tinderella.
The book is a mostly fictional account of Tinderella, a sensitive woman with love in her heart and a desire to find her soul mate. Tinderella is typical to many in the dating scene and has to learn fast to find her forever guy. Along the way, her encounters are, let’s just say, a tale of ups and downs.
The authors, Julie Okely and Simone Hamilton, are both experts in their own way. Simone is a behavioural change specialist with a successful hypnotherapy and coaching practice called Personally Empowered.
Julie is a hairdresser and owner of Dilkara Hair where she hears the stories of many single women looking for love and a bit of adventure.
Julie tells Region Media that, like all good stories, this one started over a glass of wine two years ago when a client encouraged her to write a book.
“Everyone likes a good book about sex, but the idea turned into how we can help people on the mistake dates. Now, we proudly have something that is not just a great story, but also a very valuable resource on the monstrosities of dating,” Julie says.
Julie is also a proud Kamilaroi Indigenous woman and a multi-award winner, including the Supply Nation Indigenous Business Woman of the Year 2017, as well as a Telstra Business Women’s ACT Awards finalist.
She hopes that within her story, readers will find the courage to take on the dating scene.
“Knowledge is power, right. So we arm you with the knowledge to be powerful.”
In each chapter, Julie tells the story of Tinderella. Her first date is with Sean, a father of two who has been single for five years. When they meet, Tinderella expects to see a version of Vin Diesel but instead gets a poor excuse for Monty Burns from the Simpsons. Sean looked nothing like his ruggedly handsome profile photo.
At the end of each chapter, Simone adds her insights into the lessons learned. In this case, don’t judge a book by its cover.
And it’s not all about the girls. Behind every woman is a guy who makes plenty of mistakes too.
“Guys, take a decent profile photo. Smile!” Simone says.
“Work on your conversation,” says Julie. “I’ve been on dates where the conversation turns to naked bodies within the first few minutes. I think that the text and social media culture has taken the power of a good conversation away from us and that’s a real shame.”
Simone says their goal for the book is to show women (and men) to remember that the journey is as important as the destination.
“Part of our journey has been to help women heal and let go. We want people to get out there and have fun with it all, and maybe find love.”
The power of Tinderella’s tale is only just beginning, with the first print run of 120 copies selling out almost immediately. The book is also now available at Book Face in Gungahlin. There will be an official launch in October.
Just before you kick the bed sheets back, there’s a podcast in the making, along with a sequel called Tales of TinderFella.
Julie and Simone have even developed a one-day workshop where you can develop your very own KISS list for Mr Right, along with a five-day Tinderella retreat in an exotic location.
Of course, there’s always more. To prove that Tinderella practices safely, Julie and Simone have protected her with a trademark.
So, is there a happy ending? “Yes, of course,” says Simone. “I’m romantic and believe there is someone for everyone. It’s all part of the journey, so there might even be more than one happy ending.”
Julie says, “If Jerry Maguire can have the ‘you had me at hello’ line, then why can’t we.”
You can find out more on the Tales of Tinderella website or follow the Facebook page to keep up with Tinderella’s next move.
As a special offer for the RiotACT readers, Julie and Simone are offering a signed copy and free delivery of the book to anyone who mentions the RiotACT when ordering the book.
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