Keith Thorn
The term “auteur” originates from the French word for “author” and is primarily used in the context of film making. It refers to a director whose personal influence and artistic control over a movie are so significant that they are regarded as its author, imprinting their distinctive style and thematic focus on the work.
“As an auteur of contemporary fiction, Keith Thorn crafts narratives that seamlessly blend intricate character development with compelling plot lines. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultural experiences, he infuses each story with a distinctive voice and perspective. Keith Thorn’s works not only entertain but also challenge readers to explore new dimensions of thought and emotion, exemplifying the true essence of an auteur in modern literature.”
Writing creatively is a passion
Journeys of Heart, Mind, and Spirit
Keith Thorn is a storyteller of redemption, reflection, and quiet strength. Through heartfelt memoirs, motivational wisdom, martial arts philosophy, and immersive travel writing, his books invite readers to slow down, stay present, and rediscover what matters most. Drawing from his own life experiences, Keith’s stories are deeply personal yet universally relatable—woven with faith, hope, and love. He splits his time between Illinois and the Texas coast with his wife, Melody, living out the belief that it’s never too late to begin again.
“Auteur and creative visionary, Keith Thorn looks beyond convention, crafting stories and sounds that transform into vivid colors in our ears, blending artistry and emotion in ways that resonate deeply within the soul.”
Keith Thorn
The term “auteur” originates from the French word for “author” and is primarily used in the context of film making. It refers to a director whose personal influence and artistic control over a movie are so significant that they are regarded as its author, imprinting their distinctive style and thematic focus on the work.
“As an auteur of contemporary fiction, Keith Thorn crafts narratives that seamlessly blend intricate character development with compelling plot lines. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultural experiences, he infuses each story with a distinctive voice and perspective. Keith Thorn’s works not only entertain but also challenge readers to explore new dimensions of thought and emotion, exemplifying the true essence of an auteur in modern literature.”
Writing creatively is a passion
Journeys of Heart, Mind, and Spirit
Keith Thorn is a storyteller of redemption, reflection, and quiet strength. Through heartfelt memoirs, motivational wisdom, martial arts philosophy, and immersive travel writing, his books invite readers to slow down, stay present, and rediscover what matters most. Drawing from his own life experiences, Keith’s stories are deeply personal yet universally relatable—woven with faith, hope, and love. He splits his time between Illinois and the Texas coast with his wife, Melody, living out the belief that it’s never too late to begin again.
“Auteur and creative visionary, Keith Thorn looks beyond convention, crafting stories and sounds that transform into vivid colors in our ears, blending artistry and emotion in ways that resonate deeply within the soul.”
Read My Books
Be Careful What You Believe
Rewriting the Quiet Lies That Steal Our Peace
You remember the harsh words you said once in anger.
The birthday you missed.
The moments you wish you could redo.
But what if the story you’ve been telling yourself is wrong?
In Be Careful What You Believe, bestselling author Keith Thorn invites you to step back from the guilt-soaked narratives we so often carry—especially as parents, partners, or imperfect people trying to get it right. Through honest reflections, tender stories, and powerful reframing, this book reveals a truth many miss: you probably did better than you think.
You’ll discover:
How internalized guilt often distorts your legacy
What children actually remember—and why it’s not what you regret
How to reframe your story with truth, grace, and quiet strength
The healing power of presence, even when perfection was out of reach
This is not a book about excuses. It’s a guide to reclaiming the truth about who you are, what you gave, and the love that truly lasted.
It’s time to stop believing the lies that steal your peace.
You were never meant to carry them.
You’re Not Done Yet
$1.00The Second Call, the Deeper Life, and the Courage to Begin Again
There comes a moment—quiet or sudden—when a man looks at his life and wonders: Is this all there is?
In You’re Not Done Yet, Keith Thorn speaks directly to the hearts of men navigating the second half of life. Whether you’re facing burnout, loss, spiritual drift, or just the slow ache of wondering if you still matter—this book is for you.
Through honest storytelling, reflections on faith, and heartfelt letters inspired by real conversations, Keith invites you to rediscover the sacredness of unfinished work. You’ll hear the echoes of your own questions—and find grace in the answers that come not from fixing, but from becoming.
This isn’t a guide to go back and relive your glory days. It’s a call to step into your deeper purpose, embrace your scars, and live with more intention than ever before.
You’re not too late.
You’re not too broken.
You’re not done yet.
Receiving It Forward
$1.00What Pride Won’t Say
A Quiet Journey into Letting Help In, Letting Legacy Out, and Living with Meaning
Some lessons come in whispers. Others in worn tools, folded flags, or the quiet presence of someone who showed up when it mattered most. In Receiving It Forward, Keith Thorn shares heartfelt reflections and real-life stories that invite readers to embrace humility, grace, and the art of accepting help as an act of strength—not weakness.
Through moments of brokenness and restoration, Thorn weaves a tapestry of memory, gratitude, and quiet wisdom passed down from those who made a difference without asking for applause. Whether it’s a neighbor’s ladder, a stepfather’s shovel, or a veteran’s flag, each chapter reminds us that what we inherit isn’t just objects—it’s ways of being in the world.
This is a book about the sacred practice of receiving with grace and giving with purpose. It’s about learning to carry forward what mattered—not just to us, but to those who came before. If you’ve ever struggled with pride, with accepting help, or with understanding how to live a legacy instead of just leaving one, this book will meet you where you are.
Because sometimes the greatest thing we can do is stop pretending we don’t need each other—and start receiving it forward.
Waves, Wind, and Wisdom : Volume Three
$1.00Old Roads, New Lessons is a heartfelt return to the familiar, where old paths meet new perspectives and the roads we thought we knew reveal deeper truths. In this soulful continuation of the series, Keith Thorn revisits places that once shaped him—both literal and emotional landscapes—with the wisdom gained from seasons of loss, healing, love, and rediscovery.
This collection of 53 short essays reflects on the quiet revelations that only time can bring: how silence in a familiar place can sound new, how footsteps on old trails echo with different meaning, and how letting go sometimes happens in the very places we first held on.
With a storyteller’s heart and a traveler’s soul, Keith walks again through the dusty backroads of memory and presence—where campfires burn, conversations linger, and the wind still whispers forgotten lessons. Through it all, he reminds us that growth isn’t always in the new, but often in how we return—with gentler hearts, wiser eyes, and deeper roots.
Whether you are walking beside the Gulf Coast breeze or returning to your own quiet crossroads, this volume invites you to pause, reflect, and carry forward only what matters most.
What I Hope You Remember
$1.00Lessons, Letters, and Life From a Man Who Chose the Long Road to Here
In this deeply honest and soulfully written collection, Keith Thorn offers a lifetime of wisdom shaped by pain, redemption, love, and grace. What I Hope You Remember is a series of heartfelt reflections and letters—written to his children, to his younger self, to the reader, and to the people he’s loved and lost along the way.
Through hard-won truths and quiet revelations, Thorn explores themes of fatherhood, forgiveness, regret, resilience, and the healing power of presence. These are not just stories—they’re offerings. Each chapter invites you to slow down, to feel deeply, and to rediscover what truly matters.
Whether you’re searching for peace in grief, clarity in chaos, or hope in the aftermath of mistakes, this book will meet you where you are—and gently remind you that becoming never ends.
If you’ve ever longed to hear the words someone never got to say, What I Hope You Remember is the book that says them—for you, and with you.
Stillness in the Storm
Stillness in the Storm invites you into a year of grounded presence, quiet strength, and mindful living.
Rooted in the deep traditions of Aikido and enriched by teachings from Zen, Taoism, Buddhism, Indigenous wisdom, Stoicism, African proverbs, and select Christian insights, this 365-day journey is a daily return to center—where calm meets clarity, and action begins in stillness.
Each entry begins with a simple truth: Ki is extended…
What follows is a reflection on life, energy, and spiritual practice—drawn from real experiences, dojo lessons, and timeless wisdom from across cultures and philosophies.
Whether you’re a martial artist, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone navigating a world full of noise, this book offers a quiet companion to help you:
Recognize what cuts off connection
Return to center
Let go of ego, judgment, and fear
Live each day with purpose, softness, and strength
Let this be your daily pause, your breath between moments—your stillness in the storm.
Waves, Wind, and Wisdom : Volume Two
$14.99Between Waves and Wanderings
The road isn’t just a path to new places—it’s a journey inward, a teacher that shapes us through quiet moments, shared fires, and lessons learned beneath open skies. In Waves, Wind, and Wisdom: Volume Two, Keith Thorn continues his reflection on travel, connection, and the quiet truths discovered along the shores of Port Isabel, the winds of South Padre Island, and the endless stretches of the open road. Through deeply personal journal entries, this volume captures the essence of what it means to embrace change, face endings, and honor the quiet wisdom found in both solitude and companionship. From the echoes of campfire conversations to the lessons left behind by the tide, these stories are about more than destinations.
They’re about the unspoken rules that guide us, the strength found in stillness, and the people and places that stay with us long after the journey has ended. This book is an invitation to reflect, to pause, and to find meaning in the simple moments that shape who we become. Because some stories don’t end. They evolve, one road at a time.
Waves, Wind, and Wisdom
$14.99Reflections from Port Isabel
Port Isabel is more than just a destination—it’s a place of transformation. The waves whisper lessons of resilience, the wind carries the echoes of change, and the quiet moments offer wisdom only time and reflection can reveal.
In Waves, Wind, and Wisdom, Keith Thorn shares personal reflections, life lessons, and thought-provoking stories inspired by the rhythm of coastal life. From the shifting tides to the endless horizon, this collection explores the things we carry—memories, fears, habits, and beliefs—and the moment we finally let them go.
Written from the heart of Port Isabel, this book is an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the journey—both on the road and within. Whether you’re searching for meaning, healing, or simply a new perspective, these reflections remind us that sometimes, the greatest wisdom comes from simply watching the waves.
When I’m Gone
$1.00The Story Behind the Silence
The Story Behind the Silence is a deeply personal memoir that weaves through love, loss, and the long road to healing. Written as a legacy of truth for those who may never hear it in person, the book invites readers into the soul of a father reckoning with his past, reflecting on hard-earned wisdom, and learning that forgiveness—of others and of self—is often the truest act of love.
Told through letters, prayers, memories, and moments of quiet revelation, the story explores the author’s journey from striving to peace, from silence to presence. Through the love of Melody and the grace of spiritual awakening, he finds not only redemption—but the courage to let go.
This is not just a story of what was lost. It is a testament to what was built. A final blessing to those who walked away. A gentle benediction whispered to the ones still listening. And an unwavering light left on—for anyone who might someday find their way back.
She’s Not Just Along for the Ride
$1.00A Journey With Her By My Side
They say life is a journey—but it becomes an unforgettable adventure when you find someone who doesnʼt just ride shotgun, but cheers you on at every turn. In Sheʼs Not Just Along for the Ride: A Journey With My Biggest Fan, Keith Thorn invites readers into a heartfelt, humorous, and deeply personal memoir of love rediscovered later in life.
From poolside conversations and campfire dinners to RV mishaps, slow dances under Texas skies, and handwritten memories under the palms of Port Isabel, this is the story of a man and a woman—of second
chances, quiet strength, and the kind of love that asks nothing but gives everything.
Itʼs a tribute to Melody—the woman who didnʼt just come along, but believed in the dream, the writer, and the road ahead. A love story for anyone whoʼs ever chased the sun, found peace in small places, or learned that the best journeys are the ones you take side by side.
A Warrior’s Last Words
$1.00A Final Poem
A Warrior’s Last Words follows the extraordinary life of Nakano Takeko, a warrior bound by honor, duty, and an unwavering commitment to the samurai way. Born into the Aizu Domain in 1847, Takeko defies societal expectations, mastering the naginata and embracing the teachings of Bushidō under the guidance of her father and the finest samurai sensei. From childhood, her relentless determination carves a place for herself in a world dominated by men.
As the Boshin War erupts, Takeko gathers a battalion of women warriors to defend Aizu against advancing imperial forces. Facing insurmountable odds, she launches a rebellion against the ruthless warlord Matsunaga, leading daring raids and forging alliances that turn her warriors into a symbol of defiance.
