The Indie Showcase presents, Terry Spring.


One of the great things about the internet, is that you can chat to writers from all over the world. I’ve been lucky to meet a fabulous group of authors from Australia, several of which have already featured on the Showcase. Here’s another of them, please welcome Terry Spring


I’ve always written. For some writers it’s a long hard road but my own journey has been fun and enjoyable. I just love expressing my thoughts  and ideas and this goes back to my childhood, since I grew up the youngest, by many years, in a large family. No-one ever wanted to hear what I had to say, couldn’t get a word in edgeways, so I wrote my thoughts . As I grew older, travel and history became the passions that fed my writing.

Writing has always been in my blood and I devour biographies – I find people’s lives so fascinating. Among the books I’ve ghost-written, the story of an English soldier who survived five years as a Japanese slave-worker on the famous River Kwai bridge, another who interview sex workers for their life-stories, and a naive lady caught up in an internet scam, have been the most intriguing. Despite suggestions I write my own biography, I prefer to write about other people but I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned over the years and give talks at the Queensland libraries on writing. There is so much information on writing and publishing these days and the publishing world has changed so much  over the last decades – some say not for the better.  So many people write and can’t bear the thought of marketing their book. Years ago you could probably get away with it but these days whatever publishing you do, one is expected to take part in the marketing.

I was born and educated in London’s northern suburbs, but now live on Australia’s Gold Coast.. Painting pictures with words is part of me, like the wording through Blackpool Rock! Leaving school, I worked in various London offices and, as a freelance journalist, interviewed performers of the day. In the sixties, my articles appeared in music magazines and London papers until, in the seventies, I migrated with my musician husband and family.

In sunny Sydney, I worked my way as a trainer, despite the glass-ceiling , scripting and producing in-house training films for global corporations and, one holiday, decided to get serious about writing. I undertook a creative writing course back in England, at Oxford University. Apart from my own novels and ghost-writing books for others, I pen occasional articles for national and local papers. Some of my short stories have won competitions and aired on Australian ABC radio. One became a ‘short movie’, and I had fun re-scripting and producing it for the Sydney Tropfest Film Festival. 

Passionate about the past, I’ve uncovered a huge family tree and have written an ebook offering tips on researching one’s ancestors. I’ve had six books published and ghost-written another six in the last fifteen years. My novelTransported, –based on an English convict,  was used as subject matter for 2010 International Marketing students at a Queensland University and has been translated into Portuguese. Lord knows what the Portuguese readers think of Australia after reading about it in the 1800s; ( it’s moved on since then, honestly). This book was followed by ‘A Tambo Girl’ set in the Queensland outback in the Victorian era. Both books sell, amongst other places, at the Australian Hall of Fame in Longreach, in outback Queensland, mostly bought by tourists travelling through the dusty Australian roads, back to civilisation.

Writing has always been in my blood and I devour biographies – I find people’s lives so fascinating. I’ve ghost-written the story of an English soldier who survived five years as a Japanese slave-worker on the famous River Kwai bridge, another who interviewed sex workers for their life-stories and the tale of a naive lady caught up in an internet scam. Despite suggestions I write my own biography, I prefer to write about other people but I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned over the years and give talks at the Queensland libraries on writing. There is so much information available on writing and publishing these days and the publishing world has changed so much  over the last few decades – some say not for the better. So many people write and can’t bear the thought of marketing their book. Years ago you could probably get away with it but these days whatever publishing you do, one is expected to take part in the marketing.

I have recently completed two eBooks in my “Our Song” series, selling on Amazon, which are based on my research of two families during World War Two. They’re set in both London and Sydney and required a fair amount of historical research to set the scene. I have a few more books in the series to write but can’t face sitting at the computer all day when the sun is shining outside and a beach walk calls. Think it might be time for a long cool drink.

There are so many stories to tell. I hope you enjoy writing some of them as much as I have. I’m just one person who’ is eagerly looking forward to reading them – there’s lots more of us out there!

Find out more about Terry Spring and her work on her website,

http://www.terryspring.com


And now, a short story from Terry.


SILVER SERVICE

In business circles, Harry Penderson, Chief Executive of GEI, was a highly respected Australian businessman in the world’s stock market. A tall, powerful man he was noted for mingling with the society set; around Melbourne’s night spots, he was often seen and photographed with celebrities and politicians.

From previous visits, Nick Papadopolous recognised Harry and the five suited men as they opened the glass doors of his St Kilda restaurant. One man appeared to be the Premier and he knew the others as captains of industry.

Well after midnight, there were still a few stragglers around – regular customers sipping coffee at the tables – but the night was over. I’ve closed the tills – another lousy night. ..only just made rent again this month. I’m tired. Why should I put myself out for these bloody silvertails?

‘Sorry gentlemen we’re closed’ Nick said brusquely, turning his back on the newcomers.

In a quiet voice, Harry addressed Nick’s back. ‘Look, we’ve had a successful evening and I’d like to buy these guys some food and champagne to celebrate. I realise its late but I’ll happily compensate you for the extra trouble.’

‘Nope, were closed.’

Harry wasn’t put off easily.

‘Surely you could rustle up something? There must be some cold meats in the fridge. I don’t care how much it costs…just something simple and some wine.’

Nick was not about to be moved. He turned and confronted the customer. In a loud voice he proclaimed ‘You may be a big important man where you come from but, in this restaurant, I’m the boss. We are closed for the night.’

He marched off, disappearing through the kitchen door muttering, ‘Bloody suits. Come in here throwing their weight around…’

Harry turned to the group of men, shrugged his shoulders and, looking downhearted, they filed out of the restaurant. Outside in the chilly night, Harry’s chauffeur appeared surprised. He jumped out of the black limousine and stood at the kerb, ready to open the door. The tycoon shook his head.

‘No, we’re not going yet – this guy doesn’t want my money but there’s another restaurant over there. Let’s try there.’

He crossed the road with the men walking gloomily behind him. The lights of ‘The Green Onion’ were on but the place appeared still and empty. They moved gingerly into the bistro foyer and a young waiter approached. He greeted them in a lush Irish brogue.

‘Evening gentlemen.’

‘Are you still open? Could you provide us some simple food and wine?’

‘Well sir, actually we are closed but I’ll check with the chef. Please be seated.’

He ushered the men to seats in the foyer and disappeared – only to return a few moments later.

‘For sure, we’ll open the kitchen. You understand we can’t offer the full menu but we’ll do what we can. Come this way, gentlemen.’

Harry and his group followed the waiter into the empty restaurant and were seated at a table already prepared for the next day.

‘What about a drink whilst you decide what to order?’ The waiter proffered the wine list and cheerfully handed out menus.

Harry took charge and ordered bottles of champagne. Meals were ordered and glasses drained as the men toasted their successful take-over. When the food arrived, Harry ordered more wine and after the plates were cleared away, port and coffee followed. The table of men had been boisterous, laughing and talking loudly and appeared to have enjoyed their meal. When the bill arrived, Harry placed his platinum coloured American Express card on the silver tray.

The waiter looked worn out as he returned for a signature on the document. For the first time Harry looked at the bill as he raised his pen to sign.

‘Nine hundred and eighty dollars? Harry exclaimed with raised eyebrows.

‘Yes sir’ the waiter replied. ‘Actually you were drinking expensive wine sir.’

‘I’m not complaining.’

‘No sir, but it’s a large sum of money and I understand your surprise.’

Harry smiled and said, ‘You don’t know me, do you son?’ as the waiter shook his head.

‘Sorry Mr Penderson, I’ve only been in Australia for a month. I’m sure I would know you if I had been here longer.’  The young Irishman looked beat and a worried expression.

‘No worries son,’ Harry replied laughing.’ We won’t chuck you out the country because you don’t know me. Look, it’s been an excellent meal. I’ll sign this and give you a tip in a separate cheque. I’m sure you want to close up.’

He waiter nodded wearily and thanked Harry. Transaction approved, he returned the card and receipt and stood at the door to farewell the group. Harry was the last out and handed the young man a cheque.

‘Split it between you and the kitchen staff.’

He waiter looked at the cheque and spluttered,’ But sir, it’s for ten thousand dollars!’

Harry nodded. ‘I can afford it son…but before you cash it, I want you to promise to do something.’

‘Of course…anything…’

‘I want you to promise to go across the road to ‘Silver Service Bistro’ tomorrow. Tell Nick, the owner, personally that we came here after he refused to serve us. Tell him I gave you a tip and show him the cheque…promise?

The waiter gulped and nodded. ‘Of course, of course…I’ll do that…thank you again Mr Penderson.’

Harry chuckled, waved and stepped out into the cold night air, starting to chuckle loudly. The chauffer could still hear his deep throaty laugh from the back of the limousine on the drive home.


Thanks, Terry for a great post. I hope you all enjoyed it.

While you’re here, why not have a look around the site? There are FREE things and a whole lot more, just follow the links at the top of the page.

If you want to be featured in a future Showcase, where you can write about whatever (within reason) you want, then please let me know. Use the comment box below and I’ll get back to you.

You can catch up on previous Showcase posts by clicking HERE

Don’t miss next Thursdays Showcase post, there’ll be a recipe in the Saturday Rewind and more of my musings next Monday.

Have a great week,

Richard.

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