Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop presents "The Spoken Word"

 

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.

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   

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. I will have copies of some of my books with me at The Moose Lodge on April 7th. All my books are available exclusively on all Amazon sites. My author's page is found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

This summer of twenty-four I will celebrate my seventeenth creative writing anniversary. During these years I've written many books which are all available exclusively on all Amazon sites.

My most recent publication is titled Shhh! We Don't Talk About That. This book is comprised of metaphysical, spiritual, and paranormal memories that I am pleased to share with my readers.

POartRY and Prose is the first book in a series. Just as its title suggests this publication is comprised of several of my many paintings displayed with my poetry and prose. More POartRY and Prose has been recently released and it is the second book in this series. I am currently working on the third in this series and it will be titled POartRY and Prose the Third.

My prior book was a science fiction novel titled "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light". Mother Earth can take no more. It's a sad day when a mother must give up on her children. Like the phoenix, the spirit and the environment of earth rise leaving behind destruction and devastation. The chosen seven are truly amazed when they discover why they have been rescued.

I wrote two novels during the isolation caused by the covid pandemic. One was "STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light"The other was titled "The Observer - His Eye Is on the Sparrow".

"The Observer - His Eye Is On The Sparrow" is a story of three generations of women, yet the story of two souls. Karina, Anna, and Karen, three very different personalities yet each, while dealing with her own struggles, continues to repeat family patterns. This story, begun in a NaNoWriMo adventure will touch your emotions and leave you with a smile. The settings of Bangalore, India and Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada share little in common; each offering its own colour and character. This is my first novel to focus on religion; in this instance the religions of Christianity and Hinduism.

"No Place to Lay Her Head ... a handful of moments" is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon. In this book I share my journey through grief since the death of my partner, Brian. This book is cathartic but I hope of benefit to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Another short story titled The Man On The Bench; a metaphysical delight, is part of my recent writing adventure. You will also want to check out 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. While individual novels are available in both paperback & Kindle formats; DRAMA is available in Kindle format only.

Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, quotations, and sayings, that I hope will offer the reader inspiration and guidance. This book is currently used as an aid in meditation and healing circles and will, I hope, inspire you to be who you really are.

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 fifteenth book but also my very first romance novel.

Crabapple Court is a mystery story in novella format. Susie Donnelly is missing. Has she run away? Is it a kidnapping? A murder?

Beyond The Blue is a coming-of-age novella in which a child finds a magical, mystical way to deal with bullying. This novella is also in both Paperback and Kindle format. More recently this book has been published in audio book format narrated by Earl Sewell and available on Amazon, Itunes, and Audibles.

"When God Gives Us Spring" is a story of love, hate & revenge that takes place pre and during civil war in the U.S. This novella is available in paperback, kindle, and audio book format.

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 - Book One - Dying To Be Popular; Book Two - Shattered and Broken; Book Three - Weaving Alice. These thirty-six 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.

"Keeping It Simple", the trinity of meditation, the seven major chakras and psychospiritual therapy, is available in both Kindle and Paperback Format on all Amazon sites. It is my hope that one day I will have learned enough to narrate this book and transform it into an audio book.

My first novel, "Sara, a Canadian Saga", is available in paperback and kindle formats. It has been released as my first audio book; written by yours truly; narrated by Falon Echo; and the cover design by Susan RK of Yuneekpix dot com. This audio book is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

I'm thrilled to announce that "When God Gives Us Spring" is my second book to be released as an audio book. This audio book is written by yours truly; narrated by Earl Sewell; and the beautiful cover design is by Susan RK of Yuneekpix dot com It is available on Amazon; Audibles; and ITunes.

Currently five of my many books are available in audiobook format. These five are "Sara, a Canadian Saga", When God Gives Us Spring", "Reawakening", "Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy", and "Beyond the Blue".

Whether you choose my poetry; or an anthology; one of my novels, a novella, or a short story I hope you enjoy your reading experience.

Thank you to my readers. I much appreciate your encouragement and your support. I hope you know that your positive reviews are much needed and very welcome.

My Irish Connection

 

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

I'm many generations Canadian but this is my Irish connection.

My maternal grandmother was a Dawson.  I'm told the Dawson family originated in France way back in the 16th century where the name was D'Ossine (sp).   When the D'Ossines left France and settled in Ireland the name was changed to Dawson. 

One of my ancestors, Richard Dawson, of Monaghan County, Ireland is my Irish connection.

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. 

The Dawsons added a north gallery to the church in 1769, and much later the Corry family (from Rockcorry) added a south gallery, raised on arches to avoid desecrating the burial ground beneath it. A fire caused serious damaged in 1811 leaving the church for a period without a roof. The fine west tower was built in 1840, and the sanctuary apse (centre above) in 1870. 

With the demolition of the Dawson mansion in 1950, and their once thriving estate turned over to forestry, St John’s appears isolated. However it shares services with St James’ church, Rockcorry some 2½ miles away, which the Dawsons built in 1855, and both churches continue well supported by the local farming community. 

But the view from St John’s cemetery across Inner Lough, once described as “one of the best in Ireland”, is currently obscured by conifers:

I still hope to get to Ireland one day to see the Dawson Monument.

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.

I don't know if my life qualifies or is dull enough to warrant membership. Since Brian passed away seven years ago, I live alone with my little cat Misty in a small apartment in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.

I moved from house to apartment after a few years trying to upkeep and maintain the house on my own. I don't really miss my house so much, but I do miss my backyard garden. I've tried to remedy this situation by buying a camp which, in my case, is a small trailer with an add-on of a couple of rooms. In itself, it's cozy and I love it but mostly I love the park in which it sits. I call it my 'tiny house' and I can make use of it only in the summer, early autumn months. The park is closed during our cold Canadian winters. A short walk from my little trailer is a lovely lake, a small beach, and the park provides some lovely roads for many quiet walk-abouts.

The majority of things I enjoy doing require that I be alone; for example, I love to read, to write, to paint pictures, to meditate.

Not to be an isolationist, I do participate with friends and family in social visits and activities. I'm a member of a writers' group and also I recently joined the Red Hat Society. Both of these groups meet once a month so they do serve well to get me out of the house to spend time with others.

I don't know if another would say my life is dull or not. Compared to the lives of many younger people, I'm quite sure it is. But I've reached a time in my life where in order to feel happy, I pray for the peace and happiness of those I care about. Happy is a fleeting emotion. Contentment is more abiding and I believe it is perhaps the best word I can choose to describe the way I feel about my life.

The majority of my time is spent alone with my God, and with my cat who is a wonderful companion. I very much look forward to hearing the stories shared by others who are members in this Dull Women''s Club. We may discover that we are not so dull as we think after all. :-) <3

Here is the link if you are interested in checking it out. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1060101668448997/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=1122655148860315

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.  

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy FREE in the Kindle Store

 https://www.amazon.ca/Moose-Canadian-Tragedy-Audrey-Austin-ebook/dp/B00FHP7SFS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MBN4S5TCYBQ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.scvqPARmkAW2b9wcHTt3F3U2QQqK5ZBqflaSlt_UtFjGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.q1I5odpRfLSVQuQDFMerw9NEMMnamhOb1AFmNWIPo2o&dib_tag=se&keywords=Audrey+Austin+Moose+Road&qid=1705638720&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin+moose+road%2Cstripbooks%2C103&sr=1-1

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.

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.

This book, second in a series of books containing the trilogy of visual art, poetry, and prose,

is $15.

Also available online but a little money savings now buying from me directly. My author's page

is https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Link to MORE POartRY and PROSE:

https://www.amazon.ca/MORE.../dp/1979092613/ref=sr_1_1?

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Sara, a Canadian Saga

 https://www.amazon.ca/SARA.../dp/B00H0H33JG/ref=sr_1_1...

And the first shall be last! Sara, a Canadian Saga, apart from a few articles and short stories, is my very first important publication. Sara is my first novel published by Wynterblue Publishing Company. This post about Sara shall be my last post about my publications in 2023. Sara received many positive reviews and, because of Sara's success, I have continued to write creatively over several years.

