Floorboy

This is an idea for a story that children's author Michael Wagner (checkout the Undys family if you have boys 7 to 9 years) has inspired me to write after I met with him at the Campbelltown library. I am considering entering it into the 2016 Wakefield Press unpublished manuscripts competition. Please tell me what you think...

Floor Boy

Tony nursed his half drunk glass of beer, listening to the unending tune of the poker machines. It was getting cool in the front bar of the Leigh's hotel, a bit after seven-thirty in the early weeks of June. An open fire roared in the dining room, more beer and a schnitzel tea beckoning the young man to return warmth to his bones. The beer was consumed in one gulp and Tony handed the empty glass back.
"Another?" asked the guy behind the bar, to which Tony shook his head and patted his stomach.
The barman nodded and turned his attention to the next drinker, Tony was already forgotten.

The dining area was half full, the tables nearest to the fire place taken up by families. Tony ordered another glass of pale ale and a schnitzel, beef with parmigiana sauce, taking his glass over to a table for two. The constant sound of poker machines could still be heard over the hubbub of the diners and the crying of toddlers hungry for their tea. Quietly Tony sipped, enjoying his drink while he waited for his own meal. From where he sat the young man could see the salad bar.
'Not tonight,' he thought to himself, 'Crispy hot chips and a shnitty will do me nicely.'
The food soon arrived, a flattened and crumbed piece of veal that spilled over both edges of the plate. That was one of the many things that Tony loved about Leigh's, the meals were large but not too costly.

With five beers under his belt, a great meal devoured and a final scotch Tony stumbled out onto Railway terrace. His usual choice then was to head up Sixth street and onto Bridge street to try his luck at the Bridgeport. A few of the girls behind the bar therEwingew him and sometimes he could sweet talk cheaper drinks from them, not very often though and not that night. Instead the young man headed down the dim dark street ironically named Railway towards the train station. Just before he got there he took a left up Second street. His dad's place was the third house along and the key was under the mat. As the Town Hall clock chimed that it was eleven o'clock Tony flopped onto the couch in the lounge and pulled a blanket over him.
"That you, Tony!" called out the voice of his mum.
"Yeah mum!" Tony called back.
"Night then," said mum and soon there came the sound of soft snores.
'No more drinks for me tonight,' thought Tony.
The young man had an early morning planned.
Tomorrow he started a new job at T and R, the local meat works.
Tomorrow was Tony's first day as floor boy.

Easter... A time of happiness and a time of sorrow

Easter... Whether it is a time of great religious relevance, a brilliant four day week end or the best pay packet of the year there is no denying that there is something about Easter that is worth celebrating.

For me Easter this year has been an interesting time, highest highs and lowest lows. I am happy to have a beautiful new niece to share the wonderment of the season (fun... family... chocolate). Throw in the three youngsters that are my own little ones, nieces and nephews of various ages... This all equates to some very happy faces with chocolate smudges on lips and cheeks as eggs, rabbits and the occasional bilby are consumed and enjoyed.

On the flip side my heart goes out to a mate who has just lost someone special in his life. I know what it is like to have lost a parent, and how their absence is so acutely felt at special times of year. Cherish your loved ones, young and old and have the best Easter ever...

These are a few of my Favourite Things

To all you wonderful people who are sending me feedback and commenting on my posts...

Thank you!

Your support is one of my all time fav things.

I thought I would take the time here to just list a few of my favourite authors, musicians/bands... My influences I suppose you could say... And also what ever other stuff that just pops into my head.

Here goes...

I have love love loved the zany and thought provoking creativity of Sir Terry Pratchett ever since my uncle and aunt gave me a copy of The Colour of Magic for my thirteenth birthday.

Tad Williams has written a brilliant fantasy series called Memory, Sorrow and Thorn that has opened my eyes to the fact that a troll does not always need to be a troll and an elf can be so much more than just an elf.

Thanks to James for introducing me to Tool and Radiohead as well as some of the greatest classical composers I have ever heard. Thanks to Aaron and Hicksy for reminding me just how great the bands I love can be.

Markus Zusak your capture of the Holocaust haunts me... I must get to the end of that book...

James Patterson and Matthew Reilly you have seemingly perfected the art of the fast paced novel.

So many influences and so little time...

I need to note just how epic I am finding the writing of George R. R. Martin...

Finally my amazing family, my beautiful wife and wonderful children... My friends who are family and my family who are friends... You all influence my and inspire me in everything you do.

Thank you