Ailish Sinclair's Blog, page 20
November 21, 2023
Wandering Barefoot Along St Combs Beach
Wandering barefoot. Along the sand. At St Combs beach.
Tiptoeing between the sandworm castings.
Feeling the smoothness and solidity of the rocks.
Bending down to look at some wee sea snails.
Leaping over seaweed.
A sand storm blows up on the way back.
But the skies stay dramatic at St Combs.
Reviews for TENDU
“This book has so much representation in its characters with autism, dyslexia, medical issues and LGBTQ+ characters…” Emma-Louise on Goodreads and TikTok“So there we have it: mad experiments, paranormal powers, exciting dance sequences and lots and lots of sex. And did I mention the mystical forces in the old stone circle?” Tom Williams, author of the James Burke historical novels, reviewing on his blog.“Knowing there are two more books in the series made it easier to accept that the tale was coming to an end. It can be so hard to finish a book when you are loving the story so much.” Molly on Amazon.comScotland’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…
Reviews for The Mermaid and the Bear
There’s a great review of The Mermaid and the Bear over on The Inquisitive Inkpot: “This is where I connected with Isobell: I connected with her when the fragility of her world suddenly mirrored the fragility of mine. So to speak, I met her in the details.”
And another here on Instagram: “The author has written such a triumphant tale of love, bravery, and true magic for these women and all women.”
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.
NewsletterKeep up to date with all my news by signing up to the mailing list. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always contains some exclusive photos. If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Wandering Barefoot Along St Combs Beach appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 20, 2023
Sunrise over Tiger Hill
Tiger HillTiger Hill is the largest sand dune at Fraserburgh beach. There are different theories as to how it got its name. One is that it looks a little like a crouched tiger. The other involves actual tigers. It’s said that four fighting tigers were used to ward off Viking invaders in the past, and that the animals were then buried where the dune is now.
Whatever the truth, Tiger Hill is beautiful.
SunriseYesterday’s sunrise was beautiful too. It lit up the town.
I loved the pinks and blues of the sky.
TENDU Aesthetic The Wee Writing Lassie made this TikTik for TENDU, capturing many elements of the story:
@the_wee_writing_lassieAn Autistic Dancer, a Byronic Hero and an Obsessive ScientistCheck out my new post “The 8 1/2 Overly Pretentious Questions for Ailish Sinclair: The Second Question” weewritinglassie.home.blog/2023/10/21...… #WritingCommmunity #authorlife #ballet #dancer
♬ Set Fire to the Rain – Adele
Read my series A Dancer’s Journey. There’s ballet. There’s lots of naughtiness. And there’s peril!
Enjoy a kiss on the London tube in the first book, TENDU. Romp up and down the castle stairs. Dance in a stone circle. Attend a Ceilidh in the great hall. Have your brain studied in the dungeon. All fun, I assure you. Well, not quite all…
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
There’s more about these stories in the posts below:
The 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.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
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.
See the press release here
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
See my About Page
NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and 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 Sunrise over Tiger Hill appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 19, 2023
The Great Tapestry of Scotland
The Great Tapestry of Scotland is a beautiful trail through history and, at 143 metres long, the longest tapestry in the world.
My Visit to the Tapestry in 2014Its soft sewn artworks filled three large rooms of Aberdeen Art Gallery, and photography was allowed. Yes. I was happy. May you be too.
Despite the earliness of my visit, the gallery was crowded; I was not quite so happy about the angle of this next pic. Lovely, lovely stone circle, though:
Witches
Some early inspiration for THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, perhaps?
Glencoe
War
Kilts
Literature
‘Fiction is to grown men what play is to the child.’ RLSCloning
CalmThere was something calm and nourishing about walking round this exhibition. Whether it was the gentle and warm art of needlework that hung everywhere in the rooms – there was also a lady demonstrating sewing techniques – or the many different styles from the 1000+ stitchers marking the constant change of the world, I don’t know. The overall feeling was reflective yet hopeful: happy.
Learn more about the Great Tapestry of Scotland
An Autistic Dancer, a Byronic Hero and an Obsessive Scientist
Read my series A Dancer’s Journey. There’s ballet. There’s lots of naughtiness. And there’s peril!
Enjoy a kiss on the London tube in the first book, TENDU. Romp up and down the castle stairs. Dance in a stone circle. Attend a Ceilidh in the great hall. Have your brain studied in the dungeon. All fun, I assure you. Well, not quite all…
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
There’s more about these stories in the posts below:
The 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.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
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.
See the press release here
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
See my About Page
NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and 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 The Great Tapestry of Scotland appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 18, 2023
Running into the Forest…
I walk into the forest along the gnarly loch-side path.
Most of the leaves have fallen now – we’ve had that first frost – but I spy something golden and bright at the end of the tunnel.
I run towards it.
And I go right in.
Back against the trunk…
Look up:
And breathe…
More posts that go into the forestInto the woodsThe Lost City of Lenabo WoodsOh, to wander in the woods…Autumn Leaves and a Lack of WordsTurn Left for Tyrebagger Stone CircleTendu: Dancing in the Castle
Dance, danger and desire collide in TENDU, a seductive tale set in the mystical landscape of Scotland. Will love conquer all?
