My Books For Your Reading Pleasure

My Books For Your Reading Pleasure
Proud Indie Author

Friday, December 31, 2010

Laurence Steven Short Fiction Workshop

This message received today may be of great interest to Elliot Lake Writers...........
 
Dear Circle members: Just a reminder to register for the Laurence Steven short fiction workshop (Your Scrivener Press) to be held Saturday, January 15 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. (Perhaps you can work on your car pooling plans now.)
Place: Kinsmen Rm., Parkside Older Adult Centre (YMCA), 140 Durham St. Sudbury.
Fee: no fee, just purchase at least one book from Your Scrivener Press
Register: Irene Golas, treasurer, Sudbury Writers' Guild, igolas@personainternet.com
Homework: Read 3 stories ahead of time. Ask Irene to send you electronic versions or go to library. 1) Walker Brothers Cowboy by Alice Munro 2) Odour of Chrysanthemums by D. H. Lawrence 3) Where Birds Bring Forth the Sun by Alistair Macleod.
After Party: dinner at Simon's Gallery Grill, 86 Durham, just north of YMCA

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 WELCOME 2011

Thursday, December 30, 2010

January is a busy month........

January is a busy month for this writer and for most Elliot Lake Writers.

Meetings abound and OAC Grant deadline is February 1st.

There are two Wynterblue WynLit 24 Competitions happening January 8th & January 22nd.  If you like writing short stories check out Wynterblue's website.

"Creative Connections"....a collaborative Exhibition by Elliot Lake Visual & Literary Artists opens at the Civic Centre on Tuesday, January 11th.  Opening reception will be January 14th at 7 p.m.  This Exhibition runs until Saturday, February 5th.

The first regular meeting in the new year of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop takes place the evening of Monday, January 17th in the 50th room at the Civic Centre.  Elliot Lake Writers meet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  on the third Monday of each month.    Membership fees of $20 are due at this meeting. New members welcome.

On Friday, January 21st we will be busy setting up our ELWW & Authors' Display Tables at the Civic Centre in preparation for the Arts & Culture Trade Show taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 22nd.

A very busy month ahead indeed.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival 2011

ELLIOT LAKE
WRITERS'
FALL FESTIVAL

Mark your Calendar Early


October 22nd, 2011

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre

GALA DINNER at the Renaissance Centre

5 p.m. cash bar -- 6 p.m. Dinner

After Dinner Guest Speaker: Dr. Ross Pennie,

WORKSHOP FACILITATORS

Dr. Ross Pennie:
Award winning Medical Mystery Novelist
will offer a workshop titled Memoir Writing


Brian Henry: Creative Writing Instructor
                    at Ryerson University and George Brown College, Toronto will offer a workshop titled How to Get Published

Elliot Lake Writers Workshop members
will launch their first

SHORT STORY ANTHOLOGY

On October 22, 2011 the Civic Centre
will be alive with
  Authors' Book Fair, signings and sales.

Public Readings by ELWW Members and guest authors

Two in-place public writing competitions with prizes
One for Adults
One for Children

(Stories to be written on premises Oct. 22nd
....winners notified within three weeks)

There will be live entertainment and much more.

A Day to Remember

October 22, 2011

Mark your calendar early.

          

Grant Application process........

Positive thoughts and prayers requested.    Yes, I am beginning the Grant Application Process today.

You know I will have more to say about this later.

Monday, December 27, 2010

The (real) Writing World..........

Christmas is past and the New Year a few days away........into this tiny crevice of time an invasion by the real (writing) world has occurred.

Elliot Lake Writers have much to which we look forward.  A meeting will take place January 5th to brainstorm regarding the interactive project we will present to the public at the Arts and Culture Trade Show January 22nd.

Also January 17th marks the date of our ELWW meeting but prior to that we will be participating in the set-up and display of "Creative Connections"....an exciting collaborative exhibit by visual and literary artists which will be taking place at the Civic Centre commencing January 11th.  The Grand Opening of this Exhibit will be happening at 7  pm January 14th and the show will run until the closing which will be Saturday, February 5th.

