BOOKS BY AUDREY AUSTIN: The theme of this blog is creative writing. Any writing on this blog by authors other than myself is by permission of the author. I've written many poems, short stories, novellas, novels, and more. I've recently entered the ;exciting world of books for children. I hope you will want to get to know me and, of course, I hope you will want to buy a book or two.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Thank you to my readers :-)
This morning I am overjoyed that my blog "Calling All Writers" is celebrating more than 75,000 visitors. Thanks for checking out my blog and I hope you enjoy yourself while you are here.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Hallelujah!
I've just listened again to Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah! Leonard Cohen is a brilliant composer/song writer. Listening to him has brought tears to my eyes.
I mean what is life if not about relationship? That's where truth and meaning live.
In my day to day life, and also within my strong faith, it is all about relationship. When my time is up I won't be remembering jobs, cars, money or lack thereof. I will be remembering people; those I loved and those who loved me back -- and those who didn't.
And relationships that lasted short or long, and strong friendships..... to me that's what life is about.
And maybe that's why Leonard Cohen's song, Hallelujah, touches me so deeply and why I love it so much.
And this is why, in my writing, I choose to write about people; their problems, their solutions; and mostly their relationships with themselves, their higher power, and with their families and friends.
I don't want to be caught up in this materialistic world
I mean what is life if not about relationship? That's where truth and meaning live.
In my day to day life, and also within my strong faith, it is all about relationship. When my time is up I won't be remembering jobs, cars, money or lack thereof. I will be remembering people; those I loved and those who loved me back -- and those who didn't.
And relationships that lasted short or long, and strong friendships..... to me that's what life is about.
And maybe that's why Leonard Cohen's song, Hallelujah, touches me so deeply and why I love it so much.
And this is why, in my writing, I choose to write about people; their problems, their solutions; and mostly their relationships with themselves, their higher power, and with their families and friends.
I don't want to be caught up in this materialistic world
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy -- have you read this one yet?
#22,550 Paid in Kindle Store
- #7 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama
- #7 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Canadian
- #15 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Canadian
- Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is a novel. It is also an exploration of the human condition and the varied reactions of individuals to a double tragedy that strikes at the heart of each person living on Moose Road.
Cover design is by talented artist, Susan Krupp, of http://www.yuneekpix.com
Here are a few reviews of Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy has received its first review. I'm thrilled to share it with you.
"I grabbed your book and headed for bed. This was about 7:30.
I turned out the light just after midnight.
I couldn't put it down!
Your characters are so real and believable! I absolutely fell in love with the Road, and Santo's dad, Arthur broke my heart and I think we all know someone a little
"I grabbed your book and headed for bed. This was about 7:30.
I turned out the light just after midnight.
I couldn't put it down!
Your characters are so real and believable! I absolutely fell in love with the Road, and Santo's dad, Arthur broke my heart and I think we all know someone a little
like Eunice.
Just wonderful!
I liked how you interjected the Road's thoughts midway, and I liked the ending!
The story is riveting. I felt like I knew these people!"
Just wonderful!
I liked how you interjected the Road's thoughts midway, and I liked the ending!
The story is riveting. I felt like I knew these people!"
Susan Ruby K.
A review by Lucy Ann Spence:
"WOW !!! Just finished reading this fabulous book. Audrey, you have a winner here...thoroughly enjoyed it and held
my attention right to the end...."
Moose Road is an exciting story and the characters living on the same road were all so down to earth, and it is a story you will not want to put down
until you have finished reading it as I know I couldn't. There has been a lot of research put into this story and the author is to be commended on her
great work. Eleanor Lambert.
Shared thoughts about Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy from Jean Gracie Anderson:
I am loving it! I am so amazed at your thought processes in putting such a book together! What a gift from God!
I am loving it! I am so amazed at your thought processes in putting such a book together! What a gift from God!
By
The Brit "KC"
This review is from: Moose Road a Canadian Tragedy (Kindle Edition)
I give four stars for a really good story.
Who is to blame for the Moose Road Tragedy? Can Moose Road itself tell us?
Listen to the seven families as they give their accounts for what happened.
Do they blame each other? What conclusions do the insurance investigators draw?
Who does the judge blame? And why is murder committed after the enquiry?
To find out, you have to read, Moose Road.
It is a really good story.
Who is to blame for the Moose Road Tragedy? Can Moose Road itself tell us?
Listen to the seven families as they give their accounts for what happened.
Do they blame each other? What conclusions do the insurance investigators draw?
Who does the judge blame? And why is murder committed after the enquiry?
To find out, you have to read, Moose Road.
It is a really good story.
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.
Thanks for checking out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
And come say hello at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The Big Book - a short story is free in the Kindle Store Wednesday, March 30th
Forty-seven year old Gwendolyn arrives at the pearly gates. St. Peter searches and finds her name recorded in The Big Book. She is distressed to learn that she is barred entrance to Heaven. He gives her one last mission to complete on earth. Will she achieve success and be granted entry by St. Peter?
Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Come say hello at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca
Sunday, March 27, 2016
WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING free today in the Kindle Store
From the Author
"When God Gives Us Spring" is a novella that required much research before I even began to put pen to paper. I learned much about the history of slavery in early America and also about the role of the Quakers in assisting slaves into Canada via the Underground Railway. I very much enjoyed writing God Gives Us Spring and I hope you will enjoy the story.
WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING is free today in the Kindle store on all Amazon sites.
This book is also available in paperback format on all Amazon sites for your reading pleasure.
Happy Easter!
Thursday, March 24, 2016
My books are now available in paperback format in beautiful Elliot Lake Shops.
I am very excited to announce that some of my books are available at The Elliot Laker Store at 150 Ontario Avenue; Simply Charming at 15 Newfoundland Walk; and soon to be available at Party Poppers on Newfoundland Walk in beautiful Elliot Lake.
The original publication of The Silent Star plus a Dozen
although available in Kindle format
is no longer available in print format
apart from a very few copies I have on hand.
This is why I have chosen these selections
to bring new life to the original anthology. I hope you will enjoy the "Selections".
The story begins in 1985 at The Carrington Club in Toronto. Marsha feels in the doldrums until David arrives on the scene. Love and romance flourish until deception and betrayal raise their ugly heads. To escape Marsha flies to Bermuda where the power of love cannot be under-estimated.
The time is 1916. Sara is a 10 year old girl in rural Prince Edward Island. Roy is a 10 year old boy in mining town, Nova Scotia. Through their eyes we see, feel and experience their childhood challenges. We follow them through adolescence and their turbulent teen years. We celebrate their courtship and suffer their lost innocence in the wedding ritual. They take us through the Great Depression and share with us the frustrations, dreams and challenges they face in adulthood. As parents they introduce us to their children. This story appeals to all ages because Sara and Roy hold up a mirror and ask the reader to recognize truth about the human condition for many Canadian families through difficult economic times. We witness love that does not come neatly wrapped and experience the quiet, sometimes desperate, drama of lives unfolding.
Unlike many of their acquaintances they stayed in love and they stayed married for many years. Jim was now an old man, even by earth’s standards, when he suffered the fatal coronary. He left his young wife a childless widow. She mourned. She grieved. She never remarried. Jim was her only love. Linda grew old as her husband before her had grown old. She died a peaceful death.
And then it happened . . .
Excerpt from: Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy by Audrey Austin Chapter One: SEVEN DWELL NEAR “Tell me a story, tell me a story, tell me a story and remember what you said.” Ever since that terrible day of the tragic accident each of the residents who live by my side has a tale to tell. Yes, everyone has a story and each story teller speaks his own truth. What I do find curious is the fact that no two stories are alike. Each is unique in its own way. I am of the opinion that truth is multi-sided and speaks from many hearts. A very long time ago I heard someone repeat the words of Winston Churchill who is purported to have said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” Yes, indeed, there it is. Truth is multi-sided and it dares to speak from many hearts. I have been around for a very long time. I existed in this very location even before man decided to give me a name. I guess that makes me old and, that being the case, I confess I am very old. I was here before any person chose this place to build a home. I have always thought I possessed a firm grasp on reality but since the day of the tragedy I am questioning for the first time the meaning and the impact of truth. I have more questions than answers. Is it possible that truth is, indeed, no more than one’s personal perception? Each individual’s truth, until shared, is locked in a sacred space in one’s memory. Memory does have its share of weakness. It can be faulty. As weeks turn into months memory is often tested. “Tell me a story and remember what you said.” I find it very interesting that the residents of the seven farms impacted by the tragedy each retain a different personal memory of the accident and its aftermath. Although I am well aware that it would not occur to any ordinary human that an old long-travelled country road could possibly have the capacity to remember, I can assure you that I do. Yes, indeed, I do have a memory. Even though I am very old it remains a good one. I do remember well. Some thoughts give me reason to smile while other memories I would prefer to forget. I have learned that the more painful memories are the most stubborn; the least likely to be forgotten and the most likely to be remembered. Even when a human believes he has managed to bury a painful memory he has not. That remembrance will pop up like a jack-in-the-box. It will present itself at the most odd and unexpected of times and sometimes even in the form of a recurrent dream. Of course, I am not a human. I can assure you that I am a no nonsense road; plain, practical and from my very first appearance on earth many generations ago I have made it my focused mission to do my duty and fulfill my purpose as I see fit. I have always taken great pride in my existence and to this very day I do my best to serve those who choose to travel upon my surface. Unlike humans who are, I have learned, sometimes very superficial creatures, I am not shallow. I don’t blame the travelers for being unable to see beneath my surface. But I assure you I am not just the visible thin layer of gravel you might observe at first glance. I do have substance. Yes, I am old now. I have been here in this spot in northern Ontario, Canada for many interesting and enduring lifetimes. Although I am a road less travelled I am still in pretty good shape. I expect I’ll be here for a few more generations. I can see no good reason why I should not continue to be here. I have never existed anywhere else on this earth and this is my home.
Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away or is she just a little girl playing hide and seek? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?
Without exception the residents of Crabapple Court do not like to draw attention to themselves or to their homes. They do not like publicity. They do not appreciate media attention but this day, whether they like it or not, the Fairmont residents are keeping them under strict scrutiny. Indeed the eyes of the entire country are fixed upon them.
Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, sayings and quotations. This book is a reminder of the importance of striving to be who we really are. It’s all about choice, and knowing that who we really are is a good thing to be.
I wanted to illustrate this book although I am not a visual artist. The most important thing I hope to illustrate is that we don’t have to be perfect. We do the best we can with what we have and give thanks.
It is my hope that Simply BE
Will encourage you to step up
And be all that you know you can be.
BEYOND THE BLUE is a coming of age novella. 12 year old Anthony Breckenheimer is a clever boy with blue eyes, red hair and like his father he is a little on the chubby side. He lives in the big City of Toronto with his mother, his little brother Ronald and his little sister Leona. His father died a year ago and Anthony misses him greatly especially when he is confronted by bullies on his way to and from school; the biggest and baddest one being Jerry Hasselbergen. One day while in his classroom Anthony discovers a magical window. What he sees through this window and beyond the blue changes his life forever.
Social Studies - Books One, Two, and Three
Dying To Be Popular is the first book in a trilogy of short story anthologies focused on social issues; Shattered and Broken is the second; andWeaving Alice Plus Eleven is the third. Each of these books has received great reviews. I will share one with you here.
A review of Social Studies, Book One - Dying To Be Popular:
By
Amazon Customer
This review is from: SOCIAL STUDIES - Book One: Dying To Be Popular Plus Eleven (Kindle Edition)
I've been following Audrey on social media for awhile and finally had a chance to check out one of her books. I was very impressed with her writing style, but more importantly I felt the characters in the stories. I cried, I laughed and I was moved to a head space that made me want to do more as an advocate. That's what a good book should do.
Ellen and the Hummingtree
by
Audrey Austin
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 shares the import of her personal relationshipwith family, friends and with God.
She allows us to witness her vulnerability and invites us into her heart where we experience her joys and sorrows.
In a few instances the author has drawn from her life’s experience but, in essence, Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women the author has known and loved throughout her journey.
It is hoped you will welcome Ellen into your heart and it is hoped you will enjoy the stories she shares with you in this book; her fictional, magical, mystical memoirs titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.
At the outset of this writing journey we met. I became acquainted with her and now I can say that I truly like Ellen. She has the courage of her convictions And no matter what life threw at her, she never lost faith.
Audrey Austin, Author.
The original publication of The Silent Star plus a Dozen
although available in Kindle format
is no longer available in print format
apart from a very few copies I have on hand.
This is why I have chosen these selections
to bring new life to the original anthology. I hope you will enjoy the "Selections".
Unlike many of their acquaintances they stayed in love and they stayed married for many years. Jim was now an old man, even by earth’s standards, when he suffered the fatal coronary. He left his young wife a childless widow. She mourned. She grieved. She never remarried. Jim was her only love. Linda grew old as her husband before her had grown old. She died a peaceful death.
And then it happened . . .
Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away or is she just a little girl playing hide and seek? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?
Without exception the residents of Crabapple Court do not like to draw attention to themselves or to their homes. They do not like publicity. They do not appreciate media attention but this day, whether they like it or not, the Fairmont residents are keeping them under strict scrutiny. Indeed the eyes of the entire country are fixed upon them.
Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, sayings and quotations. This book is a reminder of the importance of striving to be who we really are. It’s all about choice, and knowing that who we really are is a good thing to be.
I wanted to illustrate this book although I am not a visual artist. The most important thing I hope to illustrate is that we don’t have to be perfect. We do the best we can with what we have and give thanks.
It is my hope that Simply BE
Will encourage you to step up
And be all that you know you can be.
BEYOND THE BLUE is a coming of age novella. 12 year old Anthony Breckenheimer is a clever boy with blue eyes, red hair and like his father he is a little on the chubby side. He lives in the big City of Toronto with his mother, his little brother Ronald and his little sister Leona. His father died a year ago and Anthony misses him greatly especially when he is confronted by bullies on his way to and from school; the biggest and baddest one being Jerry Hasselbergen. One day while in his classroom Anthony discovers a magical window. What he sees through this window and beyond the blue changes his life forever.
Dying To Be Popular is the first book in a trilogy of short story anthologies focused on social issues; Shattered and Broken is the second; andWeaving Alice Plus Eleven is the third. Each of these books has received great reviews. I will share one with you here.
A review of Social Studies, Book One - Dying To Be Popular:
By
Amazon Customer
This review is from: SOCIAL STUDIES - Book One: Dying To Be Popular Plus Eleven (Kindle Edition)
I've been following Audrey on social media for awhile and finally had a chance to check out one of her books. I was very impressed with her writing style, but more importantly I felt the characters in the stories. I cried, I laughed and I was moved to a head space that made me want to do more as an advocate. That's what a good book should do.
THE LAST DROP is a short story written in rhyming couplets for young children who can learn and enjoy the alphabet. Alison and Bobby are kept inside on a rainy day but the pink and blue umbrellas save the day.
by
Audrey Austin
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 shares the import of her personal relationshipwith family, friends and with God.
She allows us to witness her vulnerability and invites us into her heart where we experience her joys and sorrows.
In a few instances the author has drawn from her life’s experience but, in essence, Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women the author has known and loved throughout her journey.
