Ailish Sinclair's Blog, page 7
March 5, 2025
Chosen Sisters, Friendship and Dance
Windsor CastleChosen SistersTwo weeks after my sixteenth birthday, I travelled from Scotland to London to start dance college. I’d worked very hard to get there. It was daunting. It was difficult. But it was made easier by friendship. In particular, my friendship with Suzette, my chosen sister in the pink above. I’m in the stripes there, looking a bit hyper. We were on a day trip to Windsor Castle, and I may have been experiencing some early castle-love!
The two of us met at the youth hostel where we lived and quickly became friends. This woman was my emotional support that first year of college. I recall her standing between me and an aggressive man who kept asking me out, and giving him a thorough telling off for his belligerent behaviour. He left me alone after that. And Suzette was unusual for a non-dancer, in that she fully recognised the gruelling nature of the course I was on. My days started at 8 AM with morning ballet and went on till 6 PM. They were filled with high-impact dance classes of various types. There was one hour a week of ‘history of ballet’ and another hour of ‘anatomy’, but those were the only sitting-down style lessons.
Louie SpenceThis video shows the sort of leaping about I was doing all day (it should start in at about 25 minutes, the audition). Louie (of TV’s Pineapple Dance, Dancing on Ice, and Benidorm) was in the year above me. I knew him a little bit, because the school was relatively small and everyone knew everyone a little bit. I can’t claim to have been actual friends with him, but I can attest to the personality you see on television being the real thing. That’s Louie. No fake TV persona for him.
So Suzette encouraged me to eat, and to rest, and to generally look after myself. Despite the fact that I advocate self-care to others, I have never found it easy to do for myself.
Suzette and I are still friends to this day. We even speak on the phone (well, Facebook Messenger call) sometimes, and I am not a person who is fond of the phone. I don’t use it much. It rings and summons me and then delivers news about deranged blood, and while that is actually just really responsible healthcare, and I’m so lucky in that, it doesn’t feel good at the time.
So, we two friends talk about the past, and Suzette recently commented that we were like sisters back then. It’s true. We were there for each other when things got hard. And we still are. We talk about our lives. I send her videos of snow in Scotland. She sends me pictures of her having lunch on the beach in a bikini. Suzette is from Mauritius. And, in honour of her, I have made a favourite character from the Dancer’s Journey series Mauritian, or half-Mauritian, as suits the story. He’s the main character’s best friend, Justin, and certainly provides her with plentiful emotional support (she really needs it, given all that I put her through). Though, he is not like Suzette in any other way. His character is not based on her at all.
A (now old) writing updateAs the latest flare-up of illness recedes, work on the series picks up. The first book, TENDU, is actually complete now. Book two, CABRIOLE, is about to start its third edit, and FOUETTÉ is into its second. It’s all very intense. I get up excited to work on it all each day, loving finessing the darker plot threads that run through all three books. There’s a lot of crying going on. And laughter too. The whole series will be out later this year, with no long waits between titles.
I’m really going to miss working on these when they’re finished. I so enjoy being in that world. The energy of it is immersive and possibly somewhat addictive. It’s just as well there’s another three-book series set there too. It’s waiting quietly in the wings for now…
Newer update: A Dancer’s Journey is out nowAfter a long and winding publishing journey, the series is finally out.
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.
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…
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Earth and stone and air and water…SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, a novel about chosen sisters, of course, continues to sell well and attract thoughtful and expressive reviews. Elizabeth Felt, a lecturer in English at the University of Wisconsin, had this to say about it recently: “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.”
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story 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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Chosen Sisters, Friendship and Dance appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
March 4, 2025
Tarlair Revisited: Art Deco Pool and Pavilion
I’ve written about the Art Deco pool and pavilion at Tarlair before in this memory-laden post. The pool originally opened in 1931 and then closed in 1995. It’s now in the process of being restored, and it’s all rather beautiful. The pavilion is finished and about to open as a cafe, and funding has been secured to fix the pool up too.
I do like to go up onto the roofs of buildings (see Aberdeen Art Gallery here) and you can now do that at Tarlair.
View of the pool from the roof of the pavilion:
It’s so full just now that it looks like one pool, but it is actually three. There’s a little kids’ area by those rocks, a boating pond and a swimming pool.
Down the steps:
Along the passageway…
Peering in the front door:
It’s strange; the look of the interior really reminds me of the old gymnasium in Macduff Primary School. The wooden floor, the windows… I must venture back once it’s open.