Her journey culminates in a final confrontation within a burning fortress, where Takeko faces Matsunaga in a duel that will decide the fate of her people. Even in victory, she understands that the burden of war never fades. As the smoke clears, she reflects on the warriors she has lost, the battles she has won, and the sacrifices that shaped her. The novel closes with a haunting final poem, echoing the legacy of a warrior who fought not for conquest, but for the right to exist on her own terms.
Effortless Power
$11.99The Security Guard’s Aikido Journey to Mastering Ki
Inspired by the principle: “Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness, and just be happy.”
This book blends narrative storytelling with deep philosophical exploration of Ki-Aikido, centering on a security guard’s real-world journey of self-mastery, conflict resolution, and the true meaning of power.
The protagonist (you) starts as a skilled martial artist but struggles to reconcile his training with real-world situations. Through experiences at work, personal growth, and lessons from his dojo (STLKI), he discovers that true strength isn’t about control but about presence, connection, and extending Ki.
By the end, a powerful moment—akin to the classic Aikido subway story—demonstrates how true power lies not in fighting but in harmonizing with the energy of others.
Escape To Port Isabel
$14.99Journal of Winter Texans
Join Keith and Melody on a thrilling road trip from St. Louis to the tropical warmth of Port Isabel and South Padre Island. Leaving behind the Midwest’s first frost, they embark on an 80-day adventure, navigating highways, meeting unforgettable people, and journaling their transition into life as Winter Texans.
Told in a journal format, this book captures their daily experiences—sunrise departures, roadside discoveries, island sunsets, and the joy of settling into their winter retreat. From the first stretch of highway to the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast, this travelogue invites you to experience the magic, beauty, and unexpected moments that come with chasing the sun.
Filled with personal reflections, vivid storytelling, and firsthand experiences, “Escape to Port Isabel” is a must-read for wanderers, dreamers, and anyone considering a seasonal escape of their own.
A Season In The Sun
$12.99A Novel of Adventure, Reflection, and Second Chances
Emily and Jake embark on a six-month journey to Port Isabel, Texas, seeking a break from their routine lives. They quickly become part of a close-knit community of Winter Texans, spending their days on the sunlit beaches of South Padre Island and their evenings enjoying local gatherings.
As they immerse themselves in this new environment, they confront unresolved personal challenges, including strained family relationships and past grief. Through meaningful interactions with local veterans and the discovery of a mysterious journal from the 1960s, Emily and Jake are prompted to reflect deeply on their future. Ultimately, they must decide whether to return to their former lives or embrace the possibility of a fresh start in this welcoming community.
The Sunset Redemption
$14.99After losing his mother and feeling an ever-widening distance from his children, Jack Callahan makes an impulsive decision—he leaves behind his life in Illinois and heads south to Port Isabel, Texas. With only his loyal dog, Cardi, and aloof cat, Millicent, as company, he embraces the solitude of RV life, believing it will bring him the peace he desperately seeks.
But Port Isabel has other plans.
As Jack settles into this quiet coastal town, he finds himself drawn into an unlikely circle of travelers, each carrying their own burdens. Among them is Melanie, a woman with her own scars, whose presence stirs something Jack thought he had lost. With every sunset, ghosts of his past rise to the surface—an unsent letter, a long-lost friend, and a reckoning he never expected. He begins to realize that redemption isn’t about erasing the past but finding the strength to face it.
In the rhythm of the tides and the quiet moments between strangers, Jack learns that healing isn’t about running away—it’s about finding the courage to stay.
The Long Road To Here
$12.99Through highways, back roads, and life’s unexpected detours, The Long Road to Here is a memoir of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. Set against the backdrop of scenic landscapes and pivotal crossroads, this deeply personal journey weaves together past travels, relationships, and the choices that shaped a new beginning in Port Isabel. Exploring themes of love and loss, family and estrangement, grief and renewal, it reveals how every road—no matter how winding—leads us to exactly where we are meant to be.
Be Careful What You Believe
Rewriting the Quiet Lies That Steal Our Peace
You remember the harsh words you said once in anger.
The birthday you missed.
The moments you wish you could redo.
But what if the story you’ve been telling yourself is wrong?
