Ailish Sinclair's Blog, page 14
June 18, 2024
Aviemore Stone Circle at the Summer Solstice
Aviemore Stone Circle is unusual, though not unique, in that it is situated in the middle of a housing estate.
On the day I visited – Summer Solstice 2019 – roses were blooming at the edge of the circle, adding to the magical atmosphere of the place. The houses don’t detract from that; bushes and trees lend some privacy to the ancient stones.
Solstice SunThe sun was newly risen and bright; patches of ground seemed almost luminescent. There’s often a special light quality at stone circles, whether they’re in an open urban setting like this, or tucked away within dark forests. Maybe the mind just tends toward mysticism among these mysterious old standing stones.
People had left mementos or offerings in the Rowan tree, perhaps treating the site like a clootie well?
Clouds gathered overhead as I left the circle, on my way to an utterly amazing breakfast just round the corner at the Mountain Cafe (no longer there, sadly).
If you liked this post on Aviemore Stone Circle, you might also like:Turn Left for Tyrebagger Stone CircleAikey Brae: the North Wind Doth BlowThe Ancient and Strange Lang Stane of AberdeenThere’s a stone circle in all my books:
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Taking place mainly in a castle, 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.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
And A Dancer’s Journey:
These books are so naughty that I’m a little worried nobody will be able to look me in the face again after reading them. But not that worried. They’re heading out into the world anyway.
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…
See the series page here on the site for full blurbs and quotes
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
About Page
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Aviemore Stone Circle at the Summer Solstice appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 13, 2024
Cullykhan Bay in Aberdeenshire
I love Cullykhan Bay Near the village of Pennan, Cullykhan is a place that has long been appreciated by people, so it has a rich history. To the left of the sandy and sheltered beach lies an impressive promontory.
It’s been home to an Iron Age fort, now vitrified, and a medieval castle. Excavations have uncovered Neolithic and Roman finds (read more about these on the Canmore site).
From the promontory, you can see the Deil’s Lum (meaning devil’s chimney). This cave shoots sea spray with a roar during stormy weather.
It’s a place – promontory, bay and caves – that I write about quite a lot.
In THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, Isobell, Jasper and Ian have to cross the inside of the Deil’s Lum before following a tunnel to the castle. The tunnel is fictional, and so is my description of the interior of the cave, or rather it’s stolen from just around the corner.
As is my way, in the name of research, I have explored every tunnel and cave that is remotely accessible by land at Cullykhan.
This one leads to a dark and seagull-filled space… and it’s this space that I made the characters traverse, after slipping and sliding across it myself, of course.
Isobell, at least, did not enjoy the experience:
Climbing to the CaveThe truth was that caves and tunnels were more fun when told of beside a fireside, in dry clothes with a full belly. The reality of them – the cold, the wet, the dripping and the echoing, and the smell of decay – was only startling. The roof looked as if a huge ogre had wielded a knife inside the cliffs, cutting and carving to his heart’s content, but the idea contained no mirth, nor even any interest. And what lay ahead in this new life of ours?
Excerpt from THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR
Staring at the entrance of the Deil’s Lum from across the divide wasn’t enough for me, so one day I slid down the hill and climbed up into it. This is foolhardy behaviour, and not recommended, but I made a short video so you can see the cave without risking your own life and limb.
Writing CullykhanCullykhan features heavily in the 1st century story of SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. I loved writing about this beautiful place, capturing the essence of it in words. I took its great magnificence, and its beauty, and swirled them around, adding terrible, strange and unexpected events into the mix.
Light and dark at Cullykhan…I was honoured to appear on two wonderful websites recently: in an interview on Sue’s Musings here, and on Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore.
Sisters at the Edge of the World
Set in 1st century Scotland, and featuring the cliffs and caves of Cullykhan Bay, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book has a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
About
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Cullykhan Bay in Aberdeenshire appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 11, 2024
Simple Things, Happy Things
This is a post from 2023. It’s about simple things that make me happy. Today I’m adding new white pointe shoes. And a prayer plant.
Original Simple Things PostRecently, I’ve been sharing little bits of my life that relate to the series A Dancer’s Journey. Writing the last post of that type brought me out in a cold sweat. Literally. So today, it’s just happy, shiny things!
A walk on the beachFirst up is a walk on the beach. Illness often prevents such activities, so I really appreciate them when they’re possible, and they are just now.
Next: flowers.
Pink Purslane in the woods
A tall and pollen-heavy Peony
apple blossomThe last of the simple things is a newly tidied drawer. Actually still a messy drawer under the shoes. But I can get to my shoes easily. And I can dance.
Ballet shoesA Dancer’s Journey: complete, shocking, unique
Angsty romanceLots of naughtiness!A neurodivergent heroine and a Byronic heroSet in London and ScotlandUnconventional love and a secret relationshipA castle, a dungeon and a stone circleWhen 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 in this series; each book completes a story, but then there is more. So much more.
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
In the PressNew novel from Aberdeenshire author combines passions from Grampian Online.
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include 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.
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Simple Things, Happy Things appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 10, 2024
The Red Well by Whitehills in Aberdeenshire
The Red WellThe Red Well by Whitehills is protected by an unusual building. On the autumn equinox, at sunrise, a beam of light shines through the doorway of this beehive-shaped shelter and illuminates the well within. This happens on the spring equinox too. The well, and the building, are said to date from Roman times.
A Witch’s Hoosie
When I was a small child, I lived with my grandparents in Whitehills for a while. One day, playing with my cousins, I was locked in that building to see if the witch would get me. The place was referred to as the ‘witch’s hoosie’ back then, by children at least. There were scary stories of an old lady witch ghost. I was quite interested to see if she would show up. She didn’t, and I was eventually freed, my lack of fear having disappointed my companions somewhat.
The door is kept locked now.
Since then, I’ve always viewed the well as rather a magical place, and keenly look out for the quick glimpse of it in the landscape that you get when driving along the main Banff to Portsoy road.
Thistles by the wellIt’s in a particularly beautiful spot, the Red Well. The town of Banff can just be seen in the distance below.
A Book Set in Roman TimesI included the Red Well in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.
It was seven years in the making, this book. Both the novel and I went through a lot as the story developed: severe editing, hospitalisations, deleting, pain, rewriting, crying and being monstrous.
See the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Paperback and Kindle:
It’s on Kindle Unlimited too so can be read for free (there’s a 30 day free trial).
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include 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.
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The Red Well by Whitehills in Aberdeenshire appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 5, 2024
Down by the field…
Cranesbill growing by the fieldWriting is flowing and fierce. Walks are gentle. By the field. In the woods. I haven’t ventured far from home yet.
Trees are gnarly, and blog posts are short 
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.
Book 1 (mermaid, 16th century) is set mainly in a castle belonging to the Manteith family and involves witchcraft accusations and romance.
In Fireflies (18th century) Elizabeth Manteith is kidnapped and transported to the American colonies as an indentured servant.
About Page
Bio, socials, articles and interviews.
NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. It’s 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 Down by the field… appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
June 1, 2024
Working Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes Dark
What jobs have you had?
A WordPress Prompt
Well, WordPress prompt, when I was fifteen, I took over my ballet teacher’s school for a few months before going to college.
Despite being far too young for such a responsibility, I loved it, and it paid for all the dancewear and equipment I needed for my studies.
In my second year of dance school, I got a job in a shop in Covent Garden. It was a very nice shop. I had more money. No more choosing between food and decent pointe shoes.
But here is where things go a bit darker than the WordPress prompt probably intended. I knew really, that working both Saturday and Sunday, after a hard week of dance training, was a bit foolhardy. My sensible friend, Suzette, who would have counselled against this, had returned to Mauritius. More about Suzette and dance training here
So, I became exhausted. There was dance injury after dance injury. I developed a chest infection that lasted five months.
The shop sacked me for being ill. This left me even more vulnerable than I had already been, at seventeen, alone in London.
There was a violent predator.
There was an incident from which I was lucky to escape with my life.
Fast forward to the present, skipping several other jobs…
And my writing is influenced by my past. This is most evident in my contemporary work. There is a dark event in TENDU, the first book of A Dancer’s Journey, that I knew how to write because of my own experience. Not that it’s exactly the same, of course. In fact, it’s quite different. Fiction has to be more dramatic than reality, and more interesting. Far more interesting…
And have an infinitely more exciting setting…
These books have dark moments, but they are actually quite fun, overall, I think. And naughty. Like life, if you’re lucky!
Update: the whole series is out now!Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Series on Goodreads
Dance and Despair: Writing What You Know on Women Writers, Women[‘s] Books.
More on the seriesPointe Work and a Red LeotardDance Research in the DungeonChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceA Snaggled, Barbourous PlaceDiabolical and Deranged: Writing and BloodThere’s also this strange little post about what the characters of A Dancer’s Journey get up to when I’m away from the keyboard.Historical Fiction
Set in 1st century Scotland, and featuring the cliffs and caves of Cullykhan Bay, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, 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.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Working Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes Dark appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
May 28, 2024
Small Flowers and Writing Affirmations
Daring little petunias – no writing affirmations needed for them!I am writing again. Finally.
I didn’t need any encouragement – I’ve been champing at the bit waiting to be well enough – but I did feel a little nervous. What if my brain was rusty? What if this resulted in me writing bilge? Utter bilge. Bilge that my rusty brain thought was good?
So when YouTube suggested these writing affirmations to me, I listened. They were rather nice – empowering, even – so I’m sharing them.
Writing AffirmationsThe affirmations start at 2.37 minutes in, if, like me, you want to skip the meditation/relaxation part. I listened while doing my morning mix of yoga and Pilates.
Small Flowers
Red strawberry flower
A purple flower – I think it’s an AsterA Writing-Related TikTok @a.dancers.journeyA Dancer’s Journey Series – complete, shocking, unique#CapCut #meme #writersoftiktok #authortok Oh, that balance of light and dark…
♬ original sound – A Dancer’s Journey
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…
My dance background and love of history and spicy stories are what inspired this wild mix of unconventional romance and ballet set between a Scottish castle and London. 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
About Page
Bio, socials, articles and interviews.
NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. It’s 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 Small Flowers and Writing Affirmations appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Writing Affirmations and Small Flowers
Daring little petunias – no writing affirmations needed for them!I am writing again. Finally.
I didn’t need any encouragement – I’ve been champing at the bit waiting to be well enough – but I did feel a little nervous. What if my brain was rusty? What if this resulted in me writing bilge? Utter bilge. Bilge that my rusty brain thought was good?
So when YouTube suggested these writing affirmations to me, I listened. They were rather nice – empowering, even – so I’m sharing them.
Writing AffirmationsThe affirmations start at 2.37 minutes in, if, like me, you want to skip the meditation/relaxation part. I listened while doing my morning mix of yoga and Pilates.
Small Flowers
Red strawberry flower
A purple flower – I think it’s an AsterA Writing-Related TikTok @a.dancers.journeyA Dancer’s Journey Series – complete, shocking, unique#CapCut #meme #writersoftiktok #authortok Oh, that balance of light and dark…
♬ original sound – A Dancer’s Journey
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…
My dance background and love of history and spicy stories are what inspired this wild mix of unconventional romance and ballet set between a Scottish castle and London. 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
About Page
Bio, socials, articles and interviews.
NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. It’s 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 Writing Affirmations and Small Flowers appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
May 22, 2024
Culloden Moor and the Clava Cairns
This post details a 2014 trip to Culloden Battlefield and the nearby Clava Cairns.
Off We GoA bright blue sky day. Good for a journey up the coast and into the past. I stopped to take a picture of the anchor on the hill in Macduff.
A couple of hours and many miles later, the skies had clouded.
Culloden Moor
The visitor centre at Culloden is high-tech, swish, clean and pristine, all the things the bloody battle of the past was not. The contrast always gets me. I sit on a soft red sofa looking out at the battlefield, eating my delicious lentil soup and enjoying decadent chocolate cake in comfort and warmth.
Compare that to being one of the Jacobite clansmen, having marched across boggy rough terrain in the dark all night, exhausted, starving, about to be slaughtered in a fight so unfairly matched that it was all over in one hour. What would he think of Culloden Moor today and the nice day out it provides for families and tourists?
Out on the battlefield, things feel more authentic, more memorial. Red flags mark the government line:
Clan stones over mass graves:
Old Leanach Cottage is dated about 1760, several years after the battle, but is said to stand on the site of an earlier cottage that was used as a field hospital for government troops:
People leave offerings:
After a little look at the peaceful, cud-chewing, Highland cattle, it’s time to visit some ancient standing stones.
The Clava Cairns
Here ancient burial cairns (estimated at about 4000 years old) are surrounded by circles of stone and trees. It’s the perfect peaceful place to visit after Culloden.
You can walk right into two of the three cairns, though the entrance tunnel would have been covered in the past: you would have had to crawl.
Some of the standing stones are high and shaped, rather like enormous graves:
Let’s finish with one of the aforementioned Highland Coos. There’s four of them in a field next to Culloden.
Also see the post about the Cumberland Stone.
Historical FictionSet in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, 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.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE, out April 1st, is set at the time of Culloden and inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society
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 charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Posts on the inspiration behind these stories:Dance Research in the DungeonWorking Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes DarkPointe Work and a Red LeotardChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceA Snaggled, Barbourous PlaceThere’s also this strange little post about what the characters of A Dancer’s Journey get up to when I’m away from the keyboard.
See my About Page here
Newsletter sign-upGo 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 Culloden Moor and the Clava Cairns appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
May 21, 2024
Bluebells by the Barley
Barley and bluebells Just bluebells. Just barley. Just beauty.
The post Bluebells by the Barley appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
