Introduce Yourself : Hi I am Andrea Johns by Andrea Johns

Hi all, I am not an actor, a film producer or a screenwriter. I am just a 73-year-old great-grandmother who had a dream, to write a book and maybe one day see it become a movie or a documentary or TV series. We can all dream…right? A friend told me about Stage 32, so I joined and have found it very helpful. I will ask for help with a screenplay soon. But for now, I am enjoying reading all your comments.

I've lived a life that's been nothing short of extraordinary, and I've always dreamed of sharing my story. It wasn't easy, mind you—I'm no scholar—but I never let go of that dream.

You would not believe the journey I've been on! With limited schooling, it took me over 30 years to jot down my amazing memories and another 12 to 14 years to get it published. But guess what? I never gave up!

 My life was no walk in the park. Travelling on a ship from Cyprus that nearly took my life and my mother's. Growing up, I travelled all over Australia with my dad, who was a real character. He was a barber, a chef, a medium, a con artist but above all he was a lovable larrikin. He taught me how to be street smart, to love, gamble, run a business, hunt, and fish - an education no classroom could provide.

How I survived some of the hair-raising dangerous situations I was exposed to is a miracle in itself.

 At only 13, I was pulled out of school. By 15, I was engaged, and by 16, I was married. At 17 I became a mother. A war and the traumatic birth of my second child, only made me stronger.

 When we were evacuated to London, my family and I spent two long harrowing years, trying to return to our Aussie home. When we finally got back, I faced my biggest challenge yet: saving my son from an evil spirit.

 My book, "Like a Dandelion in the Wind," is part memoir, part unbelievable adventure. Those who read my book laugh, cry, are amazed, shocked, and maybe even a little scared! as they travel across three counties with me and my incredible journey.

Apologies for the long post