Ally Aldridge's Blog, page 11

January 26, 2022

The Unfinished Books

This article contains affiliate links. To learn more, please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

There were a few books I started in 2021 that I never got around to finished. It was nothing wrong with the books, I just had a lot going on and then I lost where I was.

I hate the idea of logging a book as a DNF. It feels like quitting , especially as I really was enjoying some of these books. Some I still consider myself as currently reading. Hopefully, I’ll finish them in 2022.

Fish Bone Alley by David F Burrows

A satire historical detective novel. This isn’t my usual read but the author is a lovely person, and it is quite funny. The chapters feel like short stories so I feel this will be easy to come back to.


Court Out by Deb McEwan

This is marketed as YA Fiction but it didn’t feel like YA too me. It wasn’t what I was expecting, and that made it difficult to get into. I might try again with fresh eyes…


A Choice of Essence by Katelyn Uhrich

This MG Fantasy book is incredible. What I’ve read so far is amazing and I restarted it with my son. I have the eBook but I love it so much I might buy a physical copy too. 😍


Fate of the Blue Moon by H B Lynn

This shifter fantasy book ticks all my boxes. It feels well researched and is a good grounding to the series. I have all the books so I want to get into this.


Forever Burn by Trinity Lemm

This complex college romance kept me entertained with my broken ankle. I stopped at a point where I was angry at the love interest, but as I have book two waiting for me, I’ll have to give him a second chance to make it right.


Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

This is truly the book I am currently reading. It’s really good but it’s a big book and as a slow reader it’ll likely take me until the end of 2022 to finish. 😅


kofiwidget2.init("Buy me a cuppa tea!", "#F9CD5E", "redfae");let kofiShortcode164Html = kofiwidget2.getHTML().replace('<div class=btn-container>', '<div style="float: none; text-align: left;" class=btn-container>');document.writeln(kofiShortcode164Html);

If you like this, you might like:

Felixstowe Book Festival and My White Knight

The post The Unfinished Books appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on January 26, 2022 00:15

January 19, 2022

New Releases for 2022!

This post contains affiliate links. Visit my Affiliate Disclosure page for more information.

Every year billions of books are published. Here is a mini shortlist of some I am closely following and excitedly anticipating their release.

The Weavers by Ania Whitely
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ania Whiteley (@londongirlwrites)


Ania is known as LondonGirlWrites on Instagram. I’ve been following her journey to publication for over two years and somehow missed the release during the December holidays. As soon as I realised, I ordered it.

Released 22 December 2022


A Garden of Pawns by Katelyn Uhrich
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Katelyn Uhrich (@katelynuhrichwrites)


I am still reading book one, A Choice of Essence, as an eBook. It’s so good I’m thinking of buying a physical copy and want to get my hands on book two!

Releases February 2022


When Our World’s Collide by Danielle Jawando
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Danielle Jawando (@danielle_jawando)


I discovered Danielle via Net Galley and was fortunate enough to ARC read her Debut novel And The Stars Were Burning Brightly. I loved it so much I bought a physical copy. I have also applied to ARC read her new release & preordered the book.

Releases 31 March 2022


The Guidal: Discovering Puracordis by Roxy Eloise
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roxy Eloise (@roxyeloiseofficial)


Roxy was a PitMad success story. We met via Instagram and collaborated together on a post to help people with pitching their books called 7 Secrets to PitMad Success.

Releasing 2 April 2022


Wolf Bait by Ciara Delahunt
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ciara Delahunt – Author (@ciaradelahunt)


Ciara was one of the authors that joined my Street Team to help spread the word for Ocean Hearts release. Now she is working on the release of her debut shifter novel, Wolf Bait. But, if you cannot wait, you can sign up to her news letter to get the sequel Killer Instinct.

Sorceress of Flame by J.D. Groom
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝙹𝚘𝚍𝚒𝚎 (𝙹.𝙳. 𝙶𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖) – Author (@jodie_at_home)


Following Jodie’s story publishing her debut novel Sorceress of Truth inspired me to go indie, and she’s been very supportive answering my questions, and even was part of my Street Team. I’ve waited over a year for this book and I’m desperate to read it.


kofiwidget2.init("Buy me a cuppa tea!", "#F9CD5E", "redfae");let kofiShortcode813Html = kofiwidget2.getHTML().replace('<div class=btn-container>', '<div style="float: none; text-align: left;" class=btn-container>');document.writeln(kofiShortcode813Html);

If you enjoyed this, you will like:

Seven Secrets to PitMad Success
Coming Soon: Ocean Heart Launch Party!

The post New Releases for 2022! appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on January 19, 2022 00:15

January 12, 2022

All The Twos Reading Challenge

This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

I’ve set myself a challenge for 2022 to read as many book twos as I can. I often start a series and never get to the next book so I have plenty of choice. Join in with the hashtag #AllTheTwos

Check out the link at the end to get a free printable to track you books read!

I’m planning to publish book two this year. Enjoying amazing book twos is sure to keep me motivated to publish mine.

Here are ten, 2nd in the series, books I’m looking forward to reading in 2022:

Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning

You can read my review of book one, Sea Witch, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-...


Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

You can read my review of book one, Red Queen, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-red-queen/


Holiday Date by Debbie Ioanna

You can read my review of book one, Blind Date, here: https://allyaldridge.com/reading-challenge-blind-date-by-debbie/


Kairos by Naomi Kelly

You can read my review of book one, Meraki, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-meraki-by-naomi-kelly/


Essentia by Hannah Reed

You can read my review of book one, Tenebrasco, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-...


Awaken by K.S Marsden

You can read my review of book one, Winter Trials, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-winter-trials-by-k-s-marsden/


This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

You can read my review of this authors debut novel, Cinderella is Dead, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-cinderella-is-dead/


A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J Mass

You can read my review of book one, A Court of Thorns and Roses, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/


Dance of Despair by Kara S Weaver

You can read my review of book one, Crown of Conspiracy, here: https://allyaldridge.com/reading-challenge-crown-of-conspiracy-by-kara-s-weaver/


The Almost Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin

You can read my review of book one, The Practice Boyfriend, here: https://allyaldridge.com/book-review-the-practice-boyfriend-by-christina-benjamin/


Bright New Penny by Grace Herbst

You can read my review of book one, Brave New Girl, here: https://allyaldridge.com/reading-challenge-brave-new-girl-by-grace-herbst/


Wiccan Romance: Sam’s Story by Nicola Hebron

You can read my review of book one, Wiccan Romance: Amelia’s Story, here: https://allyaldridge.com/reading-challenge-amelias-story-by-nicola-hebron/


Forever Frozen by Trinity Lemm

I am currently reading book one, Forever Burn, but hopefully should have a review very soon!


FREE Book Tracker

I created this freebie for my followers on Ko-Fi. It’s free to follow me there and in return you will updates on my writing, be able to buy exclusive merchandise, and access to my Freebies.

Link to product in Redfae’s Ko-Fi Shop: https://ko-fi.com/s/31eb6ec8bf

kofiwidget2.init("Buy me a cuppa tea!", "#F9CD5E", "redfae");let kofiShortcode397Html = kofiwidget2.getHTML().replace('<div class=btn-container>', '<div style="float: none; text-align: left;" class=btn-container>');document.writeln(kofiShortcode397Html);

If you enjoyed this, you will like:

Sky Heart

The post All The Twos Reading Challenge appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on January 12, 2022 00:15

January 5, 2022

Reflecting on my 2021 reads…

This post contains some affiliate links. To learn more visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

My Goodreads Reading Goal was to read 10 Books this year. I set it low because I’m often juggling reading and writing, and I’m lucky to read one book a month. This felt like a realistic goal. I’m please to confirm I read 16 books.

I managed to read 15 books. My reading increased over the summer when I took part in World Indie Warriors book bingo challenge.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)


Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee

This is a summer YA Romance with a fake boyfriend plot. It has all the feels, following your dreams, and brings to life the feeling of sticky watermelons. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Book Review: Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee


Dear Diary by Kevia Dauphiney

This laugh out loud book about motherhood is writing in an easy to read diary entry format. It’s like chatting with your BFF. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook ARC

Book Review: Dear Diary by Kevia Dauphiney


Blind Date by Debbie Ioanna

This is an entertaining Rom-Com about disastrous first dates, and a very loveable cat.

Version: eBook

Book Review: Blind Date by Debbie Ioanna


Mirror Souls by Julia Scott

A futuristic dystopian romance with aliens and fated lovers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Book Review: Mirror Souls by Julia Scott


The Spine of Winter by Angeline Trevena

A futuristic dystopian set in a world of eternal winter. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback (won)

Book Review: Spine of Winter by Angeline Trevena


Meraki by Naomi Kelly Blurb for Meraki by Naomi Kelly

A fantasy romance where a warlord captures a siren to use as a weapon, but things get heated. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Book Review: Meraki by Naomi Kelly


Brave New Girl by Grace Herbst

A Contemporary YA about confronting your past and taking responsibility for your actions. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Book Review: Brave New Girl by Grace Herbst


Tenebrasco by Hannah Reed

A Contemporary Fantasy Romance where a mer-Princess is stranded on an island and has to hide her true self as there is a war between humans and merfolk. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Book Review: Tenebrasco by Hannah Reed


Seal Mother by Rose English

A beautiful retelling of the Selkie myth in rhyme for children. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Book Review: Seal Mother by Rose English


The Rookery by Deborah Hewitt

A contemporary fantasy with magic, portals, and soul birds. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook ARC

Book Review: The Rookery by Deborah Hewitt (The Nightjar book 2)


A Heart of Salt & Silver by Elexis Bell

Told from the perspective of a Demi-demon makes this a fascinating high fantasy romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Book Review: A Heart of Salt & Silver by Elexis Bell


Red Blood: Card Holders by Kaitlyn Legaspi

A super powered YA Fantasy about a rebel being captured and forced to fight to the death in the arena. But, there are greater dangers beyond the arena. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Book Review: Red Blood: Card Holders by Kaitlyn Legaspi


Seducing the Substantial Meal by Florian Green

An erotic satire making fun of silly lockdown rules pubs had to follow and a good helping of food related sexual innuendos. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook (gift)

Book Review: Seducing the Substantial Meal


Winter Trials by K S Marsden

A YA Low Fantasy MM Romance about a teen boy learning about witchcraft. He needs to learn fast as the cursed new boy needs his help. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: eBook

Book Review: Winter Trials by K.S. Marsden


Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

A dystopian fantasy WW Romance about a patriarchy evolved from the Cinderella fairytale. One girl will not go to the ball, she will escape the curse and break the spell. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Hardback (preorder & exclusive pin)

Book Review: Cinderella is Dead


Garden in the Sands by Ellie MittenBlurb for Garden in the Sands by Ellie Mitten

A fantasy retelling of The Secret Garden with Greek mythology, and a world cursed with an eternal summer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Version: Paperback

Book Review: Garden in the Sands by Ellie Mitten


[Kofi]

If you like this, you might like:

Summer Reading Challenge

The post Reflecting on my 2021 reads… appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on January 05, 2022 00:15

December 27, 2021

Holiday Reading

Here are the books we are reading over the winter holidays.

This post does contain affiliate links. To learn more about these please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

This book was gifted to me by my cousin. My personal goal is to read it in December, but it’s a big book and I’m a slow reader.

The book is really special as it has art work every couple of pages.

This book makes me fantasy about a life where I could read all day. It’s the sort of book you are sad to put down. It reminds me of interview of a vampire, except it’s the vampire interviewing a vampire Hunter to record his tales before ultimately dying (I’m guessing the end).

[image error]Snuggled on the sofa with my book 📖


Julia & the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

I saw how incredible this book looked on Instagram, and decided to buy it for my son’s Christmas Eve box. I like to give them PJs and a new book the night before Christmas so they are excited to go to bed. 😂

The book is extra special as it is signed by the author. The book’s edges are decorated with crows, and their is art work and velum pages inside.

The first chapter was sad as the child’s mother has died. However, my son was fascinated about the idea of someone living in a lighthouse and is excited to get to the “shark” bit. I actually don’t know if there is any sharks in the story but we’ll read & find out.


Roald Dahl Collection

As a child I loved Roald Dahl. My son borrowed George’s Marvellous Medicine from schools for we were really enjoying it, but ran out of tile before it had to be swapped.

So, I bought this set for him for Christmas so we could relive mummy’s childhood reading together. This pack of six cost £14.99 from Scholastic.

Christmas Day he started The Twits and read three chapters together. He enjoyed it so much that he’s continued reading more on his own. This is great, as books are competing with computer games, and he is a gamer.

The Girl & The Dinosaur by Hollie Hughes

I chose this book because my daughter has red hair and is into dinosaurs at the moment.

The story is about a little girl that digs up dinosaur bones at the beach. The beach looks a lot like Felixstowe – awesome. She then wishes that the dinosaur would come to life. Then, with magic, the dinosaur comes to life and they go on an adventure.

I love stories about imagination. I think imagination is underrated but without it many cool things would never have been created.


Tilda Tries Again by Tom Percival

This was a gift from my family to my daughter. My son already has Perfectly Norman. It’s part of Big Bright Feelings series.

The story is about a little girl (with red hair) that feels her world has turned upside down and doesn’t want to play with the other children. She then stops trying at everything. Then she watches a upside down ladybug right itself, and it inspires her to start trying again. Finally she is confident enough to try playing with the other children.

It was a nice read with a good message . My daughter is crazy confident but I was a very shy little girl. This book would have been amazing for me, and if my daughter ever loses her confidence, it’s nice we have this book on her shelf.



Book Token

Getting a book token is an incredible gift.

National Book Token: My kids were fortunate enough to get a book token for Christmas so we are planning an outing to a local bookshop so they can choose their own book. Book Tokens can also be spent online at Bookshop.org.

Amazon Voucher: My online book friends clubbed together and treated me for my birthday. I waited until after Christmas to spend it incase I got books as gifts. Now, I get to spend it. 🥰


Smashwords: Smashwords sell eBooks that can be read on any device or app, and are saved in the readers library. They have the option to gift eBooks which is a cool option to consider. Just pick the book you want and choose to gift, and the book will be sent to your recipient.

The cold weather is a perfect excuse to curl up with a new book. I hope you are reading something you love, and I’d love to hear what it is.

kofiwidget2.init("Buy me a cuppa tea!", "#F9CD5E", "redfae");let kofiShortcode234Html = kofiwidget2.getHTML().replace('<div class=btn-container>', '<div style="float: none; text-align: left;" class=btn-container>');document.writeln(kofiShortcode234Html);

The post Holiday Reading appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

1 like ·   •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 27, 2021 04:12

December 20, 2021

End the Year with a Book Bargain!

Ocean Heart has 50% Off in the Smashwords End of Year Sale!

Why Smashwords?

Smashwords enables you to read your eBooks on whatever device/app you prefer. This puts you, the reader, in control of your books.

The Smashwords End Of Year Sale

The Sale is a great way to discover new books and authors, and grab a bargain. Go check out what is on offer. You might find a new favourite!

Click here to browse the Smashwords End Of Year Sale!

The post End the Year with a Book Bargain! appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 20, 2021 00:15

November 29, 2021

Interview by Author Helen Garraway about my writing

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Helen Garraway (@helengarrawayauthor)


I don’t want you to miss this, so here is the link to an author Q&A I did with author Helen Garraway on her blog.

Author Interview – Ally Aldridge

https://helengarraway.com/2021/11/20/author-interview-ally-aldridge/

Helen Garraway’s Books

You can read reviews and discover more about Helen’s books on her website and on Good Reads.

Below are some affiliate links to buy the first book in her Sentinels series. You can learn more about affiliate links on my Affiliate Disclosure page.



The post Interview by Author Helen Garraway about my writing appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

1 like ·   •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 29, 2021 08:15

November 22, 2021

NaNo Diary – 15 to 21 Nov 2021

Hello & welcome to the third week of my NaNo Diary, giving insight into my writing life highs and lows. If you didn’t see my project introduction, please check it out here.

Week Goals

I looked at the whole month and identified which days I could write. For this week, I plan to write Monday, and Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday. I plan to take Tuesday & Wednesday off as I’m often tired after a long day of work, and I have evening plans on Friday. By the end of the week I need to have written 31,822 words to be on track.

I finished last week with 10,056 words, putting me behind target by 12,674 words. My daily word count goal was 2,273 words, but to catch up I need it to be 3,946 words.

I’ve accepted I’m very likely to not make that word count goal. So, I will simply aim to write on my writing days and see how many words I can write.

Monday, 15 November

I had a busy day with my daughter. It was lovely. We made smoothies, painted a massive cardboard box, played shops, etc. She has a lot of energy despite not feeling well.

Tomorrow’s childcare is all messed up. I thought about driving even though I’m supposed to be resting my broken ankle. My ankle is feeling tons better otherwise I wouldn’t even think it, but people around me said no.

I went with my mum to collect my son from school. It was a chance to practice walking to and from the school. I said I was fine but my mum insisted I do it with help, incase two kids are too much to handle on my own. It all went fine, tomorrow I will get dropped off by mum with both kids, then taken home by a friend.

After school my “mum’s chat” Whatsapp group reported there is a Covid case in the other class and they need to do PCR tests. Later, I got ParentMail to say there are cases in the school and now my son must do daily LFTs. My son tested negative.


Worrying about the children and Covid was a big distraction. Zero words.

NaNo 2021, day 15

Tuesday, 16th November 2021

I decided to keep my daughter off nursery. My friend that would bring me home didn’t have the right car seat. I then arranged for my mum to drop my son off to my friend & she walked him in with her daughter. For first thing in the morning, this was a lot of problem solving, worrying, and phone calls.

I had to work a little with my daughter which ups the difficulty level. My mum was racing back and forth from hospital & doctor appointments, to help when she could, and to pick Noah up. My mother-in-law was travelling home from a funeral. I made it through the day but was shattered and ordered a takeaway

After work I saw I had ParentMail. Covid is now in my son’s class and he needs to do a PCR. I didn’t realise until he was in bed so this is a job for tomorrow.


