MELINDA HUTCHINGS

Author and role model Melinda Hutchings suffered from anorexia as a teenager and knows only too well the lonely, miserable existence that is imminent every waking moment. She is passionate about turning her negative experience into something positive through actively increasing the awareness of the dangers of dieting and promoting positive body image, as well as empowering teenagers to be confident and believe in themselves.

Her third book Why Can’t I Look the Way I Want; Overcoming Eating Issues was published by Allen & Unwin and her fourth book It Will Get Better will be published by Allen & Unwin in July 2010. In It Will Get Better, Melinda Hutchings draws on her own experiences and those of many teens who speak openly about their issues – everything from family break-ups and troubled friends, to cutting, cyber-bullying and experiencing the death of a parent. They talk candidly about dealing with difficult emotions and what did or did not help them. Most importantly, they share the insights they gained that helped them heal and move forward. Alongside the teen voices are helpful sections of expert advice, practical tips, websites and many other supportive resources to help you find your way through. Perfect for the information-hungry generation and their parents, It Will Get Better is revealing and informative, providing strategies to face and overcome challenging issues and helping teens to recognise their enormous potential to create a happy and fulfilling future.

Melinda is a Finalist in the category Inspirational Role Model of the Year for Cosmopolitan’s "Fun Fearless Female 2009" awards and is featured in the Bellaboo "Get Real About Role Models" campaign. An experienced public speaker, she has presented at many forums throughout Australia and been profiled in mainstream magazines, the metropolitan press and several television & radio programs.

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