NaNoWriMo - Day 12

 NaNoWriMo - day 12:

This is day 12 of the 30 day NaNoWriMo Challenge.  Today I added 2,348 words to Struggle - To the Bridge of Light, making my current word count 36,750.   

Four of my seven characters shared their thoughts of 'tomorrow' with me today.  Tomorrow I will be communicating with the final three and hope to also get their thoughts and feelings down on paper.

Soon the motley group of seven will reach the little island in the Lesser Antilles.  Will their struggle be over or will a new one begin?

Apart from writing today, a visit to the local veterinarian with my little chihuahua, Princess Delilah, better known as Lila, was very reassuring and productive.  Lila received her annual shots and behaved very well throughout her check-up.   Her heart murmur has increased to a rate of four out of six so this is a concern.  Otherwise, my little girl is doing very well.

A nice walk in the park after the vet's visit was good for her and for me too.   Even a short walk is refreshing after so many hours sitting at a computer.

But I'll be back at it tomorrow.  I'm totally enjoying this NaNoWriMo challenge.

All the best to my writing buddies.  Hope you are happy with the way your word count is rising.

For those of you who don't know, STRUGGLE is not my first novel in the making.   All my publications are available exclusively on Amazon and I hope you will check them out.  https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

NaNoWriMo - Day 11

 

Today was Day 11 of my NaNoWriMo Challenge, 2020.   I have written 3,310 words today and the current word count for STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light  is 34, 402.

As the author, I struggled in my effort to understand how the seven characters would find their way to the little island in the Lesser Antilles.  My mind was full of ideas, but not one idea seemed like the right one.

I  took a break; showered; did Lila's poop patrol in the back yard; listened to some music.

Then, out of nowhere, or so it seemed, I had the answer.

In no time at all I had my characters  on the move.  Well, so far just two of them, but now that I know how they will make this long journey, it will be much easier to follow the remaining five as they travel.

I was blessed today to take a break away from the house.  I felt honoured to meet my beautiful and bright great-granddaughter, Cecilia, for the first time.  She is an inspiration.

After this amazing visit with Cecilia and her happy parents, I tried to enjoy a Lila walk at Spruce Beach but the wind was blowing and it was very cold.  I enjoyed the finish of the short walk, and the arrival back home where Chuck and I did enjoy a game of Rummy.

And then it was dinner time.  Chuck had gone home.  Lila was fed.  I cooked and ate my supper, and then, it was time.  It was time to get back to work.

After supper I wrote another close to a thousand words, and when I start writing tomorrow morning, I'll be with the third character as he also finds his way to the little Caribbean island.   Life is good.

Do you wonder why they all want to make this journey?  I hope you do.  But to find the answer, you are going to need to read the book once I get it completed.  :-)

All the best to my writing buddies.  I hope you are also enjoying the NaNo journey.

Meeting Cecilia -- what a blessing to be a great-grandmother!

 November 11, 2020 -- meeting my great-granddaughter, Cecilia, for the first time.

NaNoWriMo - Day 10

 

This is Day 10 of the NaNoWriMo 2020 Challenge.  My day is not over but it's time for me to take a break.   Today was not so much about getting more words on the page.  Today was about finding and following the direction my characters were giving.     

Each of the seven have shared with me about their todays.  For some it was emotionally difficult but they all did finally share their yesterdays.  

Now it is time for them to talk about tomorrow.  Tomorrow they will dream and they will follow their dream to a tiny island in the Lesser Antilles.

The seven will finally meet one another.  Will they get along?  I am the author, but I don't know the answer to that yet.    I will know about this when I commence writing again.

STRUGGLE - To Reach The Bridge of Light  is happening.

Today I wrote only 1,924 words bringing the total word count to 31,092.  All is well.

I'm totally immersed in this story now and I can't wait to see how it ends.

Wishing the best to my writing buddies.  I hope you're having as much fun as I am.

NaNoWriMo - Day 9

 This is Day 9 of NaNoWriMo 2020.  Much has taken place.  STRUGGLE is now titled STRUGGLE, To Reach the Bridge of Light.

The seven characters have welcomed a new forceful character.  This character is the world personified and the world has a lot to say.

But no one wants to listen to what the world is proclaiming.  Well, no one, but perhaps, just maybe, the seven characters will pay attention.

The characters have led me to a current word total of 30,076.  I have passed the half-way mark in my challenge.   And my characters have passed the half-way mark in their stories.  

By now they have shared their todays, and their yesterdays.

When I starting working on this writing project again tomorrow, it will be time for the characters to tell us about their tomorrows.

I can hardly wait to see what they have to tell me and to see where they will lead me.

I'm loving the adventure.

Today I enjoyed a lovely walk in the park with Lila and Chuck.  The rest of my day has been spent head-down and writing.

Hope my writing buddies are having as much fun as I am with this NaNo project.

Thanks for your continued support.  It's time to feed Lila, make my supper, and to enjoy a relaxing evening.

NaNoWriMo - Day 8

 

So far today, on Day 8, of my NaNoWriMo Challenge, I have written 3,679 words.  I may write some more after dinner but for now it's time to stop to feed Lila and enjoy a little time in the back yard on this beautiful sunny, unusually warm November day.   

My current word total on STRUGGLE  is 27,083.  Today, some of the characters shared a lot with me about their pasts, and they were willing to let me in on why they are doing some of the stuff they are up to today.  I'm growing to know, and to like my characters.  I'm also doing my best to understand them in order to share that understanding in my book when I'm ready to self-publish.

You can bet I'll let you know when that day comes.

I'm learning a lot and I love learning just as much as I love creative writing.

I did take some breaks from writing today.  I enjoyed a shared lunch with Chuck this afternoon.  I had made some potato salad and he got busy barbecuing some delicious sausage.   

And it was a pleasure to enjoy a visit from dear friends, Treena and Neil, after which Chuck and I went for a lovely Lila walk in the park at Spruce Beach.

And now it's time to give the lovely Lila her supper, and to throw something together for my own.  

Thanks for your continued support and wishing success to my writing buddies, as always.

As Scarlet would say, "Tomorrow is another day."

NaNoWriMo - Day 7

 
Today is Day 7 of the NaNoWriMo Challenge.

23,404 is the current word count for STRUGGLE.   The seven major characters are not a bit shy about sharing their stories and they are making this author's job a lot of fun.

Their stories take place in a variety of locations around the world including Toronto, Canada; Nazca, Peru; Summerside, P.E.I., Canada; Caracas, Venezuela; Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada; Milford, Connecticut, U.S.A.; and Manurewa, South Auckland, New Zealand.

What is it that these men and women share in common?  It is true that they each endure struggle throughout their life experience. What is it that brings the seven people together?  Will their struggle be rewarded?

I'm almost half-way to the NaNoWriMo challenge of 50,000 words.

Thanks for your continued support, and best of success to my writing buddies.  Hope you are enjoying this journey.

Welcome to the world and to our family, Cecilia xoxoxoxox

 

I am overjoyed to announce the arrival of my first great-grandchild; the beautiful Cecilia Wren Cianciusi, was born in our Elliot Lake Hospital early this evening. Cecilia weighs 7 lb. 1 oz; a delightful bundle of joy. Mommy and Daddy, Christine & Matthew, are doing well. How blessed am I to become a great-grandmother. Welcome to the family Cecilia. Can't wait to meet you in person.

NaNoWriMo - Day 6

 

This has been an interesting writing day with only a few interruptions.  The lady with the doggy shirts arrived at one but, unfortunately, they were too big and Lila would swim in them. I didn't make the purchase.    A happy interruption was the sale of my old dining set.   And, of course, the pleasurable Lila walk in the park with Chuck, with a stop at my beautiful friend, Treena's home, to give her my gift and to wish her a happy birthday.

I did  also spend a little time running around the house with a vacuum cleaner.  Some things can't be ignored, at least not for long.

Despite all these happenings today, I have managed to carry on with STRUGGLE.  My current word count as of now is 21,126 so I am almost halfway to meeting the 50,000 word challenge.   

I plan to spend some time head down writing after supper  and then, of course, I'll be back at it again tomorrow.   

Thanks for your continuing support and, as always, best wishes going out to my NaNo writing buddies.

NaNoWriMo - Day 5

 

I can't believe I slept in until 10:30 this morning but that's exactly what I did.  Fortunately, my little Lila is forgiving of a late breakfast and, thankfully, she made use of the training pad I leave on the kitchen floor for her each night just in case she needs to go out while I'm asleep.  Such a good girl, my little Lila.  I would be lost without her.  And she doesn't seem to object that I am spending hours at my laptop to participate in NaNoWriMo once again this year.

STRUGGLE is something I am feeling more at home with as each NaNo day goes by.   Its seven main characters are discovering that they share a common bond and, as their author, I find where the characters are leading me very interesting and intriguing.

I enjoyed a lovely Lila walk in the park this afternoon with Chuck, and I also managed to get a little laundry done.  I broke away from the computer to enjoy both lunch and supper so I haven't been totally glued to my laptop.

Still, despite my late start, I have managed to write  3,759 words today bringing my current total word count to 19,725 words. 

Thanks for your continued support.  And I wish the best to all my NaNoWriMo writing buddies.  Hope your day was as rewarding as mine has been.  As my friend, Mags, would say, keep that ink flowing.

NaNoWriMo - Day 4

 

Today I've spent more time researching, than writing.   But my end of day word count is 16,130, up 2,327 words over yesterday.  

My seven major characters are coming alive; asking me a lot of questions and sharing their hopes and dreams as we become better acquainted.

Day 4 is over.  It's time to feed Lila and think about setting the table.   I look forward to my dinner guest this evening; especially since he is bringing the main dish and I have only to make a salad.

Thanks for your support.  NaNo is a real challenge but I'm hanging in.   I remembered to spend some time in the backyard today enjoying the milder temps.  I enjoyed a walk in the park with Lila and I've spent a lot of time moving furniture here in my home.   The physical exertion was a welcome break from the mental and eye strain of NaNoWriMo.

STRUGGLE is sometimes a struggle but God loves a tryer.  I'm sure He often finds me very trying.

NaNoWriMo - Day 3

 

It's past 5 pm on day 3 of NaNoWriMo and my word count is 13,803.  I may write some more this evening and add a few words to that number in what will be my new novel titled "STRUGGLE".

I found  the writing more challenging today.  Feeling in need of inspiration, I took a break this afternoon and, no word of a lie, the 'Messengers of Light' not only provided the answer; they were the answer.

I was inspired to continue and the rest of my afternoon was sheer writing pleasure.

My little girl, Princess Delilah, was such a sweetheart.  She seemed to know I needed the time to write and made no demands whatsoever.

Best of luck to my writing buddies.  Hope you are enjoying the challenge.  

NaNoWriMo - Day 2

 

So far today, I've added 3,984 more words to "STRUGGLE" bringing my total word count so far to 9,875. I'm having a good time with the story, getting to know the characters, and can't wait to see where they will take me. I'm stopping to feed my Lila and to make some supper. I plan to add to the numbers this evening. Hope my writing buddies have enjoyed Day 2, NaNo, as I have.

"STRUGGLE" -- NaNoWriMo Challenge 2020

 

NaNoWrimo Day 1: I worked until just past two in the morning and off to a good start again this morning. I've met my characters, know where they live, and even have some idea of what it is they plan to do. My friends and family know that unless it's a dire emergency - no phone calls please. I'll check my messages throughout the day. Thank you

Now it's heads down and back to work.

Current NaNoWriMo word count is 5,981. What a great way to spend a cold, wintry day! "STRUGGLE" is already developing a mind of its own. I think I'm really going to enjoy this ride. Thanks for your support. And hope all my writing buddies also had a great ink-flowing day!

NaNoWriMo -- November 1, 2020

 

NaNoWriMo starts midnight tonight. Since this is the time to set our clocks back an hour, we have some extra time to recover from Hallowe'en and get our thoughts focused on our novels. Wishing success to my NaNo writing buddies,

Maggie Kirton;  

Sheal Mullin-Berube;

and

Chuck Forget.

The challenge is to write 50,000 words, that may or may not make any sense, in 30 days.

The title of my novel is "STRUGGLE", and I have a feeling the writing will be just that. Wish me luck!

Remembering Mom

 

My beautiful Mom with four of her six children

enjoying a day at the beach.

Today is October 28th.  Thirty years ago on this date my beautiful mother passed away in her bed at Northwestern Hospital in what was then called York Township.

With my brothers and sisters, we stood around her bed, feeling grateful that we were there with her at the end, as she had always been there for us throughout her life.  

Just three days prior, I became a grandmother again.  My twin grandsons were with their Mom, my daughter Christine,  in the Whitby Hospital where they were born.  My #1 grandson, David, was with me while my daughter was hospitalized. 

This day, October 25th,  I had just returned by car with my younger daughter, Susan; her husband; and David, from Whitby, where we had visited Christine and where I met my new baby grandsons for the very first time.   I treasure a photo of my mother holding her great-grandson, Joseph, in her arms.  This is the very last photo taken of my Mom while she was with me here on earth.

During our hospital visit that day, my Mom told me she was experiencing some chest pain.  I knew that my mother had been diagnosed with angina for which she had been prescribed medication.  I wanted my Mom to go with me to the emergency department but she was unwilling and determined not to seek medical help at that time. She told me she did not want it mentioned to anyone, despite the fact that we were in a hospital where perhaps a doctor could have been of help to her.    

I clearly remember waving from the car and seeing my Mom waving back as she stood on the front verandah of her house once we returned home that day.   I lived only a block away from my Mom in my apartment.  Susan and her husband dropped David and me off at my home.

David was an adorable little eight-year-old.  Once home, since it was so close to Hallowe'en, we ventured out to the corner store where we bought a pumpkin, planning to create a Jack-o-lantern.  David chose the pumpkin and was excited about our creative plans.

The phone was ringing when we returned to my apartment.  It was Mom.  Her pain had increased.

I couldn't walk fast enough down the road to my Mom's home.  Poor David - I hadn't meant to scare him but realized that's what I was doing.  I slowed down a little as I reassured him that his Grandma Austin was not well, but that everything would be okay.

Upon arrival at Mom's home, I called her family doctor.  Mom would not agree to going to hospital with me.  I needed his help to encourage her to go.   I spoke to Dr. Kingstone.  "Put your mother on the phone," he advised me.  I did so and, thankfully, Mom listened to him.  She finally agreed to go to hospital.

I called my elder brother, Ken, who lived not too far away.  He arrived and, in his car, we all drove to the Northwestern Hospital where Mom stayed until her passing October 28th, 1990.  She endured a massive heart attack but was finally at peace.

This day, thirty years ago, was one of the most challenging of my life.  To simultaneously feel the joy of my twin grandsons' arrival and the deep grief of the loss of my beautiful mother was most difficult.  I felt hot and cold; here and there; up and down; inside and out.   I was not myself.

I was forty-eight years old.  Even in my grief, I felt gratitude that I had been blessed with such a loving, understanding mother who never judged; who was always there for me.

Although thirty years have gone by, I never fail to experience the challenging bittersweet feelings on the birthday of my twin grandsons and on the anniversary of my mother's transition.   Birth and death; joy and sorrow; gain and loss.  These opposing emotions, even today, leave me wondering.

Much time has passed since my Mom's farewell.  My beautiful twin baby grandsons are handsome young men and I feel very proud of them and of their life choices.

Soon, one of these young men will become a father for the first time.   How wonderful for me to, any day now, become a great-grandmother.  How very true it is that, regardless of the challenges we face, life is good and life goes on.

 

Today is National Mental Health Day in Canada

Today is National Mental Health Day in Canada.   Life is difficult during these covid days for everyone throughout our world and Canadians are no exception.

We are not used to spending so much time with ourselves.   We have always reached out, gone out, searched out to find our pleasures, entertainment; to satisfy our physical, mental, and spiritual needs.  

Going within is not an easy thing to do for many.

Being alone is not an easy way to be for many.

Because I've always been basically a home-body, I may or may not be finding this strange new world a little more comfortable than some.

I am not in possession of any statistics but I understand that many negative aspects of human living are on the rise.  Domestic abuse, drug & alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, many fear-based conditions are on the rise.

I don't have the answers.  I can't kiss the world and make it all better.  If I could, I would.

But what I can do is share with you those things that have helped a lot to make my isolation more comfortable and easier to deal with.  I don't know if this will help you or not -- but it might and I'm pretty convinced my sharing won't do any harm.

I love to read.  Even as a little girl, I never felt lonely, as long as I had the companionship of a story book.   I encourage you to pick up a book and read.

I love to write creatively.  Is this something you have tried?  All you need is a paper and pen; or a laptop; and a little imagination.   Don't know what to write about?   That doesn't matter.  My mother taught me that if you want something done, simply begin.  So sit down, pick up the pen, and write.  Don't worry about what you are writing.  Just do it.  You may even like your story once written.  And while you are writing, just remember that it's the journey that is important; not the destination.  Take your time.  Enjoy.

I love to sing.   Do you like music?  Do you like to sing?  No, it doesn't matter if you think you have a good voice or not.  It doesn't matter even if you are tone deaf.  Singing is good for you; good for the soul.   If you own a tape recorder, record yourself singing your favourite songs. When you play them back you won't be able to resist a smile.  Maybe even a laugh!  Singing lifts the spirit.

I don't love housework but I do love my home.   Since we are saving some money by not traveling, we can afford to put a little money into our homes.  Maybe some new curtains, a new carpet, some fresh cheerful paint on a wall.  Home projects do not have to be major but the resulting good feelings can be very major indeed.   

Spend time outdoors.  Take a walk, explore your neighbourhood, visit the local park, breathe in the beauty of the season.   

By spending time outdoors, even if only an hour in the backyard, or a short walk by the lake, you will feel invigorated.   And if it is cold outside, you will appreciate the warmth of your home once you return.

I love oil painting even though I'm still waiting for the arrival of my teacher.   

What do you love to do?  Whatever it is - just do it.  I know we can be our own worst critics but try to ignore that nasty little fellow and just do those things you truly enjoy.

There are many ways to exercise.  If you like music, let it play and dance around your house.  No partner?  That doesn't matter.   Dancing alone can be very freeing; very relaxing; and with a little imagination, you can believe you are performing on stage to an appreciative audience.  Just enjoy!

Stay in touch with people you love through social media.  Of course it is not as good as meeting and sharing in person.  But, make the effort!  It is important to stay in touch with family and friends even if you cannot get together around a table for a meal or a cup of tea the way you used to do.

Do you live alone?  That's okay, I do too.  Except I don't because I have the wonderful companionship of my little chihuahua, Lila.  She needs me and that's good for me.  I need to wake up to give her breakfast.  I need to take her out to pee, to play, to enjoy some fresh air.  If you live alone, why not give a good home to a little dog or cat, if you are not already doing so?

We are often hard on ourselves.  You say you can sometimes be your own worst enemy.  But with just a little effort, motivation, and love, it is possible to be your own best friend.

This morning the sun is shining.  It's going to be a good day.   Happiness is a choice.  It's up to you, but I care, and many people care, about you.  Be good to yourself on National Mental Health Day and every day.

Love & hugs I send your way.  :-)

Thanksgiving 2020

 

STRUGGLE - A Novel Idea

 

For weeks I've been struggling to find a topic for my novel project with NaNoWriMo beginning November 1st. Today I feel happy and grateful because I have my novel idea. The title will be "STRUGGLE".

This is what I've been doing for a long time in my search and it was only this morning that I woke up and realized that I just haven't been listening to myself.

I share this quotation with you. “When we struggle against the natural rhythms of life, we create resistance and opposition, and this is what leads to struggle. With struggle there is no joy and rarely any reward. In fact, for some people struggle is the reward. They are a little lost without it. There is comfort in what you know.”

This quotation led me to a lot of questions. I don't pretend to have the answers but something wonderful tells me that my characters do and will.

I'm looking forward to NaNo. I'm now so excited about this project that I couldn't resist beginning so I've done just that. Only a few words but I know I'm now on my way.

Six months from now, please watch for the publication of "STRUGGLE - A Novel Idea".

It will be at home with the rest of my publications exclusively on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Reawakening - available in Kindle, Paperback, & Audiobook

 

About Reawakening: "Unlike many of their acquaintances they stayed in love and they stayed married for many years. Jim was now an old man, even by earth’s standards, when he suffered the fatal coronary. He left his young wife a childless widow. She mourned. She grieved. She never remarried.

Jim was her only love. Linda grew old as her husband before her had grown old. She died a peaceful death.

And then it happened...."

A review of Reawakening:  

Every now and then a manuscript comes across my desk that completely captivates me. Austin has reached inside the human heart and removed all boundaries pertaining to everlasting love...and her ability to play with the English language successfully is astounding. Austin’s Reawakening is a must-listen. It will take you into a land not far from your heart and bring you back to earth again - believing that all things are possible with love and hope. (Maggie Kirton, executive director, Wynterblue Publishing)

Visit my Amazon Author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Your positive reviews on Goodreads and Amazon are always appreciated.