Happy New Year! Welcome 2023!

 2022 seems to have passed very quickly. I'm not one to make New Year resolutions but I do have some goals set. I'm working on a couple of manuscripts that I hope to complete in 2023.

I can't wait to see how this know-nothing novice makes out with a new camping adventure in my new "tiny house". In past camping experiences, Brian took care of everything. I was spoiled. Now I need to learn much including how to use a propane stove and how to build a wood fire. I know nothing about grey water or water of any colour for that matter. Thank God, I'm still capable of learning new things.

I've experienced health issues this past year that I would have preferred not to have. But these issues have made me incredibly grateful to my grandson, David, and nurse practitioner, Cory. Big thanks to you both in this regard.

I've always been a 'dog person' but 2022 opened my eyes and my heart to Misty who is precious and the best companion I could ever hope for. And I have from now until May to hopefully get her acquainted with the carrier so she can travel back & forth to enjoy our 'tiny house' together.

I know I'm fortunate to have much of my family living here in Elliot Lake. And I'm grateful for the wonderful friends who enrich my life.

As my mother-in-law would say, "Start the way you mean to go on!"

Here's to a peaceful, positive, healthy, prosperous, and adventurous 2023! Happy New Year! xoxoxox

About the Author

 About the Author

This summer of 2022 I celebrated my 15th creative writing anniversary.

My most recent publication is titled POartRY and Prose. Just as its title suggests this publication is comprised of several of my many paintings displayed with my poetry and prose. My prior book was a science fiction novel titled "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light". Mother Earth can take no more. It's a sad day when a mother must give up on her children. Like the phoenix, the spirit and the environment of earth rise leaving behind destruction and devastation. The chosen seven are truly amazed when they discover why they have been rescued.

I wrote two novels during the isolation caused by the covid pandemic. One was "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light"The other was titled "The Observer - His Eye Is on the Sparrow".

"The Observer - His Eye Is On The Sparrow" is a story of three generations of women, yet the story of two souls. Karina, Anna, and Karen, three very different personalities yet each, while dealing with her own struggles, continues to repeat family patterns. This story, begun in NaNoWriMo's adventure of 2019, will touch your emotions and leave you with a smile. The settings of Bangalore, India and Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada share little in common; each offering its own colour and character. This is my first novel to focus on religion; in this instance the religions of Christianity and Hinduism.

A recent book titled "No Place to Lay Her Head ... a handful of moments" is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. In this book I share my journey through grief since the death of my partner, Brian, in August of 2017. This book is cathartic but I hope of benefit to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Another short story titled The Man On The Bench; a metaphysical delight, is part of my recent writing adventure. You will also want to check out DRAMA - a Novel Idea which is a boxed set of my most popular novels: Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy; Ellen and The Hummingtree; and Sara, a Canadian Saga. While individual novels are available in both paperback & Kindle formats; DRAMA is available in Kindle format only.

Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, quotations, and sayings, that I hope will offer the reader inspiration and guidance. This book is currently used as an aid in meditation and healing circles and will, I hope, inspire you to be who you really are.

Other recent publications in both print and Kindle format include my first book of poems titled "Poetry From A to Z" and a short story anthology titled "The Silent Star Plus a Dozen Selections."

"Dinner At Seven" is, I'm excited to announce, my 15th book but also my very first romance novel.

Also new on the scene is Crabapple Court; a novella. Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?

Beyond The Blue is a coming-of-age novella in which a child finds a magical, mystical way to deal with bullying. This novella is also in both Paperback and Kindle format. More recently this book has been published in audio book format narrated by Earl Sewell and available on Amazon, Itunes, and Audibles.

"When God Gives Us Spring" is a story of love, hate & revenge that takes place pre and during civil war in the U.S. This novella is available in paperback, kindle, and audio book format.

Recompense is a recent novella that explores "older" people in the "new world" of chat room dating. A bit of a farce this one provides some enjoyable reading.

Prior to these publications I was kept busy with the creation, compilation and publication of a trilogy of anthologies containing short stories which keep the focus on social issues.