As if that does not give us enough to think about we will be busy setting up our display on Friday, January 21st for the Arts & Culture Trade Show and Open House taking place in the Civic Centre Saturday, January 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And our big Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, though not taking place until Saturday, October 22, 2011, gives us much to consider even at this early date.....Committee meetings will be happening; ELWW members will be getting ready for their participation in our first ELWW Short Story Anthology; there is much planning and organization to be done...........but what a memorable day this is going to be.  Mark your calendar early for the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Boxing Day

I was blessed this year to have both my daughters, my grandson, Matthew, and the great ice fisherman here for Christmas Day.  Joseph and David were here with us in our thoughts and our hearts.  Thanks to both boys for your phone calls.
It was a fun day and thanks to everyone for your beautiful gifts. 
Dudley, our little old fellow, is feeling a little better today......he finally had a little bit to eat today and we took him for a short walk over at Sheriff's Creek.
Hope Bigsy likes her pull toy.
Brian and I are going to put our gifts away today. 
Richard will be going home in the morning and then we will be back into our usual routine. We will take the tree down probably mid-week and it's all over again until Christmas 2011.
Love to you all.
Audrey/Mom/Gram (hugs)

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve... a poem by Audrey Austin

The turkey is roasting,

The stockings are hung,

The table is set

and the church bells are rung,

Blessings abound,

Friends and family around

to rejoice in the birth of our Saviour, Lord Jesus.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Mark your Calendar...January 22nd, 2011

January 22, 2011 is the date of the Arts and Culture Trade Show and Open House at the Civic Centre in Elliot Lake.

Elliot Lake Writers will be there to celebrate the day.  We will have exciting display with interactive project for the public as well as a free draw with three prizes.  You will have the opportunity to win either a copy of local author Gloria Hansen's book,  a copy of one of my publications or a CD of a book by local author Frank Spence.

Gloria, Frank and I will be there for book signing and sales.

And I will be there to share with you information about our upcoming Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival happening at the Civic Centre October 22, 2011.

Mark your calendar...........two important dates. 

January 22nd -- Arts & Culture Trade Show and Open House

October 22nd -- Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival

Hope to see you at the Civic Centre for both events.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Challenge of applying for Grants......

Soon I will be in the process of applying for grants from which I hope  $$  will be received for an upcoming planned community event.

Setting goals is the easy part however learning new marketing and promotional skills will be a great  challenge.

Creating a budget is very difficult when income and expenses are a relative unknown.

I expect it will all work out because things always have a way of doing just that but if you have any helpful advice or tips you wish to share about event planning and  the process of completing and submitting grant applications please know your comments are most welcome. 

ARTS MONTH -- Elliot Lake Writers at the Arts and Culture Trade Show and Open House

 from an e-mail I received from A.R.I.E.L this morning.

"By the authority vested in me by the Council of The
Corporation of the City of Elliot Lake, I hereby
proclaim the month of January, 2011 as
ARTS MONTH in the City of Elliot Lake.   

Rick Hamilton
Mayor"

Elliot Lake writers will be participants in the Elliot Lake Arts & Culture Trade Show and Open House which is happening Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Civic Centre.

In addition to a lovely display table we will be offering an interactive project and three prizes in a free draw.  The lucky winners (3) will win either a copy of Gloria Hansen's book, a copy of one of my publications or a CD of local author, Frank Spence's book.

As well, Gloria, Frank and I will be sharing a table where we will be offering copies of our books for sale.  This event will also present an opportunity to share with the community the exciting news of our upcoming Writers' Fall Festival happening October 22, 2011 at the Civic Centre.

Also in celebration of Arts Month some members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop will be participating in a collaborative exhibition titled Creative Connections.   Visual and Literary artists will come together to present an Exhibit which will be on display in the Civic Centre commencing January 11th.  The show will run until February 5th.

Opening reception will take place 7 pm, Friday, January 14th.

I hope to see you at both events.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Today at the mall........

Today in the mall as I did my shift with the Salvation Army Kettle I had a wonderful time. People, even strangers, smiled and stopped to chat.  In spite of difficult economic times the community was very generous in its charitable giving.

For the first time this afternoon, for just a little while, I felt a true sense of the giving, loving spirit of Christmas.

The feeling was fleeting but genuine.

As I type this I feel a smile, a memory, and a wish.......yes, soon it will be Christmas Day.

3rd Annual Arts & Culture Trade Show and Open House

The Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake will hold its 3rd Annual Arts & Culture Trade Show and Open House, Saturday, January 22, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event provides an excellent showcase of all the programming events, workshops, and shows offered by the arts and culture groups in our community.

It offers the public an opportunity to tour the building and see the art studios, art gallery, theatre, museum and educational spaces. 

In addition there will be some great live entertainment.

I will tell you more about Elliot Lake Writers' involvement in this annual event at a later date.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Novella Writing Competitions & Ellen and the Hummingtree....

I spent this morning re-reading a novella I have recently written.  It is one which I completed during Wynterblue Publishing's Novella Writing Competition, Wyn Lit 73, this past November. I titled my novella Moose Road.

Moose Road is the third novella I have written.  The first titled Window of Opportunity made its way into the short list in the WynLit 73 Novella Competition in 2008.

The second novella, titled On the Radio ....  it takes a village  is actually a three act play.  This entry made it into the short list in the Wyn Lit 73 Novella Competition in 2009.

I hope Moose Road  will follow its predecessors into the 2010 short list but only time will reveal its fate.

After reading Moose Road again this morning I am thinking that one day I will put all three novellas into book form..........this may make an interesting writing project for 2011.

Also in early 2011 I plan the release of my third novel titled Ellen and the Hummingtree.

Ellen and the Hummingtree is a work in progress; a work I am very much enjoying.  Over the past several months I have grown very close to Ellen.  I like her a lot and I am grateful that she is allowing me to tell her story.

The beautiful book cover design by Yuneekpix.com is, for me, inspirational.  As I observe Ellen sitting on her bench beneath the lilac tree I feel the words she needs to express.

I look forward to sharing these glimpses into Ellen's life with you. I hope you will enjoy the reading as much as I am enjoying the writing.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Some bits and pieces..............

My son-in-law came by this morning to deliver the big Christmas turkey.  I thanked God for some organizational help and somehow we managed to get the frozen Tom into the refrigerator.  It's hard to believe Christmas is just one week away.

This morning I received an e-mail from a friend.  She had loaned her copy of SARA to another friend who just happened to have been born in Tryon, Prince Edward Island which was, of course, the birthplace of SARA.   This friend attended the Tryon United Church and I was informed this morning that the tiny two-roomed schoolhouse that SARA attended is now a trendy crafts shop. 

I will be most interested in hearing this P.E.I. resident's critique of my first novel.



I will spend most of the rest of this day wrapping a few last minute Christmas gifts and, oh joy!  I must get busy with some housework.  I want everything shining for our guests over the Christmas holiday.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men .....a poem by Audrey Austin

We sing the words at Christmas time
  but we don't know what they mean.
Kids are crying, men are lost,
 We all want more, what does it cost?

God give me this and give me that,
I'm searching can't you see?

World peace we seek or so we say
 And then we fight some more.
Until each soul finds peace within
 Our world will want forevermore.

It's up to you.  It's up to me.
It's up to everyone.

To search within, make peace with self,
 Then filled with love and inner peace
Affirm responsibility.
 World peace is really up to me.

     a poem I wrote a long time ago and it can be found along with some others on one of my Homestead websites.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year"

                                                                            

Message from a friend..........

Audrey! I am so happy for you as you journey in your world of writing. While SARA was wonderful, REAWAKENING spoke of what might be. Yes, I cried as I read page 193,the last page. Cried because I want to believe I will meet my beloved again in another time and another space. You inspire me to perhaps think more strongly about putting all my own short stories together Audrey!

Shirley G.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Books available for sale at this time........

I'm blessed to be enjoying sales success with my three publications.

My second novel titled REAWAKENING has enjoyed great sales and will soon go into its second printing with Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

My short story anthology titled THE SILENT STAR Plus a Dozen was intended to be a small limited edition.  I'm thrilled to tell you that all but three copies of this anthology have been sold.  Thank you for your support.

My first novel titled SARA, a Canadian Saga is into its third print run, also with Wynterblue Publishing Canada. 
Copies of this book are available for sale.  To purchase your copy just get in touch.


For those of you who have not yet bought a copy I want you to know there are still some copies available.

Here is some feedback from readers of SARA.


"Your well-written  book brought memories of actual places and people to me.  I was a child growing up on Prince Edward Island in the dirty thirties." K. Austin

"I've read your book already and loved the story. It reminded me of the stories my parents and grandparents used to relate about the 20's and 30's, Your story will sell very well with the older audience and educate the younger ones.  They were not easy days for anyone." Judy Donovan-McDonald.

"I received SARA on Tuesday and cóuldn't wait to read it.  I couldn't put it down.  I really enjoyed the story especially the streets in Toronto.  It brought back a lot of memories.  It is good for the soul to remember the past.  Could that be why we call them the good old days?  Looking forward to a sequel.   Maureen Jones-Motchan.

"I truly enjoyed reading SARA.  At times I laughed and at other times I felt tears welling up.  It was such a good story, well written and I loved it." Eleanor Lambert.

I just finished reading "Sara."   I would have read it sooner, but have this strange desire to read my books in the order I receive them.
I took the book to work with me where I was teaching a grade 7 class.  The children were directed to write about a time when they or someone they knew, demonstrated perseverance.  I held up the book and used "Sara" as an example of a woman who demonstrated perseverance.  I also spoke to the fact that the author demonstrated this quality in her determination to have her story published.  You would not believe the response from these kids - many wanted to know if they could get it at Chapters.  This story is uniquely Canadian and should be marketed to adolescents as part of their Canadian heritage.  "Sara" is a narrative that figures in the histories of Canadian families everywhere.  I will be passing this on to my son!
The line that cracked me up and drew me in for good: 
"Their mother set the steaming bowls of vegetables in the centre of the large, old, wooden table that no amount of wax and polish could dignify." (p. 11) 
I won't over-analyze why this struck me as hilarious, it just did.  What sad, sad state Rebecca was in over her table, lol.    This table is a silent witness to generations of love, hope, fear, strife, courage, ignorance and finally, understanding. What a beautiful metaphor for an old scratched up, banged around history that none of us can escape and our fear of endlessly repeating it. 
Thank-you for inviting us to the table.
Karen.

This is  just a taste of the amazing feedback I have received from some readers of SARA...........hope you will want to buy a copy too.  They are $20 a copy and to purchase yours just email me and I will deliver your copy to you if you live here in town.  Otherwise your book will be in the mail the same day I receive your payment.   Thanks in advance...Audrey.

Best Friends

What more can a person ask for in this world than good friendship?  I am blessed to have spent this afternoon with my two favourite people.

We enjoyed a wonderful luncheon and gift exchange.  We shared something that only best friends know about; great interesting conversation free from gossip and rich with spiritual goodness and sharing.

I thank God for my best friends.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Happy Birthday to Brian.......

Today is Brian's special 77th birthday.....lucky seven doubled.

Chocolate cake and gifts with cards all help one to feel good about being another year older.

Elliot Lake is a wonderful place to celebrate any event however in a search for fine dining one may well choose the option of staying home and cooking a nice meal.

We are known for many great things but, sadly, a really good restaurant is not one of them.

Happy birthday, Brian!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival 2011

The first annual Writers' Fall Festival will be taking place less than one year from now on Saturday, October 22, 2011.  Throughout the day from 9 a. m. to 5 p.m. the Elliot Lake Civic Centre will be humming with workshops, writing competitions with prizes, book readings, book displays, sales and signings.   

There will be exciting guest workshop facilitators and in the lobby where the displays & signings take place we will enjoy the music of talented local musicians.

At 6 p.m. that evening we will enjoy a Gala Dinner and we will be enraptured by well known guest speaker(s).   


Mark your calendar!  I'll have lots more to say about this exciting event as time goes by.

A Place Called Home....Rev. Janet Stobie

Working on, and now, launching my latest book, “A Place Called Home”, has meant that for the last year, much of my focus has been on the issue of homelessness.
In the Bible, we hear the story of Ruth and Naomi. Famine had brought Naomi, her husband and two sons to a strange land. Death left Naomi with two daughters-in-law, no income and no home, far from her own people. One daughter-in-law returned to her father. The other, Ruth, pledged to go with Naomi. With great courage and God’s help, the two widows return to Naomi’s home country, where family helps them build a new life. Traditionally, this is considered a story of family commitment and faith. It is also a story of homelessness.
Many of us today equate homelessness with the people we see sleeping outside on heating grates in big cities. We believe that we would never be in that position. Hopefully, we won’t. But the reality is that many of us live from paycheque to paycheque. Relentless payments: insurance, mortgage or rent and hydro bills pay no attention to job layoffs, broken relationships or illness. Without the support of family and friends, ordinary middle and low income families can and do find themselves in crisis without shelter.
In the City of Kawartha Lakes, there is a place for families as well as singles and teens, a home where there is support for people in crisis. Many of us do not know its story, or even that it exists. On Thursday, Nov.18, from 5:30-7:00 PM, A Place Called Home will host an open house and launch my book to give everyone an opportunity to grow in their understanding of homelessness today. I urge you to come and see and learn. Join me Thursday at A Place Called Home, 64 Lindsay Street, South, Lindsay, Ont.

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip. (John 1:49)
 
The book will be available for purchase at the launch, in Lindsay at Footprints and Kent Book stores, from the author, at A Place Called Home offices and on the internet at www.revjantheauthor.blogspot.com  and www.aplacecalledhome.org

It's good to be back on line.....

My computer has been in the shop for the last few days.   I did promise myself that I would make at least one entry a day in this blog but sometimes events are beyond my control.  It's good to be back on line.

Please visit Brian Henry's website which is called The Quick Brown Fox   

I am very appreciative that he has featured SARA, a Canadian Saga on his site.  SARA is my first novel and I'm pleased to say it is in its third printing.   Copies of SARA are available and to order your copy just get in touch.

Brian Henry will be here in Elliot Lake October 22, 2011 for Elliot Lake's  Writers' Fall Festival and it will be a joy to welcome him to our town.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

A writer working at home..........

To be a writer at home one must be prepared for any eventuality.   Eventuality is a fancy word for those things that pop up and demand our participation; things such as cooking, laundry and family responsibilities.  Yep, now I've got your attention.

And of course when working at home as a writer others, including your family and friends, think you are just playing around on the computer and they believe you should be available to do the grocery shopping, the preparation for luncheons or  to sit on committees for all sorts of worthy causes.  And so, of course, you make yourself available because in your heart, yes, you really do want to give back to your community.

And if you are a writer using alternative publishing methods you soon discover that you need to learn how to be a promoter, a marketer, a salesman, a publicist, a networker, a bookkeeper and a distributor. 

Of course there are rewards for a writer's labour.  On occasion you will receive a thank-you for all that you do or a reader will get in touch with positive feedback on your latest release.  

But sometimes you will overhear, "Does he need to send so darn many promotional emails?" 

A writer needs to learn how to block this type of negativism.  Let's face it, if this person does not know how to stay quiet and simply  hit the delete button then he cannot be expected to be supportive of another's efforts.  

Besides it is all worthwhile when you receive the response, "Thanks for your email.  Please put me down for two copies of your book."   Amen! 

It's all a learning curve.  And if it is not always fun, it is always interesting. 

Sometimes though the world cooperates.  Everything flows and you find the time to meet with your characters and you are able to do what you love to do.  You write. 

Yes, sometimes a writer working at home does find some time to write.   It may be at  two in the morning but whenever it happens the sun shines and all is well; at least in this writer's world.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Deck the Halls..........

Can you imagine the amount of work putting this together and editing it?   

Thanks to a friend for sending this along to me and it's a pleasure to share it with you.

The little Jack Russell reminds me of my Dudley when he was a much younger fellow.


Monday, December 6, 2010

Non-traditional publishing

I was surprised and I was shocked to read this post on a great website called Ctrl+Alt+Pub    I was unaware that "40% of all manufactured books never sell a single copy."   Wow!  Talk about the cards being stacked against an aspiring writer. 

"Moving on, I’ve recently observed that there seems to be little strength in the argument going through traditional publishers increases the chance of better sales. It’s simply not true. Consider this: 40% of all manufactured books never sell a single copy! That’s right, it’s a fact—I didn’t make it up. But why? This is a question that has perplexed many and I’d surmise the first person who can come up with a quantifiable, scientifically bulletproof reason will probably land their own bestseller. That’s a book I’d buy! Yet, we cannot change our fortunes because the reality is that the odds are stacked against from the start. And let me dispel the myth now: I don’t believe it has anything to do with self-publishing a book over going through traditional channels. Where the real difference is the money.
Traditional publishers give an advance to the author; we non-traditionally published authors advance ourselves based on our belief in our own work. The problem is that there simply isn’t enough money in the publisher coffers to give every author an equal chance. Many say that it’s the fault of the publishers that give too high advances. Probably true, to an extent, but that still has nothing to do with sales. Traditional publishers have the advantage of the connections and resources to market books. But the simple act of marketing doesn’t guarantee increased sales. They can market the heck out of a book, but if the topic doesn’t appeal to the masses (non-fiction) or the author hasn’t built a loyal following (fiction), chances are good the book won’t move. Money down the drain for the publisher, and a near-guaranteed career killer for the poor author with things like Nielsen Bookscan now in play.
It begs the question: what do we do? I’ve come to believe the only thing we can do is write the best book possible, take chances and think outside the box. For those trying to make a full-time living out of writing, and more to those who’ve done it successfully, I applaud you. It’s certainly never worked for me and I’ve been at it fifteen years professionally. Great part-time job, for sure, but I’ve tried many different tacks and none have generated any sales of “significance.” In my opinion, your book will do as well as it does, and I don’t advise any author to invest many thousands of your own dollars into marketing your book unless you’ve braced yourself for disappointment. Do the small things; network and make connections; sign up for the free marketing sites; improve your professional and industry relationships. Do all you can to help others. You may never know where it leads.
Whatever you do, though, don’t beat yourself up for a lack of sales. Remember, if your book sells one copy you just stepped out of obscurity and into the realm of being a professional author. That’s more than most can claim in a lifetime."

My post on Michelle Davidson Argyle's site .........

Years ago I used to joke with friends and say, "I received enough rejections slips to wallpaper a room."  

Today I feel I do not need the approval of another.....I simply need to believe in myself.

The following are some thoughts on how I chose to deal with rejection........Here is my post on Michelle Davidson Argyle's blog...check out her site.

When I was younger I was crushed by the "No's".......to the point where I didn't even try to submit my work to a publisher. But I never stopped writing.

Now I am older.....And  a time came when I realized I needed to ask myself the question, "What is it about the writing process that is important to me?"

The answer for me was, "It is important to write"......and I never did stop writing.

The answer for me was, "It is also important to be read".......and so I became my own publisher.

And my three books to date are enjoying great, albeit local, sales.

I am happy with the path I am following........and since a great percentage of books that are published by a publishing company do not sell even one copy......I know I am way up on the game.

Whatever happens and whatever choices you make.....
                                          keep writing because, writers write, right?

Audrey ...

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Dare to be ..........

When I was a child in Sunday School I used to sing a refrain, "Dare to be a Daniel..Dare to stand alone. Dare to have a purpose firm.  Dare to make it known."
When I think of these lyrics today the words  "being authentic" leap into my consciousness. 

I'm privileged to be a writer with three published books.  And when I write my stories it is very important to me that my characters be real, believable, and true to themselves.

As a fiction writer insisting on my characters' authenticity, I sometimes lose sight of my own.

I'm very happy with readers' reviews of my first novel, SARA, a Canadian Saga.
And I can say the same about feedback my second novel, REAWAKENING has received.  
And more recently I am grateful that my limited edition anthology titled THE SILENT STAR Plus a Dozen is almost sold out.

Since putting the focus on creative writing three years ago I have received much for which I am truly thankful.  And in all of my fictional writing it remains important to me that my characters be authentic.  They don't have to be good or bad;  polite or rude; socially acceptable or social outcasts......they just need to be themselves.  As a writer I love my characters for being just who they are.

This desire  to demonstrate authenticity in my writing will be self-evident in my next novel which will be launching early 2011 titled ELLEN AND THE HUMMINGTREE.   No matter how high the price Ellen, a strong woman of faith, remains true to herself and to her God.  Even when some believe her to be nuttier than a fruitcake she remains authentic.

But my major writing challenge will commence after the launch of "ELLEN".
My fourth novel will be my test.......will I dare to be a Daniel?   God being my helper, I will.

And now as we enter the season of our Saviour's birth we celebrate Christmas. 
When I was younger I thought of Jesus as my hero......perhaps I still think of Him in this way today. 
He stood up for what he believed.  He dared to stand alone. Although He teaches on many levels each of those levels is pure and true. 

Merry Christmas.  I wish you peace and love............

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival 2011

The first annual Writers' Fall Festival will be taking place one year from now on Saturday, October 22, 2011.  Throughout the day from 9 a. m. to 5 p.m. the Elliot Lake Civic Centre will be humming with workshops, writing competitions with prizes, book readings, book displays, sales and signings.   

There will be exciting guest workshop facilitators and in the lobby where the displays & signings take place we will enjoy the music of talented local musicians.


At 6 p.m. that evening we will enjoy a Gala Dinner and we will be enraptured by well known guest speaker(s).   

I'll have lots more to say about this exciting event as time goes by.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Our Celebration was a great success

Celebrate the Season with Elliot Lake Writers was a great success today.  Sixteen local authors delighted the audience with their short stories and poetry.  There was a large turn-out in the 50th room at the Civic Centre; close to 50 people in attendance and we were honoured by the presence of Mayor Hamilton.

A big thank you to our instructor, Hilda Ross, who was our delightful Emcee this afternoon.

A big thank you to all writers who read their work.  It was a wonderful, entertaining afternoon.

And a big thank you to all who attended.  Thanks to everyone for making our annual event a great success.

THE SILENT STAR plus a Dozen ..........the books have arrived from the publisher

The Silent Star plus a dozen  is with me now.  As promised the books have arrived in time for your Christmas gift-giving.  They arrived from the publisher by bus last night.
Please let me know  when you would like me to deliver your copy.  If you prefer to pick your book up from my place just let me know but we are happy to make delivery.
Wynterblue Publishing has done a good job. The book and the cover (a Yuneekpix.com design) are  beautiful.  The book contains 13 of my Wynterblue Publishing Competition  short story entries which made it into the winner's circle.  I hope you will enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoyed the writing.
Please include your address in return email as there are many I do not have.  Thank you.
And a special thank you for pre-ordering.  I appreciate it very much.  Just let me know when is a good time to make delivery.
Other than this afternoon when I will be participating in the "Celebrate the Season with Elliot Lake Writers" from 2 pm to 4 pm.......just about any time is good for me.
Love, Audrey (hugs)
P.S.  I have only four copies of this limited first edition left.  If you would like to purchase a copy please just get in touch.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Weekend Celebrations in Elliot Lake

Hey Everyone,

Just sending a friendly reminder about a couple of great events this weekend, and they are both FREE!...

Christmas at the Gallery event on Friday December 3rd starting at 6:30 PM at the Civic Centre.  There will be music, artwork, food and a free draw for a Linda Finn Original.  Come out for a fun evening.

Celebrate the Season with the Elliot Lake Writers on Saturday, December 4th starting at 2PM ending at 4PM in the Civic Centre.  Local Writers will give a public presentation of short stories or poems they have written on the topic of  'WINTER'.  Come out and enjoy some local writing!

Hope to see you out there.

Jeffrey Chi
ARIEL Manager



ARIEL Office
Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre
Elliot Lake
arielgroup@live.com
(705) 461-3297
http://www.arielgroup.ca/
http://www.galleryatthecentre.com/

THE SILENT STAR Plus a Dozen

Maggie Kirton, of Wynterblue Publishing Canada phoned me this morning.

The great news is that copies of The Silent Star plus a dozen  are on the bus and should arrive from North Bay late this evening.

Special thanks to all of you who pre-ordered your copy of my anthology. 

For those of you who are out of town I will have your book in the mail by Monday.

For those of you who live locally I will be calling you early next week to arrange a time for pick up or delivery.

I'm overjoyed by the pre-orders.

In fact I have only five copies left so for a few of you there is still some time to place your order.  The Silent Star plus a dozen is an anthology of short stories all of which were shortlisted in Wynterblue Publishing's WynLit 24 monthly competitions.  This book is dedicated to Maggie Kirton, Executive Director of Wynterblue.   

To place your order I'm just an email away.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

It's only a day away - hope to see you there.........

CELEBRATE THE SEASON
Enjoy a public presentation
 of short stories and poetry
written by local authors.
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
General Meeting Room
(next door to the art gallery)
Civic Centre, Elliot Lake
Free admission!
Everyone is welcome!
Elliot Lake Writers’ Workshop is a proud member of A.R.I.E.L.

Web sites and guest books

I have many websites now........I think 11 of them and lately I have been doing some work on the older ones to try to bring them up to date.

On each of my websites I have guestbooks on the home pages.

It means a lot to me when people take the time to let me know they have visited and maybe even share a thought or two.

Next time you visit one of my sites, take a moment to sign the guestbook and say hello.    It's a small world.  Why not be friends?

Listening to the "Voice in the Stillness"

I spent my entire morning updating another old website which is titled "Voice in the Stillness" and I hope you will take a moment to pay this site a visit.

It was my intention to make it a site for and about women.

Somehow my travel pages decided to make themselves at home there.

And my little Jack Russell, Dudley, not only stopped by but also invited all his friends.  There are photos of Dudley as an adventurous pup and now my little old man is 15 years old.  Though he is forgetful and snores much of his life away his light shines brighter than ever. 

Time has a way of disappearing........at the time I created this "Voice in the Stillness" website the word "BLOG" did not exist; at least not in my vocabulary.

We have come a long way but it gives me pleasure to restore these old websites from the past.  I hope exploring them will bring you pleasure too.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Ellen and the Hummingtree .... Elliot Lake Launch, Spring 2011

A strong woman of faith,
Ellen sits beneath her
Hummingtree and talks to God
through the yellow quartz rock.
She gifts us with glimpses of
her life and her
relationship with God.
She allows us to witness
her vulnerability.
and invites us into her heart
where we experience
her joys and sorrows.
Ellen holds up the mirror
and, whether we want to or not, we see ourselves.

Watch for the launch of Ellen and the Hummingtree  in early 2011.   This is my third novel and I am very excited about introducing you to Ellen.   I have dedicated this book to my sister, Eleanor, who, like Ellen, is a strong woman of faith.    Though it is early yet pre-orders are always welcome.  I am just an email away.

Defending Glory by Anne K. Albert......now available in print

DEFENDING GLORY, first of the Piedmont Island Trilogy series where troubles outnumber residents, is now available in print, and it's on sale at Amazon.ca.
 
While that's the good news, there's always a down side to any story. Mine included. The folks at Amazon.ca, bless their tiny little hearts, will tell you the book is temporarily out of stock.   :(
 
My editor emailed today to explain the situation. Unlike Amazon.com, the parent company, Amazon Canada does not stock anything until they receive some orders. Then, and only then, will they request the print version from Amazon.com. Once they do, however, the entire delivery schedule in Canada is speeded up and the usual 3-4 week waiting period is reduced.
 
So, with Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to tell your friends about Defending Glory being available in print at Amazon.ca. And please, don't be shy, ask them to spead the word as well!
 
Thanks so much,
Hugs,
Anne
 
--
Anne K. Albert
Defending Glory 10.1.10
Frank, Incense and Muriel 11.18.10