As I put on my therapist's hat ...........

It has been a few years since I put together one of my Homestead websites titled Focus On.  In this site I chose and, indeed, readers did help me to choose, upon which topics the spotlight would shine.

I spent some time yesterday sort of tidying up my Focus On website.  When I read my article on motivation I thought the information might be something worthwhile to put into this blog.

I'm sure you have heard the old saying, "We teach what we need to learn."  I confess that re-reading the words which I wrote long ago has helped me.  I hope this article is useful to you too.

I invite you to imagine yourself as the main character of the story I am about to tell.

You walk into a beautiful restaurant, take a seat at the table, and begin to look around your elegant surroundings.  You see others, like yourself, who are seated at other tables in the restaurant.
You see them enjoying delicious meals and realize how hungry you are.  You sit at your table for quite a long time and wonder why others have been served and you are being ignored.
Why are others enjoying the delicious food?  And why are you not?
Finally after quite a miserable while you look up and you notice the sign above the sumptuous feast table on the other side of the room. 
"BUFFET" 
Finally the realization sets in .....YOU MEAN I HAVE TO DO IT MYSELF?
Motivation is like that. 
Others can have influence....others can encourage ...but to feel motivated in life there is only one place to look for motivation and that is within yourself.
Motivation begins with desire.  Ask yourself what it is you truly desire. 
You may answer, "I want to feel motivated."
But take it deeper and ask yourself, What do I desire to be motivated about?
When motivation is sadly lacking usually what one is neglecting to pursue, to begin, to complete, is something one does not really want to be doing.  It is even possibly something one may think they cannot do or should not do.
To feel motivated is to feel passionate.  Where is the passion hiding within you?  How can you get in touch with it?  How can you bring it into your awareness?
Try this:  Close your eyes .....  think of what it is you want to see accomplished.  Now, in your mind's eye, see yourself doing it.  See whatever it is completed.
Then ask yourself, "Is this something I truly desire?"
If the answer is yes, ask yourself what is stopping you from achieving your goal?  What is blocking your motivation to have what you truly desire?
Is it fear of success?  Is it fear of failure?  Is it fear of the opinion of others?  Is it fear of a sense of accomplishment?
Are you able to recognize that it is a fear?
We, as human beings, are capable of far-ranging emotions and passions.  But, in truth, all emotions emanate from two source emotions which are fear and its opposite love.  Both are powerful.
Recognizing that what is preventing you from feeling motivated is fear then you, like the patron in the restaurant, will see the sign and will recognize that you have been your own impediment to enjoying the meal; to accomplishing the goal.
It is possible to overcome your fear with love.  And as my dear mother used to say, "If you want something done then simply begin."
Begin by visualizing your goal achieved.  This is your awareness.
Accept you have been your own roadblock.  This is your acceptance.
Then you can understand the equation, Acceptance + Awareness + Action equals CHANGE.
In order to feel motivated, to feel the passion, change is required and that possibility of change rests within you.
It's all about choice. We are all motivated.
Look within to discover what "motivates you to lack motivation?"
The answers are within you.
That's why you asked the question.

NEWS FLASH!! TAINTED was awarded the Arts Hamilton Literary Prize for fiction on November 15, 2010.

This is what Tess Gerritsen, New York Times-bestselling author of a dozen medical thrillers, including THE SURGEON, THE KEEPSAKE, and ICE COLD says about TAINTED:

“Fascinating and fast-paced, a medical thriller with the high-stakes tension of a frightening epidemic. Ross Pennie knows how to weave real science with crackling suspense.”

I have ordered my copy of Ross Pennie's medical thriller, TAINTED from Chapters Indigo.  I can hardly wait to read it.

And how exciting it is to know that Dr. Ross Pennie will be here in Elliot Lake to participate in the Elliot Lake Writers' Fall Festival 2011.

His newest novel titled TAMPERED will be available in bookstores May 1st.

Visit Ross Pennie's website to learn more about the book and how to purchase your copy.

FOCUS on my Focus Website

I spent a good deal of my afternoon updating some old pages in my Focus website.   Re-visiting it was a pleasure for me.  I'd forgotten how good some of the pages are..........there are visual and literary artists, poets and a lot of pages filled with motivational thoughts.

I hope you will want to spend some time exploring my Focus website.

Ellen and the Hummingtree.....Launch Spring 2011

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 her

relationship with God.

She allows us to witness

her vulnerability.

and invites us into her heart

where we experience

her joys and sorrows.

Ellen holds up the mirror

and, whether we want to or not, we see ourselves.

Watch for the launch of Ellen and the Hummingtree  in early 2011.   This is my third novel and I am very excited about introducing Ellen to you.   I have dedicated this book to my sister, Eleanor, who, like Ellen, is a strong woman of faith.    Though it is early yet pre-orders are always welcome.  I am just an email away.

Jake MacDonald........some of his books

Jake MacDonald is a full time writer but occasionally accepts invitations to teach, read stories, and address various groups. It is my hope that we will meet him here in Elliot Lake next year.  He has been the keynote speaker for distinguished organizations like the Canadian Club, entertained many groups of children and adults, and taught creative writing at institutions like Humber College and the Banff Centre for the Arts. His books are available at most book stores, or can be ordered from him at wholesale cost plus postage.  With his permission, I list here some of his books. 

Celebrate the Season with Elliot Lake Writers, December 4th

The programme for our December 4th event in the General Meeting Room at the Civic Centre at 2 pm is now complete and has been emailed out to participants.  16 talented local writers will be reading their short stories or poetry on this special afternoon.  Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Hope to see you there...........

Books to help us save our environment

5 Essential Books

Rules for Radicals
Author: Saul D. Alinsky

Where There is No Doctor
Author: Eric Schlosser

Peak Everything
Author: Richard Heinberg

Limits to Growth
Author: Meadows, Meadows and Randers

Square Foot Gardening
Author: Mel Bartholomew

Santa Claus Parade, Christmas Bazaar....and next Saturday we Celebrate with Elliot Lake Writers

We know Christmas is not far away now.   Last evening Elliot Lake's Santa Claus Parade pleased all who braved the cold weather and attended.   Today we celebrated our church's Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon.  There was a wonderful turnout and a pleasant afternoon with good food and good friends.

Next Saturday, December 4th, Elliot Lake Writers invite everyone to come Celebrate the Season.  Sixteen talented local writers will read their short stories and poetry.  The afternoon's presentation commences at 2 pm in the Civic Centre's General Meeting Room (next door to the Art Gallery) and admission is free.
  Everyone is welcome.  Hope to see you there.

Received from a friend today........

Something to think about.    
A Canadian can be English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German,  Spanish,

Polish, Russian or Greek.
A Canadian can be Mexican,  African, Indian,

Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, Arab, Pakistani or Afghan. 
A Canadian may also be a Cree, Métis, Mohawk, Blackfoot, Sioux, or one

of the many other tribes known as native Canadians. 
 A Canadian's religious beliefs range from Christian, Jewish, Buddhist,
Muslim, Hindu or none, as each of them chooses.
Whether they have a religion or no religion,

each Canadian ultimately answers only to God, not to the government,

or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God. 
    
A Canadian lives in one of the most prosperous lands in the history of

the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Charter of

Rights and Freedoms which recognize the right of each  person to the

pursuit of happiness. 
    
A Canadian is generous and Canadians have helped out just about every

other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in

return. Canadians welcome the best of everything, the best products, the

best books, the best music, the best food, the best services and the best

minds. But they also welcome the least -  the oppressed, the outcast

and the rejected. 
    
These are the people who built Canada . You can try to kill a Canadian

if you must as other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world have tried but in

doing so you could just be killing a relative or a neighbour. This is

because Canadians are not a particular people from a particular place. 

They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom.   Everyone

who holds to that spirit, everywhere, can be a Canadian. 

    
Please keep this going!   Pass this around the World.  

Then pass it around again. It says it all, for all of us. 

    
'Keep your stick on the ice eh'

Grant Applications.........a challenge to say the least

Soon I will be in the process of applying for grants from which I hope  $$  will be received for an upcoming planned community event.

Creating a budget is very difficult when income and expenses are a near unknown........

Setting goals is not so hard however learning new marketing and promotional skills is a challenge.

I expect it will all work out because things always have a way of doing just that but if you have any helpful advice or tips you wish to share please know your comments are most welcome. 

Winter has arrived in Elliot Lake.    Stay warm.  Drive safe.

How to Boil a Frog

This evening I watched the movie, "How to Boil a Frog".............after the viewing I thought, yes, I need to become more active in airing my views about the plight of our poor planet.  I will write articles about steps we can take to help the environment and ease the woes of our world.

