Ailish Sinclair's Blog, page 10
December 26, 2024
Quiet Festive Moments
The quietest of the festive moments: picking lovely, shiny holly on Christmas Eve.
Christmas lights on boats at the harbour.
Scaring seagulls early in the morning at the beach. Always festive.
I hope you’re enjoying some good moments too, festive or otherwise!
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story in e-book form when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too).
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
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December 22, 2024
A Completed Series and Christmas at the Castle
Yes. Phew. *Lies down, exhausted* A Dancer’s Journey is now a completed series. Ready to binge.
The photo above shows the fireplace in the music room at Fyvie Castle, previously glimpsed here.
Dance and DespairI have a new article up on the Women Writers, Women‘s Books site: Dance and Despair: Writing What You Know It discusses some of the inspiration behind the Dancer’s Journey series.
Christmas at the Castle“I was drawing from my own life, yes, but it also felt like I was tapping into a wider female knowledge, one that can be hard to speak about. I had to do it justice. I had to get it right.”
There’s a Christmas party at the fictional castle in the third book, Fouetté, which is out today.
It was really difficult to find a quote that wasn’t also a spoiler, so here’s a short, slightly edited, one from that party:
Running in high heels was not fun. Neither was pursuing an inebriated nemesis.
The theatre was empty. I walked on up the corridor and found her bent forward over the edge of the swimming pool, gazing into its dimly lit blue depths. The light illuminated us from below, creating an intimate effect, maybe encouraging the telling of deep truths.
One step forward, and she would fall in…
Below is a window from the music room at Fyvie, replete with seasonal poinsettias.
An Interview with Amalphia TreadwellThat Wee Writing Lassie is asking her cheeky questions again, but this time it’s to the main character of the books, not me. See her blog series here.
A Dancer’s Journey: a completed series
My dance background and love of history and spicy stories are what inspired this dark mix of contemporary romance and ballet set in a castle. Readers of my historical fiction will recognise the castle and stone circle that feature in these books.
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…
There are no cliffhanger endings here; each book completes a story, but then there is more. So much more.
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Series on Goodreads
A Dancer’s Journey is available in paperback, Kindle and on Kindle Unlimited.
A connected series is coming next year!
About PageSee my About Page
Newsletter, Updates and ARCsGo here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Reviewers can apply for Advance Reader Copies of future books here.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post A Completed Series and Christmas at the Castle appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
December 21, 2024
Contemporary and Historical Fiction from Aberdeenshire
Fiction from AberdeenshireI write unconventional romance and historical fiction, often set in Aberdeenshire, the area of Scotland where I live. My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears and Romans to be found in them, detailed here. I have two contemporary series, the spicy, spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.
I take a LOT of photos as is evidenced throughout the site.
Here on the blog, I write about castles, history, stone circles, dance, living with chronic illness, and writing. See my about page here.
Castle Dancers Series
From book 1, Ariel: Dancing on TVThe night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.
Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.
Castle Dancers Series on Amazon UK
Castle Dancers Series on Amazon Worldwide
A Dancer’s Journey – unconventional romance
My dance background and love of history and spicy stories are what inspired this wild mix of romance and ballet set between a Scottish castle and London.
There are no cliffhanger endings in this series; each book completes a story, but then there is more. So much more. Read all the blurbs here
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her rich, handsome new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…
A Dancer’s Journey Series on Amazon UK
A Dancer’s Journey Series on Amazon worldwide
Historical Fiction
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD: ancient battle, neurodiversity (own voices) and forbidden romance.THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR: witchcraft, a stone circle, a castle and six chapters of medieval Christmas.FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE: kidnapping, friendship and chocolate.Further Insight New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland from the Press and Journal.The article Researching Historical Fiction: Immersing Oneself in the Past on the Women Writers, Women‘s Books site.10 Mystical and Magical Sites in Aberdeenshire on the official tourism site for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.Doctors and Deadlines: Writing with Chronic IllnessDance and Despair: Writing What You KnowWalking the Witchy Ways of AberdeenNewsletter, Updates and ARCsGo here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
The post Contemporary and Historical Fiction from Aberdeenshire appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Shortest Day, Longest Shadows
It’s the shortest day of the year today, the Winter Solstice. It always feels reflective to me, this marker on the turn of the wheel, the earth, the sun. The photo above was taken at Berrybrae Stone Circle here in Aberdeenshire on another, sunnier, shortest day.
And that’s the Northern Major Lunar Standstill, taken a few days ago. This is when the moon reaches its most northerly rising position on the horizon. It happens every 18.5 years. The southern one occurred in June, and it’s thought that our recumbent stone circles up here are aligned to that southern moon rising. So, it feels special to me.
There have been some great skies recently.
I like that some things are coming to fruition now in this dark time of the year, things that generally take me a long time to complete. And, as ever, it has been years in the making. A new book series. It’s finally ready. Just about.
This is the quiet time of the stories, the time when it’s only me and publishing professionals that have seen the manuscripts.
My heart is safe and hidden on this shortest day as I look up at the sky.
But soon…
Meet Ariel and her classmates, Bubbles and Alexander, along with a whole cast of vibrant characters, as they experience love, life and adventure at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland.
Each book in this coming-of-age series delves into the personal struggles and heartfelt romances of a different student over the course of a school year. As the spotlight shifts its focus within the old walls of the castle, there are television shows to be made and dark truths to be faced.
Join these young dancers as they whirl through their challenges, forge unbreakable bonds, and discover the power within themselves. Are you ready to travel to Northern Scotland, step into the castle school and dance through the deep dark of the dungeon?
Castle Dancers Series on Amazon UK
Castle Dancers Series on Amazon Worldwide
About Page
See my About Page
NewsletterGo here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
There will be a free short story going out in the next mailing (probably between Christmas and New Year). The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Shortest Day, Longest Shadows appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
December 10, 2024
Fyvie Castle at Christmas
Christmas at Fyvie CastleThere was a Christmas Fayre on when I last visited Fyvie Castle. It was all rather unexpected and enchanting.
Over on Twitter, Andrew Spratt, medieval re-enactor and ‘Man at Arms,’ worked his magic on an image I took on the day. It shows how the castle would have looked in the 15th century.
The Ghost of Fyvie CastleFyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire (Scotland) @AilishSinclair image & reconstruction mock-up of earlier basic Preston Tower with wooden palisade from the early 1400s. #FyvieCastle #ScottishCastles #HistoryRebuilt pic.twitter.com/pgyCCw1XvC
— Andrew Spratt (@andrewsp2009) December 4, 2023
In the foyer, there was a pile of books. The Green Lady by Sue Lawrence is about the mistreated ghost of Fyvie Castle and is set in the past and the present. The Green Lady is said to have been starved to death by her husband. I made everybody read my endorsement on the back.
Up the stairs we go…
The castle was full of local artists and crafts people selling their wares. I bought some Christmas cards and – surprise, surprise – some chocolate.
The Music Room
Pianist Ronan Malster provided beautiful music. Hear it below:
@ailishsinclairCome on, Ailish!Pianist: Ronan Malster. Christmas Fayre at Fyvie Castle. #music #christmascarol #pianorecital #castlesofscotland #christmasmusic #christmastree #scotlandtravel
♬ original sound – Ailish Sinclair
As I left the castle, someone called, “Ailish! Come on, Ailish!”
I looked round, but it wasn’t me that was being called. There was a small child named Ailish, and she was being encouraged to hurry up by her parents. I felt encouraged too and hurried off to walk round the icy loch.
Historical Fiction
My historical novels all involve dark events, romance and a little magic and snow…
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD opens on a snowy winter solstice in 1st century Scotland and includes the ancient battle of Mons Graupius.THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR has medieval Christmas and witchcraft accusations.FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE features Christmas in Colonial Pennsylvania and kidnapping.They’re all available in paperback, kindle and on kindle unlimited.
The Contemporary Books
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland.
She’s soon dealing with her boyfriend’s obsessive ex, the strange research taking place at the castle school and her own ever-evolving relationship issues.
Amalphia works hard to be the best dancer she can be, but as tension builds within the old walls of the castle, she begins to wonder if she will ever escape the dank dark of the dungeon…
Dark, witty, sexy and fun, Tendu is a compelling and seductive story of unconventional love, dance and obsession.
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Series on Goodreads
About PageSee my About Page
Newsletter, Updates and ARCsGo here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Reviewers can apply for Advance Reader Copies of future books here.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Fyvie Castle at Christmas appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
December 6, 2024
Ghostberries and a Serene Loch
The sun is low as we approach the end of the year; the loch, serene. The ghostberries, also known as snowberries or waxberries, are out in the woods like little lights in the dark.
Skies are dramatic at the beach but, again, somehow serene.
And that’s what I wish for us all in December and on into 2025. Serenity. Peace. Joy. The good things. And lots of them.
A Review of Fireflies and ChocolateI was quite touched to by this thoughtful review of Fireflies from writer Gemma Brook:
“Elizabeth has a lilting Scottish accent, so rich and natural I can hear it easily in my head. She speaks to us directly, and she’s a charming storyteller, though she goes through some troubled times... Dark days and nights lie ahead for Elizabeth, but there is light in the darkness: her own strong spirit, and good people around her (along with some thoroughly despicable characters, sadly quite believable).“
The Latest Books
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her rich, handsome teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his new school in Scotland.
She’s soon dealing with her boyfriend’s beautiful and obsessive ex, the sinister research taking place at the castle school and her own ever-evolving relationship issues.
Amalphia works hard to be the best dancer she can be, but as tension builds within the old walls of the castle, she begins to wonder if she will ever escape the deep dark of the dungeon…
Dark, witty, sexy and fun, Tendu is a seductive story of love, dance and obsession. Get your copy today.
About Page
See my About Page
NewsletterGo here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Ghostberries and a Serene Loch appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 26, 2024
The Bridge of Alvah and a Naughty Earl
Walking to the Bridge of AlvahAs a child, the task of walking to the 18th century Bridge of Alvah, near Banff in Aberdeenshire, was presented as something akin to travelling to Mordor: a journey of such length and difficulty as to render it impossible to your average mortal.
The walk from Duff House (a place with easy parking, swings, art gallery, tearoom and gift shop) to Alvah is actually comprised of just over two miles of well maintained track.
The other fact about Alvah recalled from childhood is that it is a place of great natural beauty. That is true.
The bridge stands huge and majestic – it is a bit ‘Lord of the Rings’ after all – over a deep gorge and the River Deveron.
A Mystery WindowI was most intrigued by the Gothic window and the many little hooks, just about discernible below.
The Naughty EarlGoogling revealed that there was a room for a toll collector within the bridge. This explains the window, though how a person got in there is not so clear. Either the door has been sealed or there was something Rapunzel-like going on. Local legend has it that the room was used by a (married) Earl to entertain young ladies, so perhaps it was kept semi-secret. The Earl’s wife reportedly shot him.
The hooks remain a mystery.
In summary: go visit the Bridge of Alvah; it’s well worth the two mile trek. Not an orc in sight!
See the post about the Mausoleum for more on the grounds of Duff House.
The Secret Room UpdateWe revisited the bridge in autumn and were given permission to access the Earl’s secret room/love nest. This involved a somewhat steep and scary climb down the bank of the river.
It was worth it. The room is beautiful.
Naughty Dancers Instead of Earls
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her rich, handsome teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his new school in Scotland…
My dance background and love of history and spicy stories are what inspired this heady mix of contemporary romance and ballet set in a castle. Readers of my historical fiction will recognise the castle and stone circle that feature in these books.
There are no cliffhanger endings in this series; each book completes a story, but then there is more. So much more. Read all the blurbs here
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Historical FictionThese novels combine little-known dark events with love stories and a hint of magic.
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD: ancient battle, neurodiversity and forbidden romance.THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR: witchcraft, a stone circle, a castle and six chapters of medieval Christmas.FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE: kidnapping, romance, friendship and chocolate.“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my (roughly monthly) newsletter. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always includes some exclusive photos. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
Read all about little old me here!
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The Bridge of Alvah and a Naughty Earl appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 25, 2024
The Dark of the Castle
The dark of the castle: photo taken in Corgarff CastleThe dark of the castle. That’s where we begin. In Cabriole. Which is out today (post from 2023).
Black coffee and dark chocolateIt’s the second title in the series, and also the notorious one.
The main character, autistic dancer Amalphia, won’t tell you that things are a bit dark in her world. She’s rather an unreliable narrator at the start of the book. But the story soon moves. In fact, it travels around quite a bit.
Out the door we go! Photo taken at Fyvie CastleFrom the blurbLeaving your boyfriend for a career on the stage is easy, right?
Back in London, and newly single, Amalphia moves into a seven-figure apartment and walks into a job with a top ballet company. Despite these advantages, she soon encounters new pain and a dark far deeper than that of the dungeon.
LondonI took the next photo the last time I walked through Chinatown in London. Cakes like this don’t actually feature in the novel, but I think they express lightness and fun. There is plenty of that in the tale too.
Cakes in ChinatownExcerptJustin and Amalphia meet in Chinatown at one point. Quote slightly edited to avoid a spoiler:
“Phi, keep going,” urged Justin. “You can’t say something like that and go quiet.”
Between large mouthfuls of food, I detailed the time in New York, the following week… and the present: the horrible, sticky, itchy present.
“I’m a bit shocked,” he admitted. “It’s a lot to take in.”
There’s a few places like this in the book:
The London ColiseumAnd this question is explored:
So, there we are. A Dancer’s Journey. It’s in paperback, Kindle and on Kindle Unlimited. Two out… One to go (December 22nd)
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
See the Wee Writing Lassie’s new blog series about my favourite dancers here
ReviewsFrom Molly on Amazon.com: I laughed out loud many times! I cackled twice. I cursed at characters in my head a few times. It’s truly one of the best books I’ve ever read and made me feel SO MANY FEELINGS.
From emmalolly13 on TikTok: “This series has a special place in my heart… I feel so blessed to continue reading Amalphia’s story… Her journey with love has been rough… this is such a soul-touching series.”
Background of the SeriesA Completed Series and Christmas at the CastleThe Publishing Journey of a Ballet NovelPointe Work and a Red LeotardWorking Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes DarkA Snaggled, Barbourous PlaceChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceAnd there’s also this slightly strange little post about what the characters of A Dancer’s Journey get up to when I take a rare day off from writing.
About Page
See my About Page
NewsletterGo here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a bit more intimate than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The Dark of the Castle appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 20, 2024
The First Sprinkling of Snow
The first sprinkling of snow. And everything feels different. Light and colours are wintry now.
Early mornings are dark and lit by the moon.
Ice makes walking perilous. But the sun still shines. And the world feels sparkly and bright.
Snowy MemoriesThe weather is strongly reminding me of when I was first writing the Dancer’s Journey series. It was a particularly snowy winter. The road to our house was blocked for two weeks, and I just lost myself in the world of the books. The ancient castle… Danger in the dungeon… Angsty romance… And snow, lots and lots of snow. I can feel the atmosphere of it quite acutely now. And it’s good.
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her rich, handsome teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his new school in Scotland…
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
From Deanne here: “Very atmospheric, I could feel what the characters were feeling, feel their pain; it broke my heart and then healed it and made it sing.”
The Mermaid and the Bear
If you like castles, Scotland, history, witches, stone circles and Christmas done medieval-style, you might like THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR. There’s also a love story.
Paperback and kindle on Amazon
View full book detail page here
“A delight from end to end…” Undiscovered Scotland
My About Page
AilishSee the page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a more intimate space than the blog. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The First Sprinkling of Snow appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 15, 2024
Big Trees, Blue Skies
Of all of the big trees I know, the twisty beech at Aden Country Park is one of the most beautiful. I love the intricate nature of its trunk.
There’s a tiny squirrel there under the, also slightly twisted, copper beeches.
The river winds slowly through the lower parts of the park, flanked by more big trees as it goes.
Colder temperatures are predicted from tomorrow. Autumn is coming to an end. It’s been a great one, this year, though. Leafy and golden and bright.
The Manteith Collection
The Manteith Collection comprises THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR and FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE. The books do not have to be read in order.
The Mermaid and the BearIsobell needs to escape. She has to. Her life depends on it.
Set in a fictional castle in Aberdeenshire, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
Paperback and kindle on Amazon
View full book detail page here
“A delight from end to end…” Undiscovered Scotland
Fireflies and ChocolateWhen Elizabeth is torn out of her isolated life in a Scottish castle, she embarks on a determined quest to return home. Exhilarating adventures unfold on the high seas, love blossoms, and the chocolate, purchased in Benjamin Franklin’s printing shop, is delicious!
The story was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were kidnapped from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies.
Paperback and kindle on Amazon
View full book detail page here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my newsletter. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always includes some exclusive photos. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
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