A bit about me .....and Simply BE

Simply BE  is a collection of inspirational thoughts, sayings and quotations. This book is a reminder of the importance of striving to be who we really are. It’s all about choice, and knowing that who we really are is a good thing to be,

I wanted to illustrate this book although I am not a visual artist. The most important thing I hope to illustrate is that we don’t have to be perfect. We do the best we can with what we have and give thanks.

It is my hope that Simply BE will encourage you to step up and be all that you know you can be.

This is what I am trying to do.. or what I am trying to be.  I am trying to be authentic; to be who I am ..  the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Perhaps I should say this is what I am being; not what I am trying to be.  I have a feeling that if I say I am trying to be authentic, God will say, 'Okay, I will allow you to try.'

In that case I could be trying forever therefore I must state, "I am being authentic". 

Authenticity is the reason that I have, months ago, begun writing my memoir.  Its working title is All Them Houses.    I hope to have it completed by the end of 2016 but so far I am up to only 1977 so I have a long way to go .... and, of course, life continues day by day so there is always more to remember and more to write about.   I'm thinking of changing the title to Now and Then in order to allow myself to slip back and forth in time as I write.   I did something like this when writing one of my books,  Ellen and The Hummingtree. 

I don't pretend to be the greatest writer in the world.  I also don't think I'm the worst.  I think my books are reasonably well-written and I believe I've written  stories that a reader will enjoy reading.  I know I enjoy writing them.  And I've written several now.  I lose count but I think there are  eighteen plus many short stories that, like Daniel, dare to stand alone in Amazon.  I know my stories don't please everyone but that's okay because I know that they do please many.  With my writing, and with my life, I am not in any competition.  Sometimes I do enter writing competitions but, apart from these events, I am not in any competition. 

I am doing my best to Simply BE.

I've written many short stories.  Some of them are in anthologies and some, as I've already mentioned, dare to stand alone.   I have created four short story anthologies now, I think, or is it five?  I truly do lose count.   One critic reminded me, and the world, that a prolific writer is not necessarily a good writer.  The critic is correct.  But it is also true that a prolific writer is not necessarily a bad writer.   A reader's liking of  a story is very subjective.  It's like looking at a piece of visual art or watching a movie.  One person may love it while another will hate it.   What is important, in my opinion, is that the artist and the movie-maker expressed themselves.  They were creative.  They didn't spend their time criticizing the work of others.  They got out there and did their own thing.  That's also what I'm doing -- my own thing.   Most of my short stories focus on social issues because I draw on my background as psychospiritual practitioner, now retired, although I sometimes try to keep my hand in by offering occasional workshops for women.

Some of my short story anthologies.

I also like to write poetry.  I've had some poems published by White Mountain Publishing Company and some published by the Ontario Poetry Society.   This encouraged me to put together a poetry book titled Poetry from A to Z.

In addition to writing stories, whether they be short stories, novellas, or novels,  I've also written a couple of plays.  One of them titled Chocolate Cookies, is a one act play.  It was presented a few years past by Elliot Lake's local theatre group, ELATE.     My second play is titled On The Radio.  It is a three act play and, so far, it is not published.

And I have also written some lyrics to songs.  One of them is titled I Followed My Heart To 108.  The melody was created by the lovely talented Kim Arnold who recorded this song.  She included it in her Nashville album which made me feel very proud.

Another song is titled Listen To Love.  I wrote the lyrics to this song and the lovely music was composed by the most talented Johnny Tyger who sings this song beautifully.

The third song I've written, I feel good about.   I wrote the lyrics some time ago as a tribute to my father who died at a too early age.   For this song I also wrote the melody.  John Cal (Johnny Tyger) took my simple melody and turned it into a lovely music composition.  I don't pretend to be a singer, but I did sing this song and it was recorded.    Now it is a part of who I am.

Most recently I have taken an interest in a new hobby which is painting.  I've created a couple of oil paintings now.  Yes, I've copied them from pictures but I'm ready to take the next step now and I plan to create my first original piece of visual art.    Here is my most recent painting.

Most of us want to express ourselves.  Most of us want to be heard.

Most of us want to be appreciated --  appreciated for who we are.

And this is why I created the book Simply BE. 

This is a book I created.  It's not a story .. it's a collection of thoughts and sayings; some original and some borrowed.  I'm not an illustrator but, yes, I did illustrate this book.

I hope to do a better job  illustrating the next time I make the attempt.

But my point is, I did illustrate the book.

By doing so I hoped that I would encourage whoever may pick up and read the book to get out there on a limb, to borrow a line from Shirley MacLean;  to take a risk; to not worry about criticism; but, instead, to celebrate your gifts,  however big or small you may consider them to be.  We are not perfect.  No one is.  We do not strive to be perfect.  We strive to be authentic; to be who we truly are.  In putting this book together I wanted to encourage myself, and all who read my books, to celebrate -- to celebrate life, to celebrate our authentic selves, and to

Simply BE

You will find me on all Amazon sites.  My author's page is http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

You will find me on Facebook -- http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca

You will also find me on Google Plus; Linked In; and Twitter.

Always we do the best we can with what we have and give thanks.

Simply BE  is free in the Kindle Store

Wednesday, June 29th.

Keeping It Simple - free in the Kindle Store, Sunday, June 19th

Keeping It Simple is free for your reading pleasure and enlightenment on Sunday, June 19th.

A note from the author:

As a Psychospiritual Therapist and co-owner of Creative Connections Centre in Caledon East, it was my privilege and pleasure, in addition to carrying on a private counseling practice, to facilitate meditation and other personal growth classes in our “One Room Schoolhouse”. 

It was not uncommon for an interested student to attend his first introductory meditation class with no prior knowledge of meditation or of the chakra system. For this reason I found it beneficial and in the highest interest of all concerned to keep it simple. 

Simplicity in meditation, as in life, is an admirable goal. My students and I recognized as classes proceeded that it was not always easy to be simple. Life, with its myriad of challenges, has a habit of doing its best to get in the way. Nevertheless we kept our focus on this goal and felt grateful when it was achieved. 

By special request of some of our Centre’s students I put together some rough notes and this teaching material was utilized in class. 

Since offering the Meditation Circles at Holy Trinity United Church and also the Emotional Healing Classes through Learning in Retirement in Elliot Lake, I have received requests for a book on the topic of self-discovery and personal growth.

These requests have encouraged me to get to work and expand on my earlier rough notes to create this book: Keeping it Simple.

It is my highest hope that you, the reader, will find it a useful guide as you continue your journey along the path of self-discovery and personal growth.

Audrey Austin

A review of Keeping It Simple:

It Really is Possible to Heal 14 Nov. 2013

By Mary Belanger - Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle Edition

This manual is very well written which is to be expected of Audrey Austin who is a wonderful psychotherapy practitioner, author, and teacher. I was introduced to Keeping it Simple in 2011. At that time I was chakra illiterate. I had no idea that seven major chakras existed.

The manuscript is put together in a very sequential manner. The reader is given a methodical overview of meditation, psychospiritual therapy, and the chakra system. The straightforward approach on the practice of opening blocked chakras enables the reader to unite mind, body, and soul.

I have recorded the positive affirmations for each chakra. It is very comforting hearing my own voice as I meditate. I have been transformed into a healthier and happier person and am very grateful for Austin who has created such a wonderful resource on chakra meditation.

It really is possible to heal. Keeping it Simple has my Five Star rating because it has changed my life for the better.

Keeping It Simple  is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats.   Check it out on any Amazon site or visit my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support.  And thank you for your positive reviews.

Our best friend .....

Saturday, June 11, 2016  --  

Our "Ki" is sick this evening. His stomach is very distended and he is throwing up like a white foam ....... has your pet ever had this happen to him?

I'm praying it is not bloat. Why do these things always seem to happen at hours when a vet can't be contacted? He has vomited white foam several times in the last couple of hours .....stomach swollen and tight as a drum.

I've been googling so many sites trying to gain information -- It is after 4 a.m. Ki is still vomiting white foam plus water .... he is drinking a lot of water but then vomiting ..tried taking water away but he was so desperate to drink he tried to drink out of toilet (something he has never done ever before)..... so we gave him back his water ..... thinking maybe the water is helping him to get rid of bile ......... I don't know. We are so worried about him .... waiting for daylight and the veterinarian's call.

Ki was healthy and happy. Then at 8:30 Friday evening he started vomiting a white foam .. we had no idea what was wrong. He was vomiting and in pain all night. We met the vet 7:30 Saturday morning. He gave him pain killer immediately thank God ... then he did his best to remove the gas from poor Ki's bloated stomach. Then he took an x-ray and diagnosed Ki with bloat. We don't know why or how this happened. There was a surgery available but Dr. told us there was maybe less than a 40% chance of recovery due to Ki's senior age and other factors...........he recommended and we agreed that it was time to let him go home to our Lord. Now our house feels so empty. We miss him terribly.

Our hearts are broken. He was our best friend.  We called him Mr. Barker; Sir Fartalot; My Poopie; My boy; Kiki; our "Ki". Yesterday he was fine. He was happy. At 8:30 he became very ill. This morning, Saturday, June 11th, Ki said good-bye to us, until we meet again. He has gone now to play with Dudley and Mrs. Biggles. He was a happy fellow and he was the centre of our world.  He brought joy, unconditional love acceptance, loyalty and peace into our hearts. We say good-bye for now beautiful Ki.  God blessed us by bringing you into our lives.  May God bless you, my beautiful boy.

Brian and I are very appreciative of all the kind and caring comments from our family and friends. Thank you very much. Our beautiful Ki loved relaxing and sometimes napping in The Teahouse. He loved it as much as we do. As of 8:30 a.m., June 11, 2016, The Teahouse has been officially renamed The "Ki" House in loving memory of our boy who will be always missed and always loved.   When you come to visit, choose a good weather day, and we will share a cup of tea or a cold drink in The "Ki" House. In early July, my daughter Susan, a very talented artist, will be painting a Memorial Mural on The "Ki" House wall in which Ki, Dudley, Mrs. Biggles, Sara, Sunny, and other family pets will be remembered with love. Our animals are not just pets -- they are family.

The Teahouse is now officially renamed The "Ki" House in loving memory of our Ki  2006 - June 11, 2016.

God bless our beautiful "Ki" 

Jacob's Seven Letters - a short story FREE in the Kindle Store Sunday, June 12th

Jacob's Seven Letters is a Short Story by Audrey Austin. As a child Jacob suffers great losses and this is a story of one man's journey in search of promise, hope and redemption.

Jacob's mother dies ...... his father does not; yet the relationship Jacob shared with his father dies a death of a different kind.   Grandmother is there to raise the boy and when she dies too Jacob feels abandoned.  It's no surprise that he gets into some difficulties in his life.  What is surprising is that the seven letters have a life-changing impact .....  When I wrote this short story I fell in love with Jacob.  To me he is the epitome of many young men struggling to find their way through an ever-changing world.

Enjoy reading Jacob's Seven Letters this Sunday, June 12th when it is FREE in the Kindle Store.

"After Words" - a short story, FREE in the Kindle Store Wed. June 8th

John Rowe, a retired teacher, discovered a whole new world thanks to his new laptop. He enjoyed chatting on-line but now it was time to meet the young woman. Sure, he exaggerated a little about his appearance, his age, his life. Did he exaggerate too much?


On Wednesday, June 8th, you will find this short story titled "After Words" FREE in the Kindle Store for your reading pleasure.

Weaving Alice plus eleven - an anthology of short stories focusing on social issues is free for your reading pleasure this Sunday, June 5th in the Kindle Store

I love writing short stories!   This Sunday you will find one of my short story anthologies FREE in the Kindle Store.

Social Studies, Book Three --  Weaving Alice is free for your reading pleasure on Sunday, June 5th.

This anthology contains 12 short stories that keep the focus on social issues.  

Some of the titles include When Bubbles Rise; Chanti's Escape; While You Were Sleeping; and, of course, Weaving Alice.

The unique and beautiful cover design is by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com   

Once you have finished reading this book you will want to check out the other two in this anthology series:  Social Studies, Books One and Two titled Dying To Be Popular;  and Shattered and Broken.

All my books are available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

CRABAPPLE COURT - available in Paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon

Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away or is she just a little girl playing hide and seek? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?

Without exception the residents of Crabapple Court do not like to draw attention to themselves or to their homes. They do not like publicity. They do not appreciate media attention but this day, whether they like it or not, the Fairmont residents are keeping them under strict scrutiny. Indeed the eyes of the entire country are fixed upon them.

Beautiful cover design is by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

Crabapple Court is available for your reading pleasure in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

ELLEN and THE HUMMINGTREE -- available in paperback & Kindle on Amazon

Ellen and the Hummingtree
by
Audrey Austin

A strong woman of faith, Ellen sits beneath her Hummingtree and talks to God through the yellow quartz rock.

She gifts us with glimpses of her life and shares the import of her personal relationshipwith family, friends and with God.

She allows us to witness her vulnerability and invites us into her heart where we experience her joys and sorrows.

In a few instances the author has drawn from her life’s experience but, in essence, Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women the author has known and loved throughout her journey.

It is hoped you will welcome Ellen into your heart and it is hoped you will enjoy the stories she shares with you in this book; her fictional, magical, mystical memoirs titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.

At the outset of this writing journey we met. I became acquainted with her and now I can say that I truly like Ellen. She has the courage of her convictions And no matter what life threw at her and a lot was thrown: poverty, loneliness, divorce, family issues, romance, disappointments. Alzheimer, and finally death,  Ellen never lost faith.

Check it out on your favourite Amazon site.

You can check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Some Reviews of Ellen and The Hummingtree

The Write Read for a Wintry Afternoon Feb. 20 2013

By Phyllis Humby - Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle Edition

My books have been gathering dust and creating stress. Yes, it stresses me out when everything seems to take precedence over reading. Anyway, today I finished a book that I couldn't wait to receive in the mail - months ago − Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin, a writer from Elliott Lake.

I had the good fortune to meet Audrey online and become acquainted with her writing. If memory serves correctly, I first noticed Audrey's work on Commuterlit.com, a site that has featured my work as well.

Ellen and the Hummingtree is an interesting book about a woman of deep faith who has a unique coping mechanism. She speaks to God. Now, I know you will argue that many of us speak to God. But Ellen believes God lives inside a large yellow quartz rock in her backyard. Oh, and of course He speaks to her too. There's a little hole in the top of the rock. Never mind, just read the book.

It is a collection of well-written stories that weave back and forth through the emotional circumstances of a woman's life. These stories delve into her relationships as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Oh, and cousin - I forgot about her cousin Marielle.

In my opinion - only my opinion - the theme of this book is fear. I know that some of you who are familiar with this book may harrumph at that statement but a book is very personal. It's interpreted differently by each reader. That's why I love talking to my first readers. I'm fascinated by the interpretation of my work. Each person sees something different or relates with a different character. I digress (as always).

Audrey's character, Ellen, is on her own to raise two children. Fear. Her grandson, who has a learning disability, is bullied at school. Fear. God lives in a rock in her backyard. That would scare the crap out of me. (My attempt at humour - I'm sorry)

Ellen has many fears, as do we all. The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of having to give up a home to live in a facility. Then there is the ultimate fear. Of growing older and older and older, when all she wants is to re-unite with all the loved ones that have passed on. You do remember that I said this was strictly my opinion.

Near the end of the book there is a chapter I Need You to Remember Me. I remember reading that story, or at least an edited version, some time ago. Please tell me, Audrey, that this was a published short story at some point. If not, I had an incredible déjà vu moment. I liked the story the first time I read it - otherwise I never would have remembered it - and it will remain indelible in my mind.

The last chapter Time to Go Home is melancholy and poignant. I have witnessed death and thought about life after death. I appreciate Audrey Austin's rendering. This chapter was a fitting ending to a thought provoking book with a unique approach.

Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin; a good read for a wintry afternoon.

Ellen and the Hummingtree Feb. 20 2013

By celticfrogreviews - Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle Edition

Ellen and the Hummingtree is the story of Ellen and a rock through which she speaks to God. The rock moves with her as she lives her life. Ellen doesn't have an easy life, but the rock encourages her and gives her courage. Through Ellen we meet her family and close friends, and especially the voice of God that whispers to her through the chunk of yellow quartz.