If you haven't read Sara, a Canadian Saga yet, then I do hope you will order a copy. Sara is available in Kindle, Paperback and Audiobook formats exclusively on all Amazon sites.

The time is 1916. Sara is a 10 year old girl in rural Prince Edward Island. Roy is a 10 year old boy in mining town, Nova Scotia. Through their eyes we see, feel and experience their childhood challenges. We follow them through adolescence and their turbulent teen years. We celebrate their courtship and suffer their lost innocence in the wedding ritual. They take us through the Great Depression and share with us the frustrations, dreams and challenges they face in adulthood. As parents they introduce us to their children. This story appeals to all ages because Sara and Roy hold up a mirror and ask the reader to recognize truth about the human condition for many Canadian families through difficult economic times. We witness love that does not come neatly wrapped and experience the quiet, sometimes desperate, drama of lives unfolding.

Some of the many positive reviews received by SARA:

Top reviews from Canada

Rhonda Woodworth-Tardif

4.0 out of 5 stars A very real story

Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2014

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 Roy and Sara. I found the story to be so real I wanted to give Roy 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.

Nadia E. Toski

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!

Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2014

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!

Top reviews from other countries

Barbara Mojica

4.0 out of 5 stars STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE

Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2014

Verified Purchase

This novel of historical fiction begins in the maritime provinces in Canada in 1916. It features two protagonists Sara and Roy, who are both age ten at the time. The reader experiences their struggles as children determined to succeed in troubled families whose lives are complicated further by the Depression years. Roy vows to “make something of himself”: Sara works hard to be an independent woman able to support herself.

When Sara and Roy meet and fall in love, circumstances will force them into the same unhappy lives that plagued their parents. Sara’s father is broken by the loss of his business; Luke loses his mother and detests his father’s remarriage. After Roy and Sara marry, the economy will turn sour, Luke loses one job after another. Sara gives up her good secretarial job to follow Luke. Not long after children are born who turn out to be much like their bickering parents. Eventually, Sara and Roy will be separated as he is forced to move to the city of Toronto to find employment. Finally things seem to be improving economically, but their personal struggles intensify.

Despite the turmoil, their family seems to be able to overcome one obstacle after the other. Luke and Sara both have conflicting personalities which are mirrored in their offspring, yet the family always manages to survive, The novel ends in 1942 with Sara rediscovering her childhood journal and reflecting upon her life.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Canada during this time period. The characters are well developed and true to life. This novel is a wonderful coming of age book for children age twelve and older. It is realistic family fiction that is an engaging quick read. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong compelling characters, this book is a good choice.

Michelle cooper

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2014

Verified Purchase

This is a superb book,the story of Sara and Roy is told so beautifully,I thoroughly enjoyed their story through their courtship.to adulthood,it was nice to read,and couldn't put it down at times,Audrey has become one of my favorite authors,and I have already downloaded a couple of freebies of hers today and will be using my Prime library to download one each month in the future,well done for an excellent read.

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

My Books on Goodreads

 https://www.goodreads.com/search?page=1&q=Audrey+Austin+&qid=K2I2CvOkrN&tab=books

Setting a Goal for 2024

Another Christmas is over.  And we look ahead to a new year.  

I also look ahead to a new year and pray that it will be a better one for our world than the one we are currently sharing.   For too many of our neighbours, the gifts received during 2023 are hunger, poverty, illness, violence, hatred and war.  

Yes, there are pockets of light in this dark world.  We all need to let our light shine.

Setting a goal for the new year is always a good idea.   Mine is to write THE Great Canadian Novel.  I have my idea.  I've begun my research and I plan to have my 26th publication available before Christmas of 2024.  I don't have a title yet.  Once I do, I'll let you know.

If setting a goal is too big a challenge in these difficult times, then having a direction is a good place to start.   Take the first step and then the next.  If there is the occasional backward step, that's okay.  It's okay because you have your direction firmly in your mind and sometimes, surprisingly, what seems like a backward step is a necessity allowing you to see greater possibilities.

Despite personal losses, periods of illness, moments of indecision, 2023 has been good to me.  I hope it has been good to you too.

I wish my readers all good things coming your way in 2024.  Most of all, I wish you peace and love - just like the hippies back in the sixties.    Loving one another!  What a victory that would be for our world!  To love our neighbour as we love ourselves sounds like a simple matter, doesn't it?

But most of us have learned the lesson.  We have learned that it is not always easy to be simple.

To my fellow authors, keep that ink flowing!  Don't be discouraged.  Take the first step.  Set your writing goal for 2024.

One of my favourite movies from back in the nineties, is The City of Joy.   I think of Hasari's father who said to his son,  "Remember, a man's journey to the end of his obligations is a very long road.  It may not be what you expect." 

When we set a goal, choose a direction, take the first step, we are demonstrating intention.   

Having said that, I immediately think of my dear mother who often shared the cliche, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Still we take the steps.   Set your goal.  Choose your direction.  Mostly, I wish you peace as we look ahead with hope to a new year.

MORE POartRY and PROSE

 I am very excited to announce my new release exclusively on Amazon.  MORE POartRY and PROSE  is now available in both Paperback and Kindle formats.

In this book I celebrate the trinity of creative writing, painting, and poetry.    The second book in a series, MORE POartRY and PROSE joins POartRY and PROSE for your reading and viewing pleasure.

Although these books come in both Kindle and Paperback formats I recommend you choose the Paperback to enjoy the artwork in colour.  Kindle is okay but the paintings are presented in only black and white.

I hope you will enjoy both books and thank you to my readers for your continued encouragement and support.   

My author's page is found at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1979092613/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1ETP5CYTQ8V0Y&keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1703204371&s=books&sprefix=audrey+austin%2Cstripbooks%2C118&sr=1-5

Life is good and life goes on..........

 My dear sister, Eleanor, passed away this morning, December 17, 2023.   I'm one of six siblings.  My elder brother, Ken, passed away in 2017.  My lovely sister, Muriel, passed away in 2005.   My husband, John, father of my children, died fairly recently.  My dear Brian passed away August 29, 2017.   My mother made her transition in 1990 and I was just a child of thirteen when my father died.

I have also lost grandparents, mother-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, many dear friends and many precious pets who have passed away.

I am well acquainted with grief and loss.  There are many beautiful people I have been blessed to know and love.

Still, I believe that life is good and life goes on.

I believe in life after death - life everlasting.   

Very recently I was quite ill with covid which, combined with COPD, gave me a very nasty month to endure.  At one point prior to my trip to our local hospital's emergency department I seriously thought that perhaps it was my time to leave.    Thankfully, I have survived.

I've always said that I am unafraid of death but I do fear pain and suffering.  I know that fear is the opposite to love.  I am trying to release myself from that fear because, for most humans, pain and suffering is the inevitable introduction to death.  

Once we die, we are alive again, and we are able to leave all pain and suffering behind as we continue our life adventure.

I loved my dear sister and I have loved many who have passed.  My love for them is alive and well.

Rest in peace, dear Eleanor.  May you be peacefully reunited with all those you have loved who have passed before you.  Life is good and life goes on.  xoxoxox

Covid

Today is Saturday, December 9, 2023.  Here in Elliot Lake, it is a mild but rainy day.  

Thankfully, my covid experience is on its way out.   Symptoms like a cough, shortness of breath, and tiredness remain but each day I am feeling a little more like my healthier self.

Covid has given me a most undesirable, sometimes frightening, month.  At one point, when I could not catch a breath, I was most grateful to my grandson who wasted no time getting me into the emergency department of our local hospital.

My underlying COPD condition assisted the nasty covid to do its best to stop me in my tracks.   I truly thought maybe it was time for me to exit the planet.

Believing transition was a good possibility, my biggest concern was my little cat, Misty.  Who would care for her?  Who would love her as she deserves to be loved?

Today I know I need to do one of two things.  I must outlive my adorable little Misty.  Or I must find someone willing to share their home with her should I need to leave.

I found no pleasure in feeling unmotivated to paint, to write, to cook, to clean, to do anything.   At the same time, I allowed myself to slip into the tiredness allowing it to be what it needed to be.  

I do not like to take medication but I am very grateful for that received.   Breathing became less a challenge in time.

Finally, I tested negative for covid.  I wish it on no one and I pray I will never experience it again.

I am living in a complex, complicated world.  It isn't always easy to remember to be in the world but not of the world.   But I try.  I'm told God loves a tryer and I know I must be found very trying.

I am an old lady, yet even this old lady can attest to the fact that life is very short.  Monday, Friday, Monday, Friday over many years, many events, many discouragements, many successes, many memories have come and have gone.  

I think of my friend, Jane, who asks why.  Why do we have war?  Why is there hunger?  Why can't we all just get along?    

When will we ever learn?   Never?  Too much time is squandered.

The most wise man said, "love one another".   It sounds like a simple thing to do.  But, I guess, it's not always easy to be simple.

In this world of darkness please keep your light shining.  

Sing your songs, paint your pictures, write your stories, love your neighbour, and take good care of yourself and those you love.

Trust the power of love, the power of one.   Do your best!  That, I guess, is all any one of us can do.

And, since this is my books' blog, thanks for buying a book or two.  

Thanks for listening.  

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy

 Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy has received many positive reviews.  Let me 

share one of them with you.

A review by Alan Black

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic and compelling

Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2014

Verified Purchase

Austin has written a not so simple story, weaving the lives of multiple residents on 

Moose Road around one tragic accident that leaves no one on the road or in the nearby

Northern Ontario Canada town untouched. The subplots tug at our desire to comfort 

some residents of this town with a hug and those same subplots yank at our exasperation

 switch yelling at us to slap sense into some of these same people. The main story cries

 for our attention and gets it.

Austin is able to show us one tragedy from every point of view except the moose. The

characters are so real that I wonder what Austin's neighbors thought about having their

secret lives dragged into the public view. I started this book just to have something to 

read in between my own chores. However... to heck with the chores, I finished the book

 in one sitting.

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is available exclusively on Amazon in both 

Kindle and Paperback formats.  It is also available as an audiobook on Amazon, 

Audibles, and ITunes for your listening pleasure.

Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin   

Audio Book Cover

Paperback Cover

My friend Kathleen Burke's Book Launch

 

My 24 paperback publications

 

These are the very first copies of my 24 paperback publications exclusively on Amazon.

Please check out my books at my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

POartRY and PROSE

 Creative Writing is my passion. Creating paintings with oil or acrylic paints is also my passion. POartRY and PROSE is the marriage of the two.

To create POartRY and PROSE, I began by posting the photos of some of the many paintings I have created. Then, beginning with the first painting, I looked at it before simply allowing words to flow.

With regard to the cover painting these were my feelings. As the river disappears behind the mountain, I feel the urge to follow it. I want to know what lies behind the mountain.

As I filled these pages with words, I had no idea what I would be thinking about, writing about, praying about. I had no agenda. I simply followed the river of photos of my paintings.

When the river flowed behind the mountain of another page, I hung onto the urge, and I followed it.

When I was faced with another painting, I was faced with a decision. What shall I write? Will I write a poem? Will I write prose?

This manuscript has been a writing adventure. I had no idea what I would write until I began writing.

And how does this creation of a manuscript differ from the way I live, and have lived, and will live my life?

I am open to life. I am prepared to meet whatever it may offer. I wish you, my readers, the same.

And now I continue this writing adventure. I'm just over 10,000 words written in the second book of the POartRY series. Its title is MORE POartRY and PROSE.

I hope to have this book ready to join its sister in time for Christmas shopping on all Amazon sites.

Thanks for checking out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

The Man on the Bench

 This short story is free in the Kindle store for your reading enjoyment on Sunday, October 29th, 2023.  

Cover photo:  Kathleen Burke 

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin