The title of this article is really quite misleading; it's just my attempt at a little humour.
For anyone who has had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Jenny Trewin they would understand that it is hard not have a little fun with her as the subject matter.

This in essence is a story within a story, something Shakespeare was very adept at so I hope to not do him an injustice. Jenny a well known identity in the taxi industry has released her very first book titled The life and times of Ollie Waggit. Rather than do a critical review I am more interested with Jenny's story and how the book came about.

Jenny had mentioned the book in passing on several occasions to me and while not doubting her ability to write I couldn't picture what sort of book would be the result. Well the proof is in the pudding as they say and this one looks like it tastes, or should that be, tastes like it looks?

Without diverting from my original plan it is imperative I give the reader an insight into the book because for me this probably tells you a little about the author as well. The character in the title, Ollie is an all round decent bloke, willing to help those who require it and very proud with what he does and that is drive taxis.

Life is not all beer and skittles for Ollie as he deals with tricky situations including unrequited love and two aging sisters battling over a family inheritance. Oh, and just to complicate matters, Ollie is bi polar and adding insult to injury is also obsessive compulsive.

The "cards that Ollie has been dealt" don't deter him from overcoming life's little obstacles and he deals with all situations in his own way and this sometimes leads to awkward moments with an underlying sense of mirth. For humour is an important ingredient in this novel and this highlights the authors own outlook. When asked why humour was so important to her Jenny responded with "in our industry a sense of humour is vital, who doesn't want to laugh"?

Jenny Trewin born and bred in Traralgon and resident of Sale (hence the title of the article) for the last 21 years, blah, blah, blah. I could go on and will for this really is her story

"The Life and Times of Ollie Waggit" is her third "baby" having already reared a son and daughter. After a two and half year gestation period Ollie has finally arrived. Named after a bus driver in America (well surname anyway) Ollie has been let loose and his trials and tribulations put down on paper for all to see.

The prelude to Ollie's birth took a slightly different path to what normally would occur. His creator required a quiet haven far away from the interruptions of television, phones and even her husband. In moments of deep despair and with words drying up Ollie was left for weeks at a time until a new or fresh idea inspired Jenny to once again take up the task and allow Ollie to continue his own journey.

So what inspired Jenny to create "Ollie"? The name had been in her head for some time and she wrote a story around the name. Like a lot of characters in novels, Ollie is made up of a collection of different people. He is afflicted with Bi Polar because as Jenny puts it "I have an aversion to people being treated different because of their individuality or handicap. Bi Polar is the depressive illness running rampant now days, I thought it a good idea I give that to Ollie so as the reader can feel compassion towards people who suffer not only mental illness but just being "different". "I want to raise the awareness that being different isn't always something to be scared of, but rather to embrace it".

Country life gets a good airing in the book and we get to meet many iconic Australian characters along the way. After spending much of her life in the country Jenny shows an appreciation for the less hectic speed of living in the country and states "I like country people, they care"

Jenny is an energetic soul and happy to have a good chinwag so does she find any time to relax? Her razor sharp response is to say she has been known to relax over a nice bottle of red. On further reflection Jenny mentions her fondness for talking to interesting people, reading a lot, and doing any number of crosswords. I would like to add to this list by saying she has been known to belt out a great version of "House of the Rising Sun" but this is reserved for special occasions.

For those who pick up a copy of her book and enjoy the ride, which I am sure they will the news just gets better. A sequel is in the making but that's another story.

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