Tucked away in the tranquil landscapes of Elliot Lake, AUDREY AUSTIN has established herself as a remarkable author, enchanting readers with her wide-ranging literary creations.
She just wrapped up her memoir, Almost Time to Leave, where she shares her journey, experiences, and the personal truths that have shaped her life.
At 83, she embodies the belief that creativity knows no bounds. With an impressive collection of 29 published books, poetry and short stories, Austin demonstrates that passion, determination, and a steadfast commitment to storytelling can lead to significant accomplishments, even in the later stages of life.
Austin is a committed retired psycho-spiritual practitioner and counsellor who focuses on supporting women. Additionally, she worked as a transcriber for the Official Examiner's Office in Toronto. Even though she’s retired, clients sometimes reach out for her advice. Her door is always open to those who wish to receive counsel.
After losing her partner Brian eight years ago, she has gracefully embraced life’s challenges. This petite woman, with her white hair, lives in a cozy apartment, where she enjoys the company of her cherished cat, Misty.
Austin was a late bloomer to writing; she began at 65; however, her literary journey began in her childhood in the lively city of Toronto. Austin may have started her life there, but her path has taken her through a tapestry of different places.
From charming small towns to far-off countries, she finally settled in Elliot Lake in April 2000, a decision she fondly calls “the best move I ever made.”
Austin’s first novel, Sara: A Canadian Saga, offers a captivating glimpse into life on Prince Edward Island during the Great Depression. “Writing has always been my dream,” she reflects. “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to follow my passion and connect with readers.”
In crafting her memoir, she delved into her family history, reaching back to her grandmother.
“I couldn’t do a lot of writing about my grandmother because I really didn’t know her that well, so I wrote what I knew.” She explained that while she also documented her parents’ stories, this part mainly served as a prelude to her own journey.
“I then wrote about my childhood and on, up until three weeks ago.”
She began her memoir during a time of good health; however, in November, an unexpected turn of events unfolded.
After a CT scan, her doctor revealed that the scan had detected an irregularity, ultimately uncovering a previously undiagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm.
“I realized then that I had to finish the memoir, hence the title Almost Time to Leave."
Austin isn’t your typical writer who sticks to just one genre. Instead, she ventures boldly into the worlds of fiction, romance, stories for children and even science fiction, reflecting her limitless enthusiasm for storytelling.
“I feel free; I don’t follow rigid rules, in fact, I have no rules,” she shares with passion. This liberating approach allows her creativity to thrive, letting her words flow with ease. This versatility highlights her creative breadth and shows her desire to connect with a wide array of readers.
Writing her memoirs was not an easy task.
“It was difficult at times; I struggled with which memories I wanted to reveal, and I had to pause quite a few times,” she admits. This honest insight shows the complexity of her journey, reminding us that most writers encounter obstacles.
“For me, memoir writing presents a significant challenge; it is considerably more arduous than writing fiction. Unlike fiction, memoir does not afford the same liberties. Memoir strives for truth, and, as the old adage suggests, truth can, indeed, be stranger, more emotional, and more demanding of an author than fiction.
“My story encompasses numerous years, various events, a multitude of relationships, and a myriad of highs and lows.
“This is a narrative I felt compelled to write. For me, it serves as a source of healing and catharsis, and is replete with my endeavours to approach the truth.”
From touching stories of love and relationships to thought-provoking explorations of the human experience, each book she writes carries her distinct voice and perspective.
“I truly believe in the healing and inspiring power of stories,” she shares. “Writing gives me the chance to delve into the depths of human emotions.”
Drawing from her own life, she often explores themes of resilience, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
“I want to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how intimidating it may seem,” she states with passion.
“Writing can feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. I believe that sharing our stories can empower others to find their own voices.”
In today’s digital world, Austin has embraced technology to broaden her reach. Her books are available on Amazon and Kindle, where she has cultivated a loyal readership that eagerly awaits each new release. She is self-published.
Audrey Austin’s literary journey is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the timeless power of storytelling. As she continues to write and inspire others, her story serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions and share one’s voice with the world.
In a society that often overlooks the contributions of older individuals, Austin is a beacon of inspiration, illustrating that the journey of self-discovery and creativity is a lifelong adventure, full of potential at any age.
On top of all her accomplishments, she’s also a self-taught artist, and her home is filled with a remarkable array of her own creations.
Despite her achievements, Austin remains humble. “I am grateful for the opportunity to complete this manuscript. Life is good, and life continues onward. It is my hope that the memoir will help to lead my readers one step closer to their own truth.” CP/ELT
If you are interested in purchasing any of her work, please visit her Amazon site.
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