Ellen is very human with her share of flaws. The story is as much about her learning to accept those flaws in herself and others as anything else. She grows substantially by the close of the book. There are times when I wanted to give her a good talking to, and other times when she shows grace and humility.

Audrey has created a memorable character in Ellen. She is very well portrayed and has a wonderful complexity. The story moves back and forth in time as Ellen explores her life. The important movement isn't chronological but her development of love and faith through the rock in her garden.

I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it for those who like strong women characters.

A GOOD read! Jan. 5 2014

By susan - Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle Edition

A very relatable story with an unusual twist, the connection Ellen has with others both visible and invisible is a journey into sometimes comical, sometimes intensely personal and sometimes very real and ordinary. It's an enjoyable read that left me more familiar with my own beliefs and hopes.

WHEN GOD GIVES US SPRING -- look for it on Amazon in paperback & kindle

Michael Custis Washington is a young black slave living on a cotton plantation in the Province of Virginia. He was born in 1802. Left an orphan at the age of five he is taken into the big house by his master, Alfred Gordon, to be trained as a house servant. While in this house he suffers severe emotional and sexual abuse. When he finally runs away with his wife Lucinda he is helped by the Quakers. Through the Underground Railway they reach the Elgin Settlement in Ontario, Canada. Freedom is his at last. But when the American Civil War breaks out in 1861 Michael chooses to join the Union Army. He works his way back to Virginia. Is he seeking justice or vengeance?

Review

I was finally able to read "When God Gives Us Spring" and you did a magnificent job and I could see that you did do a lot of research to accomplish such a great story.
I gave it 5 stars but was unable to write a comment. I will try again today as it truly deserves positive comments. -- Eleanor Lambert

From the Author

"When God Gives Us Spring" is a novella that required much research before I even began to put pen to paper.  I learned much about the history of slavery in early America and also about the role of the Quakers in assisting slaves into Canada via the Underground Railway.   I very much enjoyed writing God Gives Us Spring and I hope you will enjoy the story.

When God Gives Us Spring is available in both paperback and kindle formats.  My Canadian readers will find it at Amazon.ca  

OR check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

MOOSE ROAD - a Canadian Tragedy

#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama

FREE in the Kindle Store

Sunday, May 22nd

MY PUBLICATIONS

I've been busy and have many publications available on Amazon.ca for my Canadian readers as well as on all Amazon sites. Have you read all my books? They are as diverse and as eclectic as my personality but I tend to keep the focus on contemporary social issues.

I find that the E-books sell more readily than the paperback books. My books are available in both formats but the short stories that dare to stand alone are in Kindle format only.

My current work in progress is titled All Them Houses. It is a challenge but I hope to have it published before January, 2017.

Thanks for your continued encouragement and support.

#3 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Canadian
#3 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama
#14 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama

Cover design by http://yuneekpix.com

4.0 out of 5 stars
Great read By heather on May 19 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book and all the diverse characters, including the personification of the road.

4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars By Deb Morrison on Sept. 4 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Good Canadian location read and tugged the heartstrings.

