A New Writing Project -- On The Radio

 A few years ago, in fact, way back in February of 2010, I submitted a manuscript into Wynterblue Publishing's Novella Competition.   I was overjoyed that my submission was placed among the top seven.  Of course, I don't know how many entered the competition.  Perhaps there were only seven entries.   Dear Maggie Kirton, it's a long time ago now, but do you remember?   

What I remember is that I felt very good and pleased with myself that I had written a three act play; something I had never done before.  And I don't mind adding, this is something I have not done since.

The only other play I have written was titled "Chocolate Cookies".  And with that play I remember feeling very happy that ELATE, my small town's local theatre group, selected this play and they presented it twice to audiences here in Elliot Lake.  It was my first attempt at play writing, and it was a one act play about sisters who rarely agreed with one another, especially when it came to the topic of diet, and about the husband of one of the sisters who skilfully managed to stay out of the sisters' arguments.

Now this three act play was titled "On The Radio".  The title was not my creation.  In fact, it was one of several titles suggested for the competition.  I don't remember how many choices were given but I do remember that "On The Radio" was subject #2 and the one that I chose.   I was also given the plot of the story.  It was to be about a late night radio show host who begins to receive calls from a nine-year-old boy using his mother's prepaid cell phone making the calls untraceable.

The story was to be close to 100% dialogue and it was to focus on social issues.  It did not have to be a play but I decided this was my opportunity to bite the bullet and write something I had never written before.

My novella, my play, ended up containing 18,444 words.   After that, it ended up on a shelf in my closet and that is where it has been sitting since eleven years ago.

I've recently completed the publication of my latest novel STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light.

It is time for a new project.

Just this evening, for some strange reason, I thought about this play that I wrote long ago.  And then I began wondering how difficult or how easy will it be to convert this three act play into a novel.  Will it be possible to expand the original 18,444 words, nearly 100% dialogue, into a novel with at least 50,000 words?

I don't have the answer to the question as I type this blog post.  But I do, out of the blue, have the inclination and the motivation to find out.

My new writing project, starting tomorrow, will be the writing of my twenty-first novel.  It will be called, just like the play, "On the Radio".   Or will it?   Maybe the main character will not be a radio talk show host.  Maybe he will be a TV late night show host.   Or maybe his show will be live stream on the internet.  Or .....?    I don't know yet but  I will sleep on it tonight and hope I will know this by tomorrow.

Wish me luck on my new writing project!  Thank you.

And while I'm writing, I will be overjoyed if you will check out my latest book, titled STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light which is available in both Kindle and Paperback format exclusively on Amazon.  https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGGLE-Reach-Bridge-Audrey-Austin/dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1617237270&s=books&sr=1-1

Cover design:  yuneekpix.com

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

What an exciting morning!

 

Wow! No one is more excited than me this morning! I now have the very first print copy of my latest book sitting here on my breakfast bar. It has been months of often challenging/always pleasurable work keeping up with the characters. Now to have the book in my hand feels almost surreal.

For those of you who have ordered a copy from me, they should be here soon. For those of you who did not order a copy, it is available in paperback and kindle exclusively on Amazon. My author's page is https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin The Amazon.ca link is https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGGL.../dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_1...

 

https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGGLE-Reach-Bridge-Audrey-Austin/dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=STRUGGLE+-+To+Reach+the+Bridge+of+Light&qid=1615470090&s=books&sr=1-1

I'm excited to announce that as of today my latest work titled STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light is available in both Kindle and Paperback format exclusively on all Amazon sites.

Due to covid there will be no big book launch party here in town but I have ordered some paperbacks for those in Elliot Lake who have requested a copy.  Thank you always for your support of my writing adventures.  xoxoxox

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light - What's it about?  

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light is a metaphysical/science fiction novel. Mother Earth has had enough. It is a sad day when a mother gives up on her children. The chosen seven share their stories as they lived their lives on earth. 

Scattered throughout the world in Canada, United States, Peru, Venezuela, and New Zealand, they are each warmed by the blue triangle which delivered the bridge of light that carries them to a small island in the Caribbean.

Guided by Archangel Michael, they continue their journey on the bridge of light to the old brown boat which magically takes them to the centre of the sea. The merkabas arrive and the seven ascend to a way station where they meet the Official Examiner, Great Cosmic Power, who informs them that they are a soul family reunited to continue their ascension as the chosen children of light.

My summary barely touches on the reality of the seven as they struggle throughout their lives on earth challenged by poverty, relationship issues, grief, hunger, illness, and death.  The chosen seven are further challenged by the mystery, the magic, the wonder of other worldly adventure that they experience on the bridge of light and beyond.

Throughout 423 pages Carley, Emily, Bernard, Connie, Maria, John, and Joseph share their stories with the reader who will also meet Archangel Michael, Great Cosmic Power, and dear Mother Earth who has given her all.  These ten characters bring The Bridge of Light alive for your reading pleasure.

As the author of this story, it was all I could do to keep up with them all.  :-)

https://www.amazon.ca/STRUGGLE-Reach-Bridge-Audrey-Austin/dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=STRUGGLE+-+To+Reach+the+Bridge+of+Light&qid=1615470090&s=books&sr=1-1

Cover Design:  Susan RK of https://yuneekpix.com

Photograph credit:  Red Shoe by Shirley Green, Toronto.

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light ... My baby is ready to leave home

 

STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light is a metaphysical/science fiction novel. 

Mother Earth has had enough. It is a sad day when a mother gives up on her children.  Like the Phoenix, she has chosen to end it all.  Only seven earthlings will be saved.

The chosen seven share their stories as they lived their lives on earth. Scattered throughout the world in Canada, United States, Peru, Venezuela, and New Zealand, they are each warmed by the blue triangle which delivered the bridge of light which carries them to a small island in the Caribbean. 

Guided by Archangel Michael, they continue their journey on the bridge of light to the old brown boat which magically takes them to the centre of the sea. The merkabas arrive and the seven ascend to a way station where they meet Great Cosmic Power who informs them that they are a soul family reunited to continue their ascension as the chosen children of light.

I've been working on STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light since last November.  I feel as though I am sending my child off to kindergarten for the first time.  Will she be accepted and make her way in the world?  

I am ordering my own paperback copy today.   I am placing an order for my Elliot Lake readers.  If you would like to save the shipping costs on this book let me know and I will add your name to my list.  Some of you I already have on my list.  

The book is $20 for my Elliot Lake readers including shipping on this order only.

Please let me know if you want to be added on the list today.

After today STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light will be available on all Amazon sites in both Paperback and Kindle format.   

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08YHYVB2D/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=STRUGGLE+-+To+Reach+the+Bridge+of+Light&qid=1615392312&s=books&sr=1-1

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

Even a homebody gets a little tired of staying home :-)

I love my family and my friends.  I love to socialize.  But, deep down, I'm basically a homebody, no question about that.  But, even a homebody gets a little tired of staying home.  I've basically been staying at home for a year, as have many of you.

For me, this year has been one of introspection, one of reflection, of contemplation, and decision making.  I've always been 'okay' with my own company and I have felt grateful that the activities I most enjoy, like creative writing and reading, for example, are things I necessarily need to be alone to do.

My 'bubble' has consisted of family members plus two, and I've been very grateful that all my immediate family, daughters, grandsons, and most recently my beautiful great-granddaughter, live here in Elliot Lake.  There have been many times, though, when even seeing these loved ones has not been possible during lock-down periods.  

During this past year I have completed several Udemy on-line courses and these have helped tremendously to keep my mind alert and thoughts positive.

During this past year I have made some changes in my home, nothing major, but enough changes to keep my surroundings interesting and, for me, comfortable.   I've felt very grateful for my little house.  I've never been a lover of housework but looking after my house has kept me busy.  I'm not a clean-freak but definitely a neat-freak, so it has mattered to me that I stay busy keeping the house organized.

During this past year I lost my beautiful boy, Samson.   I always called him my 'special needs puppy'.  I loved my Sam and I still do.  Always I will remember him with love and admiration.  He dealt with many challenges and I always knew in my heart that he wanted to be a good boy.  

Remembering Samson with love.

During this past year I've learned that my lovely Lila has a heart condition that is concerning.  She also has a fatty tissue growth above her back right leg that, sadly, cannot be removed because she cannot be under anaesthetic due to the heart condition.  I treasure every day I have to spend with her.

Lovely Lila

During this past year I have missed spending time with my friends.  I've become very grateful for Facebook which has allowed me to stay in touch and to share the love.

I have missed working.  I miss meeting with counseling clients and I miss our women's workshops. I worked hard putting together everything needed to facilitate a women's workshop that I had hoped to offer in our local library in April.   I, optimistically, postponed it to a date in July.  The workshop material is patiently waiting for the time to be right.  That day will come.  For now, it sits on a shelf.   

During this past year I have been grateful for Elliot Lake's Age Friendly Shopping and Delivery Service, and I continue to feel grateful for this service.  I know it has played a major role in keeping me, and many of my senior friends, healthy and safe.

During this past year I have completed the writing of my twenty-first manuscript.   I'm currently keeping busy with proofing, editing, formatting.   Please watch for STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light on Amazon exclusively, hopefully late March or early April.  

Vaccinations are on the horizon.  I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  I've been staying at home for so long, I truly hope I won't experience a culture shock when I venture out into the real world once more.  

Spring is only a couple of weeks away. Here in Elliot Lake it has, thankfully, been an easy winter with not a lot of snow and lots of beautiful sunshine.   

The focus this past year has been on staying home.  I hope we will soon be able to put this focus onto the back burner.

Life is good, and life goes on. 

My Audio Books

 

Author, Audrey Austin

I love creative writing.  I retired, or perhaps I should say semi-retired, from the working world thirteen years ago.  That is when I began to work as a writer. This summer, in July, 2021, I will celebrate my fourteenth creative writing anniversary.

During these fourteen years I have discovered that I am a very prolific writer and, to date, I have twenty books published and available for your reading pleasure exclusively on Amazon.  I am currently working on book #21 which is titled STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light.

Above is a photo of all my current publications
 available in paperback exclusively on all Amazon sites.

I also have a large selection of short stories which dare to stand alone in the Kindle store.  My short stories are available exclusively on Amazon in Kindle format only.

Five of my novels, I am overjoyed to say, are available as audio books not only on Amazon, but also on ITunes and Audible.com    Below are the wonderful, creative covers designed for my audio books by SusanRK of Yuneekpix.com

A lovely, talented friend has very recently informed me that she is offering her services as audio book narrator.   Congratulations dear Becca Kelterborn.  I know you will be a great success.  I highly recommend Rebecca Kelterborn to all my author friends who are considering transforming their paperbacks into audiobooks.  She has presented my works in past public presentations and has never failed to make this author proud.

Just learning of Becca's new adventure has motivated me to consider having another of my manuscripts prepared for publication as an audio book; perhaps my most recent publication THE OBSERVER - His Eye is on the Sparrow, or maybe the manuscript I am currently working on titled STRUGGLE - To Reach the Bridge of Light.  Thank you Becca,  you are an inspiration.

My books available exclusively on all Amazon sites are available in both Kindle and Paperback format.   I invite you to visit my Amazon author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Thank you to the talented, creative narrators who have blessed me by narrating these books of mine.  My five audio books are available for your listening pleasure on Amazon, Audibles, and ITunes.

WEAVING ALICE - a short story is FREE in the Kindle Store Saturday, March 6th and Sunday, March 7th

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FNXSKWY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4

WEAVING ALICE is a story about a meeting on earth between personified good and evil. The mystical ending will bring a smile to your face.

Imagine if you will a mystical, magical gift of tapestry creation powerful enough to eradicate the evil in our world.   This is the gift that Alice possesses.   Good versus evil told in an attention-holding manner.  I had a lot of pleasure writing this suspenseful story and I hope you will enjoy it; especially the surprise ending.

WEAVING ALICE - a short story is FREE for your reading enjoyment in the Kindle Store this weekend, Saturday, March 6th and Sunday, March 7th.

Check out my author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin