My ever-changing view of the Avon River. Low tides can go down to a few feet and within 6 hours rise to more than 40 feet. Nature never ceases to amaze and inspire!
My buddy Cecil and me.
Christie N Hartlin
Welcome to my journey as an author. My writing is all about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary and telling stories that touch the heart. Whether you’re looking for laughter or tears, hope or heartbreak, I’ve got you covered. My goal is to create stories that resonate with readers and inspire them to look at life from different angles. So if you’re ready to embark on a journey, let me take you on a ride. Together, we’ll explore the miracle of the human experience with all its ups and downs.
About Me
I am Christie Hartlin, an author who loves to write stories that inspire and entertain my readers. Writing has always been a part of my life in one form or another. I'm finally dusting off my collection of notebooks I scribbled in throughout my life. Rereading them has brought equal amounts of laughter and tears. They have become a major source of inspiration on this journey to become a published author. Reality, paired with a vivid imagination, and an enormous sense of curiosity, make for a fun writing adventure.
A comment from one of my notebooks when volunteering in Malawi reminded me that my curiosity isn't always appreciated. My interpreter said, "Christie, must you ask so many questions? You act like a small child." I laughed so hard when he said that, and I laughed again when I read my account of the incident. My answer remains the same: Yes, I must ask questions, and I hope I will always have the curiosity of a small child. Life is fascinating, and I am thrilled to begin sharing my stories with you. Perhaps you'll laugh, maybe cry, but at the very least I hope you will be entertained.
Thank you for purchasing my book on Amazon.
These are a few of my notebooks. Forgotten things brought back to mind. So many stories to be told - or not.
I founded & lead an orphan care group & a Community Development Project in Malawi from 2005 to 2015. A lot of notebooks were filled during those years!
MY CHILDEN'S BOOKS
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Dreaming About You is my first children's book to be published. I have three other children's books drafted, and look forward to publishing them in the new year. Dreaming About You was written in response to both of my sons and their partners announcing they were pregnant with their first child, virtually at the same time! It's straight from my heart. Two years later, after many edits, I am proud to share it with you.
Working with an artist online was a new learning experience. Here you can see a couple of the line sketches I was presented with, and the color illustrations that came next. These are not the finished products. You'll have to see them in the book!
I hope you will follow my journey as I share updates, sneak peeks and maybe even read aloud now and again.
Dreaming About You is available on Amazon.
Great news! My second children's picture book is almost ready for illustrations! It celebrates how children are unique and 'smart' in their own ways. It encourages parents, teachers and children to appreciate the many ways children are 'smart'. As a former classroom teacher and school counsellor I am excited for children to see how wonderful they are in their own special way, and to understand that some perceived difficulties can actually lead to other strengths.
Stay tuned!
NOVELS
The Ordinary Extraordinary Times of Mrs. O'Neill & Me
The Ordinary Extraordinary Times of Mrs. O'Neill & Me is a novel that has been years in the making, and is one that I care deeply about. Set against the backdrop of real historical events, the book tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a little girl and an elderly woman that blossoms into something truly extraordinary. Filled with wit and wisdom, humor and heartbreak, and moments of true insight, it is a beautiful and poignant work of fiction that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Make the Ordinary Come Alive
Do not ask your children
To strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is a way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.
- William Martin
This poem reminds me to be present and grateful.
When Mrs. O’Neill presented me with a proper cup and saucer I felt just like Cinderella when she turned into a princess. Right until I saw a dead fly in my delicate cup. Feck sakes I thought, is Mrs. O’Neill blind? I smiled sweetly and the minute she turned to get the teapot, I scooped it out onto the floor and pushed it under the table with my foot. I started wondering if she could see the difference between the weeds and the plants in her garden, but of course I didn’t just let that pop right out of my mouth.
This did happen to me as a little girl.
To be polite, I asked what she grew in her garden. We had potatoes, carrots, peas, and beans in our garden in the back yard, and I thought that was plenty good enough. Mrs. O’Neill had all kinds of exotic things. She grew basil. I had an uncle Bazil and he certainly didn’t grow in a garden! She had lavender. I told her my mom had lavender in her talcum powder, and she let me use it on very special occasions. After a bath of course, and Mrs. O’Neill laughed.
This did not happen, but it could have!
Dreaming About You is now available: