Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy -- an excerpt

Some Reviews of Moose Road - a Canadian Traagedy:

#1 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Canadian > Drama

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic and compelling April 7, 2014

By Alan Black

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Austin has written a not so simple story, weaving the lives of multiple residents on Moose Road around one tragic accident that leaves no one on the road or in the nearby Northern Ontario Canada town untouched. The subplots tug at our desire to comfort some residents of this town with a hug and those same subplots yank at our exasperation switch yelling at us to slap sense into some of these same people. The main story cries for our attention and gets it.

Austin is able to show us one tragedy from every point of view except the moose. The characters are so real that I wonder what Austin's neighbors thought about having their secret lives dragged into the public view. I started this book just to have something to read in between my own chores. However... to heck with the chores, I finished the book in one sitting.

4.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down; leads to reflection perhaps June 13, 2014

By Mae Beth Williams

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

The first narrator, the road itself, reappears to provide commentary on the views and viewpoints of the families living in this rural community. Strong characterizations that are not stereotyped help the book develop thoughtfully. The Canadian setting added local flavor to a 'far north' setting. I found this book enjoyable - if you can say that about a tragedy.

4.0 out of 5 stars Written from a road's perspective, well done, and interesting. May 16, 2014

By Bonnie Pfeffer

Format:Kindle Edition

I liked it. Character development was pursued, felt like the reader got to know them, well.
Interesting plot, simply and warmhearted written. Just a quiet read, that left reader thinking...

5.0 out of 5 stars Tragic Story March 12, 2014

By Mary J. Dicarlo

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Very sad and tragic story told from many points of view. If only roads COULD talk we'd know so much.

 

An excerpt from Moose Road - a Canadian Tragedy:

 

Pg. 192:   "Ignorant! People living here on Moose Road are plain ignorant!  And so is everybody who works for the Town of Mansey!  And so is that Judge Gordon!  And so is that psychologist damn doctor!  Stupido!  All of them!"

 

Maria Faccchinello could not bear another minute of listening to her husband.  "Franco, I told you to shut your face.  You think I want to listen to you yelling and screaming around my house every day like this? You think it is good for Annalisa to listen to her grandfather acting dementia like a crazy person?"

 

"What you care about me, eh?  You got your Roseannne.  You got your Annalisa.  You even got your Rocco!  Everybody feeling sorry for poor Maria.  Poveri Voi!  What about me?  What about Franco?  I lose my Santo and nobody cares.  That crazy Judge, he says nobody to blame! What kind of crazy man says a thing like that?"

 

"Go out to the barn and help Rocco.  Ever since we lose our Santo you do nothing around this place.  Everything on the farm it is Rocco has to do it.  Yes, you lost your Santo.  I lose my Santo too.  Rocco lose his brother! You think you are the only one is hurt? I can't stand to listen to you anymore Franco!"

 

"When you ever want to listen to me?  Never is when you want to listen to me!"

 

 "Franco, dammi un po 'pi pace?   Please give me some peace."

"You want peace?  I give you peace!"  He slammed the door behind him and strode out to the barn.

 

Rocco was there.  He was preparing to milk the herd when Franco stormed into the barn.  "Dammi un po 'pi pace?"   I give you peace!"  He was screaming.

 

"What? Dad, what are you yelling about this time?"

 

"Peace!  She wants peace.  You think I don't want peace? Never again will I have peace. Somebody is to blame.  Who I am to blame?  The bus driver? The plow operator?  Who I am to blame, Rocco? Why they didn't have the sanding trucks out?  Do I blame the Town?"

 

"Let it go, Dad.  We all miss Santo but no matter how much screaming and yelling you do around here you cannot bring him back.  Let it go, Dad!"

 

"I let it go!  I give the peace!  I let it go!"

 

Reaching up Franco pulled his rifle down off the barn's wall.

 

"Dad, what are you going to do with the rifle?" Rocco shouted.

 

"I told you what I'm going to do.  I am going to let it go.  I am going to give the peace!"

 

"Dad, wait!"

 

Shotgun in hand, Franco rushed from the barn to his Chevy pick-up. He climbed into the cab and with wheels squealing he backed out of the long driveway onto Moose Road.

 

***************

Moose Road, a Canadian Tragedy is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

This book is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites

but it is also available in paperback directly from Create Space.com

The link to it is

CreateSpace eStore:   https://www.createspace.com/4463611

 

Beautiful cover design and illustrations throughout

are by Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

 

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

 

And special thanks for your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

Valentine Guffaw

This is a story about a boy and his grandfather. Each summer Jimmy Lincoln spends his summer vacation with his grandparents. This summer everything is different. Grandma died and Grandpa is living alone. Jimmy discovers that his grandfather is sad. He has forgotten how to laugh. For the first time he realizes that Grandad is growing old. Believing it is laughter that kept his grandfather young he sets out to find it. What must Jimmy do in order to once more hear Grandpa's guffaw?

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From the Author

I have memory of my young grandchild being with me at the time of my mother's death.  How difficult it is to be the grandparent the child has come to know and expect when one is grieving deeply the loss of a loved one.   It was this memory that assisted me in the writing of  "Valentine Guffaw".

 

Happy Valentine's Day!   I hope you will accept and enjoy this Kindle short story, "Valentine Guffaw"  as my Valentine's Day gift to you.

 

You will find it free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.  #2  in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Difficult Discussions > Death & Dying

 

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

 

and know that your positive reviews are always welcome and appreciated on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

An excerpt from Ellen and The Hummingtree

Ellen and The Hummingtree is available in both Kindle and Paperback format on all Amazon sites.  The  paperback edition is also available to purchase directly from Create Space.com   Here is the link that will take you to Ellen.  CreateSpace eStore:     https://www.createspace.com/4743813    Below is an excerpt from this fictional memoir.

Cover design by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

An excerpt - Page 168:

He laughed!  The nerve of the man!

"Please Ellen, call me Jason.  I'm sure your daughters have given a lot of thought to this matter before they set up the appointment for this evening."

I turned my attention away from Jason Knobest and rested my hurt, angry eyes first upon my older daughter, Carol, and, secondly, upon my youngest girl, Sandi.  I said nothing.  My unwavering stare said it all just as it had years ago when I'd said, "It's time for bed so put those toys away now."  They understood my stare then and they understood now.

I looked into their eyes and wondered why; why are you doing this to me?

And it was as if they heard my thoughts.  Carol spoke first.

"We made the appointment last week, Mom, when you were very ill.  Sandi and I discussed it. We toured the retirement home.  We believed we were doing what was best for you."

Sandi added, "I'm sorry, Mom.  We jumped the gun.  Will you forgive us?"

"Please forgive us, Mom.  We've made a terrible blunder and we apologize."

I said nothing but turned away from my daughters' despair and, feeling much more in control of the situation now, I said, "Won't you join us for a cup of tea, Jason?"

"Why, yes, thank you, Ellen," he replied.

"Come girls, come back to the table,"  I invited.  "I know you meant well and, yes, all is forgiven."

"Thank you, Mom," they answered and as the four of us sat around the kitchen table that evening I took a closer look at this Jason Knobest.  My daughters are not the only ones who can develop ulterior motives.

"Jason," I asked, "I imagine that as the managing director of The Hawkwind Retirement Resort you make a comfortable living?"

"Oh, yes, Ellen.  And, more important, I enjoy the work."

"Are you a married man, Jason?"

"No, not yet, Ellen.  My career seems to demand too much of my time."

"Jason, did you know that my daughter, Sandi, is single too?"

"Mom!" Sandi shrieked,  "Stop it!  What do you think you are doing?"

"Well, Sandi," I answered, "I was thinking of setting up an appointment for you to meet with Jason one evening this week in order for you to get to know each other a little better."

"Mrs. Dawson, I assure you I am capable of making my own dates!"  Jason interrupted.

"Mom, what do you think you are doing?  My dating life is my personal business.  You have no right to set up appointments for me!"

"Oh, is that right, Sandi?  And do you agree with Sandi's statement, Carol?"

"Of course I do, Mom."

"And you, Jason?" Do you not think a mother has the right to arrange a date for her daughter?"

"Well, Ellen, I believe your daughters are both capable of making their own dates."

"I see, Jason.  So all three of you agree that it is wrong for one person to make an appointment for another without the other's consent?"

"Absolutely!" They all concurred.

"I rest my case, children.  Now if you will all excuse me, my bed awaits.  Be sure to lock the front door when you leave the house.  Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Mom, and I am truly sorry," Sandi said with a smile and a hug.

"I know you are, Sandi."

"I love you, Mom, and I'll never do it again," Carol promised.

"I know you won't, Carol."

"Ellen, please accept my humble apology," Mr. Knobest offered.

"Apology accepted, Jason.   And you can leave a brochure if you like.  I will take a look at it and, who knows, maybe the day will come when a tour of The Hawkwind Retirement Resort will be just what the doctor ordered."

***************

 

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

and special thanks for your positive reviews of my books on Amazon or Goodreads. 

 

 



Creative Connections 5 Reception and Exhibition

 

Creative Connections 5 will take place March 3 - 31, 2015 in the Gallery at the Centre.You're invited to attend the opening on Tuesday, March 3rd from 5 - 7 pm where the participants will talk about their collaborations. Refreshments served.

 

This is my fifth year to participate in Creative Connections Reception and Exhibition.

 

You are all invited.

 

Hope to see all my friends there.

Ellen and The Hummingtree

Ellen and the Hummingtree

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 shares the import of her personal relationship with family, friends and with God.

She allows us to witness her vulnerability and invites us into her heart where we experience her joys and sorrows.

In a few instances the author has drawn from her life’s experience but, in essence, Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women the author has known and loved throughout her journey.

It is hoped you will welcome Ellen into your heart and it is hoped you will enjoy the stories she shares with you in this book; her fictional, magical, mystical memoirs titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.

At the outset of this writing journey we met. I became acquainted with her and now I can say that I truly like Ellen. She has the courage of her convictions And no matter what life threw at her, she never lost faith.

 

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.              

Audrey Austin, Author.

 

Some of Ellen's Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GOOD read! January 5, 2014

By susan 

Format:Kindle Edition

 

A very relatable story with an unusual twist, the connection Ellen has with others both visible and invisible is a journey into sometimes comical, sometimes intensely personal and sometimes very real and ordinary. It's an enjoyable read that left me more familiar with my own beliefs and hopes. . (My attempt at humour - I'm sorry)

Ellen has many fears, as do we all. The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of having to give up a home to live in a facility. Then there is the ultimate fear. Of growing older and older and older, when all she wants is to re-unite with all the loved ones that have passed on. You do remember that I said this was strictly my opinion.

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.

Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin; a good read for a wintry afternoon.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Ellen and the Hummingtree February 20, 2013

By celticfrogreviews

Format:Kindle Edition

 

Ellen and the Hummingtree is the story of Ellen and a rock through which she speaks to God. The rock moves with her as she lives her life. Ellen doesn't have an easy life, but the rock encourages her and gives her courage. Through Ellen we meet her family and close friends, and especially the voice of God that whispers to her through the chunk of yellow quartz.

Ellen is very human with her share of flaws. The story is as much about her learning to accept those flaws in herself and others as anything else. She grows substantially by the close of the book. There are times when I wanted to give her a good talking to, and other times when she shows grace and humility.

Audrey has created a memorable character in Ellen. She is very well portrayed and has a wonderful complexity. The story moves back and forth in time as Ellen explores her life. The important movement isn't chronological but her development of love and faith through the rock in her garden.

I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it for those who like strong women characters.

 

 

The Write Read for a Wintry Afternoon February 20, 2013

By Phyllis Humby

Format:Kindle Edition

 

My books have been gathering dust and creating stress. Yes, it stresses me out when everything seems to take precedence over reading. Anyway, today I finished a book that I couldn't wait to receive in the mail - months ago − Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin, a writer from Elliott Lake.

I had the good fortune to meet Audrey online and become acquainted with her writing. If memory serves correctly, I first noticed Audrey's work on Commuterlit.com, a site that has featured my work as well.

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. Fear. Her grandson, who has a learning disability, is bullied at school. Fear. God lives in a rock in her backyard. That would scare the crap out of me. (My attempt at humour - I'm sorry)

Ellen has many fears, as do we all. The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of having to give up a home to live in a facility. Then there is the ultimate fear. Of growing older and older and older, when all she wants is to re-unite with all the loved ones that have passed on. You do remember that I said this was strictly my opinion.

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.

Ellen and the Hummingtree by Audrey Austin; a good read for a wintry afternoon.

 

 

Ellen and The Hummingtree  is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.    

 

The Paperback Edition is also available directly from Createspace.com   The link that will take you directly to Ellen  is  CreateSpace eStore:     https://www.createspace.com/4743813

 

Thanks for checking out my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  and special thanks for your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. 

 

Who Stole The Sugarbowl?

Short Story titled Sugarville is currently #7 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Mysticism

 

Who stole the sugar bowl? Stella is frantic as are all the residents of Sugarville. Gregory takes charge and mystical means are utilized to rid their tranquil home of the terrorists determined to destroy them all.

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This is a wonderful metaphysical story that is sure to delight the reader.  It was a pleasure to write and left me feeling hopeful.

 

 

 

Sugarville is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

 

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

 

Your positive reviews are always welcome and appreciated.

Quest for Cammirand - a mystery

Do you like a good mystery?   Then Quest For Cammirand  is for you.

Peter Lowenza is an insurance investigator in search of a woman, Cammirand Gauthier, whose husband Jessie Gauthier has died. Cammirand is beneficiary of his estate and stands to inherit millions of dollars. She had been abandoned by her parents at an early age, abused and deceived by her husband, Jessie Gauthier, who was known to be a ruthless businessman. Rumour has it he was also an abusive husband. Is this why Cammirand has disappeared? It is the insurance investigator's job to find her. What happened to Cammirand Gauthier? Peter sets out on a quest.

Current Amazon rating:  #48 in Kindle Store > Books > Crime, Thriller & Mystery > Crime Fiction > Murder

#52 in Kindle Store > Books > Crime, Thriller & Mystery > Mystery > Private Investigators

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From the Author

"Quest for Cammirand" is a story written for a mature audience exploring as it does social issues including spousal abuse; rape; deception; betrayal, murder and other topics of a sensitive nature.  It is not a story for young readers.  I love writing short stories and, as is  often the case, with this story I found that, once I got started, the characters

took the lead and it was all I could do to keep up with them.  I hope you enjoy the story.

 

Quest For Cammirand  is one of the twelve stories contained in short story anthology titled Social Studies - Book One:  Dying To Be Popular  

 

 

 

This anthology is one of a series of three and they are all found in both Kindle and Paperback format on all Amazon sites.

 

The Social Studies series of short story anthologies can also be purchased directly through Create Space.com

 

To purchase Social Studies – Book One  

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4712947

 

To purchase Social Studies – Book Two

 

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4713265

 

To purchase Social Studies – Book Three

 

CreateSpace eStore:   https://www.createspace.com/4713425

 

Quest For Cammirand   is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites

for your reading pleasure.

 

Thanks for your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

You will find my author's page at http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

 

Sara, a Canadian Saga - my first novel

 

Sara, a Canadian Saga is my first novel; the first of my babies to be out there in the big published world.   She was very well received by her reading friends here in Elliot Lake and enjoyed a wonderful book launch.

In this book we witness love that does not come neatly wrapped and we experience the quiet, sometimes desperate, drama of lives unfolding.

This story of a family, challenged greatly in the days of the Great Depression, has since received what I would call mixed reviews -- most very positive with 5 stars and some where a reader  found there to be too many lows and not enough highs in the life of Sara, Roy and their family.

But the fact remains; that is how the lives of these and many more families played out -- too many lows and not enough highs.   Poverty, worry, and anxiety were the rule of the day.  Though primarily a work of fiction Sara is based on seeds of truth and is, indeed, a very real story. 

Sara, a Canadian Saga is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.   This book is also available in paperback format through Amazon or directly from  the  CreateSpace eStore:   https://www.createspace.com/4461846   

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

Sara, a Canadian Saga is my first novel. Based on the harsh reality of life during the days of the Great Depression we follow one family.  The story starts in the Maritime Provinces of Canada.  The struggling economy is the deciding factor for Roy who makes the move to Toronto leaving Sara and their then two children behind in Prince Edward Island.  Once he secures employment Sara and the children join him. More children follow and the Canadian Dream is more elusive than ever

It is my pleasure to share with you an excerpt from Sara, a Canadian Saga

Pg 65:  "He tried to force all thoughts of his mother's death from his mind but it wasn't easy. Roy joined the small army of strong, young, Maritime men and rode the rails out west to work on the harvest.

As he stared out the window his eyes fastened on the overhead electric wires that lined the narrow track.  He stared, fascinated, as his eyes played tricks on him. He watched the wires forming a tunnel ever widening, narrowing, and then suddenly widening again.  He knew it was a silly game he was playing but it had a hypnotic effect on him and helped to keep his mind off things he would rather not think about such as the sight of his father shrinking in his vision as the train pulled out of the Springhill Station.

Soon all thoughts of home were out of his mind. The young fellow in the seat beside him took a mouth organ out of his pocket and started to play Turkey In The Straw.  And the next thing Roy knew another fellow was playing a fiddle.   Roy stomped his feet and clapped his hands with the best of them.  He only wished he had his cornet with him.

The party abruptly ended when he reached the west.  The train pulled into a shabby Saskatchewan station.  Roy grabbed his suitcase, jumped off the train onto the back of an old truck.  He sat with the group of men to which he had been assigned.  He was impressed with the thousands of acres of wonderful wheat ready for the sickle that lined both sides of the old, rutted road upon which they travelled.

As they pulled into the workers' camp Roy felt disappointed to say the least.  "Is this where we're gonna be stayin' then?"

His boss was a big, burly man with a small sense of humor.  "You're here to work, boy!" he answered sharply.  "The only time you'll be here is to sleep and if you got your eyes closed what difference does it make what the place looks like?  What's your name, boy?"

"Roy Gordon, sir."

"There, that's more like it!"   He put a small penciled check mark on one of the sheets fastened to a clip board that he held in his hand.  "Okay, Roy, check out cabin number six.  Stow your stuff and be back here in a half hour.  We gotta make hay while the sun shines!" he snorted before moving on to the next young man in line.

"Make hay while the sun shines!"  Roy muttered under his breath. "A real funny man.  So funny I forgot to laugh!"

He wandered through the sorry looking camp.  He came to a stick with an old piece of cardboard nailed to it.  The sign clearly marked with a big "6" stuck up out of the ground.  "I'd hardly call this a cabin!" he remarked to the old man standing just outside the door of the little sod hut.

Spitting a lump of something out of his mouth onto the dirt, just missing the toe of Roy's work boots, the old man answered.  "Call it what you want, boy, but you might as well call it home 'cause that's what it's gonna be to ya for the next few weeks."

Roy entered the hut.  Very little sunshine could penetrate the one tiny window on the wall at the back of the hut opposite the door.   It was dark inside and the place stunk like dirty socks.

Turning to the old man he guessed was supposed to be his room mate he glumly stated, "I'd suffocate if I hadda spend one night in this godforsaken hovel."

"It's the best you're gonna get in these parts, boy!"

"Then I'll sleep outside," he stated.  He left his suitcase in the hut, returned to the truck prepared to work but that night and every night thereafter he grabbed a blanket from the cot.  He made his bed on the prairie behind the camp. "

Cover Design by Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

 

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

 

I hope you will enjoy reading Sara, a Canadian Saga and thank you for your positive review

on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

Kindle edition is free today on all Amazon sites.
Currently #19 in Kindle Store > Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Family Life        

Book Excerpts -- That's the plan :-)

My plan is to share with you an excerpt from each of my books.   I will start with this new project tomorrow if everything goes according to plan.

I feel very proud to be an independent author.   At my chronological age I did not want to spend valuable time in search of a new publisher once my treasured relationship with Wynterblue Publishing Canada sadly came to a close.  To Maggie Kirton I owe a great appreciation because if not for her and her company, Wynterblue, I would not be enjoying the published world today.  It is very unfortunate that Wynterblue is no longer in operation and I hope one day soon they will find their way to return.  

For me, writing a story is the easy part.   But it was a great challenge for me to learn how to format, edit and publish my books.     I have truly loved and continue to love this new learning curve in my life.

I have fourteen books  which are in both print and Kindle formats.  In addition I have many short stories which dare to stand alone in the Amazon Kindle Store.

In the modern contemporary world of the 21st century we celebrate independent film makers; independent musicians, visual artists, and crafters.   The days of the giant movie studios are gone giving us cause to celebrate independent actors.  The days of the giant publishing houses are not gone, at least not yet, however there is a wonderful new wave of activity in our writing world.  Today we celebrate independent authors.

I am an independent individual and I very much enjoy being one of our modern world's indie authors.   

Join with me to celebrate the fact that musicians, visual artists, crafters, film makers, actors, poets and, yes, authors, are willing to put their hearts on the line; willing to express their art; willing to take the risk of being accepted or rejected.

As for me, I celebrate them all.

And I am very proud to be what is popularly termed  an Indie Author.

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

Special thanks to Susan Ruby K. who has created my wonderful new poster as well as being the designer of most of my book covers.  Check out her site at http://yuneekpix.com   

 



Proud Indie Author

I am thrilled with the new poster designed for me by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

 

These shelves contain my 14 books found on all Amazon sites:  http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

 

In addition I have many short stories which dare to stand alone for your reading pleasure.

 

My current works in progress are a romance novel titled Dinner At Seven and also

my memoir titled All Them Houses

 

I plan to have both these books published before we say hello to 2016.

 

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support

and special thanks to those who take the time

to write positive reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads. 

 

 

 

 

Social Studies - Book One, Dying To Be Popular free today

 SOCIAL STUDIES - Book One sub-titled "Dying To Be Popular"  is a compilation of 12 short stories with the focus on social issues including such subjects as spousal abuse, elder abuse, child abuse, and animal welfare.   

 

Stories in this anthology are:  Dying To Be Popular; Daniel's Destiny; Quest for Cammirand; Find Firinn; After Words;; Joshua's Journey; Hope of Glory; The Hole In The Wall;  Stranger In a Strange Land; Running On Empty; Another Mother's Day; Jacob's Seven Letters.

I have drawn from my experience as counselor and psychospiritual practitioner in order to write and compile  this trilogy of anthologies about contemporary topics that sadly are far too common in the world in which we live.

 

I hope you will enjoy these stories and, when you do, remember there are more stories to be told in Social Studies - Books Two and Three.

 

 

Cover design by Susan Ruby K. of http://yuneekpix.com

Social Studies - Books One, Two and Three

are available in both Kindle and Paperback format

on all Amazon sites.

 

They can also be purchased directly from Create Space.com

To purchase Social Studies – Book One   

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4712947  

To purchase Social Studies – Book Two

CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4713265  

To purchase Social Studies – Book Three

CreateSpace eStore:   https://www.createspace.com/4713425

 

Thank you for your positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

 

 

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Social Studies - Books One, Two and Three

I am very happy and excited to present my Social Studies series; books one, two and three.  Each book contains twelve of my short stories which keep the focus on social issues including child abuse; elder abuse; spousal abuse; animal welfare; incest; murder; Alzheimer disease; and much more. 

Nothing is hidden.  The stories are very real.

I have drawn from my experience as counselor and psychospiritual practitioner in order to write and compile this trilogy of short story anthologies about contemporary topics that sadly are far too common in the world in which we live.

Each of these books is available in both Kindle and Paperback format on all Amazon sites.

Thank you for checking out my author's page  http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

Your positive review on Amazon and/or Goodreads is much appreciated.

Cover design on these books is by  Susan Ruby K.  of http://yuneekpix.com

Poetry from A to Z - free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites

#2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Canadian

 

Poetry from A to Z is a collection of my poems, some of which have been previously published in various anthologies. This collection includes a variety of subjects and styles

for your reading enjoyment.

 

This collection is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites for poetry lovers.

 

Check out my author's page  http://www.amazon.com/author/audreyaustin

ABUNDANCE

Ellen is distraught. Financial worry and loneliness are making her frantic. When Jethro Tunkel arrives at her backyard gate she is puzzled and fearful but not for long. Ellen does not realize it but with Jethro comes abundance. If you enjoy this short story you will love my novel titled "Ellen and The Hummingtree"

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From the Author

ABUNDANCE is a short story.  It is also an excerpt from one of my novels titled "Ellen and The Hummingtree".    In this story Ellen is struggling both financially and emotionally.   She is even feeling that her spiritual strength is in jeopardy.    Then along comes a great gift in the person of Jethro Tunkel who arrives at Ellen's back gate; knapsack  on his back and guitar slung over his shoulder.    Enjoyment of this short story will lead you to want to read "Ellen and The Hummingtree", a novel which is a fictional memoir of a woman of faith.  

 

 

This short story is free tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

 

Cover design Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

 

Ellen and The Hummingtree is available in both Kindle and Paperback formats on all Amazon sites.  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 shares the import of her personal relationship with family, friends and with God.

She allows us to witness her vulnerability and invites us into her heart where we experience her joys and sorrows.

In a few instances the author has drawn from her life’s experience but, in essence, Ellen is a composite of many beautiful, spiritual women the author has known and loved throughout her journey.

It is hoped you will welcome Ellen into your heart and it is hoped you will enjoy the stories she shares with you in this book; her fictional, magical, mystical memoirs titled Ellen and The Hummingtree.

At the outset of this writing journey we met. I became acquainted with her and now I can say that I truly like Ellen. She has the courage of her convictions And no matter what life threw at her, she never lost faith.

Audrey Austin.

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From the Author

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.                    

 

About the Author

Audrey Austin's passion is creative writing. She recently celebrated her seventh writing anniversary and invites you to enjoy her many short stories, novellas and novels. Check out her author's page at http://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin   Austin lives and works in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.

 

 

Andrew's Achievement -- free today

 

This short story is about elder abuse. Andrew is a widower confined to a wheelchair. His son, Tom, has forgotten how to treat his father with respect. An alcoholic, he torments his father and demands money. Andrew is his son's victim but one day he decides enough is enough.

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From the Author

Not enough is being written about elder abuse.  We seem to hear more about this issue taking place in large care facilities.   I believe more attention needs to be paid to the domestic violence and elder abuse taking place in too many Canadian homes.  Baby boomers are coming into their senior years and unfortunately too many of them are suffering abuse at the hands of their own family members.  

            

About the Author

Audrey Austin's passion is creative writing. She recently celebrated her seventh writing anniversary and invites you to enjoy her many short stories, novellas and novels. Check out her author's page at http://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin    Austin lives and works in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.   

 

Andrew's Achievement  is free today in the Kindle Store on all Amazon sites.

 

This short story is also available in paperback as one of the twelve stories contained in Social Studies, Book Two - Shattered and Broken  

 

Cover design Susan Ruby K.

http://yuneekpix.com

Andrew's Achievement is currently #21 in Kindle Store > Kindle Short Reads > 15 minutes (1-11 pages) > Parenting & Relationships #27 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Dysfunctional Relationships

 

Recompense -- Kindle Edition is free today

Maurice Wilson lives in Salt River, a small town near Cape Town, South Africa. He is the son of a black father and a Caucasian mother. After the sudden death of his parents he makes the decision to move to High River, Alberta, Canada, the place of his mother’s birth in search of a sense of belonging. He becomes a Canadian citizen, is employed as a mail carrier for Canada Post. The morning of his first day on the job he meets Alison Pierce, a plain woman whose silent passions run deep. Shortly into her relationship with Maurice all her hopes for fulfillment plummet however she continues to live with him for more than twenty-five years. In their later years Maurice and Alison become acquainted with the Internet and with the Senior Befriender Chat Room. When temptation with the name of Conrad enters their lives the shared bonds of loyalty and trust are put in jeopardy. Will deception rule the day?

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From the Author

Bringing two worlds together was my goal in bringing together Maurice from Salt River, Capetown, South Africa and   Alison, a postal clerk in High River, Alberta, Canada.  Cultures blend but passion is lacking.  I thought of these two people living together as a couple; not too unlike many couples who live together for years in unsatisfactory boring relationships. Then I thought what if, when they reach their senior years, something happens to wake them up?    That's when I decided to introduce Conrad and the Senior Befriender Chatroom.    Writing "RECOMPENSE' was an enjoyable challenge.  Most of us are unused to reading about senior men and women in romantic situations .......... I thought maybe it is time that I write something that will make us see our elders through new eyes.            

 

 

 

Paperback Edition

 

About the Author

Audrey Austin's passion is creative writing. She recently celebrated her seventh writing anniversary and invites you to enjoy her many short stories, novellas and novels. Check out her author's page at http://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin  Austin lives and works in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada.          

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Amazon Best Sellers Rank:  #85 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Relationships > Love & Romance