I was excited to visit the "How to Boil a Frog" website once the movie was finished to see if there was some practical way I could become involved.

I was disappointed to see that parts of the site are still under construction but I will check back another time soon.

We will follow the advice given in the movie.  We don't eat beef to begin with and from now on we won't gas up at Esso.   These may seem like trivial things considering they are just the actions of one or two people on a personal path  but just imagine if hundreds, thousands and even  millions of people did the same.    We could make a difference.

I know I can't change the world......the only person I can change is me but if taking these small actions will create change then so be it.  I'm reminded of the equation, "Awareness plus acceptance plus action equals change."

I feel blessed to live in Canada.  I confess I often forget how truly blessed I am.  Sometimes I need a kick in the butt like the one I received from the movie, "How to Boil a Frog." 

Gabrielle Roy - The Tin Flute

I have just finished re-reading The Tin Flute by Gabrielle Roy.

Of all the authors I have read I believe Ms. Roy has had the greatest influence on my reading and writing preferences.

She was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba in 1909.  As a young woman she travelled to Europe to study drama and it was during this two year period in London and Paris that she began her writing career.

Roy's first novel, The Tin Flute depicted the life of a working-class family in Montreal's Saint-Henri district with incredible realism.

Her many honours include three Governor General's awards, France's Prix Femina and Quebec's Prix David.

Gabrielle Roy died in Quebec City in 1983. 

She taught me the importance of "keeping it real."  I am grateful for the influence she has had on my writing experience.

Soon it will be Christmas Day.....

Soon it will be Christmas Day.....today we decorated our tree and I just want to wish everyone a peaceful and joyous Christmas Season.

WynLit 24 writing competition

I did not believe it was possible to write a rhyming poem longer than 2000 words, rhyming 2nd and 4th lines with absolutely no repetition of rhyming words.

It was a challenge but it is done.  This is how I spent my Saturday and it was a lot of fun.

I am not a poet but I must confess I enjoyed spending an afternoon in this challenging way.

WynLit 24 hour competitions take place monthly.

Check out Wynterblue Publishing's website at http://www.wynter.ca/

Only 6 copies available

.....thanks for pre-ordering

THE SILENT STAR plus a dozen  is an anthology of short stories.  These stories proved successful in entering the Winners' Circle as a result of their entry into the WynLit 24 Competitions offered each month by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

THE SILENT STAR is a story which was most popular and, as a result, placed me third in the public voting.  Thanks to all who voted.

The amazing cover design is created by Susan at http://yuneekpix.com/

THE SILENT STAR plus a dozen contains a wonderful variety of short stories.  To learn more about it please visit my website at http://writeraudrey.homestead.com/shortstories.html

Saturday is Wyn Lit 24 day.......

Tomorrow I will be participating in Wynterblue's Wyn Lit 24 writing competition.  I will be given 24 hours to write a short story on a topic that will not be known to me until the commencement of the contest.

I've been entering these competitions for over two years now.  It is challenging and it is a lot of fun.

Most important it keeps me writing.

This may be something that interests you too?    Check out Wynterblue's website.

Still copies available of SARA, a Canadian Saga

SARA, a Canadian Saga  is my first novel.  I'm overjoyed that it is into its third printing.

For those of you who have not yet bought a copy I want you to know there are still some copies available.

Here is some feedback from readers of SARA.

"Your well-written  book brought memories of actual places and people to me.  I was a child growing up on Prince Edward Island in the dirty thirties." K. Austin

"I've read your book already and loved the story. It reminded me of the stories my parents and grandparents used to relate about the 20's and 30's, Your story will sell very well with the older audience and educate the younger ones.  They were not easy days for anyone." Judy Donovan-McDonald.

"I received SARA on Tuesday and cóuldn't wait to read it.  I couldn't put it down.  I really enjoyed the story especially the streets in Toronto.  It brought back a lot of memories.  It is good for the soul to remember the past.  Could that be why we call them the good old days?  Looking forward to a sequel.   Maureen Jones-Motchan.

"I truly enjoyed reading SARA.  At times I laughed and at other times I felt tears welling up.  It was such a good story, well written and I loved it." Eleanor Lambert.

I just finished reading "Sara."   I would have read it sooner, but have this strange desire to read my books in the order I receive them, lol.

I took the book to work with me where I was teaching a grade 7 class.  The children were directed to write about a time when they or someone they knew, demonstrated perseverance.  I held up the book and used "Sara" as an example of a woman who demonstrated perseverance.  I also spoke to the fact that the author demonstrated this quality in her determination to have her story published.  You would not believe the response from these kids - many wanted to know if they could get it at Chapters.  This story is uniquely Canadian and should be marketed to adolescents as part of their Canadian heritage.  "Sara" is a narrative that figures in the histories of Canadian families everywhere.  I will be passing this on to my son!

The line that cracked me up and drew me in for good: 

"Their mother set the steaming bowls of vegetables in the centre of the large, old, wooden table that no amount of wax and polish could dignify." (p. 11) 

I won't over-analyze why this struck me as hilarious, it just did.  What sad, sad state Rebecca was in over her table, lol.    This table is a silent witness to generations of love, hope, fear, strife, courage, ignorance and finally, understanding. What a beautiful metaphor for an old scratched up, banged around history that none of us can escape and our fear of endlessly repeating it. 

Thank-you for inviting us to the table.

Karen.

This is  just a taste of the amazing feedback I have received from some readers of SARA...........hope you will want to buy a copy too.  They are $20 a copy and to purchase yours just email me and I will deliver your copy to you if you live here in town.  Otherwise your book will be in the mail the same day I receive your payment.   Thanks in advance...Audrey.

Rev. Janet Stobie

Working on, and now, launching my latest book, “A Place Called Home”, has meant that for the last year, much of my focus has been on the issue of homelessness.
In the Bible, we hear the story of Ruth and Naomi. Famine had brought Naomi, her husband and two sons to a strange land. Death left Naomi with two daughters-in-law, no income and no home, far from her own people. One daughter-in-law returned to her father. The other, Ruth, pledged to go with Naomi. With great courage and God’s help, the two widows return to Naomi’s home country, where family helps them build a new life. Traditionally, this is considered a story of family commitment and faith. It is also a story of homelessness.
Many of us today equate homelessness with the people we see sleeping outside on heating grates in big cities. We believe that we would never be in that position. Hopefully, we won’t. But the reality is that many of us live from paycheque to paycheque. Relentless payments: insurance, mortgage or rent and hydro bills pay no attention to job layoffs, broken relationships or illness. Without the support of family and friends, ordinary middle and low income families can and do find themselves in crisis without shelter.
In the City of Kawartha Lakes, there is a place for families as well as singles and teens, a home where there is support for people in crisis. Many of us do not know its story, or even that it exists. On Thursday, Nov.18, from 5:30-7:00 PM, A Place Called Home will host an open house and launch my book to give everyone an opportunity to grow in their understanding of homelessness today. I urge you to come and see and learn. Join me Thursday at A Place Called Home, 64 Lindsay Street, South, Lindsay, Ont.

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip. (John 1:49)

 

The book will be available for purchase at the launch, in Lindsay at Footprints and Kent Book stores, from the author, at A Place Called Home offices and on the internet at www.revjantheauthor.blogspot.com  and www.aplacecalledhome.org

Only 7 copies left

.....thanks for pre-ordering

THE SILENT STAR plus a dozen  is an anthology of short stories.  These stories proved successful in entering the Winners' Circle as a result of their entry into the WynLit 24 Competitions offered each month by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

THE SILENT STAR is a story which was most popular and, as a result, placed me third in the public voting.  Thanks to all who voted.

The amazing cover design is created by Susan at http://yuneekpix.com/

THE SILENT STAR plus a dozen contains a wonderful variety of short stories.  To learn more about it please visit my website at http://writeraudrey.homestead.com/shortstories.html

The book will be ready to launch in plenty of time for Christmas gift-giving.  To place your order now please get in touch.