“So there we have it: mad experiments, paranormal powers, exciting dance sequences and lots and lots of sex. And did I mention the mystical forces in the old stone circle?” Tom Williams, author of the James Burke historical novels, reviewing on his blog.
NewsletterKeep up to date with all my news, leafy and otherwise, by signing up to the mailing list. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always contains 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 Running into the Forest… appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Running into the Trees…
I walk into the trees along the gnarly loch-side path.
Most of the leaves have fallen now – we’ve had that first frost – but I spy something golden and bright at the end of the tunnel.
I run towards it.
And I go right in.
Back against the trunk…
Look up:
And breathe…
More posts that go into the treesInto the woodsThe Lost City of Lenabo WoodsOh, to wander in the woods…Autumn Leaves and a Lack of WordsTurn Left for Tyrebagger Stone CircleTendu: Dancing in the Castle
Dance, danger and desire collide in TENDU, a seductive tale set in the mystical landscape of Scotland. Will love conquer all?
“So there we have it: mad experiments, paranormal powers, exciting dance sequences and lots and lots of sex. And did I mention the mystical forces in the old stone circle?” Tom Williams, author of the James Burke historical novels, reviewing on his blog.
NewsletterKeep up to date with all my news, leafy and otherwise, by signing up to the mailing list. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always contains 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 Running into the Trees… appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 17, 2023
Sometimes the Sea Wears Wonderful Colours
Sometimes the sea is all we need…A mellow walk on the beach. A moment to catch our breath.
We start high up on the dunes and push our way through the long grasses, side-stepping to avoid the many large snails that live there, and then we walk onto the sand.
There we stare out over the wonderful, wonderful sea; it is showing green today. We stand and breathe the sweet air, and feel the gentle breeze on our faces.
It doesn’t stay bright and gentle for long. As is so often the way in Scotland, the weather is subject to swift change. By the time we leave the beach, the wind – a breeze no more – is swirling dark clouds over Tiger Hill, the largest dune on the skyline.
The star of today’s little blog has been: Fraserburgh beach!
I needed that breath of sea air today.
Let’s end on an, albeit metaphorical, oceanic quote from SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD.
A Dancer’s Journey – a contemporary series
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 dancing out into the world right now.
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
“Knowing there are two more books in the series made it easier to accept that the tale was coming to an end. It can be so hard to finish a book when you are loving the story so much.” Molly on Amazon.com
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.
See my About 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 Sometimes the Sea Wears Wonderful Colours appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 16, 2023
A Swashbuckling Adventure Through Hospital Windows
This hospital windows post was written in 2020. I’m doing a bit better now.
Diagnosis and DrugsThe start of the post title is a bit of a lie. In fact it’s a total fabrication. There’s no derring-dos on the high seas recounted here. I do have crutches, so am a bit peg-legged and I like to think there’s an (imaginary) parrot on my shoulder. I have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, so my body has basically been trying to kill me. I’m now on medication to stop those efforts, but I have to be checked once a week in case the drug makes its own attempts to kill me. So there are elements of the thriller genre at work in my life.
Finding Beauty through Hospital WindowsDuring my month of cannulas, needles, tests and scary procedures, I sought beauty where I could find it. Through the hospital windows. I woke the first morning to a beautiful pink sunrise and a rather wonderful view of St Nicholas Kirk steeple, the church that features in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR. Despite the fact that I wrote of truly terrible events involving that steeple, I found it somewhat comforting to see it there. I felt a connection to the place. It lit up in the evening sun too.
Strange Covid TimesBut I was soon moved. This was something that was being done due to Covid. Constant rearranging of patients between wards. Decisions made by ‘bed managers’, not medics. It didn’t make any sense to me, and the medical staff were pretty unimpressed by it too.
However, it meant that I got to see through many different windows. This next ward – oncology – had the worst view, just a small box of buildings, but the best bed. Air mattresses are magical things. Lying in them is a little bit like being hugged as they inflate and deflate to maximise your comfort.
I was soon off to sparkling chimney sunrises and sunsets.
The Party RoomThen, finally, the last of the hospital windows. At first I was quite annoyed about this move. Diagnosed and treated, just awaiting final tests, I was shunted away to what felt like a far-flung area of the hospital, and I no longer had my own room. I posted a somewhat morose quote from Lord of the Rings about the sunrise that morning on Instagram.
But it really worked out very well. The other three ladies I was with were lovely. There was kindness and understanding between us all, and we shared frequent laughing conversations, our room being referred to as the party room by the nurses.
And it had a swashbuckling sea view… just.
Review
While I was in hospital, a rather wonderful review went up on The Rose and the Thistle blog. Reading the opening line cheered me up instantly. “Before I go any further, I just have to say, this is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. Yes, it is written in one of my favorite time periods, and yes it takes place in one of my favorite places in all the world, but when you combine that with the almost poetic style of Sinclair’s writing—sigh!” See the whole review here.
Mermaid on Amazon
I later wrote an article on living with chronic illnessDoctors and Deadlines: Writing with Chronic Illness on Women Writers, Women’s Books.
My Latest Historical
From the provocative opening scene to the later dramatic and devastating events of the story, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a book that will continually surprise, delight, and sometimes shock the reader. The novel features the beautiful hill of Bennachie, and the stone circles of Aberdeenshire, along with the cliffs and caves of Cullykhan Bay.
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Aberdeenshire in Roman times takes centre stage in author’s latest book from AberdeenLive.
My Contemporary Books
My dance background and love of history and steamy stories are what inspired this 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.
A Dancer’s Journey is available in paperback, Kindle and on Kindle Unlimited.
There are no cliffhanger endings in this series; each book completes a story, but then there is more. So much more.
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
Series on Goodreads
Review for TENDU: “This book has so much representation in its characters with autism, dyslexia, medical issues and LGBTQ+ characters…” Emma-Louise on Goodreads and TikTok
About Page
See my About Page here
NewsletterCome through the castle door to sign up to my occasional emails for exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. It’s a more intimate space 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 A Swashbuckling Adventure Through Hospital Windows appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 15, 2023
Chocolatey Books and Colourful Trees
Hot chocolate. Chocolate cake. Chocolatey books. I love these things. I need them. Especially in winter, and we’re nearly there now. This is the last post of the road to winter series; I’ve finally used up all the pictures!
Some colour clings on, though many trees are bare.
It looks like this wee tree lost all its leaves at once:
An oak and a beech at Strichen Community Park:
My Most Chocolatey Books
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE 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. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s proper derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
I was really delighted when I learned that the publisher had used an image of a real 18th century chocolate cup on the cover.
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society
Enjoy a kiss on the London tube in TENDU. Eat chocolate cake in Covent Garden and Scotland. Romp up and down the castle stairs! Dance in a stone circle. Attend a Ceilidh in the great hall. Have your brain studied in the dungeon. All fun, I assure you. Well, not quite all…
“If you enjoy mentions of chocolate and lots of cake, this book is for you.” From a recent review.
NewsletterKeep up to date with all my news, chocolatey and otherwise, by signing up to the mailing list. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always contains 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 Chocolatey Books and Colourful Trees appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 14, 2023
Strichen Lake in Aberdeenshire
Today we have beautiful Strichen lake for my wee road to winter journey or blog series as it has become. And yes, it is called a lake, not a loch, which is a little unusual for up here.
Reflections on the lake.
The swans make it a little balletic. For me, anyway.
The Strichen Community Park Facebook Page always has lots of seasonal photos and news about the park and lake.
Tendu is out, and Cabriole is almost here (November 24th)!
And the third title, Fouetté, releases in December. Phew! These aren’t just the naughtiest books I’ve ever written, they’re the longest, being about 50% longer than my historical titles.
I’m trying to keep up with the reviews that keep popping up in unexpected places. Mick_the_knife had this to say on Threads: “My Kindle is fully charged and waiting to welcome Cabriole with open arms. Tendu was a romp and a roller coaster and it possibly contributed to my sleep deprivation for a couple of weeks!”
They’re in paperback too. Nice big chunks of books.
Series on Goodreads
TENDU: 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…
And then on into CABRIOLE: After a traumatic year at the castle, Amalphia Treadwell travels back to London to start her professional life, putting dark and difficult things firmly behind her. Or so she believes…
Cabriole: Dancing in the CityNewsletterSign 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 special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
And that’s a tendu…Writer’s Tip JarThe post Strichen Lake in Aberdeenshire appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
November 13, 2023
Strichen Stone Circle in Aberdeenshire
I walked past the sign to Strichen Stone Circle on my road to winter journey on Saturday. That’s actually as close as I got to the stones. It was just a wee trip out.
Strichen Stone CircleI’ve been many times before, though, so here we go.
Every time I’ve visited this site, it’s been a dull day. But the stones are still majestic and bold.
This circle was knocked down in the 19th century, then put back in the wrong place, then built into a folly, then excavated, and finally placed back in its original position in 1982.
The recumbent looks like it may have been used for something at some point, to hold a post possibly?
You can see the old burnt-out Strichen House from the circle.
A Stone Circle in BooksA stone circle appears in all my books, the new naughty ones too, but it is particularly important to the people of SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. The stones of Aikey Brae feature on the cover.
Set in 1st century Scotland, the novel includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The story features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
Elizabeth Felt, a lecturer in English at the University of Wisconsin, had this to say about it: “The tone of this book is amazing. At the beginning, the narrator is mute, and the book feels so quiet, so in touch with the earth and stone and air and water… Amazing writing. Excellent story. Highly recommend.” See the whole review here.
Article: Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
The most highlighted part of the bookPointing you to some more stones
Dancing at Aikey BraeThe Maiden Stone and PersephoneBarrows and HengesLoanhead of DaviotEaster AquorthiesSummer Solstice at Aviemore Stone CircleAnd A Dancer’s Journey:
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 special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Strichen Stone Circle in Aberdeenshire appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
