Audrey Austin is ..... CALLING ALL WRITERS

This month's ELWW Assignment -- an Acrostic

2012-02-26T13:28:00.002-05:00

I have never attempted to write a short story as an Acrostic -- the idea being that each line of dialogue must begin with the next letter in the alphabet and the story ends with the last line starting with "Z".

I won't pretend my assignment submission is that great a story.

But I am not pretending when I say I had all kinds of fun writing this story. It may be something you would like to try sometime yourself.

Acrostic (ELWW Assignment for March class)

Love Finds a Way

“A baby needs coddling and I’m not a baby,” she shouted over the din of the TV set which always had the volume screaming at its highest level.

“Be reasonable, Mom.” I picked up the shawl from the floor where her anger had tossed it and tried once more to wrap it around her tiny shoulders.

“Catherine, if I wanted to wear that shawl I would put it on myself so leave me be!” She pulled at the crocheted cover until she succeeded in landing it on the floor again.

Arthritic knees creaked as I bent to pick up the shawl. Where is that girl? If she doesn’t arrive soon I will be late for work. To my mother I said, “Do you always need to be so stubborn?”

“Ever wonder what stubborn looks like? For Pete’s sake take a good look in the mirror!” With that Mom scrunched down into the bed, her head barely above the blanket.

With a long drawn-out sigh I looked first at my watch, then at my mother and then back at my watch. “Gwen is late this morning, Mom, and if she doesn’t get here soon I’ll be late for work.”

“Hell’s poppin’, Catherine! I told you I’m not a baby and I can look after myself!” With that she threw the blanket back and proceeded to dangle her thin legs over the bedside.

“Just stop that right now, Mom. Keeping warm is doctor’s orders. Let me help you get back into bed.” I looked at my little mother lying helpless in her bed, covers tucked up under her chin and I just wanted to cry. “Most likely six months tops,” the doctor had said.

“Never mind waiting for Gwen because I don’t need no Red Cross worker in my house anyway.” Again she sat up in bed, raised her right arm and wagging her finger at me she shouted, “Out!”

“Please, Mom, if you are determined to sit up in bed then let me put this shawl around your shoulders,” I begged. This time she acquiesced with no argument.

“Quickly now, be on your way, Catherine or you really will be late this morning.”

“Red Cross workers are always reliable, Mom. Something must have happened to Gwen this morning.”

“Telephone still works in this house even if I don’t,” she says and I can’t help but laugh. “Unbelievable, Mom!” I exclaimed wondering why I hadn’t thought of picking up the phone. Just as I lifted the receiver I heard the knock on the door. Gwen had arrived.

“Very good morning, ladies.” Then to my mother, “Where would you like your breakfast this morning, dear?”

“X marks the spot,” Mom answered with a big smile on her face.

“You want breakfast in bed then so it shall be,” Gwen laughed as she turned the volume down on the TV and made her way out to the kitchen.

“Zealous is how I would describe you, Gwen,” I said just before I closed the door but jealous was how I was feeling because, no matter how hard I’ve tried to please, I’ve never been able to put a smile on my mother’s face. For Gwen that’s an easy thing to do. I feel somewhat reassured hoping I still have six months to bridge the long-standing gap between us. I pray that love will find a way.

Wynterblue Publishing Canada's WynLit 24 Writing Competiton and publication on Chapter and Verse.ca

2012-02-25T17:10:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful sunny winter's day and I have just returned from a refreshing Dudley walk at Sheriff Creek. I saw no wildlife today; no doubt they are finding warmth on a wintry day. I did spot one tiny bird flying overhead which I think boasted a touch of blue but without wearing my eyeglasses I couldn't swear to that fact.

And now I have returned to my computer where I continue to work on a short story titled Daniel's Destiny; one which I hope will do well in the WynLit 24 writing competition to which it will be submitted before day's end.

I am very pleased today to learn that another of my short stories, this one titled In Control, is published today in an on-line magazine found at http://chapterandverse.ca This is the fourth of my short stories in which Chapter and Verse has found favour and I am very appreciative of this e-zine's encouragement and support. Special thank you to Archie D'Cruz. :-)

On Chapter and Verse you will also find stories written by friends, talented Elliot Lake authors Shirley Green and Gloria Jean Hansen so my stories are in excellent company.

And now I will get back to work on Daniel's Destiny and hope it is as fortunate publication-wise as In Control has been. In Control has been previously published in Wynterblue Publishing Canada Inc. Confabulation Four and it has also been published in my own short story anthology titled The Silent Star plus a Dozen.

I still have some copies of The Silent Star plus a Dozen as well as some copies of Sara, a Canadian Saga and Reawakening available for sale.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy please contact me by email

Cover design on all my books is beautifully created by Susan Krupp. You will be amazed by her talent when you visit her website at http://yuneekpix.com I am currently working on my third novel titled Ellen and the Hummingtree. Not only will Susan Krupp be doing the cover design for this new novel; she will also be illustrating the book. I can't express how excited I am about this collaboration. The Elliot Lake launch of Ellen and the Hummingtree will take place in the fall of 2012.

The Gathering Place -- Hillside Drive, Elliot Lake

2012-02-05T13:55:00.001-05:00

The Gathering Place -- there is no better place in town where a writer might want to take her laptop or her writing materials -- enjoy a cup of tea or coffee; delicious home made sandwich, salad and dessert. The inviting ambience of the large room giving you the option to sit at a table or relax on the sofa or armchair by the fireplace will help to quiet the mind and motivate the writers' ink to flow.

The Gathering Place - owned and operated by Wendy Dubois is open for business.

Come in to a comfortable, relaxed and homey place where you will find Good food - home-made deserts, sandwiches, salads, kaisers with a good selection of fillings topped with home made sauces and dips. There is also a variety of cold plates. Hot and cold beverages and take-out foods are freshly made and ready to go on request.

The Party/Meeting or Conference Room is available to rent with catering if wanted.

Everything is home-made and delicious.....................Come as a guest - Leave as a friend.

The Gathering Place

Hillside Drive across from Dairy Queen -
705-578-3033

Creative Connections; Toronto Star Short Story Contest & Congrats Wendy on opening of The Gathering Place

2012-02-02T00:45:00.001-05:00

This morning I attended the artist/writer collaboration planning meeting for the Creative Connections event commencing at the Civic Centre March 13th. I'm happy to be paired with artist, Elaine Vegeris, and I look forward to writing something about the life and hardships of maidservants in 17th century Italy.

Today I also submitted my short story titled Weaving Alice to the Toronto Star Short Story Contest.

Not related to writing BUT big congratulations to friend, Wendy, on the opening of her new business today. The Gathering Place is a neat place to stop for lunch or just coffee/tea & dessert. It is located on Hillside Drive across the street from The Dairy Queen. Check it out!

Congratulations Kayt Lackie Burgess

2012-01-30T19:27:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Kayt Lackie Burgess on winning the 3 day Novel Competition!   I can't wait to read her book once it is ready to be released.
Kayt Lackie's novella took first place in last year's WynLit 73 competition. I hope to see that one in publication soon too.   Kayt is a brilliant writer.

My novella didn't even make the short list last year.  I have entered Wynterblue Publishing's WynLit 73 competition which is a 73 hour novel writing competition four years running. Results of this year's competition should be announced sometime in February. Two of my novellas have been shortlisted -- if I do as well this year I may consider putting together a book containing the 3 novellas.
Competition writing is a great motivator. I hope to enter the 3 day Novel Competition next year. Maybe you will enter too, eh? :-)

Andrew's Achievement

2012-01-29T20:04:00.000-05:00

I'm excited about an email received from http://Chapterandverse.ca today. They have published on-line another of my short stories. This one is titled Andrew's Achievement , a short story about elder abuse; unfortunately a not uncommon happening in our society.

Also this weekend I did manage completion of a 1000 word poem about Cabin Fever for Wynterblue Publishing's WynLit 24 writing competition weekend.

2012-01-26T11:58:00.001-05:00

Today I entered Canada Write's true story competition. Since their request is that I post my 100 words or less using real name story on my Facebook page and on the Canada Write's Facebook page, I may just as well post it on my blog as well. I imagine this contest will draw many entries. Wish me luck!

All About Alan

Alan Meyer is my boyfriend. He, with the curly dark hair and soft brown eyes, stands a lean 6’5 in contrast to my 5’2. Feeling foolish with arm extended in child-like perpendicular fashion I avoid hand-holding. Does he notice the amused stares as I do? Yes, we look ridiculous together; a real life odd couple.

A magical poet, when he reads aloud I’m transported to a sacred place where height is meaningless and the love in our hearts is the only true measure. But many years have passed. Alan, I wonder where you are today. Thank you for happy memories.

Yesterday the above was my entry in the Canada Writes Name-dropping writing competition. Today I learned we can enter as often as we like.....had I known that (my fault for not reading instructions through properly) I probably would have written several short 100 word stories.

I did manage to get one in under the wire before contest closing today though and I will post it below.

YENY

The Sendero Luminosa had sent the charitable workers packing and after much searching to discover Yeny’s whereabouts I was packing too. It wasn’t an easy feat to find Yeny’s address in Peru but at last I was ready to travel to meet the child I had been sponsoring through World Vision. I spoke no Spanish; she, no English yet the first time our eyes connected I felt an irrevocable bond. She was eight years old the day we met. More than twenty years later, the bond intact, we stay in touch through Facebook and email. We are forever friends.

Saint Francis de Sales -- Patron Saint of Writers & Journalists ....

2012-01-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

Until today I was unaware that Francis de Sales was the patron saint of writers -- this made me curious to learn a little more about the man and below I'll share a little information with you.

"Francis de Sales was born on August 21, 1567, in Château de Thorens into a Savoyard noble family in what is today Thorens-Glières, Haute-Savoie, France. His father was François de Boisy and his mother was Françoise... de Sionnz. Because he was the first of six children, his father wanted him to attend the best schools, and he enjoyed a privileged education in the nearby towns of La Roche-sur-Foron and Annecy; his spiritual formation and academics were formed by the Jesuits. In 1583, he went to the Collège de Clermont in Paris. A year later Francis was engulfed in a personal crisis when, after attending a theological discussion about predestination, he became convinced that he was damned to Hell. In December 1586, his despair was so great that he was physically ill and even bedridden for a time. In January 1587, he visited the church of Saint-Etienne des Grès, in southern France, with great difficulty. There his crisis ended, and he decided to dedicate his life to God. Francis came to the conclusion that whatever God had in store for him was good, because "God is love", as Scripture attests. This faithful devotion to the God of love not only expelled his doubts, but also influenced the rest of his life and his teachings. His way of teaching Catholic spirituality is often referred to as the Way of Divine Love, or the Devout Life, taken from a book he wrote of a similar name: Introduction to the Devout Life.

Studies

In 1588, Francis transferred from the University of Paris to the University of Padua in Italy, where he studied both law and theology. There he made up his mind about becoming a priest. Intelligent and handsome, de Sales went through various conversion experiences that moved his heart to serve God rather than money or the world. One incident included his sword falling to the ground while riding a horse, and crossing another sword, making the sign of the Cross. He interpreted this, among other signs, that Jesus Christ was calling him to a life of sacrifice and self-giving love for the Church.

Graduation

In 1592, he ended his studies with the title of "doctor", certified both in law and theology. He made the pilgrimage to Loreto, Italy, famous for its shrine to the Virgin Mary, before going home. At home, his father had already secured a variety of positions for his son, one of which was a position on the Senate of Chambéry. It was difficult for Francis's father to accept that his son had already chosen the priesthood over a military or political career.