The books are titled SOCIAL STUDIES - Book One - Dying To Be Popular; Book Two - Shattered and Broken; Book Three - Weaving Alice. These 36 stories will make you laugh; make you cry; and certainly make you simply wonder at the human condition as it is experienced by many in our modern contemporary world.

I'm very excited to announce that "Keeping It Simple", the trinity of meditation, the 7 major chakras and psychospiritual therapy, is now available in both Kindle and Paperback Format on all Amazon sites. It is my hope that one day I will have learned enough about the technology required to narrate this book and transform it into an audio book.

My first novel, "Sara, a Canadian Saga", is available in paperback and kindle formats but has now been released as my first audio book; written by yours truly; narrated by Falon Echo; and the cover design by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com This audio book is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

I'm thrilled to announce that "When God Gives Us Spring" is my second book to be released as an audio book. This audio book is written by yours truly; narrated by Earl Sewell; and the beautiful cover design is by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com It is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

Currently five of my many books are available in audiobook format. These five are "Sara, a Canadian Saga", When God Gives Us Spring", "Reawakening", "Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy", and "Beyond the Blue".

Whether you choose my poetry; or an anthology; one of my novels, a novella, or a short story I hope you enjoy your reading experience.

Thank you to my readers. I much appreciate your encouragement and your support. I hope you know that your positive reviews are much needed and very welcome.

NaNoWriMo 2022

 Today is the last day for NaNoWriMo 2022. I did not type 50,000 words. I did not complete a novel. But that's not a bad thing!

I did complete the creation of POartRY and PROSE filled with paintings along with 16,500 words of poetry and prose. This book is now published and available exclusively on all Amazon sites.

In addition I have, to date, written 6,540 words on my current work in progress titled Shh! We Don't Talk About That! This writing is, at times, a little overwhelming and it has set me on a very interesting journey of discovery which I hope to share in this manuscript. This writing has also convinced me that I need to re-create a painting that I originally painted way back in 1998 or 1999. Some things are stranger than fiction.

Life is nothing, if not interesting! Life is good and life goes on.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

When God Gives Us Spring - FREE in the Kindle Store, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022

 When God Gives Us Spring  is FREE in the Kindle Store this Sunday, November 27th for your reading enjoyment.

If an author is permitted to have a favourite of her own publications then this would be mine.

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?

When God Gives Us Spring  is available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook formats exclusively on Amazon.

Thanks for checking out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Enjoy reading When God Gives Us Spring.    Your positive reviews on Amazon or Goodreads are most welcome and appreciated.

POartRY and PROSE - first review

 

I am so pleased with my first review of POartRY and PROSE.

POartRY is a thoughtful collection of beautiful folk-art paintings accompanied with inspired,

insightful short stories and poetry. I was moved by the simplicity and clarity of both.

I laughed, found myself a bit teary and most importantly felt the warmth in the connectivity of our human condition.

A great read! 

You will find my latest publication exclusively on all Amazon sites.  Visit my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  

My NaNoWriMo Experience 2022

 I confess I'm not transferring a lot of words onto paper throughout this NaNoWriMo experience so far.

However, the great news is that "POartRY and PROSE" is now, with approximately 16,500 words, published and available in both Kindle and Paperback formats exclusively on Amazon.

I can't stop smiling. I'm so happy that the copies I ordered of my most recent publication, "POartRY and PROSE" arrived this afternoon. I am thrilled that I've been able to put my two passions, creative writing & painting, together in one publication.

Thanks to those who pre-ordered.

Although the progress is slow, I am continuing to write my words in what will be my next publication titled "Shh! We Don't Talk About That!" My word count, as of today, is 4,357 words. I hope to have this manuscript ready for publication in early 2023.

Watch for it and, in the meantime, thanks for checking out "POartRY and PROSE" along with all my publications exclusively on Amazon. You will find my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

The Silent Star - FREE in the Kindle Store

 Friday, November 11, 2022 The Silent Star is free on Amazon for your reading pleasure in the Kindle Store.