Upcoming Events in Elliot Lake

Celebrate the Season with Elliot Lake Writers - Dec. 4th

ELWW presents the third annual 'Come Celebrate the Season with Elliot Lake Writers'!
Local Writers will give a public presentation of short stories or poems they have written on the topic of 'WINTER'
The event is FREE.  Everyone is welcome.
In the general meeting room at the Civic Centre, Saturday December 4th, 2PM to 4PM.Contact Information - Elliot Lake Writers Workshop - 848-5992


Sweet, Suite Sounds of Music - Dec. 19th

A Christmas concert hosted by Suite Music.  The concert will include a great variety, including solos, quartets, 2 choruses, chime choir and a concert band.  The concert will be at the Holy Trinity United Church.  Tickets are on sale at Alpine Flowers for $10.00 or can be purchased at the door for $12.00. For more information call Ann Foy at 461-3245.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Silent Star plus a Dozen by Audrey Austin

The First Edition of The Silent Star plus a dozen by Audrey Austin will be on sale.It is an anthology containing 13 short stories, written by Austin, that were short-listed in Wynterblue Competitions.
The book will be available in time for Christmas gift0giving, 2010.
Place your order today!
PRICE - $20.00
Learn more about "The Silent Star plus a dozen" on Audrey's Website
http://www.writeraudrey.homestead.com/

ARIEL OfficeLester B. Pearson Civic Centre
Elliot Lakearielgroup@live.com
(705) 461-3297
www.arielgroup.ca
www.galleryatthecentre.com

Elliot Lake Writers

We had great fun and greater learning at our writers' meeting this week.  We laughed at our over-abundance of Cliches & adverbs and we had our struggles with "Show...not Tell" ...... huge thanks as always to our outstanding instructor.

Soon we will be celebrating the season with our public presentation of short stories and poetry and I trust we will have a good turnout that day.

"Celebrate the Season with Elliot Lake Writers"  is happening December 4th at 2 pm  in the Civic Centre, Elliot Lake.  It's free and everyone is welcome.

writing small.....a posting by Michelle Davidson Argyle

Lately I've been looking at my work and wondering why it feels so boring when I prop it up next to other stories. I finally realized it's because I've been comparing it to other stories that aren't even in the same realm. You know, that apples to oranges thing. Here's the thing: I write small.

I was having dinner with a friend last night and we touched on the subject of ideas. She told me her latest idea and my mouth dropped open. It was so...sparkly. I was a bit dazzled and then I thought about my own ideas and they just looked seriously lame.

You see, big is not better than small. Apples are not better than oranges. Sparkly ideas are not better than matte ideas. It pretty much means we are all different and like different things. I like intimate settings, small groups of characters, stories about small changes. The sparkly ideas seem to work on grander scale settings and deal with larger groups of characters (or at least characters interacting with larger groups) who bring about big changes either in their world or themselves.

I don't mean to say every story can be categorized as big or small. Some of the best stories incorporate elements of both. On the whole, however, I do think most writers tend to lean more toward one or the other. Which one do you lean toward?

Visit my website:

Michelle Davidson Argyle
author ~ contemporary, literary, and fantasy fiction
michelledavidsonargyle.com

My baby is off to kindergarten.........

This morning I sent off to Wynterblue Publishing all the necessary information for the publication of "The Silent Star plus a dozen."    This action has left me feeling much the way I felt years ago on the morning when I first sent my little child off to kindergarten.

With the child travels my love, my hope, and my prayer for her well-being and for her success.

I wonder if readers realize how much of herself/himself an author puts into a publication. 

When I see a book  published and out in the world all by itself for the first time it gives me a wonderful feeling....................but it also makes me feel very vulnerable.  I want to be very protective of this baby to which I have given birth.

Of course I want this child to be adopted into many homes..........every author wants to make sales.

But do we really want critique after a book is published?

Of course we do if the critique is positive and complimentary.

Do we want to hear that the story is bad?   Of course not.

What parent wants to hear negative comments about his child?  

When given the opportunity I say to purchasers of my books, "I hope you will enjoy the story and if you do, please let me know.  If you don't, then please keep it to yourself, because it cannot be changed to suit you.  It is done."

Still, sometimes a reader feels the need to say something negative and thank God we live in a free country so they have this right and privilege.

Writers, and in fact, all artists, need to develop a tough skin........we need to let the negative energy roll away like rain off a duck's back.

The Silent Star plus a dozen   will be in the hands of readers soon.

It is my sincere hope that they will enjoy the reading as much as I enjoyed the writing.

Author Nick Vujicic

Born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic overcame his disability to live not just independently but a rich, fulfilling life, becoming a model for anyone seeking true happines. His central message is that the most important goal for anyone is to find their life’s purpose despite whatever difficulties or seemingly impossible odds stand in their way.
This is the book that you'll read again and again; the one you will want to share with friends, loved ones, students and teachers.

To learn more visit:    http://attitudeisaltitude.com/

The world of blog

It's a new adventure for me into this world of blog.   I click on an interest which is mine and find the blogs of hundreds or even thousands of others who share my interest.   This is a good thing.

What I want to do is to bring people to my blog; to share, to express, to create.

Now that I have set this goal I am overjoyed that you want to help me achieve it.

Years ago when I was in a university classroom I needed to complete a writing assignment.  The topic was People are Basically Good.

I wrote my essay and though I thought it was okay, I was dissatisfied.

So I wrote another essay and this one I titled, People are Basically Bad.

Not knowing which contained the greater percentage of truth I handed in both essays for grading.

My instructor gave me a good mark......for both.

That was a long time ago.  Today I am simply inclined to believe that "People are Interesting".

Check out Linda Pendleton's blogs

Hi Audrey,

 

Yes, I'd be happy for you to share my article on your blog.

http://mydropsofink.blogspot.com/2010/11/average-hardworking-author.html

 

Thank you for asking.  Yes, I agree that self-publishing is the answer for many of us.  And many of us are publishing in that manner and happy with it.  I have written several blog posts  about the new way to publish.  I am also on another blog with my good friend and author Jon Guenther.  You might want to check out the posts there, also.  I believe we are now moving away from the negative connotation that some have given alternative publishing. 

Jon's site:    http://ctrlaltpub.blogspot.com/

 

and of course, mine:

http://mydropsofink.blogspot.com/

 

Thanks, and good luck with your writing.

 

My best, Linda Pendleton

 

"The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are."
- Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)

 

Linda Pendleton, Author 

 

Linda's Blogs: 
http://www.worldofspirit.blogspot.com/
http://www.mydropsofink.blogspot.com/

http://www.cornsilkdays.blogspot.com/

An average hard working author

Special thanks to Linda Pendleton, a published author in Northern California, for sharing the following article:

Saturday, November 13, 2010

"Average Hardworking Author"

For quite a long time I have heard comments by writers that the midlist author is being pushed aside by the NY Six—that is not a typo of Sex but I refer to the NY corporate publishers which currently number Six, while not too many years ago, the number was at least twice that.

Apparently NY publishers for some time have been pulling away from supporting the midlist author who was once considered a consistent, yet moderate seller. They seem also to have given up a vision (if they ever had one) of taking a chance on a new author or an author who has broken through the midlist category into a possible BIG book.

So where does that put the average hardworking author who is marketing his or her new quality manuscript? When publishers are not acquiring new manuscripts where does that put the average hardworking author? When literary agents are not taking on additional authors because they cannot sell the material they already represent, where does that put the average hardworking author? When publishers offer small advances, much smaller than in previous years, and expect to do a small number press run, where does that put the average hardworking author?

It may have the average hardworking author looking at small independent presses, and considering low advances and low print runs. Expectations may not be as high at a small press—so a successful publication of an average hardworking author’s book may just be that: successful.

But that average hardworking author may look beyond tying their manuscript up with even a small press, and look to other publishing opportunities.

And what might those opportunities be for the average hardworking author?

Ebooks and Print on Demand may be exactly what that average hardworking author is looking for.

One place for the average hardworking author to look to publish the quality book he or she has created, is at Amazon’s Kindle and Createspace, and Smashwords.

And that average hardworking author will reap the benefits of excellent royalty rates and enjoy a sense of freedom, which may make the lack of an advance paid against royalties a good thing.

All stories come to an end, but for this average hardworking author who now has a new book published, can do what he or she does best: write the next book.

~Linda

An invitation from Elliot Lake Writers' Workshop

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Enjoy a public presentation
 of short stories and poetry
written by local authors.

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

General Meeting Room

(next door to the art gallery)

Civic Centre, Elliot Lake

Free admission! Everyone is welcome!

Elliot Lake Writers’ Workshop is a proud member of A.R.I.E.L.

ONLY 8 COPIES LEFT......thanks for pre-ordering

THE SILENT STAR plus a dozen  is an anthology of short stories.  These stories proved successful in entering the Winners' Circle as a result of their entry into the WynLit 24 Competitions offered each month by Wynterblue Publishing Canada.

THE SILENT STAR is a story which was most popular and, as a result, placed me third in the public voting.  Thanks to all who voted.

The amazing cover design is created by Susan at http://yuneekpix.com/

THE SILENT STAR plus a dozen contains a wonderful variety of short stories.  To learn more about it please visit my website at http://writeraudrey.homestead.com/shortstories.html

The book will be ready to launch in plenty of time for Christmas gift-giving.  To place your order now please get in touch.

Book Cover Design

If you are an author seeking a book cover designer you will never regret getting in touch with Susan.  She is the artist who creates all my covers. She's an amazing talent. But don't take my word for it.  Check out her website at http://yuneekpix.com/

I know it is said that we can't judge a book by its cover.........but as a writer I feel blessed to have my words wrapped within the wonderful covers designed by Susan at Yuneekpix.com

a critique of SARA, a Canadian Saga

I received the following critique today from my niece who just happens to be a school teacher.  I'm very happy to share it with readers of my blog.  From my heart, thank you, Karen (hugs).

I just finished reading "Sara."   I would have read it sooner, but have this strange desire to read my books in the order I receive them, lol.

I took the book to work with me where I was teaching a grade 7 class.  The children were directed to write about a time when they or someone they knew, demonstrated perseverance.  I held up the book and used "Sara" as an example of a woman who demonstrated perseverance.  I also spoke to the fact that the author demonstrated this quality in her determination to have her story published.  You would not believe the response from these kids - many wanted to know if they could get it at Chapters.  This story is uniquely Canadian and should be marketed to adolescents as part of their Canadian heritage.  "Sara" is a narrative that figures in the histories of Canadian families everywhere.  I will be passing this on to my son!

The line that cracked me up and drew me in for good: 

"Their mother set the steaming bowls of vegetables in the centre of the large, old, wooden table that no amount of wax and polish could dignify." (p. 11) 

I won't over-analyze why this struck me as hilarious, it just did.  What sad, sad state Rebecca was in over her table, lol.    This table is a silent witness to generations of love, hope, fear, strife, courage, ignorance and finally, understanding. What a beautiful metaphor for an old scratched up, banged around history that none of us can escape and our fear of endlessly repeating it. 

Thank-you for inviting us to the table.

Karen.

'TIS THE SEASON...

ELLIOT LAKE WRITERS

INVITE YOU TO

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Enjoy a public presentation
 of short stories and poetry
written by local authors.

Saturday, December 4th, 2010

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

General Meeting Room

(next door to the art gallery)

Civic Centre, Elliot Lake

Free admission! Everyone is welcome!

Elliot Lake Writers’ Workshop is a proud member of A.R.I.E.L.

Are You Seeking a Book Cover Designer?

If you are an author seeking a book cover designer you will never regret getting in touch with Susan.  She is the artist who creates all my covers. She's an amazing talent. But don't take my word for it.  Check out her website at http://yuneekpix.com/

I know it is said that we can't judge a book by its cover.........but as a writer I feel blessed to have my words wrapped within the wonderful covers designed by Susan at Yuneekpix.com

A letter from a school teacher regarding SARA, a Canadian Saga

I received the following critique today from my niece who just happens to be a school teacher.  I'm very happy to share it with readers of my blog.  From my heart, thank you, Karen (hugs).

I just finished reading "Sara."   I would have read it sooner, but have this strange desire to read my books in the order I receive them, lol.

I took the book to work with me where I was teaching a grade 7 class.  The children were directed to write about a time when they or someone they knew, demonstrated perseverance.  I held up the book and used "Sara" as an example of a woman who demonstrated perseverance.  I also spoke to the fact that the author demonstrated this quality in her determination to have her story published.  You would not believe the response from these kids - many wanted to know if they could get it at Chapters.  This story is uniquely Canadian and should be marketed to adolescents as part of their Canadian heritage.  "Sara" is a narrative that figures in the histories of Canadian families everywhere.  I will be passing this on to my son!

The line that cracked me up and drew me in for good: 

"Their mother set the steaming bowls of vegetables in the centre of the large, old, wooden table that no amount of wax and polish could dignify." (p. 11) 

I won't over-analyze why this struck me as hilarious, it just did.  What sad, sad state Rebecca was in over her table, lol.    This table is a silent witness to generations of love, hope, fear, strife, courage, ignorance and finally, understanding. What a beautiful metaphor for an old scratched up, banged around history that none of us can escape and our fear of endlessly repeating it. 

Thank-you for inviting us to the table.

Karen.

SARA, a Canadian Saga

To order your copy of SARA, a Canadian Saga email me.