Tim Ferguson – författare

A funny, poignant and inspirational story of widely acclaimed comedian, writer and producer, Tim Ferguson.Tim Ferguson was a star of the international comedy circuit. Along with Paul McDermott and Richard Fidler he was part of the edgy, provocative and very funny Doug Anthony Allstars (DAAS). In 1994 they were at the height of their powers, performing in a season at the Criterion Theatre on Piccadilly Circus. The three mates, who began busking on the streets of Canberra a decade earlier, had achieved their ambition to become the self-styled rock stars of comedy.Then, all of a sudden, Tim woke up one morning and his whole left side wouldn''t work. He''d had a lurking suspicion that something was wrong and after more episodes he went to a doctor thinking he''d be told to change his diet and get more sleep. It wasn''t so simple. An eventual diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) meant an end to the frenetic, high-energy life he was living.Carry a Big Stick is a chance for Tim to tell his story. He wants to make people laugh but also give inspiration to all the people doing it hard. A lot of people keep MS to themselves because it''s invisible. In Tim''s case, he has the stick. ''It''s such a visible sign that something''s happened; it''s just easier if people know.''Carry a Big Stick meanders through Tim''s life, and explains how the boy who went to nine schools in 13 years got used to saying, ''Hi, I''m the new kid''. It will detail his ambitions to become an actor and how the Doug Anthony Allstars were born and went on to become what Rolling Stone called ''The 3 amigos from hell''. Diagnosis changed a lot of things but Tim''s quick wit and sense of humour weren''t affected. This inspiring memoir shows us that you can laugh in the face of adversity.

Alex, a troubled youth from Earth, travels to the world of Caperston via a wormhole in hopes of resolving his struggles. He meets a messiah, who preaches equality amongst the "e;Haves"e; and "e;Have nots"e; in Caperston, and his youth followers. Alex finds himself enmeshed in the challenges of their world. The youth, while asking for equality, are attacked as they march to see the Ruler. Alex steps in to stop the carnage but tensions are ready to explode. A short time later the messiah is arrested. Great drama follows over an eighteen-month period. Alex, hearing from Earth friends, isn't sure whether he should return home. Is it even possible?The book concludes with ten pages of activities for Christian youth leaders to use, when discussing the events taking place in the story. Themes of forgiveness and prayer are highlighted.

Mattpaul is from the privileged Valley Community and is about to begin a prestigious job. When Chihaysu, a "e;prophet"e; who preaches equality amongst the "e;Haves"e; and "e;Have nots"e; in the world of Caperston, appears, introducing the idea of an unseen ruler named God, chaos follows. The idea of a God is unheard of in Caperston. Chihaysu also speaks out against the inequality of the classes in Caperston and Mattpaul decides to give up his promised job to follow Chihaysu. He enters a conflict where resisting powers, led by his father, cannot accept the idea that there is a God who sees all people as equals. Other young people join in the movement and tension arises as Mattpaul faces the ultimate test of faith. The book concludes with eight pages of activities for Christian youth leaders to use, when discussing the events taking place in the story.