Ailish Sinclair's Blog, page 15
May 16, 2024
Dunnideer Vitrified Hillfort and Leith Hall Garden
This beautiful tree sits at the foot of Dunnideer Vitrified Hillfort near Insch in Aberdeenshire. It’s a short but steep climb to the top of the hill. When you see the remains of the medieval castle and prehistoric fort, you know you’re nearly there.
Dunnideer Vitrified HillfortThe vitrified forts of Northern Scotland are a bit of a mystery. About 2000 years ago the stones of many of these defensive buildings reached a high enough temperature to melt. Theories as to how this happened are varied. Battles? Ancient building techniques? Aliens? I’ve written a dramatic stone-melting event into SISTERS (no aliens involved) but don’t pretend to have the answer to this piece of prehistory.
The views from the hill make all exertion of the climb worthwhile. Click the pano for a larger version:
View from the other side:
Dunnideer Stone CircleNestled, and almost completely hidden, under a tree at the bottom of the hill are the remains of Dunnideer Recumbent Stone Circle.
Leith Hall GardenA few miles further west is Leith Hall with its wonderful walled garden.
Stone guardian at the gate:
I love the Moon Gate and, in retrospect, wish I had gone through it and taken a photo from the other side too. Passing through moon gates is meant to bring good luck. Oh well, next time…
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Set in 1st century Northern Scotland, this is a story of chosen sisters, fierce warriors, divided loyalties and, ultimately, love. It features a neurodivergent main character (own voices), the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes, and some rather complicated romance!
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
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.
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 Dunnideer Vitrified Hillfort and Leith Hall Garden appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
May 15, 2024
Eilean Donan Castle – Writing Sad Stories
That’s the Sea Gate at Eilean Donan Castle, in the Highlands of Scotland, above. It’s two things at once. In the present day, it’s beautiful. But it’s said that people used to be thrown out of it, in acts of punishment or coercion. So, it’s terrible too. Sad, even.
And it’s the same with writing stories. Yes, they can be sad, and dark, and terrible. But they’re not only that. Or they don’t have to be. As with many things, in writing or life, it’s all about how it’s done.
A view from Eilean Donan Castle
Writing Sad StoriesIt was a recent review of FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE that got me thinking about this. Here’s the pertinent part of what the reviewer said:
I was somewhat hesitant to read this novel as I thought it would be too sad, but was glad to have chosen to read it as Sinclair did not disappoint with the telling of an exceptionally satisfying tale.
I felt the exact same hesitancy about writing the book. It was while researching local history for THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR that I stumbled across the information that 600 children and young people had been kidnapped from Aberdeen during the 1740s. They’d then been transported to the American colonies where they were sold into indentured servitude. It was terrible. It was sad. And, almost totally, overlooked. It wasn’t history that got talked about much. In fact, most people knew nothing about it. So, it was precisely the sort of story, sad or otherwise, that I liked to tell.
A photo taken somewhere between Glen Shiel and Eilean Donan CastleMaking Historical Characters RelatableI wanted to bring those people from the past to life, to make them human and relatable. But, wouldn’t it be too depressing to open the door to those particular historical events?
The castle door…The answer is: no. I don’t think so, anyway. I found the book great fun to write. In fact, I think it’s the least dark of my novels. The main character, Elizabeth, is so determined, and so easily enraged. She kicks sadness to the side. Mostly. She does have some despairing moments. I wrote about one of those times in response to a question on the Wee Writing Lassie Blog (see the whole interview here):
A young girl was found dead in First Mate Alexander Young’s bunk during the voyage from Aberdeen to America. History has not recorded her name so I called her Maggie, and her death has a deep impact on Elizabeth in several ways. It causes her terrible grief, informs her opinions of what ‘fine gentlemen’ can actually be, and provides a specific awareness of how much danger she and other women and girls are in at times.
The publisher had this to say about Elizabeth, or Beth as she becomes, in their press release:
Fiery and forthright, Elizabeth isn’t someone to be argued with. She knows her own mind, and isn’t afraid to speak it. Through her experiences, the reader sees her grow from a girl, into a woman with a powerful voice… a woman of her time, but very much of ours too.
The sun comes out over Eilean Donan CastleLearn MoreYou can learn more about Eilean Donan Castle on the offical website here.
And more about FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE on the book info page here or on the links below:
Review from the Historical Novel Society
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!
A Dancer’s Journey Series: unconventional romance
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
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 contemporary romance and ballet set in a castle. Readers of my historical fiction will recognise that castle and the stone circle 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
Sisters at the Edge of the World
When Morragh speaks to another person for the very first time, she has no idea that he is an invader in her land…
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!
About Page
Bio, socials, articles and interviews.
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 rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
A final, more iconic, image of the castleWriter’s Tip JarThe post Eilean Donan Castle – Writing Sad Stories appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
May 13, 2024
Unconventional Romance and Historical Fiction
I 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. My contemporary work is much, much naughtier, though still dark, and available now.
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.
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.
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.
Reviewers can apply for Advance Reader Copies of future books here.
The post Unconventional Romance and Historical Fiction appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Bluebells, just Bluebells
Bluebells in the gardenBluebells. They seem to be everywhere this year.
In the unmowed grass:
Bells of the wild lawnIn the woods. They make blue carpets of themselves there…
In the woodsAnd, along with pink and white purslane, they line the pathways and fill the air with intoxicating sweetness.
Bluebells and pink purslane THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR
My debut novel, The Mermaid and the Bear, was published by GWL Publishing in 2019.
Aspects of the book:It’s mainly set in a fictional castle in Aberdeenshire.It incorporates the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic.There’s a stone circle.There’s 16th century Christmas.And there’s a love story.
Further insight:The Press and Journal’s feature on the book and authorPost: Walking the Witchy Ways of AberdeenArticle on the Women Writers site: Researching Historical Fiction: Immersing Oneself in the PastReview from Tonya Ulynn BrownReview on Terry Tyler Book Reviews
Mermaid aesthetic 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 Bluebells, just Bluebells appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
May 6, 2024
Swooning Among the Flowers
Swooning pot on the patioFrom Vocabulary.com: To swoon is to faint, due to lack of blood to the brain. Illness, fear, stress, and even happiness can cause people to swoon.
Any bit of exertion carries such a risk for me just now, or, at least, I need to lie down after it.
Cherry blossomBut I have to walk – slowly – among the flowers. They’re just so beautiful.
Marsh marigoldsExhaustion levels are deep this time, this flare, this recovery. So are thoughts. Realisations. Illness can bring great clarity. And that’s good. It will lead to better things, better times. I think. I hope.
Flowering currantA minuscule amount of gardening has been achieved; no swooning involved!
A Dancer’s Journey Series
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
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 contemporary romance and ballet set in a castle. Readers of my historical fiction will recognise that castle and the stone circle in these books.
There are no cliffhanger endings in this series; each book completes a story, but then there is more. So much swoony more. Read all the blurbs here
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Sisters at the Edge of the World
When Morragh speaks to another person for the very first time, she has no idea that he is an invader in her land…
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!
About Page
Bio, socials, articles and interviews.
NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Swooning Among the Flowers appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
April 30, 2024
Pointe Work and a Daring Leotard
Ready for pointe work. Photographer: Darian VolkovaReflectionsLooking back on this post from a year ago. Reflecting on the past twelve months. Determining to stay well now. To not burn myself out again. In a year’s time I want to be writing about dancing around doing pointe work and getting books out and visiting castles and other lovely places. Maybe I’ll even wear a red leotard. Probably not to visit a castle. But, you never know… 
Would a strappy red leotard distract the eye from my puffer-fish face or accentuate it? The many thin straps of the garment crisscrossed my back in a pleasing design. It was different. It was daring. I wore it.
The above quote is from TENDU, the first book of A Dancer’s Journey, a romantic-suspense series. The main character, Amalphia, has just been through some relationship turmoil, again, and is returning to class after injury caused by an inappropriate level of pointe work. The red leotard gets her into a surprising amount of trouble.
Her injury came from being asked to perform every exercise in class en pointe. This is something that I took from my own life.
Memories of Pointe WorkOne week at college, our usual morning-class teacher – the late great Imogen Claire – was absent and a substitute put in place. This new teacher decided I needed to be stretched and pushed and had me do everything en pointe. Just me. Nobody else. This singling-out drew a few nasty looks from the other dancers. But really, there was nothing to be jealous about.
Because it really was everything. Every bend. Every jump. I love jumping en pointe. I still do it sometimes. But as a training method in morning class, this excessive pointe work made no sense. It removed the benefit of many of the exercises, and I limped off to the other lessons of the day improperly warmed-up.
After two days of this, my feet were sore. After a week, they were a mess. But then Imogen returned with her no-nonsense approach to teaching and ballet, and I healed.
Imogen looks through her glasses in disapproval (Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975). Christopher Biggins, to the left there, once said very insightful things to me while judging my annual assessment at college. There was no need for extra pointe work as we were blessed with a specialist teacher for that. At first I was surprised to learn that the class was taught by a man, but Gary Harris was a true expert on the subject, performing all the steps en pointe himself in his soft trainers at the front of the studio.
So, dance-school memories indulged, it’s time to head back into the next manuscripts. There’s a connected series coming…
A Dancer’s Journey Series
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
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 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
More Posts with Dance ContentChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceA Celebratory Dance in a Stone CircleDance Research in the DungeonLondon, Baby!Blues Skies, Crashing Waves and Ballet TermsA Ballet Novel and a Tale of Publishing WoesThere’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.NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Sisters at the Edge of the World
When Morragh speaks to another person for the very first time, she has no idea that he is an invader in her land…
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!
My About PageRead my bio and see all the social links and articles here.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Pointe Work and a Daring Leotard appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Pointe Work and a Daring Red Leotard
Ready for pointe work. Photographer: Darian VolkovaReflectionsLooking back on this post from a year ago. Reflecting on the past twelve months. Determining to stay well now. To not burn myself out again. In a year’s time I want to be writing about dancing around doing pointe work and getting books out and visiting castles and other lovely places. Maybe I’ll even wear a red leotard. Probably not to visit a castle. But, you never know…
Would a strappy red leotard distract the eye from my puffer-fish face or accentuate it? The many thin straps of the garment crisscrossed my back in a pleasing design. It was different. It was daring. I wore it.
The above quote is from TENDU, the first book of A Dancer’s Journey, a romantic-suspense series. The main character, Amalphia, has just been through some relationship turmoil, again, and is returning to class after injury caused by an inappropriate level of pointe work. The red leotard gets her into a surprising amount of trouble.
Her injury came from being asked to perform every exercise in class en pointe. This is something that I took from my own life.
Memories of Pointe WorkOne week at college, our usual morning-class teacher – the late great Imogen Claire – was absent and a substitute put in place. This new teacher decided I needed to be stretched and pushed and had me do everything en pointe. Just me. Nobody else. This singling-out drew a few nasty looks from the other dancers. But really, there was nothing to be jealous about.
Because it really was everything. Every bend. Every jump. I love jumping en pointe. I still do it sometimes. But as a training method in morning class, this excessive pointe work made no sense. It removed the benefit of many of the exercises, and I limped off to the other lessons of the day improperly warmed-up.
After two days of this, my feet were sore. After a week, they were a mess. But then Imogen returned with her no-nonsense approach to teaching and ballet, and I healed.
Imogen looks through her glasses in disapproval (Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975). Christopher Biggins, to the left there, once said very insightful things to me while judging my annual assessment at college. There was no need for extra pointe work as we were blessed with a specialist teacher for that. At first I was surprised to learn that the class was taught by a man, but Gary Harris was a true expert on the subject, performing all the steps en pointe himself in his soft trainers at the front of the studio.
So, dance-school memories indulged, it’s time to head back into the next manuscripts. There’s a connected series coming…
A Dancer’s Journey Series
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
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 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
More Posts with Dance ContentChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceA Celebratory Dance in a Stone CircleDance Research in the DungeonLondon, Baby!Blues Skies, Crashing Waves and Ballet TermsA Ballet Novel and a Tale of Publishing WoesThere’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.NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Sisters at the Edge of the World
When Morragh speaks to another person for the very first time, she has no idea that he is an invader in her land…
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!
My About PageRead my bio and see all the social links and articles here.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Pointe Work and a Daring Red Leotard appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
April 18, 2024
The Midnight Marauder
The Midnight Marauder Every night, without fail, a badger visits the garden to eat scraps and leftovers that we leave out for him.
He’s been coming for years. Though, realistically, of course, it’s not only one badger. But we always speak about him or her as if it is.
Sometimes two come together. After eating, they run about in a frenzy before disappearing into the woods.
The lighter nights made these photos of the earlier-than-usual visit possible.
I swayed there at the back door in my floaty, shaky, just-home-from-hospital state and basically revelled in the badger’s joy and exuberance.
Feels like my song just now…Health UpdateI injected myself with my new medication yesterday. Another intervention to stop my body attacking itself. We’ll see if this one works. I have hope 
Daffodils beside a battered birch treeMy Books – a Mix of Light and Dark
Read the contemporary series that’s shocking people! It’s available in paperback, kindle and on kindle unlimited.
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
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…
Review snippets:Deanne Patterson on Tendu: It broke my heart and then healed it and made it sing. Full review here.
Molly H on Cabriole: It’s truly one of the best books I’ve ever read and made me feel SO MANY FEELINGS. Full review here – some spoilers.
Tom Williams on Fouetté: I galloped through it, loving every moment. Full review here – some spoilers, especially if you haven’t read Cabriole.
Historical TitlesMy historical 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, friendship and chocolate.About Page
See the page here
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 The Midnight Marauder appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
April 10, 2024
April 3, 2024
Cannula Days Are Here Again
Cannula Days; Hospital WindowsA small update. About why I’ve been quiet. Things got darker fast, and I’m back in hospital.
Ten days in so far. No answers as to quite what my autoimmune body is doing yet. Hoping for success in suppressing it, though.
So, cannula in. Audiobooks on.
Normal service will be resumed at some point. But I don’t know when…
BINGE THE SERIES that’s shocking people 
Scotland’s all misty lochs and magical forests and perfect boyfriends, right?
Series on Amazon worldwide
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…
Historical Dark and Romantic BooksMy historical 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, friendship and chocolate.About Page
See the page here
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 Cannula Days Are Here Again appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
