Tag: death

Someone took a chance on me

Jennifer Osuna Ausa

Available at Steveston Bookstore, Steveston Village, Richmond

Selling a book by an indie or self-published author is challenging. Most of the books sold were online or at webstores. I contacted local bookstores in Vancouver and Richmond for my 2022 book, “Revenge Mistaken,” but most had no room for it. On April 16, 2025, the release of my second book, “Fate Unshaken,” prompted me to revisit the bookstores in Richmond.

I visited Chapters Indigo in Richmond Centre, and the manager told me that they couldn’t accommodate me at this time. Then I visited Steveston Village with a friend and went inside Steveston Bookstore; I was so overwhelmed by how much I liked the ambience and the energy inside the store. We met the female owner who has been operating the bookstore for thirty-five years now. I asked her if she would let me sell the physical copy at her store, and she said I could bring a book or two for starters.

Today, after my appointment, I visited another bookstore in Steveston Village, but the person there declined to accept my book for a reason. After thanking her, I proceeded to my main purpose, which was to bring a copy of Revenge Mistaken and Fate Unshaken to Steveston Bookstore. I met the male owner, and he was so gracious and gave me courage to showcase my books. We talked a little bit, and I felt his sincerity and encouragement. I’m grateful he took a chance on me.

After the adrenaline rush, I treated myself to a wonderful brunch of waffles with smoked salmon and unlimited coffee from Steveston Cannery Café and met the owner. In a gesture of gratitude, I presented her with a signed copy of Fate Unshaken. It feels so nice to appreciate each other. Thank you for the sumptuous brunch.

Does someone take a chance on your accomplishment?

FATE UNSHAKEN

Jennifer Osuna Ausa
I’m really thrilled; at last, the public can purchase my second book, Fate Unshaken. When we were editing the book, I assumed it would be out by summer. However, FriesenPress was efficient; they released Fate Unshaken this spring, on April 16, 2025. The release of Fate Unshaken coincided with my dad’s birthday, making it a memorable day for my family and me. I hope I made Daddy proud in heaven.

Having no professional training, I believed I would only have one book published in my lifetime. I only had a story, but I’m grateful to have FriesenPress guiding me throughout the process. I believed that fate played a role in guiding my writing path. I appreciated the gift and embraced my capacity for narrative telling. I was midway through penning the sequel to my debut book, Revenge Mistaken. But I was stuck and my brain stopped functioning; I could not carry on the narrative.

As I attended church, I noticed the phrase “faith unshaken,” and suddenly, an unexpected narrative began to develop in my mind. And while I listened to the homily from the priest, I developed a fresh attitude, concept, and premise. I turned on my laptop when I got home and began writing what I had in mind; after some time I produced chapter 4 of the new book. Fate Unshaken is the result of this.

To gain mainstream recognition, I hope that people will support independent and self-published authors like myself. One major achievement is being able to sell my works on bookshop shelves as well as online.

What is your major achievement so far?

*****A fiction story but the emotion is real.*****

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Grief with acceptance

Jennifer Osuna Ausa

The unexpected surprises in life always come at the worst possible time. We always have an option for how we would respond to it. I’m grieving in silence over the loss of a dear friend. It was a different story when I saw the columbarium where his urn was placed, though. Melchie, our dear friend, was so kind as to accompany me and share her fond memories of Richard.

Richard, also known as Gavin to many, is one of the most significant people in my life who inspires me to keep moving forward and achieve great things in order to better my life. He entered my life just as I was about to give up, and by assisting me in growing in my relationship with God, he enabled me to see the light. The weekly trip to church was an experience we shared. He showed me that life frequently forces us into challenging circumstances, yet he also gave me the motivation to bounce back and accomplish incredible things.

Although I understand that sometimes life is unfair, it was difficult for me to accept the fact that Richard kept his sickness a secret from us, his close friends. I was heartbroken about it, and so was his best friend, Melchie. He made the decision to fight for his life in solitude. His illness was only known to his sister. She must also be struggling, I know.

Before I launch my first book in Manila, I delivered his signed copy to his final resting place and will mail the copy to his family.

Chard nak, may your soul rest in peace. I respected your decision. Please visit me in my dream.

Acceptance is difficult, but I have to face the truth.

  • Enjoy last few weeks of summer

  • Someone took a chance on me

  • FATE UNSHAKEN

  • I made it happen