Elliot Lake Writers Literary Open Mic at Dunlop Lake Lodge

 Local authors entertained a small audience at Dunlop Lake Lodge when reading from their original novels, stories and poems on May 7.

Six members of the Elliot Lake Writers Workshop performed at The Spoken Word, an event for writers to get their works known.

Audrey Austin, the group’s facilitator, opened the afternoon welcoming everyone and being the first at the open mike. She read from her novel Struggle to Reach the Bridge of Light. She had copies of her other books on hand for sale, including Sara, a Canadian Saga; The Observer, His Eye is on the Sparrow; two books of Poetry and Prose; and Keeping It Simple, Imagine Being Whole.

Cally Jo Fritz read a moving short story with a surprising ending.

Daniel G. Ferguson, a retired conservation officer, read from his book, Bear Runners, Wildlife Crime and Northern Romance. He said his novels draw on his experience as a conservation officer to create tales of the northern wilderness. He also had copies of three other novels on hand for sale, Toxic Waters, Double Back Fur Run, and Up Halfway Creek.

Donald Harry Roberts read two short love stories from his book, A Book Made of Eclectic Flash, Dreams and Mysteries, Nightmares and Fantasies.

Kathleen Burke read heart-felt poems from her book, The Language of Trees, which she launched last fall.

The final reader was Nicole Q-Schmit who said she hasn’t had any of her work published, yet, but has written a number of romance novels. She started with a short fanciful piece on wind chimes, then read a short section from a novel describing a high school basketball game.

The group was disappointed in the small turnout for the event and may be looking for a venue more centrally located in Elliot Lake for future readings.

Austin said they are hoping to get more members joining the Elliot Lake Writers Workshop. They meet the third Monday of the month at the ELNOS Centre Board Room, 3rd Floor, at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Audrey Austin by email at audrey@persona.ca, or message her on Facebook.

Ellen and The Hummingtree

 Ellen is a woman I came to know well during the writing of my third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree. She often puzzled me yet she also had the ability to make me laugh and cry. I grew to love her. And the more I came to know her I began to realize that she truly is a composite of the many caring spiritual women I have known throughout my life. Alzheimer is a dreadful disease and Ellen's victimization is a heartbreak. My writing of Ellen and The Hummingtree comes straight from the heart. I hope you will love her as I do.

https://www.amazon.ca/ELLEN.../dp/1926614674/ref=sr_1_11...

Customer Review

Phyllis Humby

4.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative and Creative

Reviewed in Canada

Ellen and the Hummingtree is an interesting book about a woman of deep faith who has a unique coping mechanism. She speaks to God. Now, I know you will argue that many of us speak to God. But Ellen believes God lives inside a large yellow quartz rock in her backyard. Oh, and of course He speaks to her too. There's a little hole in the top of the rock. Never mind, just read the book.

It is a collection of well-written stories that weave back and forth through the emotional circumstances of a woman's life. These stories delve into her relationships as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Oh, and cousin - I forgot about her cousin Marielle.

In my opinion - only my opinion - the theme of this book is fear. I know that some of you who are familiar with this book may harrumph at that statement but a book is very personal. It's interpreted differently by each reader. That's why I love talking to my first readers. I'm fascinated by the interpretation of my work. Each person sees something different or relates with a different character. I digress (as always).

Audrey's character, Ellen, is on her own to raise two children. Her grandson, who has a learning disability, is bullied at school.

Near the end of the book there is a chapter I Need You to Remember Me. I remember reading that story, or at least an edited version, some time ago. Please tell me, Audrey, that this was a published short story at some point. If not, I had an incredible déjà vu moment. I liked the story the first time I read it - otherwise I never would have remembered it - and it will remain indelible in my mind.

The last chapter Time to Go Home is melancholy and poignant. I have witnessed death and thought about life after death. I appreciate Audrey Austin's rendering. This chapter was a fitting ending to a thought provoking book with a unique approach.

https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

It Really is Possible to Heal Mary Belanger This very well written manual is by Audrey Austin; a wonderful therapist, author, and teacher.
This book is written in a sequential manner. A reader is given a methodical overview of meditation, psychospiritual therapy, and the chakra system. Learning to open blocked chakras enables the reader to unite mind, body, and soul.
I am very grateful for Austin who has created such a wonderful resource on chakra meditation.
It really is possible to heal. Keeping it Simple has my Five Star rating. It has changed my life for the better.

A very easy-to-understand explanation of chakras

By Anu This is a well written book - very easy to understand the concept of chakras and the significance of each chakra. I am yet to try out the exercises for opening up each chakra. But if you are looking to familiarize yourself with the 7 chakras of the Indian/yogic tradition, I highly recommend this book.

From the Author

When I put together the pages of Keeping It Simple my thought was that if this book helps one person in this chaotic world I will feel I have accomplished a job well done.  I was unprepared for the number of people who have come to me and told me that the reading of this book for them has been positively life-changing.   For this I am happy and I am grateful.