Author Description

The Watchers Series draws its inspiration from the author’s formative years in an industrial town—just four blocks from the bustling heart of the city, yet still rooted in a rural rhythm. In this unique setting, where truck and automobile factories stood near backyard fields, adventure was always just a heartbeat away. A nearby river served as a secret passageway, offering young minds like his a gateway to exploration beyond the city's edge. Fueled by a lifelong love of classic adventure literature—nurtured by his mother’s endless supply of the world’s finest tales—the author has crafted The Watchers’ World as a reflection of those vivid childhood memories. Saturdays, once filled with possibility and mischief, echo through the story with a mix of realism and wonder, capturing the spirit of a time when community and curiosity ruled the day. Step into this imaginative world—and let it awaken your own. About the Author JAY AYE is the pen name of John (Jack) Austermann Jr. His early years were shaped by an agricultural upbringing, influenced by two farmer grandfathers and summers spent working on farms during the final echoes of World War II. He later worked on the assembly lines of the automobile industry before serving in the U.S. armed forces, with active duty in Korea from 1951 to 1953. After his military service, he embarked on a 40-year career as an Automotive Design Engineer. Upon retirement, he settled in South Carolina, where he spent 27 years enjoying life in the Deep South—highlighted by two decades of bi-weekly hikes in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. In retirement, he turned to writing, finally giving life to the stories that had long lived in his imagination. Many of these tales were crafted for neighborhood children, each one blossoming into rich narratives designed to help young readers understand and prepare for the world ahead.