Looking out over the pool, and back at the pavilion:
Tarlair Art Deco Pool and PavilionRead moreYou can read more about the pool on the Friends of Tarlair website here
Ariel and Bubbles are happyThey have ‘most gifted’ and ‘top new release’ banners on Amazon just now and Ariel got a wee review on Instagram. Alexander is waiting impatiently in the wings with his explosive series finale. It’s out March 31st.
review
Ariel
Bubbles
AlexanderMeet 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
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story 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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageRead all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Tarlair Revisited: Art Deco Pool and Pavilion appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 28, 2025
When Characters Break the Fourth Wall
I love it when characters push past that invisible fourth wall and acknowledge the reader or audience in some way. It happens in two of my books, entirely caused by the bubbly, friendly nature of the heroines.
I didn’t plan it. I didn’t decide to have these girls develop an awareness of the observer. Second-person point of view just appeared naturally during writing.
The technique is used in both Hamlet and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, so I think I’m in good company.
The fourth wall is only breached occasionally in the stories mentioned below, but I enjoy it every single time. I hope it makes the reader feel more intimately connected to the characters too.
Bubbles: Dancing Through History (out today)Henry and I make hot chocolate together in the communal area before going to bed. Separately. Obviously separately, you know that; I don’t know why I felt the need to say it.
Fireflies and Chocolate (see it here)Now, I ken fit you’d like to say to me: “Elizabeth Manteith, you’re a spoilt wee lassie! Fit most folk wouldna give to live in a castle!” Aye, well. You dinna ken. You dinna ken at all.
Do you have any favourite fourth-wall-breaking moments?Let me know in the comments 
Bubbles: Dancing Through HistoryIt’s going to be the most boring year of her life. That’s what Bubbles has decided. This, her second year at the castle school, will involve no naked dancing, or television appearances. No fires in stone circles. No meltdowns. And no hospital stays. You know, not like last year.
As she walks up the tree-lined drive towards the castle, she is immediately surrounded by TV reporters. Next she encounters the enigmatic and charming new boy, American student Aiden, and finds herself in an instalove situation. Being cast as the lead in a historical documentary is altogether too exciting and fun, as are the night-time visits to caves and underground chambers.
As Bubbles navigates her difficult home life, the complexities of her mental health and various intense experiences at the castle, she struggles to maintain equilibrium.
Will she be able to find balance amidst the chaos, or will her carefully laid ‘boring’ plan unravel completely?
Dive into this captivating coming-of-age tale filled with drama, romance, and self-discovery.
The first title – Ariel: Dancing on TV – is still 99p/99c on kindle, and, like Bubbles, it’s also available in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited.
The fourth wall comes down again:
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story 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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageRead all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post When Characters Break the Fourth Wall appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 27, 2025
Gight Castle and the Hagberry Pot
Gight Castle may be one of the lesser known castles of Aberdeenshire, but it has a rich, if somewhat bleak, history with many of its owners dying prematurely. Built in the 15th century by the Gordon family, it’s the ancestral home of Lord Byron. A ghostly piper is said to haunt the ruins. The nearby Hagberry Pot in the River Ythan is said to be bottomless and full of treasure!
Walking Around Gight CastleThe quines took a walk. We started in Methlick and strolled through the Braes of Gight woods, across fields and along roads. This was the long way to do it: there is a car park relatively near to the castle. First view:
The castle was surrounded by barbed wire and there were ‘enter at your own risk’ signs.
In we went:
Great windows:
We were careful not to wake Sleeping Beauty. Or the ghostly piper.
I was most impressed by this brave little tree:
Hagberry PotThen, taking the circular route, we headed off down to the river and tried to work out which bit was the Hagberry Pot. Nowhere looked very bottomless or a good hiding place for jewels, but this seemed the most likely site by the bridge:
The 7th Laird of Gight threw his jewels in there when the castle was sacked by the Covenanters. The poor diver who was sent down to retrieve them floated back up to the top in four pieces. There is a more involved version of this story here, featuring the devil. We did not go in.
The walk back along the river was pleasant, if a bit boggy, with glimpses of the Castle up on the hill.
NewsletterSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, a free story and some exclusive photos. If you would like to hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
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
Read the article New Novel Highlights Roman History in North East from Grampian Online.
THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR
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. There’s 6 chapters of medieval Christmas too.
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
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!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
Review from the Historical Novel Society
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Gight Castle and the Hagberry Pot appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 21, 2025
Writing Fiercely Bonded Chosen Sisters
Aesthetic for the bookThis is an older post, written in early 2022: Work on the new book is forging ahead nicely. I’m writing, writing, writing. The aim is for it to be released this summer, but that may be subject to change.
UpdateThe book released on the 21st of September 2022.
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
See the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Thank You for the Writing AdviceThank you to everyone who shared their thoughts on publishing options. My publisher, too, gave me lots of wonderful advice and information, and while they would have been willing to look at the manuscript, despite its shortness and strangeness, I am choosing to self-publish this novel.
Thanks also to everyone who has donated through Kofi. With traditional publishing, there is no cost to the author (remember that, don’t be taken in by vanity presses posing as traditional pubs; there’s a lot of them about), but this time I’ll be paying for everything myself, so thank you so much!
Being ill, having chronic conditions and facing my own mortality have made me want to experience things while I can. And if those things can be accomplished sitting at my desk, all the easier. So, it’ll be an adventure! That’s how I’m thinking of it anyway…
Aspects of the bookThe main characters are fiercely bonded chosen sisters. Can their bond survive betrayal and perhaps even death? (Already attempting to write the blurb here).The story is set in the 1st century CE and features the battle of Mons Graupius between the Roman invaders and the Caledonian tribes.There’s romance, but it’s rather complicated romance this time.The stone circle is still there in all its glory.The castle is not, obviously, but there is a great round house where it will be one day. And a wee hoosie in the woods.
Sunshine and frost in the woodsEdit in: and now it has a cover!
Do sign up to my occasional mailing list to be kept abreast of developments and also for exclusive photos…
The traditionally published books
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 18th century kidnapped children of Aberdeen.
Set in an Aberdeenshire castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR features the Scottish witchcraft accusations and a love story.
Paperbacks and kindle: Amazon UK or Amazon Worldwide
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too). It’s listed on Goodreads to help with those reading goals!
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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Writing Fiercely Bonded Chosen Sisters appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 20, 2025
The Snowdrops and the Mole
Snowdrops and the mole. Sounds like the title of a book I might write. But no, it’s just the state of the garden.
The snowdrops are fully out, and the moles have been busy. Their little earthy hills are everywhere in the grass.
And coming soon in the garden – I missed them last year due to illness and hospital – there will be crocuses! And coming soon book-wise? Bubbles: Dancing Through History. It’s put me through the emotional wringer, this one. More than usual. I feel like a wrung-out little rag.
But back to the moles…
Fireflies and Chocolate and a Mole
A wee excerpt from Fireflies and ChocolateMy Mermaid Grandmother’s pin! An Elfin Blade that was cast in silver for her to be worn as a brooch. Now, truth be told, according to what she wrote, it maybe didna bring her the best of luck, but it’s always been good to me. She buried it in the stone circle, so say her writings, and I found it there when I was just a wee lassie. It came up in a molehill while I was dancing aboot in the circle. I saw movement in the mound of earth and there it sat, glinting in the sun. I didn’t know what it was then, of course. Eppy said it was a gift from the fairies, just for me. My father said it was a carved arrowhead from long ago.
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too). It’s listed on Goodreads to help with those reading goals!
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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The Snowdrops and the Mole appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 19, 2025
My Characters When I’m Not There
Every so often I step away from the keyboard and take a day off. Not because I want to. I resist and avoid and cling to my desk in a desperate fashion. Friends persuade and entice me outside. And it is always good, always nourishing and refreshing. There’s a planned outing later this week, and I can just picture my characters’ reactions when they realise I’m not there…
Sharp-witted Justin notices first. He looks up, listens and checks again. “She’s gone out!”
Every character sags with relief. They go back to bed and sleep in till lunchtime. Later, they shuffle downstairs to get tea and food, and they sit in silence in the great hall of the castle.
People who usually snipe and gripe at each other, pass the sugar without word. Two of them exchange a wry smile, for without my omniscient presence to keep them busy, they can sense what’s coming; not the details, but the shadow of something bad ahead, something they would avoid if they could. But like my day out, it cannot be avoided. It has to happen.
They head to bed early, exhausted by the hours of doing nothing, tired from the rest and relaxation.
No arguments. No sex. No laughter.
How boring! These people need me. Maybe I shouldn’t step away from the keyboard after all…
They didn’t get left alone for long, those poor characters. I soon pulled them all back into the drama and the story.
Publication
After a long and convoluted trail to publication, the story is finally out in the form of a three-book series called A Dancer’s Journey. As you can see from the editor’s comment below, Justin and the others were completely justified in being relieved that I was gone.
Series on Amazon UK
Series on Amazon worldwide
Read my article Dance and Despair: Writing What You Know on Women Writers, Women[‘s] Books.
More on the series:A Ballet Novel and a Tale of Publishing WoesDance Research in the DungeonPointe Work and a Red LeotardWorking Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes DarkA Snaggled, Barbourous PlaceDiabolical and Deranged: Writing and BloodChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceA Connected SeriesThose characters do show up again, in the background, of Castle Dancers
As you can see, I’m still putting fictional people through terrible things!
The 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.
My Historical NovelsThe characters go through the proverbial wringer in these too!
From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.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.FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE: Torn out of an isolated life in a Scottish castle, Elizabeth 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!All novels are available in paperback, kindle and on kindle unlimited.
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too). It’s listed on Goodreads to help with those reading goals!
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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post My Characters When I’m Not There appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 18, 2025
A wee description of a castle rooftop…
Rooftop photo taken at Castle FraserA castle rooftop from the series, A Dancer’s Journey:
“The gable of the great hall rose high to the front, a huge chimney boasted diminutive battlements, and other lower layers of pink castle sprawled out haphazardly in front of me. There were three small turrets, upended cones that had been meticulously finished round and round with ever smaller and smaller lichen dotted tiles. Tiny mismatched windows blinked in the sun: circles, squares and one narrow bent rectangle. Sections of roof ended randomly, some with mossy little steps to nowhere; one jutting brick triangle had been shaped to fit the side of a sloping turret.”
Excerpt from TENDU by Ailish Sinclair
And that really is all today. Because: busy editing. Been sucked in to a manuscript and am finding it hard to leave.
More on the seriesWorking Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes DarkPointe Work and a Red LeotardChosen 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.
Other Posts and BooksOther castle rooftops are available.
As are other thefts from castles.
And other books:
Newsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too). It’s listed on Goodreads to help with those reading goals!
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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post A wee description of a castle rooftop… appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 11, 2025
Woodland Pictures Taken During Lockdown
These woodland pictures were originally posted in 2020 during lockdown.
Lost in WritingI am lost in writing. I am in the Iron Age. Second draft. Rough edges. Rough middle. Super-rough ending. Full of raw emotion. The manuscript is ragged with it, as am I.
Edit: that book is out now
Misty Woodland PicturesI revel in timeless pictures and misty woods. And lockdown has not kept those from me. I know I am lucky in this, and hope you are all finding some beauty too.
There’s been tree felling here, so soon after Aikey. The wider world is strange and changed, and the immediate world mimics it in metaphor.
Whoops.
This post seems to be approaching a pretentious overuse of literary devices, especially alliteration… Things may be odd, but there’s no excuse for that!
Scots Pines. Sturdy and strong. Oops.
I love the gnarly nature of the hazel trees. It could have been worse. I could have added the word ‘nutty’. But just for a moment, I am going to give in to this curious compulsion…
There have been many misty mornings. And with that one terrible sentence, it is gone…
The gean trees (wild Scottish cherry) are blossoming.
Sunsets are wonderful. And the moon is too.
A woodland quote from THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR:
Sisters at the Edge of the World (mentioned above)
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.
Ariel: Dancing on TV
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
See series page for full blurbs
The next titles in the series release February 28th and March 31stNewsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too). It’s listed on Goodreads to help with those reading goals!
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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About Page
Read all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Woodland Pictures Taken During Lockdown appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
February 9, 2025
Sunshine in the Birch Woods
There’s been sunshine in the birch woods. Well, obviously there’s been sunshine everywhere, but it’s still so low that it doesn’t hit the garden much. It’s in the wild woods that it warms your face and makes long shadows between the trees.
Blue Skies in the Birch WoodsThere’s even been clear skies.
I love the gold and blue colours of winter. Green is muted for now, just waiting for the spring.
Ariel: Dancing on TV
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
See series page for full blurbs
The next titles in the series release February 28th and March 31stNewsletter and Free StoryYou will receive a free short story when you sign up for my occasional, more-intimate-than-the-blog newsletter (the story can be read in a browser too). It’s listed on Goodreads to help with those reading goals!
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…
New Books and Special OffersIf you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
About PageRead all about little old me here
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Sunshine in the Birch Woods appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
