My audio books are available on
Amazon,
Audibles and Itunes
Audibles and Itunes
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've recently entered the ;exciting world of books for children. I hope you will want to get to know me and, of course, I hope you will want to buy a book or two.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
The Last Drop - an excerpt
The Last Drop - an excerpt
"X marks the spot
where the children play
They want more rain
and the clouds obey
Yet when they start
to dance and to hop
The sun shines like gold
and they feel the last drop.
 |
| https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FNX3W7M/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i56 |
THE LAST DROP is a short story written in rhyming couplets
for young children
who can learn and enjoy the alphabet.
Alison and Bobby are kept inside on a rainy day
but the pink and blue umbrellas save the day.
The Last Drop is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats
for a young child's reading pleasure.
Cover design by SusanRK of https://yuneekpix.com
for young children
who can learn and enjoy the alphabet.
Alison and Bobby are kept inside on a rainy day
but the pink and blue umbrellas save the day.
The Last Drop is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats
for a young child's reading pleasure.
Cover design by SusanRK of https://yuneekpix.com
Visit my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Thank you for your positive reviews
on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Dinner At Seven - an excerpt
Dinner At Seven - an excerpt
"It takes great effort but finally my eyes blink. I can survey my surroundings and I know I am home. "Brenda," I say. And then the dam breaks again. "Oh, my god, Brenda. I want to die!" Through my ravaged tears I cry in pain. "I need to hide. I want to die!"
I see Brenda pick up the phone. "I will call the doctor, Marsha."
I plead with my friend, "No, Brenda, don't! Don't please! I don't want to see anyone!"
She replaces the phone and says, "I've made you some green tea, Marsha."
She is speaking to me the way one would speak to an injured child or an elderly invalid. She cajoles me in a mother-like way. "Come on now, sit up and let me pour you some tea."
I respond to her motherly warmth. I struggle to sit up. I feel totally disoriented but Brenda persists in her gentle manner and places the warm cup in my hand. Finally, sipping the warm tea, my body relaxes a little and my torrential tears are replaced by soft tears that fall freely down my face and drip, unchecked, from my chin.
"There's a good girl," Brenda soothes. "There's nothing like a good cry and a good cup of tea to make a woman feel better." She hands me some tissues and asks, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"It takes great effort but finally my eyes blink. I can survey my surroundings and I know I am home. "Brenda," I say. And then the dam breaks again. "Oh, my god, Brenda. I want to die!" Through my ravaged tears I cry in pain. "I need to hide. I want to die!"
I see Brenda pick up the phone. "I will call the doctor, Marsha."
I plead with my friend, "No, Brenda, don't! Don't please! I don't want to see anyone!"
She replaces the phone and says, "I've made you some green tea, Marsha."
She is speaking to me the way one would speak to an injured child or an elderly invalid. She cajoles me in a mother-like way. "Come on now, sit up and let me pour you some tea."
I respond to her motherly warmth. I struggle to sit up. I feel totally disoriented but Brenda persists in her gentle manner and places the warm cup in my hand. Finally, sipping the warm tea, my body relaxes a little and my torrential tears are replaced by soft tears that fall freely down my face and drip, unchecked, from my chin.
"There's a good girl," Brenda soothes. "There's nothing like a good cry and a good cup of tea to make a woman feel better." She hands me some tissues and asks, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Dinner At Seven is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats
for your reading pleasure.
Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Your positive reviews are welcome
on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
The Silent Star plus a Dozen - an excerpt
The Silent Star plus a Dozen - an excerpt
"Had he given me a fair chance? No! Even as I stood there alone, a self-convicted murderer, I drew strength from the words of a hymn we sometimes sang in church, 'Proclaim the day is near, the day in whose clear-shining light all wrong shall stand revealed.' It was time for the world to know the truth about Ike Campbell.
I felt a little sorry for Marta. She was the one who found us in the cellar when she came home from the meeting. It wasn't her fault. She didn't know and I didn't tell her.
I vaguely remember the trial. I set The Silent Star aside and basically I spilled my guts. I told the truth; everything that had been done to me by Ike. I don't know if anyone believed me or not.
Because I was just fourteen they didn't send me to the federal prison at that time. Instead they sent me to a boys' reformatory. They kept me there until I was twenty-one. At that time I stood before a Judge again. I didn't say much but somehow the Judge was convinced that I was reformed and I was free at last.
I didn't know what to do with the freedom."
"Had he given me a fair chance? No! Even as I stood there alone, a self-convicted murderer, I drew strength from the words of a hymn we sometimes sang in church, 'Proclaim the day is near, the day in whose clear-shining light all wrong shall stand revealed.' It was time for the world to know the truth about Ike Campbell.
I felt a little sorry for Marta. She was the one who found us in the cellar when she came home from the meeting. It wasn't her fault. She didn't know and I didn't tell her.
I vaguely remember the trial. I set The Silent Star aside and basically I spilled my guts. I told the truth; everything that had been done to me by Ike. I don't know if anyone believed me or not.
Because I was just fourteen they didn't send me to the federal prison at that time. Instead they sent me to a boys' reformatory. They kept me there until I was twenty-one. At that time I stood before a Judge again. I didn't say much but somehow the Judge was convinced that I was reformed and I was free at last.
I didn't know what to do with the freedom."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I2VD1HS/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i16
The Silent Star Plus a Dozen is available in Kindle format only.
However The Silent Star Plus a Dozen Selections is available
exclusively on Amazon
in both Kindle and Paperback formats for your reading enjoyment.
The Silent Star Plus a Dozen is available in Kindle format only.
However The Silent Star Plus a Dozen Selections is available
exclusively on Amazon
in both Kindle and Paperback formats for your reading enjoyment.
The short story titled The Silent Star also dares to stand alone in the Kindle Store.
I hope you will enjoy reading the short stories in these anthologies.
Thank you for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
and
Thank you for your positive reviews on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Monday, January 28, 2019
When God Gives Us Spring - an excerpt
When God Gives Us Spring -- an excerpt
"From that dock in Kingston we traveled overnight and into the early morning by wagon to a large white farmhouse. "Welcome to our home," Greta said.
"That's a funny hat she's wearing," Lucinda whispered to me.
I had to agree with Lucinda but soon I learned it was the custom of Quaker women to wear these funny hats called bonnets. We had traveled long and we had come a far distance. It was in the year of our Lord 1844 that Lucinda and me landed in Canada.
Autumn was approaching and soon we would feel our first Canadian winter."
"From that dock in Kingston we traveled overnight and into the early morning by wagon to a large white farmhouse. "Welcome to our home," Greta said.
"That's a funny hat she's wearing," Lucinda whispered to me.
I had to agree with Lucinda but soon I learned it was the custom of Quaker women to wear these funny hats called bonnets. We had traveled long and we had come a far distance. It was in the year of our Lord 1844 that Lucinda and me landed in Canada.
Autumn was approaching and soon we would feel our first Canadian winter."
When God Gives Us Spring is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats.
When God Gives Us Spring is also available in audio book format
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes
narrated by
the very talented Earl Sewell.
Cover design on the audio book format of
When God Gives Us Spring
is created by Susan RK
Visit my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Thank you for your positive reviews on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Simply BE -- an excerpt
Simply BE - an excerpt
BE AWARE
BE AWARE
Be aware of what is happening
Around you
While being sure
You understand
What is going on
Within you.
Be aware
Of nature's power.
After thunder
Comes the lightning,
After rain
The rainbow,
After the storm
The sun will shine
Peace restored,
Yours and mine.
Simply BE is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats.
This book is ideal for gift-giving.
Thanks for visiting my author's page at
Your positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads are always welcome.
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Ellen and The Hummingtree - an excerpt
Ellen and The Hummingtree - an excerpt
"The next thing I know Sandi opens a door and leads me into one of the hotel rooms. I see a bed by the window. I see an armchair not much different from the one I have at home in my bedroom. It's even the same colour. I see a bookshelf and as I run my finger along the backs of the books I think it's odd that the shelf holds some of the very books I own. Then I notice a couple of photos. How very odd! I see a photo of a bride and groom. When I look closely I see that the bride is me. And my Jerry was so very young in that wedding picture. I see another photo of Carol and Sandi atop a dresser. This is very strange. I'm confused. I pinch my arm to see if I'm awake.
I decide to open one of the drawers in the dresser. In the top drawer I see my pretty yellow nightgown, the very one my mother gave to me on my birthday; the very gown I was wearing just this morning. At least I think it was just this morning. I'm a little confused.
I turn around to look at Carol and Sandi. I see the waitress is still wearing the medical scrubs. I am wondering why she is there in the room with us. "What's going on, Carol?"
"The next thing I know Sandi opens a door and leads me into one of the hotel rooms. I see a bed by the window. I see an armchair not much different from the one I have at home in my bedroom. It's even the same colour. I see a bookshelf and as I run my finger along the backs of the books I think it's odd that the shelf holds some of the very books I own. Then I notice a couple of photos. How very odd! I see a photo of a bride and groom. When I look closely I see that the bride is me. And my Jerry was so very young in that wedding picture. I see another photo of Carol and Sandi atop a dresser. This is very strange. I'm confused. I pinch my arm to see if I'm awake.
I decide to open one of the drawers in the dresser. In the top drawer I see my pretty yellow nightgown, the very one my mother gave to me on my birthday; the very gown I was wearing just this morning. At least I think it was just this morning. I'm a little confused.
I turn around to look at Carol and Sandi. I see the waitress is still wearing the medical scrubs. I am wondering why she is there in the room with us. "What's going on, Carol?"
Ellen and The Hummingtree is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats.
Ellen and The Hummingtree is currently in production
and will be released as an audio book available on
Amazon, Audible, and Itunes
spring of 2019
narrated by the very talented
Falon Echo
Cover design by Susan RK of https://yuneekpix.com
Visit my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Thank you for your positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
Friday, January 25, 2019
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy - an excerpt
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy - an excerpt
"Tom wanted me to go to the psychologist's office with him but I would not and I will not. No amount of counseling will bring my babies back to me. Nor do I believe that any amount of writing is going to ease my pain but still I write. I don't know what else to do. If I could die, I would be happy to do so. But how does a dead woman die? I am still here so it is obvious to me that God doesn't want to take me. He just wanted to take my children in order to punish me. I loved my children. My babies were my world. What crime did I commit that I should deserve this penalty?"
"Tom wanted me to go to the psychologist's office with him but I would not and I will not. No amount of counseling will bring my babies back to me. Nor do I believe that any amount of writing is going to ease my pain but still I write. I don't know what else to do. If I could die, I would be happy to do so. But how does a dead woman die? I am still here so it is obvious to me that God doesn't want to take me. He just wanted to take my children in order to punish me. I loved my children. My babies were my world. What crime did I commit that I should deserve this penalty?"
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is available exclusively on Amazon
in both Paperback and Kindle formats.
Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is also available in audio book format
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes
narrated by
the very talented
John Carter Aimone
Cover design on all formats of Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy
are created by
the very talented
Susan RK of https://yuneekpix.com
Visit my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
and thank you
for your positive reviews
on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Beyond The Blue - an excerpt
Beyond The Blue - a coming of age novella - an excerpt
"In this strange environment Anthony missed his friend, Enigami, yet though he was far from him he could feel his powerful presence when he remembered his words of wisdom, 'Trust me, child, you are never alone.'
Finally the loud bell rang persistently throughout the classrooms, up and down the corridors, and out into the schoolyards. At last the school day was over. Feeling reprieved the unrepentant Tony hurried out of Mr. Prince's classroom. He went in search of Leona and Ronald in order to walk home with them. Even in all his excitement over the new location of his private window he did not forget that he was bringing his friend David home to share supper with his family."
"In this strange environment Anthony missed his friend, Enigami, yet though he was far from him he could feel his powerful presence when he remembered his words of wisdom, 'Trust me, child, you are never alone.'
Finally the loud bell rang persistently throughout the classrooms, up and down the corridors, and out into the schoolyards. At last the school day was over. Feeling reprieved the unrepentant Tony hurried out of Mr. Prince's classroom. He went in search of Leona and Ronald in order to walk home with them. Even in all his excitement over the new location of his private window he did not forget that he was bringing his friend David home to share supper with his family."
Beyond The Blue is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats
for your reading pleasure.
Beyond The Blue is currently in production as an audio book
narrated by the very talented
 |
| Earl Sewell and will be available spring of 2019 on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes for your listening pleasure. Thank you for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin |
Your positive reviews are invited and most welcome
on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Crabapple Court - an excerpt
Crabapple Court - an excerpt
"Oh, my God, Ernie! No wonder the reporters are hounding me like that!" She hands the newspaper to her husband. "How do they all know that anyway? Who told the reporters that I put Patricia to sleep before the police arrived? Only the local police knew that and surely they wouldn't give out that kind of information."
"Patricia's father knew, didn't he?"
"Well, yes, Ernie, but surely he wouldn't have told that to reporters, would he? I mean he's the one who was urging me to help Patricia. She was hysterical. They are making it look like I was trying to hide something."
"Oh, my God, Ernie! No wonder the reporters are hounding me like that!" She hands the newspaper to her husband. "How do they all know that anyway? Who told the reporters that I put Patricia to sleep before the police arrived? Only the local police knew that and surely they wouldn't give out that kind of information."
"Patricia's father knew, didn't he?"
"Well, yes, Ernie, but surely he wouldn't have told that to reporters, would he? I mean he's the one who was urging me to help Patricia. She was hysterical. They are making it look like I was trying to hide something."
 |
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNBSKXE/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i5 |
Crabapple Court is available exclusively on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats.
Beautiful cover design is by Susan RK of https://yuneekpix.com
Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
and thank you for your positive reviews on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
RECOMPENSE - an excerpt
RECOMPENSE - an excerpt
"The day I first met Maurice Wilson I thought that at last my coin had landed heads up. I was at work as usual when this black man came into the post office and said he wasn't sure where he was to go in order to report for work. Now this was maybe twenty-five years ago and in my whole life I had never met a black man before. "I've been hired as a mail carrier," he told me.
"Congratulations!" I said before I directed him to the main post office where he could report for work.
He thanked me and then at the end of my work day when I was locking the doors of the sub post-office I was taken by surprise. "Hello again," he said.
I turned and returned his smile, "Hello."
"I haven't lived in High River for very long," he told me. "Today was my first day on the job and it went very well."
"I'm happy to hear that."
"In my country when something good like this happens it is customary to celebrate."
"Your country?"
"Yes, will you come and have dinner with me and I will tell you all about it?"
"I simply stood and stared at this man. I could not remember the last time a man had invited me out for dinner. I was stunned. But not so stunned that I was going to refuse. "Thank you. I'd like to have dinner with you."
"The day I first met Maurice Wilson I thought that at last my coin had landed heads up. I was at work as usual when this black man came into the post office and said he wasn't sure where he was to go in order to report for work. Now this was maybe twenty-five years ago and in my whole life I had never met a black man before. "I've been hired as a mail carrier," he told me.
"Congratulations!" I said before I directed him to the main post office where he could report for work.
He thanked me and then at the end of my work day when I was locking the doors of the sub post-office I was taken by surprise. "Hello again," he said.
I turned and returned his smile, "Hello."
"I haven't lived in High River for very long," he told me. "Today was my first day on the job and it went very well."
"I'm happy to hear that."
"In my country when something good like this happens it is customary to celebrate."
"Your country?"
"Yes, will you come and have dinner with me and I will tell you all about it?"
"I simply stood and stared at this man. I could not remember the last time a man had invited me out for dinner. I was stunned. But not so stunned that I was going to refuse. "Thank you. I'd like to have dinner with you."
RECOMPENSE is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats.
Visit my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Thank you for your positive reviews on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Beyond The Blue - an excerpt
Beyond The Blue - an excerpt
"Let us get directly to the issue at hand. What is this beat up you mentioned before, Anthony?"
"It's something the bullies are going to do to me if I can't come up with another eighteen cents by Friday, Enigami."
"And is this something that is very difficult to achieve?"
"Almost impossible, Enigami. I don't have a lot of time and eighteen cents is a lot of money. Can you help me?"
"In timelessness we have no need of money, Anthony, but of course I will help you. How can this injustice be prevented?"
"The only way I know to prevent it is to find a way to earn more money," Tony answered. "I'm finding out that earning money is a lot easier said than done but I don't know any other way to appease the bullies."
"Why should you pay money to these bullies, Anthony?"
"What choice do I have, Enigami|? I've got to pay them."
"Tell me what I can do to help you solve this problem, my little friend."
"Oh, Enigami, I don't know. I just wish my Dad were here. He'd know how to handle this situation."
"Do you want your Dad to be here?"
"No sense in wanting the impossible. Dad's dead. But, sure, I wish he was here."
"Anthony, in timelessness nothing is impossible. Have you not already discovered that when you look beyond the blue you see me dressed in the colour purple?"
"Yes, I see you," Anthony replied.
"Okay," the purple man continued, "now I ask you this. What do you see when you look beyond the purple?"
"Look beyond the purple? You mean look beyond you, Enigami?"
"Let us get directly to the issue at hand. What is this beat up you mentioned before, Anthony?"
"It's something the bullies are going to do to me if I can't come up with another eighteen cents by Friday, Enigami."
"And is this something that is very difficult to achieve?"
"Almost impossible, Enigami. I don't have a lot of time and eighteen cents is a lot of money. Can you help me?"
"In timelessness we have no need of money, Anthony, but of course I will help you. How can this injustice be prevented?"
"The only way I know to prevent it is to find a way to earn more money," Tony answered. "I'm finding out that earning money is a lot easier said than done but I don't know any other way to appease the bullies."
"Why should you pay money to these bullies, Anthony?"
"What choice do I have, Enigami|? I've got to pay them."
"Tell me what I can do to help you solve this problem, my little friend."
"Oh, Enigami, I don't know. I just wish my Dad were here. He'd know how to handle this situation."
"Do you want your Dad to be here?"
"No sense in wanting the impossible. Dad's dead. But, sure, I wish he was here."
"Anthony, in timelessness nothing is impossible. Have you not already discovered that when you look beyond the blue you see me dressed in the colour purple?"
"Yes, I see you," Anthony replied.
"Okay," the purple man continued, "now I ask you this. What do you see when you look beyond the purple?"
"Look beyond the purple? You mean look beyond you, Enigami?"
Beyond The Blue is a coming-of-age novella
available exclusively on Amazon
in both Kindle and Paperback formats.
Beyond The Blue is currently in production as an audio book
and will be released spring of 2019
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes
narrated by
Earl Sewell
Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Your positive reviews are welcome on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
REAWAKENING - an excerpt
REAWAKENING - an excerpt
"How did life begin on Earth? And, Linda, what is a mother? But, first, please tell me about the beginning of life on Earth? Of course, I understand that for those of us who depart from Notsew our life on Earth begins as a compacted seed which is somehow inserted into the womb of a Nufem. But not all humans find their way to Earth from Notsew. We are a selected few. I wish to know about the very first beginning of human life on Earth! This must be a good question to begin my studies."
Linda looked into the inquiring eyes and said, "Oh, Jim, I don't know! There are many theories, and on Earth each individual chooses the theory that he believes best suits his needs."
She turned and looked at the myriad of books that filled the shelves on the wall behind the sofa upon which they sat. She saw that there were encyclopedias as well as books from a wide range of categories including history, philosophy, religion, mathematics, geography, science, sociology, and psychology.
"The answers to many of your questions will be found in these books, Jim!" she answered with certainty. "Yes, we will start at the beginning. I will teach you how to speak, read, and write English and you will then be able to read these books. Until you have achieved this literacy I will read aloud to you. We will learn and grow together. I am very excited at this prospect, Jim!" she smiled.
He returned her smile. Then he asked, "Linda, what is excited?"
"How did life begin on Earth? And, Linda, what is a mother? But, first, please tell me about the beginning of life on Earth? Of course, I understand that for those of us who depart from Notsew our life on Earth begins as a compacted seed which is somehow inserted into the womb of a Nufem. But not all humans find their way to Earth from Notsew. We are a selected few. I wish to know about the very first beginning of human life on Earth! This must be a good question to begin my studies."
Linda looked into the inquiring eyes and said, "Oh, Jim, I don't know! There are many theories, and on Earth each individual chooses the theory that he believes best suits his needs."
She turned and looked at the myriad of books that filled the shelves on the wall behind the sofa upon which they sat. She saw that there were encyclopedias as well as books from a wide range of categories including history, philosophy, religion, mathematics, geography, science, sociology, and psychology.
"The answers to many of your questions will be found in these books, Jim!" she answered with certainty. "Yes, we will start at the beginning. I will teach you how to speak, read, and write English and you will then be able to read these books. Until you have achieved this literacy I will read aloud to you. We will learn and grow together. I am very excited at this prospect, Jim!" she smiled.
He returned her smile. Then he asked, "Linda, what is excited?"
REAWAKENING is available exclusively on Amazon
in both Kindle and Paperback formats.
REAWAKENING is currently in production as an audio book
and will be available spring 2019
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes
narrated by
Ralph Scott & Kendra Murray
Cover design for all formats of REAWAKENING is created by
Susan RK of https://yuneekpix.com
Thanks for visiting my author's page at
Your positive reviews are welcome on Amazon and Goodreads.
Saturday, January 19, 2019
SARA, a Canadian Saga - an excerpt
SARA, a Canadian Saga - an excerpt
"Unruffled by her husband's quick rage, Rebecca continued, "You know the Bennetts are a good-for-nuthin lot! Everybody knows they live on rocking-chair money. They're not worth getting upset about."
Brent was not placated. "Damn it all, woman! A man deserves to be paid for his labour! Listening to you a body would think I had fox money hidden in my sock. I got enough to do supportin' this family. I can't keep extendin' credit I can't afford to the likes of Jarvis Bennett! I'm kept busy from mornin' to night!"
"And I suppose I'm not? I suppose someone's old car is more important than an old kitchen table?" Tears came unbidden to Rebecca's eyes.
"Why are you crying, mama?" Sara asked.
"I'm not crying. Stop asking foolish questions and eat your supper," Rebecca snapped. She left the table, walked with purpose over to the stove and ladled more vegetables from the dipper into a bowl. Her back to her family, she lifted the hem of her cotton print pinny and made impatient dabs at her eyes. "
"Unruffled by her husband's quick rage, Rebecca continued, "You know the Bennetts are a good-for-nuthin lot! Everybody knows they live on rocking-chair money. They're not worth getting upset about."
Brent was not placated. "Damn it all, woman! A man deserves to be paid for his labour! Listening to you a body would think I had fox money hidden in my sock. I got enough to do supportin' this family. I can't keep extendin' credit I can't afford to the likes of Jarvis Bennett! I'm kept busy from mornin' to night!"
"And I suppose I'm not? I suppose someone's old car is more important than an old kitchen table?" Tears came unbidden to Rebecca's eyes.
"Why are you crying, mama?" Sara asked.
"I'm not crying. Stop asking foolish questions and eat your supper," Rebecca snapped. She left the table, walked with purpose over to the stove and ladled more vegetables from the dipper into a bowl. Her back to her family, she lifted the hem of her cotton print pinny and made impatient dabs at her eyes. "
SARA, a Canadian Saga is available exclusively on Amazon
in both Kindle and Paperback formats.
SARA, a Canadian Saga is also available
in audiobook format
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes
narrated by
Falon Echo
for your listening pleasure.
Cover design of SARA, a Canadian Saga is created by
Thanks for visiting my author's page at
Your positive reviews are welcome on Amazon and Goodreads.
Friday, January 18, 2019
The Silent Star plus a dozen Selections - an excerpt
The Silent Star plus a dozen Selections - an excerpt
In Control - an excerpt from one of the thirteen short stories contained in
The Silent Star plus a dozen Selections
"Mary, listen to me please. Driving up here to Elliot Lake to look at cottage lots is the first impulsive move I've made in years. All my life I've thought I'm in control of everything. I know what my future will be. It will be exactly what I have planned it to be."
"Nothing wrong with planning," Mary agreed.
"But then my wife died, Mary. My wife died and I realized that the time to live is not in the future. The future is now, Mary."
Mary Lynn was silent as she allowed herself to feel the deep emotion emanating from this passionate man. For the first time in years she had no words to offer; no answer to give."
In Control - an excerpt from one of the thirteen short stories contained in
The Silent Star plus a dozen Selections
"Mary, listen to me please. Driving up here to Elliot Lake to look at cottage lots is the first impulsive move I've made in years. All my life I've thought I'm in control of everything. I know what my future will be. It will be exactly what I have planned it to be."
"Nothing wrong with planning," Mary agreed.
"But then my wife died, Mary. My wife died and I realized that the time to live is not in the future. The future is now, Mary."
Mary Lynn was silent as she allowed herself to feel the deep emotion emanating from this passionate man. For the first time in years she had no words to offer; no answer to give."
In Control is one of thirteen short stories contained in
short story anthology titled
The Silent Star Plus a Dozen Selections
available exclusively on Amazon
in both Paperback and Kindle formats.
In Control - a short story, also dares to stand alone
in the Kindle Store for your
reading phleasure.
Visit my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Thank you for your positive reviews on
Amazon and Goodreads.
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Social Studies, Book Three - Weaving Alice Plus Eleven (an excerpt)
Social Studies, Book Three - Weaving Alice (an excerpt)
The Final Fear - an excerpt (The Final Fear is one of 12 short stories in this anthology.)
"I've been walking for maybe five minutes when I remember that the janitor will still be in the school building. Should I turn around and return to the campus and ask him for a drive to the bus stop? My thoughts are scared but alert. They tell me that maybe he has already left the parking lot and driven toward his home in the direction opposite to the one I am walking.
No, I keep walking. I will reach the bus stop in another fifteen minutes, maybe less if I hurry. I quicken my already rapid steps along the cold, hard sidewalk.
From out of nowhere a hand reaches out and grabs me by the collar. There is no one around to hear me screaming. I fall to the cold concrete. I smell tobacco. I barely see the shadow of a large hand; the glint of something shiny. Something very sharp pierces my heart."
The Final Fear - an excerpt (The Final Fear is one of 12 short stories in this anthology.)
"I've been walking for maybe five minutes when I remember that the janitor will still be in the school building. Should I turn around and return to the campus and ask him for a drive to the bus stop? My thoughts are scared but alert. They tell me that maybe he has already left the parking lot and driven toward his home in the direction opposite to the one I am walking.
No, I keep walking. I will reach the bus stop in another fifteen minutes, maybe less if I hurry. I quicken my already rapid steps along the cold, hard sidewalk.
From out of nowhere a hand reaches out and grabs me by the collar. There is no one around to hear me screaming. I fall to the cold concrete. I smell tobacco. I barely see the shadow of a large hand; the glint of something shiny. Something very sharp pierces my heart."
Social Studies, Book Three - Weaving Alice Plus Eleven is a short story in Book Three of a trilogy of short story Anthologies
all available in both Kindle and Paperback formats
exclusively on Amazon
for your reading pleasure.
Thanks for visiting my author's page at
Your positive reviews are welcome on
Amazon and on Goodreads.
Cover design on all three anthologies is by https://yuneekpix.com
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken plus 11 (an excerpt)
Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken Plus eleven (an excerpt)
An excerpt from No Mercy For Magdalena
"Horrified, I froze. I was not ready to dance but only God knew I was not ready to die.
"Do it!"
I felt I had no choice. I moved into the circle with Katie. I removed my pretty yellow sundress and danced topless. The boys, including Andreas, circled us and I felt their filthy hands on my body. Where is the gun, I wondered. It did not appear that Andreas was carrying it nor did it appear that one of the other boys had a gun. As I danced I looked around. Then I saw the gun lying on a shelf on the barn's wall behind where Andreas was dancing.
Without motioning or saying anything to Katie I knew what I had to do. I danced toward Andreas. I danced as provocatively as I could. I wanted to make sure that he noticed nothing and no one but me. I danced close to his tall, lean, blue-jeaned body and I moved in such a way that he began to dance backward toward the wall.
"Let's be alone," I whispered in his ear.
Oh, yes, he liked my suggestion. Once we were close enough to the back wall of the barn I reached out both my arms to put them around the neck of the handsome Andreas. It wasn't difficult. I soon had the gun in my hand.
"Move it!" I shouted. "
An excerpt from No Mercy For Magdalena
"Horrified, I froze. I was not ready to dance but only God knew I was not ready to die.
"Do it!"
I felt I had no choice. I moved into the circle with Katie. I removed my pretty yellow sundress and danced topless. The boys, including Andreas, circled us and I felt their filthy hands on my body. Where is the gun, I wondered. It did not appear that Andreas was carrying it nor did it appear that one of the other boys had a gun. As I danced I looked around. Then I saw the gun lying on a shelf on the barn's wall behind where Andreas was dancing.
Without motioning or saying anything to Katie I knew what I had to do. I danced toward Andreas. I danced as provocatively as I could. I wanted to make sure that he noticed nothing and no one but me. I danced close to his tall, lean, blue-jeaned body and I moved in such a way that he began to dance backward toward the wall.
"Let's be alone," I whispered in his ear.
Oh, yes, he liked my suggestion. Once we were close enough to the back wall of the barn I reached out both my arms to put them around the neck of the handsome Andreas. It wasn't difficult. I soon had the gun in my hand.
"Move it!" I shouted. "
Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken is the second in a trilogy
of short story anthologies available exclusively on Amazon
in both Kindle and Paperback formats.
No Mercy For Magdalena is a short story, one of twelve, contained in
Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken.
No Mercy for Magdalena dares to stand alone
in the Kindle Store
and is available for your reading pleasure
exclusively on Amazon in Kindle format.
Thanks for visiting my author's page at
Beautiful cover design for Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken
is created by Susan RK of
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Ellen and The Hummingtree - an excerpt
Ellen and The Hummingtree -- an excerpt
"I lower my eyes and see that I'm still wearing my blue chenille robe. For heaven's sakes, I put my walking shoes on but I forgot to get dressed.
"I'm going home to get dressed now. I was just on my way," I tell the lady.
"Let me help you, dear," she says.
"I'm not helpless you know!" But I decide to let her take my arm and guide me back to my apartment. I'm not really sure if I turn left or right. I've never been very good with directions. "I live in apartment 634."
"Yes, I know. I'll take you home, Mom," she says.
"My dear woman, I am not your mother! If you must know, my name is Ellen. And just because I'm old enough to be your mother doesn't give you the right to call me Mom. Only Carol can call me that. Well, Sandi too; but not you!"
The lady starts to weep. "What is your problem?" I ask but she just continues to cry.
I walk down the hall with this crazy, crying woman. We stop at my apartment door and I'm surprised she opens the door of my home and, bold as brass, walks right in; doesn't even knock on the door. The nerve of some people's kids!
My daughter, Sandi, is there in the living-room. I don't get it. She doesn't even seem surprised by the arrival of this strange, unwelcome intruder. She says nothing to her or about her. In fact, all she says is, "You need to get dressed, Mom."
"I lower my eyes and see that I'm still wearing my blue chenille robe. For heaven's sakes, I put my walking shoes on but I forgot to get dressed.
"I'm going home to get dressed now. I was just on my way," I tell the lady.
"Let me help you, dear," she says.
"I'm not helpless you know!" But I decide to let her take my arm and guide me back to my apartment. I'm not really sure if I turn left or right. I've never been very good with directions. "I live in apartment 634."
"Yes, I know. I'll take you home, Mom," she says.
"My dear woman, I am not your mother! If you must know, my name is Ellen. And just because I'm old enough to be your mother doesn't give you the right to call me Mom. Only Carol can call me that. Well, Sandi too; but not you!"
The lady starts to weep. "What is your problem?" I ask but she just continues to cry.
I walk down the hall with this crazy, crying woman. We stop at my apartment door and I'm surprised she opens the door of my home and, bold as brass, walks right in; doesn't even knock on the door. The nerve of some people's kids!
My daughter, Sandi, is there in the living-room. I don't get it. She doesn't even seem surprised by the arrival of this strange, unwelcome intruder. She says nothing to her or about her. In fact, all she says is, "You need to get dressed, Mom."
Ellen and The Hummingtree is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats.
Ellen and The Hummingtree is currently in production
and will be released as an
audio book narrated by Falon Echo
spring of 2019
and will then be available
on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.
Thanks for visiting my author's page at
Your positive reviews are very welcome.
Beautiful cover design is created by
Monday, January 14, 2019
Joshua's Journey - an excerpt
Joshua's Journey -- an excerpt
"The kid gets up from the table and walks out of the kitchen. I sit there wondering what I should do. I finish eating my roast beef, look all around the big kitchen but I can't see the pretty Philippino lady. Maybe I should find her and tell her about the kid's plan to run away from home. But then, why should I? It's no skin off my nose. I don't even like kids.
I'm getting up from the table. I reach for my walker and begin my journey back to my room. I leave the kitchen and as I walk through the dining room towards the exit I see the pretty lady coming my way. "Did you enjoy your lunch, Joshua?" she asks.
"You're a mama," I say.
"Yes, Joshua. I'm a mama. Victoria is my baby."
"I remember my mama. She was pretty too. I left her when I was a kid, not much older than your daughter."
"That must have broken her heart, Joshua. Did you ever go back to see her?"
"Nope, I never did. I figured she was better off without me hanging around her neck, holding her back. See, my mama was a white lady. In those days a white lady with a black kid had no chance of a future."
"Joshua, I wouldn't care what colour my child was. If she was purple I'd still want her with me. Don't you know true love is colour blind?"
"True love is colour blind, you say? No, I never thought of it that way. You love your little girl?"
"More than life, Joshua."
"Hmm, well, pretty lady, I like being by myself. I don't care about other people and I never did learn to like kids. But I met your Victoria. She's got spunk. She kind of reminds me of me when I was a kid."
"Oh, she's got spunk, all right, Joshua!"
"Pretty lady, I probably should mind my own business but there's something about Victoria you've got to know."
"The kid gets up from the table and walks out of the kitchen. I sit there wondering what I should do. I finish eating my roast beef, look all around the big kitchen but I can't see the pretty Philippino lady. Maybe I should find her and tell her about the kid's plan to run away from home. But then, why should I? It's no skin off my nose. I don't even like kids.
I'm getting up from the table. I reach for my walker and begin my journey back to my room. I leave the kitchen and as I walk through the dining room towards the exit I see the pretty lady coming my way. "Did you enjoy your lunch, Joshua?" she asks.
"You're a mama," I say.
"Yes, Joshua. I'm a mama. Victoria is my baby."
"I remember my mama. She was pretty too. I left her when I was a kid, not much older than your daughter."
"That must have broken her heart, Joshua. Did you ever go back to see her?"
"Nope, I never did. I figured she was better off without me hanging around her neck, holding her back. See, my mama was a white lady. In those days a white lady with a black kid had no chance of a future."
"Joshua, I wouldn't care what colour my child was. If she was purple I'd still want her with me. Don't you know true love is colour blind?"
"True love is colour blind, you say? No, I never thought of it that way. You love your little girl?"
"More than life, Joshua."
"Hmm, well, pretty lady, I like being by myself. I don't care about other people and I never did learn to like kids. But I met your Victoria. She's got spunk. She kind of reminds me of me when I was a kid."
"Oh, she's got spunk, all right, Joshua!"
"Pretty lady, I probably should mind my own business but there's something about Victoria you've got to know."
Joshua's Journey is a short story that dares to stand alone in Amazon's Kindle Store.
Joshua's Journey is also available in both Kindle and Paperback formats in Social Studies, Book One sub-titled Dying To Be Popular along with eleven other favourite short stories.
Social Studies, Book One is part of a trilogy of short story anthologies all with the focus on social issues for your reading enlightenment and enjoyment.
Cover designs on the anthology trilogy are by https://yuneekpix.com
Thanks for visiting my Amazon author's page
and thanks in advance for your positive reviews
on Amazon and on Goodreads.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Simply BE -- excerpts
Simply BE - excerpts
"Sometimes we forget that we are born into this world as human beings.
We forget because too much of our time is spent as human do'ers.
We do this; we do that; and then we do some more.
Sometimes we become involved in doing so much we forget who we are.
Simply BE is a reminder to all of us that it is possible to be who we really are."
"Sometimes we forget that we are born into this world as human beings.
We forget because too much of our time is spent as human do'ers.
We do this; we do that; and then we do some more.
Sometimes we become involved in doing so much we forget who we are.
Simply BE is a reminder to all of us that it is possible to be who we really are."
Be honest,
An honest person
Does not have to work
At
Being honest.
An honest person
cannot conceive of dishonesty
Within himself,
And
He looks for
The best in others.
Be free
Know that you are unlimited
You are a child of God;
Free to live,
To love,
To learn,
To grow,
To give,
To be you.
Simply BE is a collection of inspirational thoughts, sayings and quotations. This book is a reminder of the importance of striving to be who we really are. It’s all about choice,
and knowing that
who we really are
is a good thing to be.
Simply BE is available exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback & Kindle formats
for your reading pleasure.
Check out my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Cover design by https://yuneekpix.com
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Keeping It Simple - Imagine being whole (an excerpt)
Keeping It Simple - Imagine being whole - an excerpt
"This inner critic does everything in its power to sabotage you. It is the inner critic, based in fear, who tells you that you are not going to win so there is no point in even entering the race. It is the inner critic who will find something negative to say about any achievement --- it is never good enough. Nothing ever satisfies the critic within.
Meditating with the focus on the heart chakra will allow you to get in touch with this inner critic. Through continued meditation and, if you choose, through psychospiritual therapy, it is possible for you to discover the source of the inner critic. It is possible to understand why the inner critic made its debut. It is also possible to honour, acknowledge, and even to thank the inner critic for all that it attempted to do in order to protect you.
And it is within the realm of possibility that you can transform the inner critic, the critical parent within, into the nurturing parent within.
You can learn to parent yourself; to offer the love, the trust, and the confidence that you never received in your early childhood period."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8HEX9E/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4
Keeping It Simple - Imagine being whole is available exclusively on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats where it has received very good reviews. Thank you for your positive reviews of any of my books.
Beautiful cover design is created by https://yuneekpix.com
Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
"This inner critic does everything in its power to sabotage you. It is the inner critic, based in fear, who tells you that you are not going to win so there is no point in even entering the race. It is the inner critic who will find something negative to say about any achievement --- it is never good enough. Nothing ever satisfies the critic within.
Meditating with the focus on the heart chakra will allow you to get in touch with this inner critic. Through continued meditation and, if you choose, through psychospiritual therapy, it is possible for you to discover the source of the inner critic. It is possible to understand why the inner critic made its debut. It is also possible to honour, acknowledge, and even to thank the inner critic for all that it attempted to do in order to protect you.
And it is within the realm of possibility that you can transform the inner critic, the critical parent within, into the nurturing parent within.
You can learn to parent yourself; to offer the love, the trust, and the confidence that you never received in your early childhood period."
Keeping It Simple - Imagine being whole is available exclusively on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats where it has received very good reviews. Thank you for your positive reviews of any of my books.
Beautiful cover design is created by https://yuneekpix.com
Thanks for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
Friday, January 11, 2019
The Last Drop (a story for young children) -- an excerpt
The Last Drop -- an excerpt
Father comes home
at the end of the day.
Daddy, can we go
outside to play?
Goodness me, no,
no, no; not yet.
In this downpour
you will get soaking wet.
The Last Drop is available
exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats
for a young child's
reading pleasure.
The story is written in rhyming couplets.
I have written only two stories for children;
The Last Drop, a story about a rainy day
written for very young children,
and also
Beyond The Blue
a story for young school-aged children
about bullying.
Beyond The Blue is available
exclusively on Amazon
in Paperback and Kindle formats
and will be released spring of 2019
as an audio book
narrated by Earl Sewell
and will be available on Amazon, Audibles, and Itunes.
Thank you for visiting my author's page at https://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
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