Excerpt from: Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy by Audrey Austin Chapter One: SEVEN DWELL NEAR “Tell me a story, tell me a story, tell me a story and remember what you said.” Ever since that terrible day of the tragic accident each of the residents who live by my side has a tale to tell. Yes, everyone has a story and each story teller speaks his own truth. What I do find curious is the fact that no two stories are alike. Each is unique in its own way. I am of the opinion that truth is multi-sided and speaks from many hearts. A very long time ago I heard someone repeat the words of Winston Churchill who is purported to have said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” Yes, indeed, there it is. Truth is multi-sided and it dares to speak from many hearts. I have been around for a very long time. I existed in this very location even before man decided to give me a name. I guess that makes me old and, that being the case, I confess I am very old. I was here before any person chose this place to build a home. I have always thought I possessed a firm grasp on reality but since the day of the tragedy I am questioning for the first time the meaning and the impact of truth. I have more questions than answers. Is it possible that truth is, indeed, no more than one’s personal perception? Each individual’s truth, until shared, is locked in a sacred space in one’s memory. Memory does have its share of weakness. It can be faulty. As weeks turn into months memory is often tested. “Tell me a story and remember what you said.” I find it very interesting that the residents of the seven farms impacted by the tragedy each retain a different personal memory of the accident and its aftermath. Although I am well aware that it would not occur to any ordinary human that an old long-travelled country road could possibly have the capacity to remember, I can assure you that I do. Yes, indeed, I do have a memory. Even though I am very old it remains a good one. I do remember well. Some thoughts give me reason to smile while other memories I would prefer to forget. I have learned that the more painful memories are the most stubborn; the least likely to be forgotten and the most likely to be remembered. Even when a human believes he has managed to bury a painful memory he has not. That remembrance will pop up like a jack-in-the-box. It will present itself at the most odd and unexpected of times and sometimes even in the form of a recurrent dream. Of course, I am not a human. I can assure you that I am a no nonsense road; plain, practical and from my very first appearance on earth many generations ago I have made it my focused mission to do my duty and fulfill my purpose as I see fit. I have always taken great pride in my existence and to this very day I do my best to serve those who choose to travel upon my surface. Unlike humans who are, I have learned, sometimes very superficial creatures, I am not shallow. I don’t blame the travelers for being unable to see beneath my surface. But I assure you I am not just the visible thin layer of gravel you might observe at first glance. I do have substance. Yes, I am old now. I have been here in this spot in northern Ontario, Canada for many interesting and enduring lifetimes. Although I am a road less travelled I am still in pretty good shape. I expect I’ll be here for a few more generations. I can see no good reason why I should not continue to be here. I have never existed anywhere else on this earth and this is my home.

Review
Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy has received its first review. I'm thrilled to share it with you.

"I grabbed your book and headed for bed. This was about 7:30.
I turned out the light just after midnight.
I couldn't put it down!
... Your characters are so real and believable! I absolutely fell in love with the Road, and Santo's dad, Arthur broke my heart and I think we all know someone a little...like Eunice... Just wonderful!
I liked how you interjected the Road's thoughts midway, and I liked the ending!
The story is riveting. I felt like I knew these people!"
Susan Ruby K.


A review by Lucy Ann Spence:
"WOW !!! Just finished reading this fabulous book...Audrey, you have a winner here...thoroughly enjoyed it and held my attention right to the end...."


Moose Road is an exciting story and the characters living on the same road were all so down to earth, and it is a story you will not want to put down
until you have finished reading it as I know I couldn't. There has been a lot of research put into this story and the author is to be commended on her  great work. Eleanor Lambert.


MOOSE ROAD - a Canadian Tragedy is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

IN CONTROL - a short story, free in the Kindle Store Saturday, May 14th

IN CONTROL - a short story is free in the Kindle Store for your reading pleasure Saturday, May 14th.

They say that Mary Lynn McAfterson is a control freak. It is true that since the death of her parents her work is her life. The day Marcel Leblanc enters the café the hope and light of romance flickers. Mary's life is transformed. If you enjoy "In Control" you will want to read the short story anthology titled The Silent Star plus a Dozen "Selections" in which this short story is included

Check it out on all Amazon sites.

Visit my author's page http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

MY WRITING ADVENTURE

My most recent writing adventure includes the publication of DRAMA - a Novel Idea which is a boxed set of my most popular novels: Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy; Ellen and The Hummingtree; and Sara, a Canadian Saga. DRAMA is available in Kindle format only.

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

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

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

Also recently published is a coming-of-age novella titled Beyond The Blue in which a child finds a magical, mystical way to deal with bullying. This novella is also in both Paperback and Kindle format.

"When God Gives Us Spring" is a story of love, hate and revenge that takes place pre and during the civil war in the U.S.

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

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

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

I'm very excited to announce that "Keeping It Simple", the trinity of meditation, the 7 major chakras and psychospiritual therapy, is now available in both Kindle and Paperback Format on all Amazon sites. It is also available in print format directly from Create Space. https://www.createspace.com/4733596

This summer I celebrate my 9th Writing Anniversary. Whether you choose my poetry; or an anthology; one of my novels, a novella or a short story, I hope you will enjoy your reading experience.

My current work in progress is a memoir titled ALL THEM HOUSES.  It is, indeed, a remarkable challenge.  I hope to have it completed by Christmas of 2016.  I am still undecided as to whether or not I will publish it.

In the interim, to take a break from the memoir,  I have written a few poems and a short story which I have submitted to an international competition.

Thank you to my readers. I much appreciate your encouragement, your support and your positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads are always very welcome.

http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustin
http://www.writecreatively.blogspot.com

"Another Mother's Day" - a short story free in the Kindle Store, Sunday, May 8th

Paulette, Molinda and Anthony are a tough trio. Even in childhood they stuck together and did their best to provide protection to one another from their abusive mother. Grown up now, it's another Mother's Day. Together they plot their revenge.

"Another Mother's Day" - a short story is free in the Kindle Store Sunday, May 8th.

Once you read this short story your appreciation for your own mother will  increase ten fold. 

SARA, a Canadian Saga is free in the Kindle Store Saturday, April 30th

Sara, a Canadian Saga is my first novel and one that I hold close to my heart.   This Saturday, April 30th, Sara is offered free for your reading enjoyment in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

Below are a couple of welcome reviews of Sara, a Canadian Saga.

This book is also available in paperback format on createspace.com  as well as on all Amazon sites.

Check it out at Amazon.ca     Or check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin 

Cover design by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

4.0 out of 5 starsA very real story

By Rhonda Woodworth-Tardif on Aug. 25 2014

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Sara, A Canadian Saga is a poignant story about life during the depression on Prince Edward Island, Canada. One feels the hopes and dreams, and also the disappointments of Rob and Sara. I found the story to be so real I wanted to give Rob a shaking for his temper tantrums and Sara for acting like her mother. Their love, through all their trials, was refreshing. The author didn't tell you they still loved one another, but showed it, which takes some skill. It's not an exciting, edge of your seat kind of story, but a story about people who seem so real they could be your mother or sister. People who do ordinary, stupid things. I found myself wishing that Rebecca could have seen the good things in her life before they were gone, but understanding how the same thing happens to so many people. The author does a great job of creating very real characters. I liked the story.

    
   

5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent!

By Nadia E. Toski on March 21 2014

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

So enjoyed reading this book! Very well written! My first time reading Audrey Austin's books and will definitely read more of them!

FRANCESCA'S CONFESSION, a short story, FREE in the Kindle Store Wednesday, April 20th

In a marriage for more years than she can even remember, Francesca is frustrated by her husband who spends his days sitting in the lazyboy chair watching old classic movies. Her frustration is fulfilled when she tosses the remote and hits him upside the head. Little does she know that this temper tantrum will change her life forever.

FRANCESCA'S CONFESSION, a short story, is free for your reading enjoyment Wednesday, April 20th on all Amazon sites.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Passion For Staying Put - a short story free in the Kindle Store Sunday April 17th

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

As a mother and a grandmother I cannot imagine anything more devastating than to experience the loss of a child.  To move on; get over it; get on with life must be near impossible yet there are many who, like the characters in this story, do find a way to take the steps from one day into the next.   To write about such a life event was an emotional experience for me.  God bless all who lose a child yet find the inner strength to carry on.



Passion For Staying Put - a short story, is free in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites on Sunday, April 17th, for your reading enjoyment.

The Hole In The Wall - a short story - free Sunday April 10th in the Kindle Store

Lucille is worried. The mortgage is due and she doesn't have the money. What leads her into the basement? And is the hole in the wall really an answer to prayer?

THE HOLE IN THE WALL is free for your reading pleasure this Sunday, April 10th in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

This story is also available in paperback format as one of the twelve stories contained in short story anthology titled SOCIAL STUDIES BOOK ONE - Dying To Be Popular.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

And come say hello at http://www.facebook.com/audreyaustinca

WEAVING ALICE - a short story -- free in the Kindle Store Wednesday, April 6th

WEAVING ALICE is a story about a meeting on earth between personified good and evil. The mystical ending will bring a smile to your face.

5.0 out of 5 stars  did not see that coming!

By Carleen E. Nicholson on October 9, 2013

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase 

 

I had not read the description before i purchased it...the title and cover just appealed to me. I loved it!!! I did not see the ending coming and was totally blown away! Great job!!

WEAVING ALICE is free in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites this Wednesday, April 6th, for your reading pleasure.

Check out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Come say hello at http://facebook.com/audreyaustinca