Book lovers in Durham Region are invited to an intimate evening of storytelling and discussion as Stories In The Studio With Emily Austin arrives in Uxbridge on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Hosted by Blue Heron Books Studio at 62 Brock Street West, the event will run from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering readers the opportunity to hear directly from bestselling Ontario author Emily Austin. Tickets are priced at $30, and each admission includes refreshments along with a copy of Austin’s newest novel, Is This A Cry For Help?
Stories In The Studio With Emily Austin will focus on Austin’s latest release, a compelling and emotionally layered novel that follows a librarian returning to work after experiencing a mental health crisis. As she tries to rebuild her life, she faces the unexpected challenge of confronting book-banning efforts within her community. The story explores themes of grief, identity, love, resilience and the powerful role libraries play in defending access to knowledge.
Austin has become known for writing complex, vulnerable and often darkly humorous protagonists. She has been described as the “queen of endearingly flawed heroines,” earning widespread praise for her ability to blend wit with emotional honesty. Her previous novels include Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead, We Could Be Rats, and Interesting Facts About Space, as well as the poetry collection Gay Girl Prayers. Born in Ontario, Austin has received two writing grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, recognizing her contribution to Canadian literature.
Blue Heron Books has long been a cornerstone of Uxbridge’s arts and culture scene, regularly hosting author talks, book launches and community literary gatherings. Stories In The Studio With Emily Austin continues that tradition, creating a welcoming environment where readers can connect directly with authors and explore meaningful conversations about contemporary issues reflected in fiction.
Attendees can expect a discussion about Austin’s creative process, the inspiration behind her characters, and the broader social themes woven throughout her work. A question-and-answer session and book signing are also anticipated, giving guests a chance to engage personally with the author.
With limited seating in the studio setting, early ticket purchase is encouraged. Stories In The Studio With Emily Austin promises to be a memorable literary evening for readers across Uxbridge and Durham Region.
