Books by Audrey Austin
The theme of this blog is creative writing. Any writing on this blog by authors other than myself is by permission of the author. I've written many poems, short stories, novellas, novels, and more. I hope you will want to get to know me and, of course, I hope you will want to buy a book or two.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
About the Author & Elephant and the Bumbly Bee
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
65 Titles
Amazon tells me I now have 65 titles on my Amazon Author's page. I admit I lose count. These 65 publication titles include paperback, kindle, and audiobook formats.
I began creative writing 17 years ago so, as you can see, I've been busy,
This summer of 2024 I've set my goal of cutting back on many activities. I'm also being kept busy with downsizing in my home. To simplify my life is my aim.
And the reason I want to simplify and minimize everything is because I have decided that commencing September I'm going to take my best shot at writing the Great Canadian Novel.
What this means is that August, which has already gifted me with six days, is the only time I have to complete my current work in progress which is titled POartRY and PROSE the THIRD. The art & photography are complete but I have yet to begin the poetry and prose. Giving myself only three weeks to complete is why I need to ensure there are few outside distractions.
I love creative writing. I appreciate my readers so much. My September publication will be titled ALMOST TIME TO LEAVE.
I hope, once written, you will want to read it but, in the meantime, thanks for checking out those other 65 titles on Amazon. You will find them all on my Amazon Author's Page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Monday, August 5, 2024
a Time for Change
I've enjoyed working part-time as counselor/therapist, but on Thursday I gave my last client my best wishes and now I announce I am fully retired. Being retired, I decided to get to work.
I spent Sunday cleaning out and shredding a lot of stuff in my filing cabinet - keeping only personal and creative writing materials.
Today, I've been busy cleaning out my storage room; getting rid of stuff I've held onto for years but rarely or never used. Tomorrow I start on my linen cupboard - too much stuff. And that reminds me to remind you to check out my short story, "The Linen Cupboard" available on Kindle.
I've always dreamed of living in a Zen environment, but I've never achieved it - trying again.
With pleasure I have handed over the leadership of Elliot Lake Writers to a very talented young writer. My goal is to free up my time and to create a lifestyle with no 'have-to's'.
I just want to paint, to write, to spend time with family and friends - that's it. That is enough.
I hope I can meet this goal. I've spent half my time getting into things, and the other half trying to get out of them.
It's time for a change.
One thing that will not change is my passion for creative writing and I've done my fair share of it.
Thanks for checking out my publications on my Amazon Author's page. It's found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
An excerpt from The Observer - His Eye is on the Sparrow
An excerpt from The Observer -His Eye is on the Sparrow
Mom named me Karen after my grandmother. Because I would have loved to have known my grandmother, and because Mom keeps reminding me that I am just like her mother, I spend a fair amount of time on my laptop trying to learn as much as I can about my ancestry. I begin by googling the name Karina.
I learn that Karina is a Hindi name meaning Flower; Pure; Innocent; Dear little one. Maybe my grandmother lived up to her name, but I can understand why Mom shortened my name to Karen. I’ve never heard my mother call me her ‘dear little one’, but I’ve grown used to hearing her shout, “Dear God, what have you done this time? Watch what you’re doing!”
I google my name and discover that the name Karen is of German origin and means “hard worker”. And I am a hard worker whether my mother thinks I am or not. I believe it’s possible I may have some German ancestry on my father’s side of the family. Anything is possible because I know so little.
I have no idea who my father is. I don’t know if he is German. I don’t even know if he is dead or alive. Mom refuses to talk about him. For that matter, I don’t know who my grandfather was either, but when I google the name ‘Wakeling’, I’m not too surprised to learn that its roots are also in Germany.
My grandmother’s maiden name is Karina Sahni. I understand she grew up as one of a Hindu family living in India. She was married to my grandfather who may have been German.
Again, by googling, I learn that the name ‘Wakeling’ is derived from the name ‘Walco’ and that the meaning of Walco is foreigner. So now I wonder if my grandfather was a German foreigner in India. I mean, how on earth did my German grandfather meet my East Indian grandmother? There is no one for me to ask except my mother and I’ve given up trying to get her to talk about these things.
My mother decided not to take the time to marry my father, so I carry my grandfather’s name. I would like to know my father’s name, but my mother is not about to tell me. There have been times in the past when I’ve asked, “Mom, tell me about my father. What is his name?”
“I don’t want to talk about it, Karen. I don’t even want to think about it. The past is the past. I’ve shut the door on it, and I don’t look back. I suggest you do the same. Just watch what you’re doing in the here and now, and don’t bother me with those kinds of questions.”
“But I’d really like to know, Mom.”
“Are you deaf, Karen? Haven’t you heard a word I just said to you?”
I hear what she says. I think about what she says. But I still would like to know. As far as I can remember, Mom has never been interested in caring about what I like.
I like to spend some time writing in my journal. I’m trying to make the most of the time I have right now while Mom is still at work. I like to write about my feelings and my deepest dreams and wishes. I don’t find a lot of time to do this writing because Mom doesn’t approve.
She’ll be home soon. I know she doesn’t like me journaling because she has told me so in no uncertain words. “Watch what you’re doing,” she will shout if she catches me writing. “Stop wasting your time! Just step back and observe yourself, Karen. Don’t you know that, if you write down private thoughts, someone can come along and throw them into your face? Watch what you’re doing!”
Visit my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Monday, May 13, 2024
Elliot Lake Writers Literary Open Mic at Dunlop Lake Lodge
Local authors entertained a small audience at Dunlop Lake Lodge when reading from their original novels, stories and poems on May 7.
Six members of the Elliot Lake Writers Workshop performed at The Spoken Word, an event for writers to get their works known.
Audrey Austin, the group’s facilitator, opened the afternoon welcoming everyone and being the first at the open mike. She read from her novel Struggle to Reach the Bridge of Light. She had copies of her other books on hand for sale, including Sara, a Canadian Saga; The Observer, His Eye is on the Sparrow; two books of Poetry and Prose; and Keeping It Simple, Imagine Being Whole.
Cally Jo Fritz read a moving short story with a surprising ending.
Daniel G. Ferguson, a retired conservation officer, read from his book, Bear Runners, Wildlife Crime and Northern Romance. He said his novels draw on his experience as a conservation officer to create tales of the northern wilderness. He also had copies of three other novels on hand for sale, Toxic Waters, Double Back Fur Run, and Up Halfway Creek.
Donald Harry Roberts read two short love stories from his book, A Book Made of Eclectic Flash, Dreams and Mysteries, Nightmares and Fantasies.
Kathleen Burke read heart-felt poems from her book, The Language of Trees, which she launched last fall.
The final reader was Nicole Q-Schmit who said she hasn’t had any of her work published, yet, but has written a number of romance novels. She started with a short fanciful piece on wind chimes, then read a short section from a novel describing a high school basketball game.
The group was disappointed in the small turnout for the event and may be looking for a venue more centrally located in Elliot Lake for future readings.
Austin said they are hoping to get more members joining the Elliot Lake Writers Workshop. They meet the third Monday of the month at the ELNOS Centre Board Room, 3rd Floor, at 1 p.m.
For more information, contact Audrey Austin by email at audrey@persona.ca, or message her on Facebook.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
Ellen and The Hummingtree
Ellen is a woman I came to know well during the writing of my third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree. She often puzzled me yet she also had the ability to make me laugh and cry. I grew to love her. And the more I came to know her I began to realize that she truly is a composite of the many caring spiritual women I have known throughout my life. Alzheimer is a dreadful disease and Ellen's victimization is a heartbreak. My writing of Ellen and The Hummingtree comes straight from the heart. I hope you will love her as I do.
Friday, May 3, 2024
This book is written in a sequential manner. A reader is given a methodical overview of meditation, psychospiritual therapy, and the chakra system. Learning to open blocked chakras enables the reader to unite mind, body, and soul.
I 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. It has changed my life for the better.
A very easy-to-understand explanation of chakras
By Anu This is a well written book - very easy to understand the concept of chakras and the significance of each chakra. I am yet to try out the exercises for opening up each chakra. But if you are looking to familiarize yourself with the 7 chakras of the Indian/yogic tradition, I highly recommend this book.
From the Author
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Let's Make Elliot Lake Walkable for Everyone
Community Bench Initiative: This initiative is near and dear to my heart.
Monday, April 15, 2024
Friday, April 12, 2024
Book Launch of Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy
Sharing a happy memory here! This book launch took place 11 years ago and I remember the celebration like it was yesterday.
Thank you Elliot Lake! The book launch of my fourth novel Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy was a wonderful success. Special thanks to Mayor Hamilton for drawing the names of the winners; special thanks to Dayeton Larson for his rendition of Old Moose Road and the wonderful music provided throughout the book signing; special thanks to Paul Kazulak for being there with his camera and a very special thanks to my daughter Susan Ruby K., not only for the beautiful cover design and illustrations throughout the book, but also for her wonderful emotional support and encouragement. I appreciate it very much and thank you everyone who attended.
To those of you who purchased a book, thank you and I hope you like the story. Thank you everyone for your support of Maplegate House for Women's proposed animal shelter. And thank you Naomi, for being there to explain to us what the project is all about. Oh, and thank you to Jessica from The Standard. I hope in all my excitement I made some sense in the interview.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Community Market
This Sunday, April 7th, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. you will find me at the Moose Lodge, one of the vendors in the Community Marketplace.
With me, I will have copies of some of my books, a few paintings, and I will be available to offer the opportunity of Chakra Readings to anyone interested.
Hope to see you there. And for those of you who can't make it, you will find all my books exclusively on all Amazon sites. Visit my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Thursday, March 28, 2024
What are my books about?
This is a bit long, but the reading will give you an idea as to what my books are all about. All my books are available exclusively on all Amazon sites. My author's page is found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Saturday, March 16, 2024
My Irish Connection
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
The Dawson family who came to the area in the 17th century has been the main benefactor of the parish ever since. It was Richard Dawson, a banker and Dublin alderman, who in 1729 built the present (Church of Ireland) church on the Dartrey estate. It was established in its own separate parish of Ematris soon after.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Dull Women's Club
It wasn't until today that I knew there is a Dull Women's Club. The name jumped out at me and invited me to join. Kudos to the individual(s) who started this club.
Monday, February 19, 2024
Family Day 2024
FAMILY DAY 2024
My sister, Linda, has done a lot of work on the genealogy of my maternal grandmother's family which was the Dawson family. I understand that this side of my family originated somewhere in France but that, at some point in history, they moved to Ireland where the name Dossine (sp) was changed to Dawson.
I met my maternal grandmother only once. She lived in her home on P.E.I. and that's where my mother, aunts and uncles were born. I was five years old when I traveled with my Mom and my sister to the little Village of Tryon.
I don't have a lot of memories of that visit but I do remember meeting my Grandma. Unfortunately she passed away when I was still a young child so I didn't have the opportunity to get to know her well. I never had the opportunity to meet my maternal grandfather.
My Mom was born in Tryon in 1906, and that is where she lived with her parents and siblings until the family later made a move to the City of Summerside. My Mom was living and working as a legal secretary in Summerside when she met my Dad.
My Dad was born in 1906. His mother, my paternal Grandmother, had passed away and my Grandfather later married for the second time.
My paternal grandfather was, as I remember, a big, tall man. He worked as the Jailer in the Springhill Jail, Nova Scotia.
I met him on the same trip when I was five years old. It was a thrilling experience as I recall that we kids were allowed to spend the night in a jail cell. So exciting! I'm thankful today to say that it is the only night I've ever spent in a jail.
I did not meet my paternal grandmother but I did meet my grandad's second wife, Florence. I was never close to her and, in fact, I didn't care for her much when I was a young child. She had been employed as pianist for the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, I was told. Yet, when I asked her if she would help me to learn how to play piano, she refused. That, in itself, was enough for me to dislike her.
My Mom and Dad met in Summerside, were married there in the Presbyterian Church. They made their home in Summerside, had two children, my big sister, Eleanor, and my big brother, Ken. Sadly both these siblings have passed away.
During the ugly depression days, in the dirty thirties, my Dad moved to Toronto leaving my Mom and siblings on P.E.I. with family members. Once he was employed and had found a home for the family, my parents reunited. In Toronto four more children were born to my parents. My big sister, Muriel, sadly passed away at too early an age, a victim of cancer.
I'm now the oldest of our three remaining siblings. My sister, Linda, is 4 years younger; my brother, Ray almost 3 years younger. Today we are all seniors, all with children and grandchildren.
My mother was blessed to become a grandmother, but my Dad, sadly passed away at the young age of 49. He did not survive to meet all the beautiful children that later joined our family.
Today, I am very proud mom to two beautiful daughters, grandmother to three handsome and intelligent grandsons; great-gram to one pretty, energetic three year old girl, and soon to be great-gram to another little girl this coming June.
Family means the world to me. I consider myself blessed to love and to be loved by so many.
There was no such thing as 'Family Day' when I was a young Mom raising my kids. I think it's a wonderful idea and, today, with both parents often working outside the home, the long weekend gives a family the time to relax together and to enjoy each other's company.
I wish everyone a very Happy Family Day, 2024!
Below is an AI picture that I put together to honour this occasion. When I was a child, our family spent many, many evenings gathered around the table playing board games, word games, all kinds of fun games. I don't know if families still do this today or not. Maybe everyone is off by himself, phone in hand. I know these family game times were an important part of my childhood and I hold them close in my happy memories of a long-ago childhood.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy FREE in the Kindle Store
This weekend, Friday, January 19th to Sunday, January 21st inclusive, Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is FREE in the Kindle Store for your reading enjoyment.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
MORE POartRY and PROSE
Look what arrived this morning! This may be my 26th publication, but the joy I feel holding
a new book in my hand is always exciting. I have just this one copy today ....... but I've ordered
five more so please tell me you want one.
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Sara, a Canadian Saga
https://www.amazon.ca/SARA.../dp/B00H0H33JG/ref=sr_1_1...