Young Andrew suffers many losses. An orphan he feels alone and unwanted. He becomes the silent star. He walks alongside the track in life; often getting stuck on the wrong side. Rose is his redeemer and because of her and their love for one another he overcomes all odds and becomes an inspiration to others.

https://www.amazon.ca/SILENT.../dp/B00I2VD1HS/ref=sr_1_2...

POartRY and PROSE

 POartRY and PROSE is now live in both Kindle and Paperback formats exclusively on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

And, today, I am excited to be continuing with NaNoWriMo, this time with my new project titled 'Shh! We Don't Talk About These Things". I have now written 1529 words and have a fairly clear idea and focus as to what I wish my words to explore.

I will be ordering a few author's copies of POartRY and PROSE. If you live in Elliot Lake and wish to have a copy, please message me today and I will order one for you. There is always some savings if I order the books myself.

Thanks for your continued support.

POartRY and PROSE

 

I have had a very busy morning, up at 6 a.m. to keep an early morning virtual doctor's appt. The rest of my time has been spent in completing the editing/formatting of my very recent manuscript, POartRY and PROSE. I am happy to say that both the Kindle and the Paperback formats of this book are now in review on Amazon and should be available for sale within 72 hours.

To create POartRY and PROSE, I began by posting the photos of some of the many paintings I have created. Then beginning with the first painting, I looked at it before simply allowing words to flow.

With regard to the cover painting, as the river disappears behind the mountain, I feel the urge to follow it. I want to know what lies behind the mountain.

As I filled the pages with words, I had no idea what I would be thinking about, writing about, praying about. I had no agenda. I simply followed the river of photos of my paintings.

When the river flowed behind the mountain of another page, I hung onto the urge, and I followed it.

When I was faced with another painting, I was faced with a decision. What shall I write? Will I write a poem? Will I write prose?

This manuscript has been a writing adventure. I had no idea what I would write until I began typing words on my laptop.

And how does this creation of a manuscript differ from the way I live, and have lived, and will live my life?

I am open to life. I am prepared to meet whatever it may offer. I hope the same for you.

And I truly hope you will want to buy a copy of POartRY and PROSE. It will very soon be available exclusively on Amazon. You will find it on my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Note: Thanks Elliot Lake readers for your continued support. The kindle edition of POartRY and PROSE is already available exclusively on all Amazon sites. That was fast! The paperback format is still in review but will be available within 72 hours.

How exciting for me to have one of my own paintings on a book cover!

Summer of 2022 is my 15th Creative Writing Anniversary

 This summer of 2022 I will celebrate my 15th creative writing anniversary.

My most recent publication is a metaphysical/science fiction novel titled "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light". Mother Earth can take no more. It's a sad day when a mother must give up on her children. Like the phoenix, the spirit and the environment of earth rise leaving behind destruction and devastation. The chosen seven are truly amazed when they discover why they have been rescued.

My prior novel is titled "The Observer - His Eye Is On The Sparrow". This is a story of three generations of women, yet the story of two souls. Karina, Anna, and Karen, three very different personalities yet each, while dealing with her own struggles, continues to repeat family patterns. This story, begun in NaNoWriMo's adventure of 2019, will touch your emotions and leave you with a smile. The settings of Bangalore, India and Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada share little in common; each offering its own colour and character. This is my first novel to focus on religion; in this instance the religions of Christianity and Hinduism.

A recent book titled "No Place to Lay Her Head ... a handful of moments" is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. In this book I share my journey through grief since the death of my partner, Brian, five years ago. This books is cathartic but I hope of benefit to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Another short story titled The Man On The Bench; a metaphysical delight, is part of my recent writing adventure. You will also want to check out DRAMA - a Novel Idea which is a boxed set of my most popular novels: Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy; Ellen and The Hummingtree; and Sara, a Canadian Saga. While individual novels are available in both paperback & Kindle formats; DRAMA is available in Kindle format only.

Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, quotations, and sayings, that I hope will offer the reader inspiration and guidance. This book is currently used as an aid in meditation and healing circles and will, I hope, inspire you to be who you really are.

Other recent publications in both print and Kindle format include my first book of poems titled "Poetry From A to Z" and a short story anthology titled "The Silent Star Plus a Dozen Selections."

"Dinner At Seven" is, I'm excited to announce, my 15th book but also my very first romance novel.

Also new on the scene is Crabapple Court; a novella. Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?

Beyond The Blue is a coming-of-age novella in which a child finds a magical, mystical way to deal with bullying. This novella is also in both Paperback and Kindle format. More recently this book has been published in audio book format narrated by Earl Sewell and available on Amazon, Itunes, and Audibles.

"When God Gives Us Spring" is a story of love, hate & revenge that takes place pre and during civil war in the U.S. This novella is available in paperback, kindle, and audio book format.

Recompense is a recent novella that explores "older" people in the "new world" of chat room dating. A bit of a farce this one provides some enjoyable reading.

Prior to these publications I was kept busy with the creation, compilation and publication of a trilogy of anthologies containing short stories which keep the focus on social issues.

The books are titled SOCIAL STUDIES - Book One - Dying To Be Popular; Book Two - Shattered and Broken; Book Three - Weaving Alice. These 36 stories will make you laugh; make you cry; and certainly make you simply wonder at the human condition as it is experienced by many in our modern contemporary world.

I'm very excited to announce that "Keeping It Simple", the trinity of meditation, the 7 major chakras and psychospiritual therapy, is now available in both Kindle and Paperback Format on all Amazon sites. It is my hope that one day I will have learned enough to narrate this book and transform it into an audio book.

My first novel, "Sara, a Canadian Saga", is available in paperback and kindle formats but has now been released as my first audio book; written by yours truly; narrated by Falon Echo; and the cover design by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com This audio book is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

I'm thrilled to announce that "When God Gives Us Spring" is my second book to be released as an audio book. This audio book is written by yours truly; narrated by Earl Sewell; and the beautiful cover design is by Susan RK of Yuneekpix.com It is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

Whether you choose my poetry; or an anthology; one of my novels, a novella, or a short story I hope you enjoy your reading experience

FRIENDSHIP

 Life is so interesting. I'm old enough now to brag about my age if I wish and I'm old enough to appreciate what has been and will always be most important to me. Those things are my faith, my family, my friends.

Throughout all the years, to my knowledge, there have been only three people who decided they don't want my friendship. One woman decided she didn't like the way I grieved the loss of my dear Brian so she not only unfriended me but today is unable to respond to a hello.

The second, also a woman, an evangelical Christian, decided she couldn't be my friend because somehow she felt my faith/religion was a threat to her.

The third and most recent, again a woman, withdrew from friendship because she didn't like that I chose to offer friendship and support to another person; one she did not like.

In all my years of working with and caring about others, nothing has ever been more important to me than friendship and family. I've been fortunate that I can count the friendship losses on one hand.

I'm reminded of an old saying I first learned many moons ago. "I do not love him because he is good. I love him because he is my family, my friend".

Passion for Staying Put - free this weekend in the Kindle Store.

 Eleven years have passed. Arthur and Marion attempt to move on in the aftermath of the tragic loss their only child, Jennifer. Passion for Staying Put was a semi-finalist in the 2013 John Kenneth Galbraith Short Story Writing Award Competition.

Passion for Staying Put, a short story, is free for your reading pleasure on all Amazon sites in the Kindle Store this weekend, July 30th and July 31st. https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Elliot Lake Writers is alive .........

 Once a month, beginning the last Friday afternoon in September, from 2 pm to 4 pm, Elliot Lake Writers will meet in my home. This is not a teaching class but a social time; an opportunity for creative writers to discuss and share their currrent writing projects. Maximum attendance is 8 due to limited space. If interested, please message me.

POartRY and PROSE is coming soon to all Amazon sites! :-)

 Coming soon! Watch for my 21st publication, POartRY and PROSE, soon available exclusively on all Amazon sites for your reading and viewing pleasure. This publication will celebrate my 15th Creative Writing Anniversary. Visit my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

REAWAKENING free in the Kindle Store July 23rd and 24th

 About Reawakening:

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 . . .