It is hoped you will welcome Ellen into your heart and it is hoped you will enjoy the stories she shares with you in this book; her fictional, magical, mystical memoirs titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.
At the outset of this writing journey we met. I became acquainted with her and now I can say that I truly like Ellen. She has the courage of her convictions And no matter what life threw at her, she never lost faith.
Audrey Austin, Author.
All my books are also available in both Paperback & Kindle formats on all Amazon sites.
Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
And come say hello at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca
Happy Easter! When God Gives Us Spring is free Easter Sunday, March 27th
My Easter gift to you is When God Gives Us Spring -- free to you Easter Sunday, March 27th, in the Kindle Store for your reading pleasure.
Michael Custis Washington is a young black slave living on a cotton plantation in the Province of Virginia. He was born in 1802. Left an orphan at the age of five he is taken into the big house by his master, Alfred Gordon, to be trained as a house servant. While in this house he suffers severe emotional and sexual abuse. When he finally runs away with his wife Lucinda he is helped by the Quakers. Through the Underground Railway they reach the Elgin Settlement in Ontario, Canada. Freedom is his at last. But when the American Civil War breaks out in 1861 Michael chooses to join the Union Army. He works his way back to Virginia. Is he seeking justice or vengeance?
Michael Custis Washington is a young black slave living on a cotton plantation in the Province of Virginia. He was born in 1802. Left an orphan at the age of five he is taken into the big house by his master, Alfred Gordon, to be trained as a house servant. While in this house he suffers severe emotional and sexual abuse. When he finally runs away with his wife Lucinda he is helped by the Quakers. Through the Underground Railway they reach the Elgin Settlement in Ontario, Canada. Freedom is his at last. But when the American Civil War breaks out in 1861 Michael chooses to join the Union Army. He works his way back to Virginia. Is he seeking justice or vengeance?
Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
When God Gives Us Spring is also available in paperback format on all Amazon sites.
Come say hello at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca
Friday, March 18, 2016
Jie Ke's Teahouse --- a short story, free in the Kindle Store Sunday March 20th
Jie Ki's Teahouse is free in the Kindle Store on Sunday, March 20th for your reading enjoyment.
If you enjoy this short story then you will want to check out my short story anthologies titled Social Studies, Book One - Dying To Be Popular; Social Studies, Book Two = Shattered and Broken; and Social Studies, Book Three - Weaving Alice.
These short stories all keep the focus on important social issues of today.
Jie Ke's Teahouse is one of a dozen short stories found in Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken. This book and all my books are available for your reading pleasure in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.
Thanks for checking out my author's page at http://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Jacob's Seven Letters - a short story -- free Sunday March 13th in the Kindle Store
Jacob's mother dies ...... his father does not; yet the relationship Jacob shared with his father dies a death of a different kind. Grandmother is there to raise the boy and when she dies too Jacob feels abandoned. It's no surprise that he gets into some difficulties in his life. What is surprising is that the seven letters have a life-changing impact ..... When I wrote this short story I fell in love with Jacob. To me he is the epitome of many young men struggling to find their way through an ever-changing world.
Jacob's Seven Letters is FREE for your reading pleasure this Sunday, March 13th in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.
Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin and thank you for your positive reviews.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Shattered and Beaten -- a short story is free in the Kindle Store Saturday March 5th
Short story titled Shatttered and Beaten is free in the Kindle Store for your reading pleasure Saturday March 5th.
A 5 star review of Shattered and Beaten:
"OMG!!! By Amazon Customer on March 5, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Tragic love for sure. Grab the kleenex you will need them. Such a beautiful story of pain triumph and loss"
You will find it at Amazon.ca & at all Amazon sites. Check out my author's page at
http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Tragic love for sure. Grab the kleenex you will need them. Such a beautiful story of pain triumph and loss"
You will find it at Amazon.ca & at all Amazon sites. Check out my author's page at
http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
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