In Be Careful What You Believe, bestselling author Keith Thorn invites you to step back from the guilt-soaked narratives we so often carry—especially as parents, partners, or imperfect people trying to get it right. Through honest reflections, tender stories, and powerful reframing, this book reveals a truth many miss: you probably did better than you think.
You’ll discover:
How internalized guilt often distorts your legacy
What children actually remember—and why it’s not what you regret
How to reframe your story with truth, grace, and quiet strength
The healing power of presence, even when perfection was out of reach
This is not a book about excuses. It’s a guide to reclaiming the truth about who you are, what you gave, and the love that truly lasted.
It’s time to stop believing the lies that steal your peace.
You were never meant to carry them.
You’re Not Done Yet
$1.00The Second Call, the Deeper Life, and the Courage to Begin Again
There comes a moment—quiet or sudden—when a man looks at his life and wonders: Is this all there is?
In You’re Not Done Yet, Keith Thorn speaks directly to the hearts of men navigating the second half of life. Whether you’re facing burnout, loss, spiritual drift, or just the slow ache of wondering if you still matter—this book is for you.
Through honest storytelling, reflections on faith, and heartfelt letters inspired by real conversations, Keith invites you to rediscover the sacredness of unfinished work. You’ll hear the echoes of your own questions—and find grace in the answers that come not from fixing, but from becoming.
This isn’t a guide to go back and relive your glory days. It’s a call to step into your deeper purpose, embrace your scars, and live with more intention than ever before.
You’re not too late.
You’re not too broken.
You’re not done yet.
Receiving It Forward
$1.00What Pride Won’t Say
A Quiet Journey into Letting Help In, Letting Legacy Out, and Living with Meaning
Some lessons come in whispers. Others in worn tools, folded flags, or the quiet presence of someone who showed up when it mattered most. In Receiving It Forward, Keith Thorn shares heartfelt reflections and real-life stories that invite readers to embrace humility, grace, and the art of accepting help as an act of strength—not weakness.
Through moments of brokenness and restoration, Thorn weaves a tapestry of memory, gratitude, and quiet wisdom passed down from those who made a difference without asking for applause. Whether it’s a neighbor’s ladder, a stepfather’s shovel, or a veteran’s flag, each chapter reminds us that what we inherit isn’t just objects—it’s ways of being in the world.
This is a book about the sacred practice of receiving with grace and giving with purpose. It’s about learning to carry forward what mattered—not just to us, but to those who came before. If you’ve ever struggled with pride, with accepting help, or with understanding how to live a legacy instead of just leaving one, this book will meet you where you are.
Because sometimes the greatest thing we can do is stop pretending we don’t need each other—and start receiving it forward.
Waves, Wind, and Wisdom : Volume Three
$1.00Old Roads, New Lessons is a heartfelt return to the familiar, where old paths meet new perspectives and the roads we thought we knew reveal deeper truths. In this soulful continuation of the series, Keith Thorn revisits places that once shaped him—both literal and emotional landscapes—with the wisdom gained from seasons of loss, healing, love, and rediscovery.
This collection of 53 short essays reflects on the quiet revelations that only time can bring: how silence in a familiar place can sound new, how footsteps on old trails echo with different meaning, and how letting go sometimes happens in the very places we first held on.
With a storyteller’s heart and a traveler’s soul, Keith walks again through the dusty backroads of memory and presence—where campfires burn, conversations linger, and the wind still whispers forgotten lessons. Through it all, he reminds us that growth isn’t always in the new, but often in how we return—with gentler hearts, wiser eyes, and deeper roots.
Whether you are walking beside the Gulf Coast breeze or returning to your own quiet crossroads, this volume invites you to pause, reflect, and carry forward only what matters most.
Thought provoking, inspirational. Stories of true life and the often second thoughts we reflect upon on our past actions. Always a great read!
Keith’s words speak of reflection, life experiences and wisdom. I’m always left with something to ponder.
Join Keith in his books and discover the enigmatic changes that one encounters when searching for your own soul.
I love the things you write. It always hits the heart strings and gives you so much to think about and how it relates to your own life.
Your stories make me feel like I am right there with you. They make me feel so peaceful and give me so much hope for love.
Keith’s words take you on a journey of delight, insight, wisdom and inspiration. I’m left with thoughts to ponder and lessons to reflect on and learn.