After studying the humanities, rhetoric, theology, and law, he famously refused to marry the wealthy heiress his father had chosen as his bride, preferring to stay focused on his path with God. The intervention of Claude de Granier, then Bishop of Geneva, won him ordination and appointment as provost of the cathedral chapter of Geneva in 1593.

Provost and Bishop

Since the time of the Protestant Reformation, which began in 1517, the seat of the Catholic bishops of Geneva, Switzerland, had been located at Annecy in Savoy, France, due to Calvinist control of Geneva itself. Francis, in his capacity as provost, engaged in enthusiastic campaigns of evangelism among the Protestants of Savoy, winning many returns to the Old Faith (i.e., Catholicism). He also traveled to Rome and Paris, where he forged alliances with Pope Clement VIII and the French King Henry IV.

In 1602, Bishop Granier died, and Francis was consecrated Bishop of Geneva. During his years as bishop, he acquired a reputation as a spellbinding preacher and something of an ascetic; in particular, he was known as a friend of the poor, a man of almost supernatural affability and understanding. These last qualities come through in his books, the most famous of which was Introduction à la vie dévote ("Introduction to the Devout Life"), that - unusually for the time - is written especially for laypeople. He also left the mystical Traité de l' Amour de Dieu ("Treatise on the Love of God") and many highly valued letters of spiritual direction. He was a notably clear and gracious stylist in French, Italian and Latin.

Along with St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Francis founded the women's Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitandines) in Annecy on June 6, 1610.

He died on December 28, 1622, in Lyon, France, while travelling in the entourage of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy.

The Roman Catholic Church today celebrates St. Francis de Sales' feast on January 24, the day of his burial in Annecy in the year 1624.[3] From the year 1666, when his feast day was inserted into the General Roman Calendar, until the reform of this calendar in 1969, it was observed on January 29, and this date is kept by those who celebrate the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite.

Patronages

In 1923, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a patron of writers and journalists, because he made extensive use of flyers and books both in spiritual direction and in his efforts to convert the Calvinists of the region.

St. Francis developed a sign language in order to teach a deaf man about God. Because of this, he is the patron saint of the deaf."

ELWW -- last class assignment - a story within a story .......

2012-01-22T20:02:00.003-05:00

ONE – TRACK MIND

by Audrey Austin

I think of Thomas Friedman’s words, my world is flat right now. To Brian I say, “It’s way too soon after his surgery!”

But Brian is determined. “He’s been begging all morning. He wants to go.”

“He doesn’t need a walk today!” I insist. Taut with anxiety I close my eyes for just a second and pray for cessation of my mind’s melee.

I open my eyes to see one best friend, face somber and unrelenting, dressing my other best friend, tail wagging, in his little red woolen coat.

I persist, “His resistance is low. He’s still on antibiotic. If you take him out he’s going to be sniffing other dogs’ poop and God only knows what kind of bacteria will attack him.”

Brian just gives me that look and says, “Your imagination is fantastic. You’re being ridiculous!”

Am I being ridiculous? What does he know?

“Brian, on-line yesterday one of my friends was posting about all the salt on the roads. Do you know how painful it is when that road salt gets into a dog’s paws?”

“There are no roads in the woods,” he responds as though I am the child and he my mentor.

“Oh, all right then,” I concede. “But don’t go –“and the door slams before I can finish my sentence, -- too far.”

Don’t go too far, I’m thinking, and as I stand alone in the kitchen it is my dear mother’s voice I am hearing. I’m nine years old, excited about showing off my new bathing suit at the beach. “Race you to the water!” my brother shouts.

Bobby beats me, of course. And when we reach the water’s edge I hear my mother shouting, “Don’t go out too far!”

Bobby always was a show-off; always wanted to win; always wanted to be the best.

My brother drowned that day.

I stand frozen on the cold, wet sand, listening to my mother’s cries, as the lifeguards kneel over Bobby’s still body.

And now what’s taking him so long? I stand, impatient, watching out the window. He should have been back twenty minutes ago.

Waiting! I’m deflated.

At last I hear Brian’s key in the side door. I heave a sigh of relief, move into the living-room where I sit and pick up my book. My two best friends are home. My world is round again.

Haiku -- Getting my feet wet ...

2012-01-22T14:31:00.000-05:00

Soul's Winter

Sorrow flattens love

Heart strokes limit passion's voice

Suffer soul's winter

Sorrow flattens love

Heart strokes limit passion's voice

Winter reigns again

The above are my first attempt at writing Haiku. Which of the two above do you prefer?

Have I met Haiku requirements?

Thanks for your feedback .... first attempt remember so thanks for being nice. :-)

WynLit 24 writing -- Wynterblue Publishing Canada

2012-01-14T19:51:00.000-05:00

Today I entered Wynterblue Publishing Canada's WynLit 24 writing competition.

My choice of topic was Social Issues and my short story focuses on the issue of Elder Abuse.

This was another challenging story to put together but I realize more and more that my genre of choice is fictional work based on facts about the human condition and the social issues that plague our society.

I'm not sure how well received the new Wynterblue concept will be with writers......as for me, I go with the flow and believe that anything that motivates me to write is a positive in my life.

This story is titled Andrew's Achievement. If given the opportunity I will also submit this story to CommuterLit.com

ELLEN, SARA and the classroom assignment

2012-01-11T18:47:00.002-05:00

It is a pleasure to relax and enjoy my time with Ellen and The Hummingtree. The first draft is complete.....and today I started my re-write of Chapter one.

But I also put some time aside this afternoon to write a very short story completing ELWW class assignment in time for our next class January 19th. This assignment was a wonderful exercise in writing a story within a story using flashback.

Not just in literature but in real life also one's mind can be omnipresent in past, present and future.

The Kindle version of Sara, a Canadian Saga published on Amazon.com by Wynterblue Publishing Canada is featured today on the Wynterblue website. Check it out at http://www.wynter.ca
And for those who, like me, have not yet converted to Kindle or other E-book readers I still have a few paperback copies of SARA. Email me for your copy.

The time for the annual Elliot Lake artist/writer collaboration meeting is not far off now. Last year I wrote a poem titled Inspiration as I was truly inspired by the painting created by my daughter which was part of the Exhibition. I wonder who I will be partnered with this year and look forward to another new writing adventure. Last year's poem went on to be published in Volume Sixteen of the Northern Ontario Poetry Collection anthology titled Scripted Inspiration published by White Mountain Publishing Company, New Liskeard.

Lately I have been allowing my thoughts to drift toward Haiku; something I am thinking of delving into and learning more about.

There is no end to the learning in this world. :-)

The Power of One -- a rhyme from my poetry website -- here for Crystal :-)

2012-01-08T14:39:00.015-05:00

THE POWER OF ONE

by Audrey Austin

One is single,

One is alone,

And alone is a fearful place,

No one to listen,

No one to care,

Why me, Lord?

It's just not fair.

And God replied with loving heart,

I made you ONE,

I made you whole,

And one is a powerful place,

Don't look without to heal the fear,

Look within, your friend is here.

I am ONE,

You mirror me,

ONE is where you need to be.

Loneliness is a state of mind,

The Power of One

I bid you find.

***********

"Remember Me" - excerpt from "Ellen and The Hummingtree"

2012-01-08T13:12:00.002-05:00

My short story titled Remember Me is being published this week, Wednesday January 11th, in CommuterLit.com The story is told in first person by the main character; a woman who in later life has been victimized by Alzheimers.

Remember Me with some changes is also an excerpt from third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree which is my current writing project in collaboration with artist/illustrator, Susan Krupp.

Check out CommuterLit.com and you will see my story there on Wednesday, January 11th. I hope you will enjoy the read.

Writing beginnings in 2012 :-)

2012-01-06T11:47:00.002-05:00

My writing adventure is off to an exciting start in 2012. Just this morning I was informed that a short story originally published in Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop Anthology of Stories and Poems titled Francesca's Confession has been published on line at Chapter and Verse.   This is the 2nd story I've had published by them, the first being After Words.     Hope you enjoy reading the stories. Thank you to the publisher at Chapter and Verse. I appreciate your encouragement and support.

Exciting things are happening at Wynterblue Publishing Canada. Their new inter-active website sets a new challenge for members of Wynterblue or as Mags likes to call us The Wynterblue Writers.   Our monthly story submissions will no longer be judged by actual judges. Instead our stories will be posted on a members only website and will be voted upon by the writers themselves once they have given their feedback.   So it's another new learning curve for me and I hope I am up for the challenge.   I'm happy to know that because of my short story titled The Second Self I am listed as one of Wynterblue's top writers for 2011.

I've begun working on my third novel which is titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.   I think (hope) I have completed the first chapter and will be moving on to Chapter Two this weekend. It is an exciting new adventure to be collaborating with artist Susan Krupp who will not only be creating the cover design but will also be doing illustrations throughout the book.   The planned Elliot Lake launch of Ellen and The Hummingtree will be in the fall of 2012. The E-book version of this novel will be published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada on Amazon.com where they currently offer the E-book version of my first novel Sara, a Canadian Saga for sale. To remain competitive I believe the price of Sara will be reduced by Wynterblue this month.   SARA has enjoyed some E-book sales and it is hoped that a price reduction will make her more appealing to readers around the world.

I still have a few paperback copies available for sale of Sara, a Canadian Saga, Reawakening and The Silent Star plus a Dozen. To learn more about these offerings please check out one of my websites. To order your copy just email me directly.

2012 is going to be a most productive, exciting year for creative writing.   Three of my short stories were published in 2011 by CommuterLit.com and another will soon be published at CommuterLit.com, the first for 2012.

My major project will be to accomplish the completion of Ellen and The Hummingtree but I look forward as well to all the short story and poetry side trips that lay ahead on my writing path in 2012.

Cover Design by Susan Krupp, Yuneekpix.com

New Year's Day 2012

2012-01-01T00:16:00.000-05:00

2012

2011-12-28T14:29:00.011-05:00

Calling all writers to do what you do best -- let the ink flow in 2012.

As for me, my first project of the new year will be to collaborate with artist/illustrator, Susan Krupp, yuneekpix.com, on my third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree. Book launch is planned for fall 2012.

cover design by Susan at Yuneekpix.com

My second project is to begin the challenge of writing my memoirs. While I was disappointed not to be able to attend Dr. Ross Pennie's class on memoir writing while he was here in Elliot Lake at our Writers' Festival in October, it has been on my mind for some time to begin this journey.

I feel confident that 2012 will be the perfect year to complete a writing project such as this.

I also plan to continue my short story writing with Wynterblue Publishing Canada. I will enter the WynLit 24 monthly competitions.     Over the past few years I've had more than 20 short stories published by Wynterblue.  In 2011 four of my short stories were short-listed.   I hope I can do as well in 2012.

And in 2011 I had three short stories published in the on-line magazine called CommuterLit.com . I plan to submit more stories to them in 2012 and hope they will find favour.

I also submitted a short story recently to another on-line site called Chapter and Verse.   I was pleased that they liked my story titled After Words and published it. I plan to submit more work to them in 2012.

I am also pleased that another on-line site called Suite101.com has welcomed me as a freelance article writer. I've yet to submit to them but look forward to this new writing adventure in 2012 and hope I can write something that will be of interest to them.

This year I submitted a poem and was very pleased to have it selected for publication in the White Mountain Publication titled Scripted Inspiration Northern Ontario Poetry Collection, Volume Sixteen 2011.  We enjoyed our trip to New Liskeard for the launch of this book and what a pleasure it was to once again meet with Deborah Ranchuk and the other participating poets. In the past I've had poetry published in White Mountain Publication Anthologies; Sylvan Jottings in 2006 and Moments in Time in 2008. I plan to do my best to have at least one or two poems written in 2012 to submit to White Mountain and hope they will find their way into publication.

Creative writing is my joy. I look forward to a new year of writing adventures.

Forgive the misquote but Steven King has said something like, "I write because I want to see how the story ends."   This is also true for me.   I begin writing a story but before long the character(s) take over. I simply do my best to type fast enough to keep up with their thoughts and dialogue.

Although retiring recently as Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop Secretary, I remain an active member and look forward to our monthly sessions where there is always something new and exciting to learn.

My self-help guide titled Keeping it Simple is currently sold out but I do have a few copies available for sale of my anthology titled The Silent Star plus a Dozen as well as a few copies remaining of my two novels titled Sara, a Canadian Saga and Reawakening. Don't hesitate to contact me if you wish to purchase a copy of one of these books.

Sara, a Canadian Saga is also published on-line at Amazon.com by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

Something I hope to learn more about in 2012 is the on-line publishing process. I am happy and grateful that Wynterblue Publishing Canada wanted to publish SARA, a Canadian Saga, the E-book   with Amazon.com. I don't personally own a Kindle or any other form of electronic reader but maybe 2012 will be the year that I give in to what seems to be the book technology of the future.  If you have read and enjoyed Sara, please know that your positive comments are always welcome. Writers know that those things which bring joy in the writing are not always appreciated by everyone. But let it always be known that I appreciate you wonderful readers who take the time to tell me you enjoy what I write. Your encouragement and support is valued. Thank you.

This has been a sort of review of my writing adventure throughout 2011. Together let's keep the ink flowing throughout 2012.

I wish you a very Happy New Year! Happy writing!

Welcome home, Dudley!

2011-12-27T18:31:00.000-05:00

An Update:

Dudley is home from hospital and experiencing a good recovery from his surgery. Thank-you to everyone for your positive thoughts and prayers. Special thanks to Dr. Prodan who took time out from his holiday to be there to take care of Dudley. We are very grateful.

Dudley has a very sore mouth; he's very thirsty and hungry. But he has a big, strong heart for a little old guy. He's a trooper!

On the road to wellness. :-)

Praying for Dudley ......

2011-12-26T14:35:00.000-05:00

I'm totally lost without him. Dudley is in hospital. Thank God Dr. Prodan has him in his care and we are praying that he, at the old age of 16, is strong enough to withstand surgery.

Love you Dudley. You are the light of my life.

Thy will be done --

Merry Christmas everyone!

2011-12-22T19:21:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Pets are family members too -- please keep them warm this winter :-)

2011-12-22T00:21:00.003-05:00

At Christmas

by Audrey Austin

Through multi-paned window

Brown eyes wishing, praying,

Desire to be inside on carpet near fireside,

To hear what they say,

To watch children play.

The children are happy, Santa has been most kind

Gifts galore on the floor just inside the door

But I feel all alone on the other side,

My feelings are injured and so is my pride.

Then finally it happens

Susan asks where is Spot?

Bobby cries come here boy and share in our joy

It’s not Christmas without you, we love you a lot.

I lift freezing paw tap, tappity, tap

On the window. At last she looks up,

Oh, Bobby, you’ve left him outside in the cold, Susan scolds

Just before the big door swings wide.

Now through multi-paned window I watch snowflakes dancing

I lay, tail wag-wagging. I’m loving my life,

Christmas carols entrancing,

Outside reindeer are prancing,

Let me stay on the inside so there’s nothing I’ll miss,

Another dog’s Christmas and life is pure bliss.

2011-12-20T00:58:00.003-05:00

FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

WE WISH YOU

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

the reason for the season

I wish you peace, love, prosperity and words that flow -- keep on writing!

A Christmas poem ....

2011-12-16T20:30:00.006-05:00

This Christmas Let’s Find a Way

by Audrey Austin

What can I say about Christmas that hasn’t been said before?

What do I feel deep down in my heart

As I hang the wreath on my front door?

Am I truly at peace when I string the lights

Around the Christmas tree?

And do I remember the birth of the child who lived and died for me?

Am I so enthralled by the shopping,

The wrapping,

the sharing,

the songs and the fun

That I overlook the Messiah’s birth, the love of the Holy One?

Forgetting that Christmas is meant to comprise,

The love and the hope in a small child’s eyes

Or family together,

friends near to the heart

Rebirthing,

redemption,

joy right from the start.

This Christmas Day let’s find a way

to peace and love spread

through homes starving for bread

of life,

love,

peace and joy.

What more can be said

as I kneel by my bed

Except thanks for the birth of this boy

who grew tall,
gave His all

That we live, one and all?

I see the snow falling,
I hear children calling,

Don’t make Him pariah,
Celebrate the Messiah.

What more can I say about Christmas that hasn’t been said before?

And what do I feel deep down in my heart

when I hang

that wreath

on my front door?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

God loves everybody

2011-12-14T00:26:00.003-05:00

"God Loves Everybody" was shared by a friend on Facebook. I liked it very much and wanted to share it with you here on my blog.

I agree, it is time. :-)

Chapter and Verse

2011-12-13T12:02:00.004-05:00

In addition to having a third short story titled Entertaining Stranger published today on CommuterLit.com, I am also very pleased that my first short story submission to Chapter and Verse titled Afterwords is published today.

I love writing short stories and because as a writer I often feel that I work alone in a vacuum, to have someone else like what has been written feels just like receiving a breath of fresh air, a pat on the back, encouragement to continue.

My gratitude rests with Maggie Kirton at Wynterblue Publishing Canada who was the first, upon my retirement from the working world and arrival into the writing world, to encourage me by publishing some of my stories in Confabulation issues 2, 3 and 4.

My gratitude also rests with my dear mother who always encouraged me to write my stories when I was a little girl.

My mother always loved to write her own stories. It is from her I have inherited my interest and joy in short story writing. My Mom's greatest love was writing poetry; something I try to do once in a while though I don't dare call myself a poet. I call myself someone who likes to write rhymes. I am pleased though that a poem I recently read at the Elliot Lake Christmas Concert will be published in our Elliot Lake Standard newspaper sometime before Christmas.

My new adventure is article-writing. This is a challenge and at this point I am not sure if it is one I can meet but I'm willing to give it my best shot. Suite101.com has opened a door for me in this area. I hope I can come up with something acceptable to them.

Christmas is a busy time of year but I've promised myself I will cut back on many activities in 2012 to allow myself the time and the pleasure of focusing on more creative writing.

I am going to be collaborating with local artist, Susan Krupp, to create my third novel titled Ellen and the Hummingtree. This title may be reduced to The Hummingtree. I haven't fully decided yet.

Below is a copy of its book cover created by Susan at Yuneekpix.com

Copies of my anthology The Silent Star Plus a Dozen and copies of my first two novels, Sara, a Canadian Saga and Reawakening are available for Christmas gift-giving. To order your copy please email me.

Your encouragement and support mean the world to me. Thank you. :-)

Cover design: Yuneekpix.com

'Tis the Season

2011-12-12T15:35:00.001-05:00

Our little one-of-a-kind decorated Christmas Tree

is on display for its second year.

In some ways I miss the big Christmas Tree

but in many other ways I am glad that we are Keeping it Simple this Christmas.

Christmas concerts, pot luck luncheons, parties and church events

all work together

to make this a most joyous season.

This evening members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop

will celebrate with our Christmas Pot Luck supper.

My third short story can be found on CommuterLit.com this week.

It will be published tomorrow (Tuesday)

Thank you for your positive comments.

Christmas Eve is just twelve days away. Already we have celebrated and lit the candle for the third Sunday in Advent.

I wish you a peaceful and joyous Christmas.

Elliot Lake Christmas Concert

2011-12-08T10:49:00.000-05:00

The Elliot Lake Christmas Concert was a great success last evening with standing room only in the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre's Auditorium.

For the first time Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop participated in the annual event with Christmas short story and poetry presentations. The nine participants were Hilda Ross, Bernice Hennebury, Goldie Luckey, Shirley Green, Paul McIlvried, Agnes Davis, Jurgen Braunohler, Gloria Jean Hansen and myself.

Below are some photos taken by ELWW member Frank Spence. Thank you, Frank :-)

ELSS Band

Thor Bonfig

Hilda Ross

Paul McIlvried

Central Avenue Public School Choir

Debbie French

Debbie French and Gloria Jean Hansen

Audrey Austin

Kim Arnold

Goldie Luckey

Bernice Hennebury

VFJ High School Concert Band

Jewels of Harmony

Our Lady of Fatima School Choir

Kate Matuszewski

Shirley Green

Agnes Davis

Jurgen Braunohler

Tandem

Elliot Lake Bobcats

An interesting day at the mall -- delivery of a new dining set -- dogs prepare for Christmas and Happy Sweet Sixteen Dudley :-)

2011-12-01T23:49:00.001-05:00

Anne Gagnon and I enjoyed our day at the mall. Sales could have been better for both of us but on the other hand we are grateful that we both had sales.

Although my original intention was to buy a new desk I couldn't resist the good sale at Seidels and bought a new dinette suite instead.

I was very happy on my return home from the mall to have it delivered.

And who is ready for Christmas?

Mrs. Biggles and Mya...

And who is celebrating his 16th birthday today?

Sweet Sixteen, Dudley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DUDLEY !!

Books Make Great Christmas Gifts

2011-11-30T14:22:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow, Thursday December 1st, I will be at a table in the Algo Mall with copies of Sara, a Canadian Saga; Reawakening and The Silent Star Plus a Dozen.

Books make wonderful gifts for Christmas giving.

Stop by and say hello.

Jacob's Seven Stones

2011-11-17T14:44:00.002-05:00

The Seven Stones of Jacob is a short story which I wrote originally for a Wynterblue WynLit24 writing competition.   The original version was just under 5,000 words.

I re-wrote the story and titled it Jacob's Seven Stones and submitted it to http://CommuterLit.com keeping their maximum 4,000 word limit in mind.

Bringing the story down to just over 3,500 words was a wonderful exercise to practice being more concise without losing the pearl of the story.

I'm pleased to tell you that Jacob's Seven Stones is published on http://CommuterLit.com today. Check it out and I hope you will enjoy the story.

Some members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop will be participating in the Elliot Lake Christmas Concert taking place at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7th.   I have written a Christmas poem for the occasion and hope to see you there.

It was originally planned that on November 29th, 30th and December 1st I would be at a table in the Algo Mall with my friend, Anne Gagnon. This plan has changed however and we will now be there at our vendor table for just the one day on Thursday, December 1st.  Anne Gagnon will be selling pieces of her beautiful pottery and I will be selling copies of my three books titled Sara, a Canadian Saga; Reawakening and The Silent Star plus a Dozen.

Books make wonderful Christmas gifts and Anne's lovely pottery pieces also make wonderful gifts.

Hope you will come and say hello to us when you visit the Algo mall on Thursday, December 1st.

BOOKS MAKE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS and check out CommuterLit.com -- another short story published :-)

2011-11-14T13:58:00.004-05:00

I'm spending too much of this beautiful sunny day preparing final reports for Ontario Arts Council and Community Futures Development Corporation with regard to our recent Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival.

CFDC does not require as much effort but OAC do want several pages of information ..... I don't expect to finish it all today but hope to have it done soon.

I'm very pleased to announce that CommuterLit.com are publishing another of my short stories; this one about a road to redemption titled Jacob's Seven Stones.

It will be published there Thursday, November 24th. I hope you will read and enjoy. You know I will appreciate any positive comments.

I recently completed and entered my submission in the Wynterblue WynLit 73 annual Novella Competition and this coming weekend November 19th I plan to enter once again the monthly short story competition WynLit 24.

As much as I enjoy short story writing my greatest love is the novel. Too much has gotten in the way or, I should say, I have allowed too much to get in the way of the writing of my third novel, Ellen and the Hummingtree. It is my plan to get busy on this early 2012. Its launch will be a little later than I had originally planned but I do very much look forward to collaborating with artist/illustrator, Susan Krupp, who will be illustrating Ellen.

Please know that copies of my first two novels titled Sara, a Canadian Saga and Reawakening are available for sale. Sara is in its third printing; Reawakening in its second.

Also available are copies of my short story anthology titled The Silent Star Plus a Dozen.

Keeping it Simple is sold out at the present time.

Thank you for your continued support. To order a copy of any of my books please email me.

Thank you to Susan Krupp, artist, who designed all my book covers.

Check out her website at http://Yuneekpix.com

BOOKS MAKE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS .. thank you for your order.

Remembrance Day, November 11, 2011

2011-11-11T01:05:00.003-05:00

WynLit 73 Novella Writing Competition and other writing challenges .....

2011-11-09T10:50:00.002-05:00

To write 17165 words in less than 73 hours is, indeed, a challenge but one that, in spite of the resultant exhaustion, I really enjoyed.

The WynLit 73 Wynterblue Novella annual competition is something I look forward to each year. This was my fourth year to compete.

Two out of the past three years my novellas were short listed. Will I be so fortunate this year? I will let you know in February.

Congratulations to all who completed. Out of 121 initial entrants 68 persevering authors ran the race to the finish. :-)

Now that the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival is successfully over I still need to get busy and do final reports for Ontario Arts Council and the Community Futures Development Corporation. I procrastinate but can't continue doing so too much longer.

On the writing front, yesterday I took one of my short stories which was just under 5,000 words long. I edited and re-worked until the story was somewhere around 3,500 words. This is a great exercise to participate in if you are, like me, sometimes slow to get to the point.   This shorter version of my story I have e-mailed off to CommuterLit.Com    I hope they will like it enough to want to publish it.

By the way this Thursday check out http://CommuterLit.com   My brother, Ray Austin, will have his story published there for your enjoyment and appreciation.

Next writing event is happening November 19th when it will once more be time for the WynLit 24 short story writing competition.   Wynterblue Publishing's WynLit 24 is a joy and a wonderful impetus to keep me writing.

Christmas is not far away now.......I have decided to write a poem to celebrate the day. If I get it finished I will post it on this blog to help ring in the joyous Christmas season.

That's it for now.

If you have a poem, article or short story that you would like to share with readers of this blog e-mail it to me at audrey@persona.ca

Below is a photo of my best friend. He's sixteen now, a sometimes grumpy old man but he holds the key to my heart and always will.

Happy Hallowe-en!

2011-10-31T13:20:00.001-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN ... keep it safe and fun :-)

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival - October 22nd was, indeed, a day to remember.....

2011-10-29T17:27:00.005-04:00

The first ever Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival is now a happy memory.

The morning workshop titled "Memoir Writing" led by Dr. Ross Pennie was much appreciated by his students as was the afternoon workshop facilitated by Brian Henry, titled "How to Get Published." Both classes enjoyed full attendance.

We were entertained in the morning by pianist, Denis Morel, and at the piano in the afternoon by Ken Little. Throughout the day Mime Artist, Fran Perkins, brought a smile to all who attended. Below is photo of Fran with our beloved instructor, Hilda Ross.

In place flash writing competition took place throughout the day. Prize winners were Elizabeth Creith of Thessalon in the adult category and Lauren Bastien of Elliot Lake in the category for children under the age of fourteen.

Elizabeth won copies of books written by local authors Gloria Jean Hansen, Blair Sterling and Audrey Austin plus $20 gift certificates from one of our sponsors, Viking Fish & Chips.

Lauren won two journals, a Cross pen and $30 gift certificates from our sponsor, Viking Fish & Chips.

Winner of the free draw open to all who bought a cup of coffee from another of our sponsors, J. Breen Coffee, is Deborah Ranchuk of New Liskeard. Deborah won a new coffee maker.

Penpourri, Anthology of Stories and Poems was launched at the Festival. All but a few copies were sold. Authors whose works appear in Penpourri in alphabetical order are Audrey Austin; Jurgen Braunohler, Agnes Davies, Ian Gibson, Shirley Green, Gloria Jean Hansen, Fran Jensen, Sheila Jeanne Lampman, Goldie Luckey, Bernie Makarchuk, Paul McIlvried, Hilda Ross, Jane S. Rowan, Frank Spence, Erna S. Amand and Laura Vegeris.

Cover design of Penpourri is by local poet, artist and author Susan Krupp.

We had a little disappointment with regard to the Book Fair in that we had hoped for a larger community turnout but all authors made some sales and it was a pleasure for all to meet one another, some for the first time. Authors participating in the Book Fair were Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop; Gloria Jean Hansen, Susan Krupp, Robert Kucey, Anne K. Albert, Patricia C. Lee, and Audrey Austin of Elliot Lake. Out of town participants were Sherry Isaac from Halton Hills; Janet Stobie and Patricia from Dunsford; Heather Campbell, Professional Writers' Association from Nairn Centre; Mary Belanger and Lucy from New Liskeard; Deborah Ranchuk, White Mountain Publications from New Liskeard.

Hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Paul McIlvried, podium presentations in the Theatre provided wonderful free entertainment throughout the day. Presenters were Kate Matuszewski of Elliot Lake; Sherry Isaac of Halton Hills; Laura Vegeris of Elliot Lake; Blair Sterling of Blind River; Jurgen Braunohler of Elliot Lake; Heather Campbell of Nairn Centre; Patricia Lee of Elliot Lake; Merrie Lindsay of Elliot Lake; Paul McIlvried of Elliot Lake; Gloria Jean Hansen of Elliot Lake; Greg Laurenceson of Elliot Lake; Janet Stobie of Dunsford; Goldie Luckey of Elliot Lake; Mary Belanger of New Liskeard; Elizabeth Creith of Thessalon; Bruce McFee of Elliot Lake; Frank Spence of Elliot Lake; Hilda Ross, Linda Wilkins-Parker and Fran Jensen of Elliot Lake; Angie Gallop of Thessalon; Fran Perkins of Elliot Lake; Dr. Ross Pennie of Hamilton; Bernice Makarchuk, Shirley Green, Brian Court and Audrey Austin all of Elliot Lake.

Following the festivities at the Civic Centre a Gala Dinner took place at the Renaissance Centre.

We were honoured to have as our head table guests Member of Provincial Parliament, Mr. Mike Mantha; Mayor of Elliot Lake, Rick Hamilton and his wife, Cindy Hamilton; Dr. Ross Pennie and his wife Lorna Pennie; Bob Alexander MacLellan and his wife, Erika MacLellan of radio station Moose FM; Kate Matuszewski, Arts and Culture Coordinator for City of Elliot Lake and her friend, Heather Clouston.

Below are a few photos taken at the Gala Dinner.

We were all greatly entertained by our after dinner guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie from Hamilton.

A special thank you to our sponsors without whom there would have been no Festival.

Ontario Arts Council

Community Futures Development Corporation

Retirement Living

ELNOS

City of Elliot Lake

Algo Mall

Viking Fish & Chips

Thank you to all who attended and all who participated in

The Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival.

more photos available on Facebook

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, Saturday, October 22nd, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre

2011-10-21T16:08:00.000-04:00

The excitement builds. Only one more sleep!

I hope to post some photos taken at the Festival on this blog one day next week.

Hope to see you at the Festival tomorrow. Below is the Mission Statement of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop.

Saturday, October 22nd is going to be a day to remember. Thank you for supporting your local authors. :-)

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 22nd 9 am to 5 pm; Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre

2011-10-17T13:46:00.000-04:00

How wonderful to announce that the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, now just a few days away, has almost filled the classroom with 18 out of 20 seats already sold for both the morning, Memoir Writing Workshop with Dr. Ross Pennie and the afternoon How to Get Published Workshop with Brian Henry.

Dinner tickets are sold out.

We hope you will come along to enjoy the day. There is free admission; free entertainment by pianists Ken Little and Denis Morel plus the mime artistry of Fran Perkins ; free entry into the writers' competition with prizes for children and adults; Buy a cuppa coffee and enter the free draw where some lucky person will win a coffee maker; free open-mike readings all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the auditorium at the Civic Centre hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Paul McIlvried.

Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to meet and speak with authors from as far away as Toronto, Dunsford, Hamilton, New Liskeard, Cobalt and Thessalon as well as authors from Nairn Centre, Webbwood, Blind River and, of course, the many talented Elliot Lake writers, members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop who are celebrating the launch of their first ever anthology titled Penpourri, Anthology of Stories and Poems.

It is going to be a day to remember and we hope you will come along to share with us as we celebrate the joy of writing. :-)

A short story published ....

2011-10-14T13:16:00.001-04:00

If you like writing poems or short stories check out http://CommuterLit.com

Here is another avenue to provide exposure for your work.

I am very pleased that one of my short stories will be published there next week.

And this weekend I will be busy entering yet another Wynterblue Publishing's WynLit 24 Competition which is always fun and always a challenge. Check it out at http://www.wynter.ca

2011-10-13T19:58:00.000-04:00

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival

The launch of Penpourri, Anthology of Stories and Poems will be happening at the Festival..

And we look forward to welcoming the community to attend to enjoy the all-day authors' open-mike readings in the auditorium; to participate in the writing competitions for children and adults; to meet the authors in the Book Fair; to enjoy the entertainment including Ken Little and Denis Morel at the piano and Mime Artist, Fran Perkins. all taking place throughout the day. All these activities are FREE to the public and we anticipate a large turnout to celebrate the first ever Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival; Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake.

Gala Dinner follows at 6 pm (cash bar 5 pm) at the Renaissance Centre.

Dinner tickets are sold out but there are a very few workshop tickets still available. Please email me for further info or tickets. audrey@persona.ca

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-10-10T16:02:00.001-04:00

We were blessed to celebrate Thanksgiving with family this year out on Dunlop Lake. Weather was outstanding and so were the amazing fall colours. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, Saturday, October 22nd

2011-10-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

The weather in Elliot Lake is outstanding this week and the fall colours are breathtaking.

My friend and I enjoyed walking around town this morning distributing promotional posters for the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival happening Saturday, October 22nd, to local businesses who were kind enough to put the posters up in their shop windows.

Later today I took a Dudley walk along the boardwalk and the Horne Lake trail; very beautiful. The calm, clear waters of Horne Lake mirrored the reds, yellows and oranges of the trees above the rock face.

It's the time of year when many plants in the garden need to be cut back and that's my priority tomorrow to spend some time in the backyard doing what needs to be done before this beautiful weather is replaced by winter.

I love the changing seasons.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival

2011-09-27T08:31:00.002-04:00

We have our promotional table set up at the Algo Mall every day this week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. including Saturday. Come say hello to a local writer.

We are excited to share the news of our upcoming first ever Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival happening at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre, Saturday, October 22nd, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a Gala Dinner at the Renaissance Centre at 6 p.m.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival -- free admission

2011-09-16T13:51:00.004-04:00

Admission to the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival is free. It's all happening Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ALSO FREE OF CHARGE is the Book Fair -- here is your opportunity to meet local authors and also authors from Blind River, Gore Bay Manitoulin, Nairn Centre, Dunsford, New Liskeard and Toronto. Authors are there for sales & signings.
17 members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop have their stories & poems published in an anthology titled Penpourri - Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems. The book launch of this anthology will be happening in the Book Fair.
ALSO FREE are the Podium Presentations which are author readings taking place in the auditorium of the Civic Centre. Paul McIlvried will be Master of Ceremonies and you will enjoy not only local writers reading their works but also the writings of authors from Halton Hills, Blind River, Nairn Centre, Dunsford, New Liskeard, Webbwood, Manitoulin, Thessalon and Hamilton. Author readings will commence at 9 a.m. and continue all day until closing at 5 p.m.
ALSO FREE is participation in the Writing Competitions. The theme is COSTUMES. These are in-place flash writing competitions. Your entry will be contained on one page though you may use both sides of the page if you wish. Entries will be judged and there will be a prize for both adult and child competitors.
ALSO FREE is the entertainment throughout the day by pianists Ken Little and Denis Morel. You will also enjoy being entertained by Mime Artist, Fran Perkins.
J. Breen Coffee will be on tap and there will be a free draw -- here's your chance to win a new coffee maker.

Local artist, Anne Gagnon, has contributed a piece of her beautiful pottery. You will have a chance to own it if yours is the winning bid in the Silent Auction.
It's going to be an amazing fun day to remember -- Saturday, October 22nd. Come along, bring the family and enjoy yourself at the Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome and, yes, it is FREE ADMISSION.
Two workshops are being offered at the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival. From 9 a.m. to noon Dr. Ross Pennie is presenting a workshop titled "Memoir Writing" and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Brian Henry is presenting a workshop titled "How to Get Published"
There is a fee for the workshops. Each workshop is $25 and tickets are available from me. Just email me at audrey@persona.ca There are still a few workshop tickets left to sell.
Many thanks to our sponsors: Ontario Arts Council; Community Funding Development Corporation; Retirement Living; ELNOS; City of Elliot Lake; Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips and J. Breen Coffee.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival

2011-09-11T20:49:00.000-04:00

Excitement builds as planning for the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival continues. We look forward to welcoming authors from Toronto, Dunsford, New Liskeard, Hamilton, Nairn Centre, Blind River, Cobalt, Webbwood, Gore Bay; and, of course, our wonderful writers in Elliot Lake.

And we look forward to welcoming the community to attend to enjoy the all-day authors' readings in the auditorium; to participate in the writing competitions for children and adults; to meet the authors in the Book Fair; to enjoy the entertainment including Ken Little and Denis Morel at the piano and Mime Artist, Fran Perkins. all taking place throughout the day. All these activities are FREE to the public and we anticipate a large turnout to celebrate the first ever Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival; Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake.

Gala Dinner follows at 6 pm (cash bar 5 pm) at the Renaissance Centre.

Workshop & Dinner tickets available now. Please email me for further info or tickets. audrey@persona.ca

ELLIOT LAKE WRITERS' FALL FESTIVAL ........

2011-09-11T16:47:00.003-04:00

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival takes place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake. This event will offer a morning workshop from 9 a.m. to noon, titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, award winning medical mystery novelist, professor at McMaster University, and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario.

An afternoon workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., titled How to Get Published will be presented by renowned instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.

Each three hour workshop is being presented for the low cost of $25. Tickets are available now. Just email me for tickets.

The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Toronto, Manitoulin Island, Nairn Centre, Blind River, Sault Ste Marie, as well as Elliot Lake. Here is a great opportunity to meet and speak with the authors who will be available for book signings.

The Podium Presentations are free to the public and will be provided throughout the day by authors from Toronto, New Liskeard, Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Nairn Centre, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the authors who will be reading from their works.

There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children. There will also be free entertainment for all throughout the day by pianists, Ken Little, Denis Morel and Mime Artist, Fran Perkins.

Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre.

The day filled with activities will be followed by a Gala Dinner at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake with after dinner guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie. Dinner tickets are $20 each and are available now. Just email me for your three course chicken dinner tickets.

For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information about the Festival's exciting events please email me.

J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, 2011 .... A DAY TO REMEMBER!

A wonderful time in New Liskeard for White Mountain Poetry Readings ....

2011-09-11T16:43:00.001-04:00

What an exciting time to be in New Liskeard this weekend for the launch of the Northern Ontario Poetry Collection, Volume Sixteen, titled Scripted Inspiration

I am overjoyed that one of my poems titled Inspiration was chosen by the Judges for publication.
I read my poem, received my book and this was wonderful.

Even more wonderful was an opportunity to meet new people and to see some old friends, Linda Duke, Deborah Ranchuk and Mary Belanger with her good friend, Lucy. I was also very pleased to meet Poet, David Brydges from Cobalt.

I'm happy to announce that Deborah, Mary, Lucy and David will be here in Elliot Lake, Saturday, October 22nd to participate in the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival.

Below are a few photos taken at the Poetry Reading Event.

White Mountain Poetry Readings & Awards .......

2011-09-07T12:07:00.001-04:00

I look forward to a trip to New Liskeard this weekend; a city I've yet to visit. I am making this journey in order to attend the White Mountain Poetry Readings and Awards.

I did submit a poem some months ago and I'm very pleased that it has been selected for publication.

My poem is titled INSPIRATION and its selection has inspired me to travel; to see another part of our beautiful province.

Excitement builds as planning for the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival continues. We look forward to welcoming authors from Toronto, Dunsford, New Liskeard, Hamilton, Nairn Centre, Blind River, Cobalt, Webbwood, Gore Bay.

And we look forward to welcoming the community to attend to enjoy the authors' readings in the auditorium; to participate in the writing competitions for children and adults; to meet the authors in the Book Fair; to enjoy the entertainment taking place throughout the day. All these activities are FREE to the public and we look forward to a large turnout to celebrate the first ever Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival; Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake.

Gala Dinner follows at 6 pm (cash bar 5 pm) at the Renaissance Centre.

Workshop & Dinner tickets available now. Please email me for further info or tickets. audrey@persona.ca

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival

2011-09-02T01:11:00.000-04:00

Tickets for Workshops and Gala Dinner available now.

For more information or to purchase your ticket(s) email me.

Elliot Lake Society for Animals in Distress ...

2011-09-02T00:55:00.003-04:00

The Society for Animals in Distress Animal Shelter in Elliot Lake will be closing its doors December 1, 2011 unless the needed funding can be provided.

VISIT http://www.sadelliotlake.com/

Please help us to save the shelter.

Support SAD, add Sad Elliot Lake as a friend to your FB today. Visit them at http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sadelliotlake.com%2F&h=nAQBa6pd4AQCPYNq9B-wxJoFMUs1zcW7b3tvDyIZktjIU7g and make a donation today please. We don't want to see our no kill shelter close it's doors December 1, 2011.

BUTTERFLIES .. A poem by Margaret Mccafferty

2011-09-01T08:55:00.000-04:00

Margaret Mccafferty

11:18am Aug 31

BUTTERFLIES

Butterflies in the stomach, butterflies on the wing
Butterflies in the summer and butterflies in the spring
Yellow gold iridescent blue look now there its watching you
Why do you use the name chrysalis people often say
and I stand and laugh as a butterfly goes its way
A chrysaliss is encased for months in an ugly a brown shell
Then out he wriggles happy to see Joseph passed his coat to me
Even Solomon in his wisdom would have marveled at thee

Here is a short story true as I see
A little boy with weeks to live standing by a tree
Mummy he said with a glitter in his eye
Look at my angels the rainbows and butterfly’s
A woman developed the photos ,at her ;local lab
Deprived at the loss she suddenly wasn’t sad
Because there in the photo clear as light
Were flashes of angels and multicolored light

This woman was a teacher and to try to fill the void
Martin loved butterfly’s so with this idea they toyed
The teacher researched all that she could
Everything with butterfly’s, cardboard stone or wood
The children made hanging windmills made of paper
The stone mason carved a butterfly with his name a short while later
The class was filled from wall to ceiling
Of numerous butterfly’s of every description
Some hung high or taped on the wall
But most precious was, the love in it all

A couple of months after a miracle arrived
the headmaster had donated funds for a butterfly garden as a surprise
The children of p7 knew who the memory was in
So they planted the flowers and put butterflies within
The mother of the boy some six months later
Told a journalist the truth to brighten the paper
All 32 children and two adult staff
Were not the only ones to bring this to pass
Because just as a chrysaliss breaks free from its cocoon
I know my boys in heaven but will visit me soon
Just at that the photographer took her picture
Who was there ,but a butterfly having a flicker
Say what you want she says, and always will
That butterfly was my son or a sign of the grace of gods will

CBC Writes -- Daily pick is local author & artist, Susan Krupp -- Congratulations, Susan!

2011-08-31T11:16:00.001-04:00

A Shallow Puddle By Susan Krupp
On August 30, 2011

"Somewhere between here and there I made up my mind to sit tight and abstain from drinking vodka in my coffee.
Time sober was profoundly succinct. With hesitation I understood why folks drank in the first place. Our vanity is gigantic. I'm leaping over obstacles now, tripping purposely for fun."
Susan Krupp, Elliot Lake ON
Congratulations to local author & artist, Susan Krupp. Her entry is the daily pick on CBC Writes .....way to go, Susan

Local author and artist, Susan Krupp, is a talent! Renowned for her artistry, her works can be viewed in Elliot Lake's Gallery at the Centre. In addition, her book cover designs are gaining world-wide attention from authors who want nothing but the best for their new publications. She is also well-known for her unique pet portraits. Check out her website at http://yuneekpix.com/

Copies of Susan's latest publication titled "fretta and thin" will be available for sale at the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, Saturday, October 22nd, at the Lester B. Pearson Centre. Susan will be available to autograph her book. And don't forget to check out Susan's poem, Stood up in Toronto with Spoiled Screaming Daisies - a must read.

Elliot Lake Animal Gas Chamber -- First step accomplished

2011-08-30T00:22:00.000-04:00

I am delighted that in a Council meeting this evening the City of Elliot Lake agreed that the Animal Gas Chamber will no longer be used for the euthenasia of domestic animals in favour of a more humane method.

This is an important first step in the elimination of the animal gas chamber.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival .....

2011-08-28T19:52:00.001-04:00

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival takes place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake. This event will offer a morning workshop from 9 a.m. to noon, titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, award winning medical mystery novelist, professor at McMaster University, and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario.

An afternoon workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., titled How to Get Published will be presented by renowned instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.

Each three hour workshop is being presented for the low cost of $25. Tickets are available now. Just email me for tickets.

The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Toronto, Manitoulin Island, Nairn Centre, Blind River, Sault Ste Marie, as well as Elliot Lake. Here is a great opportunity to meet and speak with the authors who will be available for book signings.

The Podium Presentations are free to the public and will be provided throughout the day by authors from Toronto, Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Nairn Centre, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the authors who will be reading from their works.

There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children. There will also be free entertainment for all throughout the day by pianists, Ken Little, Denis Morel and Mime Artist, Fran Perkins.

Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre.

The day filled with activities will be followed by a Gala Dinner at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake with after dinner guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie. Dinner tickets are $20 each and are available now. Just email me for your three course chicken dinner tickets.

For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information about the Festival's exciting events please email me.

J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, 2011 .... A DAY TO REMEMBER!

For your information: Literary artists

2011-08-26T12:42:00.000-04:00

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is pleased to invite you to one in a series of:

FREE Information Sessions about OAC's Literature and Northern Arts Programs.

The dates, times and locations for the information sessions are as follows:

Elliot Lake

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Civic Center - Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre, 255 Hwy 108, Elliot Lake, Ontario

Sault Ste. Marie

Thursday, September 8, 2011

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Cafe Natura - 75 Elgin Street

Thessalon

Friday, September 9, 2011

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

The Auld Kirk - 234 Main St. Thessalon Ontario

Please join John Degen, OAC's Literature Officer and, Gouled Hassan, OAC's Northeastern Consultant, if you have questions about:

·                     Services and support for literature artists

·                     Your artistic practice or the practice of the artists you support

·                     Whether you, your collective or organization are eligible for OAC grants

·                     The application process (deadlines, etc.)

·                     How grant decisions are made and how juries are selected

·                     How to select and prepare support material

·                     Drafting clear, concise grant applications

·                     Budgeting

Please bring your questions, project ideas or proposals.

Please tell others about the information session. There is no registration process.

*** The sessions will be conducted in English. For more information, please call Gouled Hassan, OAC's Northeastern Consultant toll free at 1-877-265-8842 ***

RSVP to: Martina Roncarelli, Ontario Arts Council Program Assistant wlmailhtml:{D26E9BA7-8052-4B6B-96E4-A933936DF0AB}mid://00000020/!x-usc:mailto:mroncarelli@arts.on.ca <wlmailhtml:{D26E9BA7-8052-4B6B-96E4-A933936DF0AB}mid://00000020/!x-usc:mailto:mroncarelli@arts.on.ca> 1-800-387-0058 ext. 7417

For info about OAC grant programs, guidelines and application forms call 416-961-1660, email wlmailhtml:{D26E9BA7-8052-4B6B-96E4-A933936DF0AB}mid://00000020/!x-usc:mailto:info@arts.on.ca <wlmailhtml:{D26E9BA7-8052-4B6B-96E4-A933936DF0AB}mid://00000020/!x-usc:mailto:info@arts.on.ca> , or visit www.arts.on.ca <http://mail.arts.on.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.arts.on.ca> .

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is the province of Ontario's primary funding body for professional arts activity. Since 1963, the OAC has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts and artists for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival - October 22, 2011 -- wkp & dinner tickets available now

2011-08-26T11:12:00.000-04:00

Granny - a poem by T.L. Cooper

2011-08-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

Memories of you
Have begun to fade ever so slightly
I fear they'll desert me entirely one day
So I remind myself
Birthday cards with a few dollars, more than you could afford
Letters in college that encouraged and reminded
Always began
"My Dearest Granddaughter"
I thought it old-fashioned then
Now I cherish those words
I read every single letter with joy, hidden but real
Perhaps my love of books came from you
You read voraciously
Stacks of books and magazines cluttered your house
You read your chapters in the Bible each night
How many "most chapters read" pins did you win?
Family meant everything to you
Yet you lived alone much of the time
Widowed before I was born
Raised two of your grandchildren
You set an example of independence
Though I wouldn't recognize it for years
I reveled in your pride in my accomplishments
Drawers filled with mementos of your family's successes
Cherished quietly, privately, and yet not so privately
You bore responsibility for your life
Made things work when they seemed desperate
You were stronger than it appeared
I see that now
Perhaps I should've appreciated you more then
As I do now

Published by T. L. Cooper

T. L. Cooper grew up in Tollesboro, Kentucky. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Corrections from Eastern Kentucky University. She has published poetry in anthologies, short stories, and articles.

I love your poem, Ms. Cooper. Thank you for allowing me to share it with others on this blog. :-)

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival - Saturday, October 22, 2011

2011-08-25T00:21:00.000-04:00

Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop Anthology of Stories and Poems ....

2011-08-25T00:18:00.000-04:00

Cover design: Yuneekpix.com

The Launch of Penpourri - Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop Anthology of Stories and Poems

will take place at the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre. Festival happens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by Gala Dinner at the Renaissance Centre.

Tickets for workshops and dinner available now. Please email me for tickets.

"Inspiration" ... a poem

2011-08-24T17:12:00.001-04:00

I'm delighted that my poem titled Inspiration has been selected for publication by White Mountain Publications in New Liskeard.

Congratulations to local poets Linda Duke & Greg Laurenceson. Their poems were also selected.

Hope to see you September 10th in New Liskeard, Deborah, and a big thank you for providing this competition.

Self Published Authors: Overwhelming Response!

2011-08-24T12:49:00.000-04:00

Self Published Authors: Overwhelming Response!: If there's one thing I've learned during my journey to becoming an author is that fellow writers are amazing people! This blog has only bee...

Elliot Lake Animal Gas Chamber Protest Rally today ....

2011-08-22T15:16:00.002-04:00

I was proud to be there with more than 80 other people in attendance today to protest the operation of the Animal Gas Chamber on Timber Road in Elliot Lake, Ontario.

CTV cameras and reporters were there as well as reporter from Elliot Lake's The Standard.

Three more pages of names were added to the petition which contained more than a thousand names. Copy of this petition was given by Mr. John Sewell to Councillor Al Collett for presentation to

City Council at their next scheduled meeting.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated.

Let's put an end to the animal gas chamber in Elliot Lake ........

2011-08-18T13:38:00.002-04:00

How would you feel if your beloved pet ended his days in a gas chamber?

No animal on God's good earth deserves such a painful, disgusting and heartless end.

Please do all you can to close down this barbaric place.

Sure, unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary to end an animal's life but in God's name let's do it in a painless, humane way.

We can't afford to do this? Give me a break! Do what needs to be done!

Shut down the animal gas chamber in Elliot Lake!

The Chamber by local author Shealana Mullin ........

2011-08-18T13:26:00.000-04:00

The Chamber

The smell in here is over powering. It permeates everything around me. It's the smell of fear that coats
another smell I can't identify right away with a sweet yet sickening odour. My eyes dart back and forth
and I pant uncontrollably.

I'm in a small cell, a cell not even fit for a dog in all honesty. My other cell mates howl and scream with
indignation, screaming for freedom and howling their protests of innocence. No one listens, not even
the man that put us here.

My family is gone, abandoning me to this hell hole. I don't know what I did wrong for them to leave
me in this sick and dank place. The only thing I've ever been guilty of is loving them unconditionally
and thinking that love was mutual. The darkness is over whelming and the urine and feces around me
attaching their stink to my body, is suffocating me with the stench.

One of my cell mates cringes as a guard walks by with restraints in his hands. The guard pauses,
looking at a clip board then at my cell mate. I scurry to the back of the cell unsure why I'm so afraid but
knowing I should be afraid. My cell mate cries out as the guard steps closer to the door and stares down
at him. As the guard opens the door he lassos my cell mate with his restraints, they are designed to
restrain us by the throat so that we don't thrash about as they drag us down the white corridors to the
only other door in the room at the back.

The throat restraints cause my cell mate to choke back a cry as he thrashes against it and tries to pull
away. I scream bloody murder, trying to tell the guard he's choking him to death. I end up bashing
against the cell door as it slams shut behind them and the guard drags my cell mate down the corridor
to the dreaded white washed door at the end.

The voices behind the door are whispered under the mechanical drone of some unseen monster
machine I've heard rumours about in here. They call it the bad room, the room that no one from our
cells have ever returned from. I don't quite know what or who is in that room that elicits so much
fear from the old timers here but it's a palpable fear that catches like wild fires of mass hysteria.

As the whispers fade I can smell that other smell. The one that the fear tries unsuccessfully to cover up.
I know that smell, how do I know that smell, I've smelled it before. It has the same sweet sickly smell
of rotting meat that's been left in the hot summer sun too long. Spoiled meat with a sickening undertone
of urine, vomit and feces. I strain to see into the room, to catch a glimpse of what fate awaits my cell
mate. He's cowing in a corner, snapping and biting at the air between him and the guard that dragged
him there. There are others there dressed in white lab coats, but the door slams shut with the sound of
inevitable and impending doom before I can see anything more than that.

The screams and howls of anguish that come from behind the thick, white washed metal door on the
end of the corridor never really get drowned out that well. They haunt our dreams, creating nightmares
that can't be imagined. The mechanical symphony of a generator comes screaming out from behind that
door once a week, reducing most of us to cowering and sobbing slumps of our former selves in our
cells. Huddling in the back of the cells to avoid the all seeing eyes of the guards, trying to make
ourselves small and unseen. Most are never successful at it, very few escape from the clutches of that
room, that evil, horrible room.

An acrid smell puffs up from under the small crack at the bottom of the door. It is a chemical smell that
irritates our eyes and noses. The cell mates closest to the door end up sneezing and coughing from it.
Getting the worse of the acrid smoke from the evil place. My nightmares are filled with it, torturing me
anytime I may close my eyes. The nightmares dancing across the back of my eyelids like little trolls,
sticking and jabbing my consciousness with fear and hopelessness. Startling me awake at every turn
day and night.

The guard is walking back down the corridor, I beg an unseen, unhearing god that I'm not even sure
really exists to spare me, spare my life and I'll be better. Do better, I'm innocent, I swear that I am. I
howl my protests with the other voices of the innocent as the guard unlocks my cell door. It seems my
turn has come, my end at the hands of the evil room is here. I quake and shiver uncontrollably. Panting
and cowering in the corner of my cell as the noose of the restraints land squarely on my shoulders and
tighten around my neck. The first yank from the guard chokes me, cutting off my breath before I can
scream and pull away.

I'm being dragged down the corridor, the sounds of the other cell mates drowning my own screams out.
The white washed door slams open and I am shoved into the glaring lights of the florescent bulbs in the
room. The two others with white lab coats stare at me with unfeeling round dark eyes. There is no
emotion, no compassion, not even a glimmer of care in those dark, deep pools of their eyes. Nothing
but weariness and disgust. I look around, eyes straining against the light trying to make sense of the
room.

My cell mate lays on a cold metal table on his side with the life drained from him.

That smell, that horrible sickening smell gags me as I struggle and bite at the air between the guard and
myself. Then it hits me, I know what that smell is now and I am terrified. It is the smell of death, the
smell of inevitable demise. It is my demise, my death I am smelling. Then I see it. The wire cage on
wheels, three other cell mates scream and fight for space in that wire cage. Gnashing and gnawing and
writhing against each other. Droplets of blood spatter on the floor from them struggling against each
other and biting themselves to escape. There is no escape, none to be had. This is the end, the final
curtain, the brutal exit from life.

The guard yanks me forward and I scream, trying to pull back but I am too weak to resist. He grabs me
by the nape of the neck releasing the restraint and shoving me simultaneously into the wire cage of cell
mates that have become a ball of gnawing sharp teeth and insanity. In the mass hysteria of that wire
cage I lose my individuality, my being and become another gnawing set of teeth. Slashing and biting at
anything that comes across the path of my mouth. Screaming and howling at the indignation and
injustice, losing my mind to the insanity, becoming nothing but rage and fear boiling over from the
wire cage.

The wire cage on wheels gets pushed into a box, it's small and stinks of spoiled life. The smell of death
and the acrid smoke that haunts my nightmares bubbling over my senses, driving me all that more
insane with fear. My mind breaks from all sense of reality and sanity and I become a heap of howling
tissue, muscle and bone. Quaking in my skin as the inevitable end is nearing. The generator kicks up
and we all scream.

Then the door slams shut behind us and the darkness is utterly complete with shear
terror.

The acrid smoke fills the tiny box, choking us all and quelling some of us to silence. I feel like I am
drowning, my insides are on fire and my lungs scream as the hot foul smoke fills them to over flowing.
I gasp and twitch, still conscious though barely. The others are beneath me twitching and convulsing
causing the wire cage to rock on its wheels with a torturous squeak. Is there no peace even in death, the
shattering sound of those wheels in the small confines of the box shatter the last remaining pieces of
my mind, leaving me with nothing but fear, hopelessness and insane terror.

As my eyes roll back I beg for death, for mercy and for anything but this.

I beg for remand even from my captors and tormentors that put me here.

My howls fall on no ears, no one wants to hear it and the only answer is the hum of
the generator and the whoosh of the foul smoke that suffocates me so mercilessly.

The darkness finally comes after what seems like an eternity. My vision fades behind my eye lids and
my gasps for a futile attempt at self preservation of my life drain away sweetly. I grunt the last few
breaths from my body and give in, let death take me away from here. Let death be my salvation. My
last thoughts as my heart thuds against my rib cage for the last time are of my family. Where are they,
why have I been forsaken by them, why did they turn their back on me, where did they go. What did I
do so wrong that they would no longer love me and want me.???

“Geeze, that last set of dogs slated for the gas chamber were rough” The guard grunted.

“Next week we have twice the amount to gas, we're going to need to double stack some of the females
with their babies” The man in the white lab coat said in disgust.

“Damned city needs to fund us for a bigger gas chamber” The other lab technician spat vehemently,
“Like that would ever happen, damned crying shame about that last dog. He was a good looking dog”

The guard whispered, “too bad the family couldn't keep him and there are NO shelters to send him or the others to
anymore”

“Yeah, too bad, so sad”

Say NO to animal gas chamber currently operating in Elliot Lake ......

2011-08-18T13:20:00.003-04:00

Finally, the gloves are off....this is going worldwide, .....I am considering sending this story to ALL Cdn and US TV networks, and no doubt they will want to investigate further. I'll give City officials some time to act on this issue first.....if they don't, then this goes "viral"...

This is Elliot Lake's SHAME.....

Move to Elliot Lake, be welcomed here, but remember to keep your "Fluffy" or Fido under your supervision at ALL times......or else it will be captured by Elliot Lake's ByLaw officer, who will incarcerate the animal for a short period, and if not claimed, will put Fluffy or Fido into the Elliot Lake Gas Chamber where it will experience excruciating pain and suffering before succumbing after many minutes to the gas being pumped into the chamber....your pets last view of this world will be thru an opaque piece of glass, with the face of their executioner peering through, wondering if the "deed" has been done yet........

This is Elliot Lake's Shame.........please pass this on to everyone on your mailing list, add your name to the email if you like.......contact your MP, your MPP, and yes, even Elliot Lake's Mayor and Council and staff, (email addresses on the cc line above, everyone else is on the bcc line!!) some of whom "promised" the very first thing they would do "if elected" would be to shut this torture chamber down asap........so far, after nearly a year of being in office, NOTHING has been done to close this execution chamber down. It is still being used.......

The City of Elliot Lake claims it is "cheaper" to put unwanted, lost, and stray animals to sleep THIS WAY rather than have a Vet, or Vet Tech euthanize an animal by a painless lethal injection....

The pictures are graphic. You can see the GAS pipeline into the Concrete block Chamber. You can see the gas tanks behind the chamber enclosed by an aluminum box. You can see the opaque glass......and for all you PET OWNERS out there in the real world, can you imagine the horror of YOUR "Fluffy" or "Fido" being placed into this concrete box and suffering for what must seem like an eternity before dying alone.....its bloody awful, and your support is needed NOW to shut this Chamber down....

Sincerely

John Sewell

Elliot Lake, Ontario

Congratulations, author, Patricia C. Lee

2011-08-13T14:19:00.000-04:00

A big congratulations to local Elliot Lake Author, Patricia C. Lee, on her very successful book launch of Destiny's Past which took place this morning at Shopper's Drugmart.

I bought my copy this morning and I can't wait to read it.

Very happy for you, Patricia, and knowing you will continue to achieve good book sales.

Patricia C. Lee will be participating in the Book Fair at the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival.

Copies of Destiny's Past will be available for signing and sales that day, October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre, Elliot Lake.

If you are an author and would like to book a vendor table in the Festival's Book Fair then get in touch.. There is limited space available. Contact me by email.audrey@persona.ca

Penpourri - Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop Anthology of Stories and Poems

2011-08-13T12:32:00.001-04:00

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival, Saturday, October 22nd....

2011-08-08T13:59:00.000-04:00

Sound of Sacred Beads by Susan Klauber.........

2011-08-08T13:22:00.001-04:00

Cover Story by Susan Krupp ...

2011-08-06T13:13:00.012-04:00

A COVER STORY

By Susan Krupp

Three months ago, Gerald A. Servais, an author from Edmonton,
Alberta contracted me to design two covers for books close to
publication. I agreed. I'm a visual artist.

I grabbed the challenge with a clear head and fresh coffee.
One was a horror story. A ghost, a woman and a young girl
were focal subjects. Immediately my mind conjured scenarios.
After the mention of an old farm house, I was off.

The creative process for me is an almost dissociative one.
I immerse myself in color, and space and time become lost
tokens rearing up only when the light becomes dim or the
coffee gone.

The first copy I e-mailed to Gerald left him speechless, which
for a writer I suppose was a little awkward. He told me that
his excitement to print his book heightened exponentially after
seeing the cover design. A wonderful compliment! The visual
gave his book a sense of reality. It seemed full and right
and ready. After a few minor tweaks and a few short days Gerald
had his cover, and I had the pleasure of making his publishing
experience a positive one.
I've read many books, and I've listened to numerous records
(when vinyl was in). I always gravitated to the covers that
popped, or seemed out of the ordinary, simply beautiful and
more importantly, said something to me about the story or the
music. It's a reaction. A connection I made personally with my
own subconscious.

Gerald's second book is a psychological thriller, and for me
this was a fantastic opportunity to create imagery that
hopefully made a reader feel uneasy, but not afraid to open
the cover. At least not yet! Somehow I merged the characters
and created an ambience that, according to Gerald, was 'spot on!'

Inspiration translated loosely from the Greek means 'breath of
angels', and I believe this is as close an explanation as any.
There's nothing more satisfying than making a connection with
the writer and his book.

A book cover is a visual synopsis of the writing encased.
It's the guts of the tale. Its purpose is to entice someone
to hold the book. Open up. Read.

Titles and designs are equally important. I believe a title
can capture the eye when coupled with the right design
simultaneously. This is where the author and designer wed in
a way. It's a wonderful process! I make friends with writers.
We stay in touch, and the relationship is profoundly close.
A special bond.

It's a privilege for me as an artist to be privy to a writers'
mind. I'm fascinated with every project. So, if you're a budding
writer or a seasoned author, I accept and respect your
creativity. In your decision to select an artist for your book's
cover, realize that communication, connection and positive
collaboration are a must. The perfect union can result in
something wonderful.

BIO
Susan Krupp was born in Toronto, Ontario and grew up in New
Zealand. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and became
hooked on computer graphics after having been introduced to
Corel back in the 80's. She has murals in three provinces and
won awards in Corel's first International In House Design
Competition.

She's collaborated with Audrey Austin, author of Sara, A
Canadian Saga, Reawakening, and The Silent Star plus a dozen.
Susan will be illustrating Audrey Austin's next book, Ellen and the Hummingtree.

She's also designed covers for Edmonton Writer, Gerald A Servais
whose work Thistles and Thorns of Blackwood and The Coriolis Effect:
the Second Law will be available in the fall.

Samples of her work can be viewed at www.yuneekpix.com and
http://www.yuneekpix.com/2/post/2011/03/anybody-need-a-book-cover-design.html

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival -- Saturday, October 22, 2011

2011-08-03T16:21:00.002-04:00

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival takes place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake. This event will offer a morning workshop from 9 a.m. to noon, titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, award winning medical mystery novelist, professor at McMaster University, and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario.

An afternoon workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., titled How to Get Published will be presented by renowned instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.

Each three hour workshop is being presented for the low cost of $25. Tickets are available now. Just email me for tickets.

The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Toronto, Manitoulin Island, Nairn Centre, Blind River, Sault Ste Marie, as well as Elliot Lake. Here is a great opportunity to meet and speak with the authors who will be available for book signings.

The Podium Presentations are free to the public and will be provided throughout the day by authors from Toronto, Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Nairn Centre, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the authors who will be reading from their works.

There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children. There will also be free entertainment for all throughout the day by pianists, Ken Little, Denis Morel and Mime Artist, Fran Perkins.

Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre.

The day filled with activities will be followed by a Gala Dinner at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake with after dinner guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie. Dinner tickets are $20 each and are available now. Just email me for your three course chicken dinner tickets.

For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information about the Festival's exciting events please email me.

J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, 2011 .... A DAY TO REMEMBER!

Summer .......

2011-07-30T11:19:00.003-04:00

The scattered shades of pink throughout my garden make me smile. A summer garden is quite an undemanding guest requiring only a little love and attention though, no doubt, in need of lots of cool drinks.   Today it is 37 degrees C. on the back deck; a good day to stay indoors some might suggest. I thank God for the roof over my front verandah that affords us some cooling shade even on the most hot and humid of days.

Apart from my entries into Wynterblue WynLit monthly writing competitions I've been doing little creative writing this summer. I promise myself I will get very busy and focused on "Ellen and the Hummingtree" once the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival is successfully behind us.

I very much look forward to my first collaboration with Susan Krupp, Yuneekpix.com . Susan will be illustrating "Ellen". We anticipate this book launch will be taking place early winter of 2012.

Maggie Kirton, Executive Director of Wynterblue Publishing Canada, has been generous in her opinions about certain of my short story entries. For example, about the last entry titled The Second Self , Mags wrote,

"I just read your story. I don’t know where this came from, Audrey, but I have yet to read a more well written, empathetic and insightful piece of work about child abuse. Leave this one with me,,, I’m going to see if I can find a home for it.Gongrats on this one."

Thank you, Mags.

I confess the novel is my passion but I do enjoy writing short stories; particularly short stories about certain social issues. No doubt this is because of my background as a psychotherapist but writing about such topics as child abuse is tough. Knowing where to draw the line between authentic reality of a situation and the sensitivities of the story's reader....to steal a few words from favourite author Rohinton Mistry, requires "a fine balance".

Maybe you like reading short stories?

If so, perhaps I can interest you in buying a copy of my first short story anthology titled The Silent Star plus a Dozen.

I have several copies on hand. I'm just an email away and I welcome your order.

Short stories are ideal for summer reading.

Throughout these hot days, easy does it, and stay cool.

Cover design by Susan Krupp, Yuneekpix.com

Book Cover Artist, Susan Krupp

2011-07-24T18:34:00.003-04:00

Never Judge a Book by its Cover?
.......an article by Susan Krupp

This may be a wise saying but in a practical sense it’s completely false. We judge a book by it’s cover every single time we shop for one. The art generates the first impression . In fact, it’s the only certain page that everyone will see. The cover of a thriller should leave a potential reader with a sense of “!”. A mystery cover should leave a reader with a sense of “?”.

'A picture is worth a thousand words' is another common phrase. The art must compel us, intrigue us, inspire us to open the book and visit the world inside. A good cover will immediately immerse the reader. The cover is the only visualization the reader will have before all visualizations become internal. A good cover becomes a story unto itself.

Susan Krupp, an award winner from Ontario, Canada is the kind of imaginative designer of illustrative book covers that can, with an almost uncanny ability read an author's intent without having read the story. She weaves the essence of characters onto covers giving the story a believable reference that both catches the eye and stimulates the urge to pick the book up.

A good cover is essential in todays book market.

Never judge a book by its cover? A picture is worth a thousand words? A good designer must marry the two.

Susan Krupp freelances and is available for new projects. More of her work can be viewed at http://yuneekpix.com/

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival ........

2011-07-21T14:58:00.004-04:00

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival takes place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake. This event will offer a morning workshop from 9 a.m. to noon, titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, award winning medical mystery novelist, professor at McMaster University, and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario.

An afternoon workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., titled How to Get Published will be presented by instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.

Each three hour workshop is being presented for the low cost of $25. Tickets are available now. Just email me for tickets.

The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Toronto, Manitoulin Island, Blind River, Sault Ste Marie, as well as Elliot Lake. Here is a great opportunity to meet and speak with the authors who will be available for book signings.

The Podium Presentations are free to the public and will be provided throughout the day by authors from Toronto, Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the authors who will be reading from their works.

There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children. There will also be free entertainment for all throughout the day by pianists, Ken Little, Denis Morel and Mime Artist, Fran Perkins.

Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre.

The day filled with activities will be followed by a Gala Dinner at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake with after dinner guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie. Dinner tickets are $20 each and are available now. Just email me for your three course chicken dinner tickets.

For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information about the Festival's exciting events please email me.

J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, 2011 .... A DAY TO REMEMBER!

Wondrous Wildness -- my summer garden

2011-07-20T13:30:00.002-04:00

WONDROUS WILDNESS

I’ m in my summer garden

To clear a path that feet may trod

Amidst the pink, the red, the green

Untidy glorious touch of God.

Cascading pinks of huge Spirea

I chop and throw away

Revealing concrete underfoot

Where flowers had blocked the way.

Wondrous wildness overflows,

Beauty spills o’er unkempt garden,

Shears in hand I prune and cut,

Then feeling shame, I beg God’s pardon.

a poem by Audrey Austin ...

Are we ready for these changes?

2011-07-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

I received the following email from a friend this morning.

"Nine Things That Will Probably Disappear In Our Lifetime...

Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to them.

But, ready or not, here they come

1. The Post Office. Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.

2. The Cheque. Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with checks by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process checks. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the check. This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.

3. The Newspaper. The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.

4. The Book. You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music fromiTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone. Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they've always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes

6. Music. This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalog items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies.."

7. Television. Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery.. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.

8. The "Things" That You Own. Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.

9. Privacy. If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7, "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. And "They" will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again.

All we will have that can't be changed are Memories. In my case, even these are fading.

Oh by the way......................HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!"

And for those of you who still choose to hold a book in your hand, copies of Sara, a Canadian Saga; Reawakening; and The Silent Star plus a Dozen are still available.

And for those of you who do not, then you will be pleased to know that Sara, a Canadian Saga is now available as an E-book published by Wynterblue Publishing Canada and available through Amazon.com

No doubt future books by yours truly will be a part of our ever-changing world.

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival ........

2011-07-12T23:42:00.000-04:00

Wake up call ............

2011-07-08T19:33:00.002-04:00

This week a dear man died; a good man who loved his wife and his family. He was active in his community and in his church; always there to lend a helping hand.

He will be missed by many. I will miss him.

His death is kind of like a wake up call; a reminder of the importance of staying in the moment; treasuring each day as it is given and looking within for that elusive peace that passeth understanding.

I am thinking of his family. I wish them love and the needed strength to get through this difficult time.

Congrats to local author, Patricia Lee .....

2011-07-07T11:55:00.000-04:00

Currently there is a contest on CBC called the Summer Writing Challenge. People write in saying what place has inpacted/inspired their writing. Yesterday they selected my entry. Check it out here and leave a comment if you like: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/literaryawards/2011/07/where-do-you-write-todays-pick---patricia-lee.html

CBC Radio | Literary Awards | News

http://www.cbc.ca/

The CBC Literary Awards are Canada's only literary competition for English- and French-language, unpublished works.

It is indeed a beautiful spot! Congratulations, Patricia :-)

Congratulations to local artist, Susan Krupp, runner up in Worldwide Photography Portraits & People Competition

2011-07-03T19:53:00.011-04:00

The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards

Announcements/ Press Release

2nd Edition of the

Portraits & People Contest

Greetings!

Antonio Faccilongo, from Italy, won the First Prize in the Second Edition of the Portraits & People Contest organized by The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards, juried by the WPGA's Editorial Team and Julio Hardy.

Fran Forman, from USA, was awarded with the Second prize. Runners up were the artists Dorothee Rapp (Germany); Gavor Dvornik (Hungary); Jacquline Roberst (USA); M. Istvan Kerekes (Hungary); Magdalena Waslczek (Poland); Novik 74 (Russia); Probal Rashid (Bangladesh); Reuben Njaa (USA); Virginia Saunders (USA); Susan Krupp (Canada); and Vahid Ghasemi Zarnoosheh (Iran).

8240 images were received from 70 countries. 628 images passed the first screening and were entered into the second screening. 274 images of 212 artists were selected to be featured in the Book Portraits and People 2011 - 2nd Edition.

WPGA Congratulates all contestants and awardees.

Congratulations, Susan! Well done!

Fretta and Thin

2011-07-03T10:23:00.001-04:00

An odd little book...

Well, It's done! Watch for Fretta and Thin

Fretta and Thin has been resurrected. After years in hiding this manuscript, written in the early 80's, resurfaced and its author, Susan Krupp, has made it available for sale.

It's an odd story that was written while traveling across Canada. Its attention focuses on two emerging artists in the Toronto Queen Street West area, which at that time was the hub of the city's creative clump of misfits and genius'.. The characters live, love, go mad, and eventually explode in self destruction...all for the sake of ART.

Resurrecting Fretta and Thin was a bit of a painstaking process. I had to scan every page and do some fine editing. It's not your normal read..it's completely handwritten and is full of illustrations and comment inserts. What makes it especially odd is that It comes with a magnifier..you may need it. Some sections have literally dissolved and it is a challenge in spots to decipher. This makes the process of reading a creative experience as well.

Contact author to order your copy.

Fretta and Thin is a work of art; not a book you will read once and want to put away but something you will treasure. Place your order now with author, Susan Krupp

Happy Canada Day

2011-06-30T11:04:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to spending Canada Day with family and friends out at the lakehouse.

Happy Birthday to my grandson, David, and

Happy Birthday, Canada!

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival

2011-06-29T13:17:00.000-04:00

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival takes place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake. This event will offer a morning workshop titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, medical mystery novelist and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario and an afternoon workshop titled How to Get Published with instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.
The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Manitoulin Island, Blind River as well as Elliot Lake.

The Podium Presentations will be provided by authors from Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake.

There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children and entertainment for all throughout the day.

Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre followed by a Gala Dinner with guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake.

For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information please email me.

J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, A DAY TO REMEMBER!

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival

2011-06-20T14:43:00.000-04:00

Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival ...

2011-06-20T14:24:00.001-04:00

A bit of this and more of that .......

2011-06-19T09:38:00.002-04:00

I confess that so far June has been a very eventful month. My time has been spread thin with home reno and basement being dug up for sewer pipe replacement; cedars in the garden requiring more TLC than I ever could have imagined giving and with little success I might add; planning for the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival and at last reaching a stage where I feel we can all rest a little easier throughout the summer months; preparing for a family reunion; visiting a sick friend in hospital and trying to adjust to a new laptop with unfamiliar software. With so much going on around me, I have done very little creative writing.

The only exception has been entry into the Wynterblue WynLit 24 Competitions where I am pleased to say my last two short story entries have made it into the short list and will be a part of Confab 5 in 2012.

I did manage to write a short story for Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems along with 4 poems which were written some time ago.

Planning for Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival taking place October 22, 2011 at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre in Elliot Lake takes priority. This event will offer a morning workshop titled Memoir Writing with instructor Dr. Ross Pennie, medical mystery novelist and medical doctor from Hamilton, Ontario and an afternoon workshop titled How to Get Published with instructor Brian Henry who teaches at Ryerson University and George Brown College in Toronto.

The launch of Penpourri, Elliot Lake Writers' Anthology of Stories and Poems will take place the day of the Festival and will be part of the Book Fair which is drawing authors from Manitoulin Island, Blind River as well as Elliot Lake.

The Podium Presentations will be provided by authors from Cobalt, North Bay, Manitoulin, Webbwood, and Blind River as well as from Elliot Lake.

There will be in-place writing competitions with prizes for adults and children and entertainment for all throughout the day.

Members of Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop are thankful to our Festival Sponsors. Hope to see you there October 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre followed by a Gala Dinner with guest speaker, Dr. Ross Pennie, at The Renaissance Centre, Elliot Lake.

For Workshop and Dinner Tickets or for further information please email me.

J. Breen Coffee; The Algo Mall; Viking Fish & Chips

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS .... OCTOBER 22ND, A DAY TO REMEMBER!

On line again .........

2011-06-15T22:10:00.010-04:00

I do make every attempt to type a daily post here on Calling All Writers however for the past few days I have been without a computer.

Today I am here with my new laptop trying to find my way around Windows 7. It's quite a change from Windows XP which is the software I had before. It's another new learning curve; a new challenge.

I hope to get back into my routine of daily blogging starting soon.

In the meantime if you are looking for some good reading material I have three well-received books written by yours truly. I will be more than happy to sell one to you. Please get in touch by email

Cover Designs: yuneekpix.com

WynLit Competition today .....

2011-06-11T22:36:00.001-04:00

Today was another challenging Wynterblue WynLit 24 Writing Competition day.

I wrote close to 5,000 words and feel absolutely great.

I am very pleased that my competition entries for the past two months have been short-listed which means they will be published in Confab 5 in 20l2. I hope I will be as fortunate with today's entry.

Short Story writing is a joy.

For those who have not read The Silent Star plus a Dozen I invite you to get in touch to make your purchase. I am just an email away.

This short story anthology is comprised of 13 short-listed stories written in WynLit 24 competitions and previously published in both Confab 2 and Confab 3 which are Wynterblue Publishing publications.

Thanks to Yuneekpix.com for this beautiful cover design.

Just do it ...........

2011-06-10T13:05:00.001-04:00

Sometimes we just have to knuckle down and do it.......housework, that is! The dreaded housework that is constantly whispering, "just do it, do it, do it."

This morning the whisper transformed into a frightful shout. I could ignore it no longer.

A morning spent doing laundry, running around with a vacuum cleaner, furniture polish and glass cleaner......well, in fact, it's not done yet and I see by the clock hanging on the office wall next to my computer that it is no longer morning. It's afternoon! How did that happen? Time to prepare lunch!

Between folding clothes and dusting shelves I've been back and forth to this laptop. I've been busy sharing emails with graphics artist discussing the design of promotional posters for our upcoming Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival happening at the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre on October 22nd.

You won't catch me doing housework on Saturday, October 22nd. Much more exciting things will be happening that day! It will be a day to remember.