----------------------------------

Publisher's Review:

Every now and then a manuscript comes across my desk that completely captivates me. Austin has reached inside the human heart and removed all boundaries pertaining to everlasting love . . . and her ability to play with the English language successfully is astounding.

Austin’s Reawakening is a must-read. It will take you into a land not far from your heart and bring you back to earth again - believing that all things are possible with love and hope.

Maggie Kirton
Executive Director
Wynterblue Publishing

REAWAKENING is free for your reading pleasure this weekend Saturday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 24th.   Check out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE is FREE in the Kindle Store July 9 and 10, 2022

 In celebration of my birthday and of my 15th Creative Writing Anniversary, I am pleased to announce that ELLEN and THE HUMMMINGTREE is FREE in the Amazon Kindle Store on Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th.

ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE: Austin, Audrey, Krupp, Susan Ruby: 9781926614670: Books - Amazon.ca

Ellen is a woman I came to know well during the writing of my third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree. She often puzzled me yet she also had the ability to make me laugh and cry. I grew to love her. And the more I came to know her I began to realize that she truly is a composite of the many caring spiritual women I have known throughout my life. Alzheimer is a dreadful disease and Ellen's victimization is a heartbreak. My writing of Ellen and The Hummingtree comes straight from the heart. I hope you will love her as I do.

💖

POARTRY and PROSE

I've been on a creative writing hiatus since the release of my latest novel, STRUGGLE - to reach the bridge of light which is available for your reading pleasure exclusively on Amazon.  

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light

This week, inspired by my good friend, Kathleen Burke, I am once again letting the ink flow.   It's early days as I've just begun writing again today.   But I do have a title!   Watch for my next publication on Amazon which will be titled  POARTRY and PROSE.

Creative writing is my passion.  Another passion is painting with both oil and acrylic paints.  

POARTRY and PROSE  will marry my two passions, and this marriage will soon be ready for your reading and viewing pleasure.   

It won't be a long wait.   I'm writing as fast as I can ....... joking, of course.  But, all joking aside, please watch for  my 21st creative writing publication which will be released exclusively on Amazon.

Until then, thanks for checking out all my publications available on all Amazon sites.   My Amazon Author's Page

Happy Canada Day! xoxoxox

 

SARA, a Canadian Saga FREE in the Kindle Store

 To celebrate Canada Day, my first publication, "Sara, a Canadian Saga", will be free for your reading pleasure in Amazon's Kindle Store, July 1, 2022 to July 4, 2022.

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.

https://www.amazon.ca/SARA.../dp/B00H0H33JG/ref=sr_1_3...

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 My poem about and my painting of "The Forgiving One"

"JESUS"

I love the story I've been told

of a baby born long ago

in difficult times

to a young single mom

who seemed unprepared

for the power and strength

of the boy as he grew

into a manhood

admired and respected.

He walked on his journey,

was honoured and welcomed

into the hearts

and the minds of the people

he touched with his wisdom,

divinity,

touched with his hope and his love.

Two thousand and more years

have come and have gone

but

the message of Jesus has never been lost

and maybe

because the lesson is simple

or maybe

because his words were direct,

he is revered

and he is debated

but his directives

if not always followed,

are always remembered,

At least that's what they say.

Love one another

Seems to be easy

or

seems that this should be a natural thing to do

but people decided

that Jesus was wrong;

and they wrote their own words

to his original song.

Love one another

became

Love one another

except for

those of a different colour;

except for

those of a different religion;

except for

those of different sexual orientation;

except for

those who make more money;

except for

those who are poorer than Job;

except for

your neighbour

and except for

yourself.

I love the story

I've been told of Jesus.

Too bad

people had to turn his story

into a fiction;

an excuse;

a reason to hate;

a church

and a building

with an ever growing number

of empty pews

because we choose not

to do as he taught

and

simply love one another.

I guess

It's not always easy

To be simple.

.......a poem from "Poetry from A to Z" by Audrey Austin

Painting - oil on canvas - by Audrey Austin