NaNoWriMo ... and more ......

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN!   We have stocked up on treats for the ghosts and goblins who will hopefully have reasonable weather to enjoy Hallowe'en night's trick or treating.

Tomorrow is November 1st and for the first time I am registered for NaNoWriMo -- which is an acronym for the National Novel Writing Month.

It is my hope that during the next 30 days I will find my way to writing 50,000 words that will have some semblance of connection and make some iota of sense; good or otherwise.

To my knowledge I am the only writer in my small town of Elliot Lake to be registered.

If you are also participating, get in touch.  Perhaps we can encourage each other in this madness.

This morning I wrote two poems; one for the purpose of Creative Connections 3 in which I am collaborating with artist, Susan Ruby K., to make presentation

The second poem is prepared for presentation at the annual Elliot Lake Christmas Concert which I know will be a lot of fun again this year.

And, of course, the most exciting news of all at this time for me is the upcoming Elliot Lake launch of my third novel titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.   This launch is taking place the afternoon of Saturday, November 10th at 1 pm in the Gallery at the Centre, Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre.

You are invited and I hope you can attend.  Susan and I will be reading an excerpt from Ellen and The Hummingtree after which we will have a book signing.

There will be a draw and some lucky person will win a free copy of the book

 My first review of "Ellen and The Hummingtree"

 

 

"I received your most welcome enjoyable, well written, book about Ellen and the

Hummingtree on Wednesday. I finished the last chapter early this morning. What a book

 WOW! You really did a superb job and I hope with all my heart that you sell many copies.

I particularly enjoyed Chapter 6 “Bear with Me” and Chapter 7 “Carpenter”. All the other

 chapters were excellent as well but when I got to Ch 11 “Lost and Found”, after travelling

all the way to Toronto for her big prize only to find that she left her purse on the bus and

 went back to retrieve it and could not be found. I felt sorry for her but I had to laugh because

 of how they had to walk all the way back to the bus terminal to hopefully find it.  I wish Ellen

 would have been able to retrieve her purse but apparently that windfall was just not meant

for her eh!

Then in Ch. 13 “Just a Sliver” as Ellen and her cousin Marielle were trying to get a bottle of

 whiskey to put in the meat pies, all the antics they had to go through to retrieve that bottle

 was so funny I laughed until I cried believe me. At least that one came out good as they

 did win the prize lol.

When I read Ch. 16 “I Need You to Remember Me”, it was so sad and you did an excellent

job of showing how in the end Alzheimer’s effects people and I thought to myself as I was

  reading it “I sure hope I don’t end up like that” but we never know do we? The scary part is

 that it can affect anyone no matter how bright and alert they may be as Ellen was sure very

 bright and alert.

The ending was excellent in that because of her strong faith in God she got her prayers

  answered in that she wanted to go home so badly so went to her Heavenly Home. Yes

 Audrey, it was a great read and I congratulate you on a job well done"

 

 

Thank you for your review, Eleanor, and I am so pleased that you enjoyed

 "Ellen and The Hummingtree."

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you .

Thank you to new friends who are now following Calling All Writers.

It is a pleasure to meet you and to share with you.

Creative Connections 3

This afternoon I will attend the first planning meeting for Creative Connections 3.

I am happy to be collaborating with my daughter, Susan Ruby K., who is an amazing artist.  Together we will prepare an offering for the upcoming Exhibition.

Writers and visual artists come together to collaborate and create.

This will be the third year I have participated.  The first year I partnered with my daughter, Christine, who is also a visual artist.  The second year I partnered with the daughter of a friend.  This partner was a young, talented university student and I learned much as we worked together and prepared our offering.

This year again I am keeping it in the family -- I look forward to this new adventure.

What a great meeting with a good turnout.   Susan and I have decided on "A Cold Call" --  I think for this I will write a poem. 

While You Were Sleeping ....

Today my short story titled While You Were Sleeping is featured on-line at http://CommuterLit.com  

Hope you enjoy the story.  I had fun writing it.  :-)

The "counter" on my blog ....

I am a little ticked because the counter which was on this page indicated that more than 18,200 hits had taken place.

Somehow, and I have no idea how, the counter today showed that 1 (one) person had viewed this site.

I could not find a way to get the earlier numbers back so I then deleted the counter altogether.

After much thought I have decided this evening that I will reinstate a counter with the number zero and I will consider this the start of something new.

Together we will watch the numbers climb again.

I don't mind admitting that now I feel more than a little foolish.  When I once again installed the "counter" I was surprised to see that my count of now over 18,400 has been returned ...... technology is not my forte ... I am just happy to be feeling foolish if it means I have the count back. :-)

CommuterLit.com ..... While You Were Sleeping

My short story titled While You Were Sleeping   will be published tomorrow, Tuesday, on-line at http://CommuterLit.com  

Check it out and I hope you enjoy the story.

While there, click on my name, under "authors by last name"  and you will see I have several stories published there in the past.

Enjoy!

Another Wynterblue writing weekend ...

This is another Wynterblue writing weekend.  The WynLit 24 monthly writing competition is something I always look forward to.  I enjoy the challenge.

Two months ago my story titled Foray into Technical Territory took first place.  This pleased me greatly because, in fact, after writing this short story I incorporated it into one of the chapters of my new novel Ellen and The Hummingtree.

I was also pleased with the September competition.  My story titled No Magic for Magdalena placed second in the contest.

I hope I can do as well this month.  I'm hampered by a hacking cough that just does not want to give up and go away but in spite of this I persevere and hope I can complete a story this weekend that will make the Wyn Lit 24 short list.

Among other things, one of the requirements in this month's endeavour is the use of the made-up word cedarpenkle.   How on earth I will use this word I have no idea.

An update:  I submitted my story titled Rebecca's Revolution.   As it progressed it was not a whodunit ... no, no, we know that she did it.   But will she get caught?  That is the question......  As it turned out the "cedarpenkle" was a perennial bush growing in Rebecca's garden.  :-)

And since the writing of this story, I have been informed that another of my short stories titled While You Were Sleeping has been selected to be published on-line one day this coming week on the site which is found at http://CommuterLit.com      I will post further on the day that it is published and hope you will enjoy the story.

Ellen and The Hummingtree has arrived .........

Such excitement when we picked up this large box at the bus station.

Well wrapped by Wynterblue Publishing Canada Inc.

Ellen and The Hummingtree has arrived.

Holding the first copy of "Ellen" hot off the press

I feel a wonderful sense of achievement

and, more than this,

a wonderful sense of anticipation of things to come.

This is the first time that my daughter, Susan, and I have

collaborated on a project such as this one.

I am thrilled that she has created the

wonderful illustrations throughout the book.

What a beautiful cover design!

Thank you,  Susan

You can check out her website at

http://yuneekpix.com

Many thanks to Maggie Kirton of Wynterblue Publishing Canada Inc.

for this wonderful gift of a poster

which contains the words of

my narrative poem found at the end of Ellen's story

and also a copy of each of the amazing

illustrations created by Susan and found throughout the book.

As for "Ki" he is not even interested

in all the excitement filling his home today.

He simply wonders why I have forgotten

to fill his dish with food.

Bless his heart, there is mention of "Ki"

in the book but you will find him under the name of "Kris".

 

 

The Elliot Lake launch of

Ellen and The Hummingtree

will take place

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Gallery at The Centre,

Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre,

Elliot Lake,

1 p.m.

 

Both Susan and I will be there for book reading

and for book signing.

 

Together we will be re-enacting the conversation in

a chapter of the book.

We hope our audience will find this

an entertaining way to spend a November afternoon.

 

For out of town orders please email me.

 

 

 

Ellen and The Hummingtree is on its way ...

Ellen and The Hummingtree is a fictional, magical and mystical account of the memoirs of Ellen Dawson. The book explores many social issues including child abandonment; deadbeat dads; separation & divorce; single parenting; financial struggle; family relationships; infidelity; grandparents raising children; love on line; empty-nesters; aging; women’s issues; Alzheimer’s; death and dying. Ellen’s story is contemporary. She is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women I have known.

Ellen shares her journey and in the process always finds the hope, support and encouragement she needs when she prays to her God in the yellow quartz rock beneath the Hummingtree.

At the outset of this writing journey I met Ellen. I became acquainted with her and now, after knowing her for more than a year, I can say that I truly like her. She has the courage of her convictions and no matter what life threw at her, Ellen never lost faith.

This book is a collaboration with my daughter, artist, Susan Krupp who not only created the beautiful cover design but also all the illustrations throughout the book.

The book launch of Ellen and The Hummingtree is happening Saturday, November 10, 2012, 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Gallery at the Centre; Civic Centre, Elliot Lake.

Susan and I are going to hone up on our acting skills as we will be re-enacting a chapter from Ellen and The Hummingtree; one which we hope will be entertaining. Afterward the book signing will take place.

Hope to see you there.

Ellen and The Hummingtree is on its way from North Bay as I type. Before this hour tomorrow I will have copies in hand.

 

Thanks to all who have pre-ordered. I will be in touch and your copy of Ellen will be on its way for your enjoyment very soon.

If you wish to place your order please e-mail me.

The Elliot Lake launch of Ellen and The Hummingtree

will be happening Saturday, November 10th, 2012

1 p.m. at the Gallery at the Centre

Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre

Elliot Lake

I am excited to tell you that my other books Sara, a Canadian Saga; Reawakening; The Silent Star plus a Dozen and Keeping it Simple

are now all available as Kindle E-books

published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada Inc.

on http://amazon.com

Just type my full name 'Audrey Austin' into search at the top of the Amazon page

and you will reach my books.

If you click on the book covers you will then see an option to "like" my books.

Thank you to those of you who have read my books for your positive review.

I much appreciate your encouragement and support.

Meet Kathryn E. Jones ....

Five Ways to Promote Your Book Without Spending a Mint

By

Kathryn Jones

 

If you're anything like me, the idea of promoting your book is about as exciting as getting a root canal. Okay, maybe it's not that bad, but it sure takes effort and lots of it.

And while some writers spend money on getting a marketing guru to help them with this part of their writing life, there are many other writers who simply can't afford the service. Besides, it's their book and they'd like to take a more hands-on approach.

Ten years ago, when my first book came out, I was asked by my publishing company to help in marketing my book. I had no idea what to do. And what did they do to help me? Put my book on their website.

Fortunately, I have since discovered through hard knocks and jumping into the lake, what works and what doesn't when it comes to marketing. I have also discovered many, many avenues to travel that don't cost me a cent in book promotion.

Here are five of the best in no particular order:

Postcards. I love postcards. They get the word out without me having to be too daring. For example, when I'm eating out or enjoying  an event of some kind and the subject comes up about writing, I can just hand the person I am speaking with a postcard about my latest book. On one side of the card is a photo of my book, on the other, a synopsis and contact information including a QR Code. (That's that funny black square with black and white squiggly lines that interested readers can take a picture of and go directly to your website).

Interviews. Interviews come in two flavors that I actually use. First, the blog interview. This is where you have the blog owner send you a list of questions that you fill out and send back. They post the interview on their blog along with your book cover and links. The other is blog radio interviews. Usually you'll get a set of questions that you can look over before the interview. The interview can be live or it can be taped and edited for later.

Group Book Signings. Ever sat at a boring book signing or visited one at a book store? Unless you're someone pretty famous like J.K. Rowling there's not going to be much of a line, if any line. Instead of the typical fare of boredom, try gathering some writing friends around you for a group book signing. Many retail stores will welcome a book signing with multiple authors. Don't be afraid to try salons, hospitals and retail establishments that may not even cater to your particular book title. Recently, I heard of an author who had her signing at a clothing store--and her book has nothing to do with clothing!

Giveaways. I've had some fun book giveaways and garnered in some new readers. Book giveaways on blogs may also walk hand in hand with your guest blog post (highly recommended) a bio and links to your current and previous works. Do a one-two-or three day giveaway of your new e-book on Amazon. Those who read your free book and like it, might just be persuaded to purchase your other works.

Speaking Opportunities. Let writers organizations, schools and book clubs know that you can speak, and do it for free if you have to. Bring along your books for sales after the event. Libraries like authors to come and speak but some of them won't allow you to sell your books. Get creative as you think of places to speak that already have a following of interested authors or book readers.

Yes, promoting your book will take a lot of your time, but knowing that you don't have to spend a lot of money to make your book a success helps to lighten the load.

***

Kathryn has been a published writer since 1987.  She has published various newspaper stories, magazine articles, essays and short stories for teens and adults.  She is the author of: A River of Stones, a young adult fiction novel dealing with divorce published in 2002, and Conquering your Goliaths—A Parable of the Five Stones, a Christian novel published in January of 2012. One of her newest creations, a Conquering your Goliaths—Guidebook, was published in February of 2012. Scrambled, published in September 2012, is her first cozy mystery.

Kathryn graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Mass Communication and a minor in Creative Writing. Her studies included work in creative writing, public relations and journalism. Recently, she has opened the doors to Idea Creations Press, a publishing services company that caters to writers and their writing, publishing and marketing needs.

To Contact Kathryn:

kathy@ariverofstones.com

To Purchase Her Books:

http://www.ariverofstones.com

Marketing Your Book on a Budget 2012

Scrambled

Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones

Conquering Your Goliaths: Guidebook

A River of Stones
 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

to all my

 

Creative Writing friends.

 

 

 

 

 

Today I will attend the book launch of my friend, Kayt Lackie,

whose book won the 3-day novel contest. 

Congratulations Kayt!

But for "Ellen" my life has gone to the dogs this morning

My life has gone to the dogs this morning.  Fortunately Ki is a welcoming host to Mya and Mrs. Biggles.  The three do get along well.  Three dogs for three days will be quite the adventure.

In the meantime I am thrilled to announce that my manuscript, Ellen and The Hummingtree is complete and in the hands of Wynterblue Publishing Canada Inc.  I hope to soon have some copies in my hands.

Already I have some pre-orders.  If you would like a copy just let me know.  The Elliot Lake launch takes place in the Gallery at the Centre on Saturday, November 10th, 1 pm to 3 pm.   I'll post some promo information below.

Ellen and The Hummingtree is a fictional, magical and mystical account of the memoirs of Ellen Dawson.  The book explores many social issues including child abandonment; deadbeat dads; separation & divorce; single parenting; financial struggle; family relationships; infidelity; grandparents raising children; love on line; empty-nesters; aging; women’s issues; Alzheimer’s; death and dying.  Ellen’s story is contemporary.  She is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women I have known.

Ellen shares her journey and in the process always finds the hope, support and encouragement she needs when she prays to her God in the yellow quartz rock beneath the Hummingtree.

At the outset of this writing journey I met Ellen.  I became acquainted with her and now, after knowing her for more than a year, I can say that I truly like her.  She has the courage of her convictions and no matter what life threw at her, Ellen never lost faith.

This book is a collaboration with my daughter, artist, Susan Krupp who not only created the beautiful cover design but also all the illustrations throughout the book.

The book launch of Ellen and The Hummingtree is happening Saturday, November 10, 2012, 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Gallery at the Centre; Civic Centre, Elliot Lake. 

Susan and I are going to hone up on our acting skills as we will be re-enacting a chapter from Ellen and The Hummingtree; one which we hope will be entertaining.  Afterward the book signing will take place.

 

Susan and I look forward to seeing you at the launch of Ellen and The Hummingtree.