Having an early night. Zero words.

NaNo 2021, day 16

Wednesday, 17th November 2021

This morning was better. My daughter is off nursery again. My mum took my son to school. My mother-in-law came over to help earlier than usual as I had meetings. It was my mother-in-laws late mum’s birthday, so she wanted to get some flowers to put at her grave. She left after lunch to do this but would get Noah from school. My mum called to say the hospital had gone quicker than expected and asked if I needed Noah collecting, but it was Aria I needed help with. My mum had her lunch and was over to help, which made work easier.

Today went much better and I cooked dinner. One of my son’s best friends had Covid and was upset, so they had a video call and all they did was laugh together for a good thirty minutes.

My son still has no symptoms and is negative. But, due to the cases we had to do his PCR test. I’m so proud of how good he is being about all these different Covid tests. We registered it online, and boxed it up ready to post tomorrow morning.


Another early night. NaNo-What? Zero words.

NaNo 2021, day 17
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)


Thursday, 18th November 2021

My husband had a day off today, so care of the kids is covered, and he dropped off the PCR test. Work flew by.

I could have written tonight. I should have written tonight. But, my hubby and I hung out together, and then it felt too late. So, I finished watching the last episode of Nine Perfect Strangers.


Shoulda, woulda, coulda! Zero words.

NaNo 2021, day 18

Friday, 19th November 2021

I promised I wouldn’t put pressure on myself to write, but the week is whizzing by and I really need to make some progress. Even one word would be better than nothing!

I have my laptop nearby so if my daughter gets sucked into YouTube, I may be able to sneak in some words.

My plan worked! I wrote 1,854 words!

This evening we took the kids to Helmingham Hall. It was a magical winter wonderland walk around the estate, and warm mulled wine at the end. The kids loved the lights and being out late, and we’re good about going to bed.

I could have done some writing tonight but I also needed to work on my social media posts. As, I had some words already, I enjoyed making a video of our happy day out.


My plan worked! 1,854 words

NaNo 2021, day 19
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)


Saturday, 20th November 2021

Eugh, I have woken up with a runny nose. With my daughter coughing in my face and wiping snot everywhere, I knew this was inevitable. I’m working hard to recover quick and will still try to write today. Plus, my hubby has also woke up unwell, but he has fan flu.

A nice surprise this afternoon was to see my author interview posted on Helen Garraway’s blog.

Author Interview – Ally Aldridge

My hubby and I got blankets and watched Arcane on Netflix, and drank tea. My son’s PCR result came back negative. I think this is just a bad cold, but I will be having an early night.


I knew this was inevitable. Zero words!

NaNo 2021, day 20

Sunday, 21st November

Surprisingly, I slept well last night. I’m feeling better today, but my nose is bunged up. I need to be better by tomorrow as I’m meeting one of my son’s teacher’s tomorrow.

Testing is negative and it does feel like just a cold. I won’t be writing today. My body is telling me to prioritise my health. Today, I will mostly be watching Arcane with my hubby, and cuddling my kids.


Health before words.

NaNo 2021, day 21

NB: I may not do a week 4 Diary and instead post an overall evaluation of how the challenge went.

NB: Also, 24 Nov is when my contract with the previous website provider ends, and I’m still nervous whether the transfer worker or not.

The Soul Series

Discover more about the Soul Heart series:

About Ocean Heart (book 1), available in eBook, paperback, and in all good bookshops and libraries.

About Sky Heart (book 2), currently in Beta, and then lots of editing rounds involving my editor.

About New Moon (prequel), currently first draft being written for the NaNoWriMo challenge.

[Kofi]

The post NaNo Diary – 15 to 21 Nov 2021 appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 22, 2021 01:15

November 19, 2021

What I’d be reading… (3)

This month I’m focussed on my writing, so putting my currently reading pile to one side. But, so these books aren’t forgotten, I thought I’d share about them on my blog.

Forever Burn Blurb

As you know, I already have book 2 waiting for me. Book 3, will be releasing in December, and you can preorder it now.



The post What I’d be reading… (3) appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

1 like ·   •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 19, 2021 02:15

November 17, 2021

NaNo Diary – 8 to 14 Nov 2021

Hello & welcome to the second week of my NaNo Diary, giving insight into my writing life highs and lows. If you didn’t see my project introduction, please check it out here.

Week Goals

I looked at the whole month and identified which days I could write. For this week, I plan to write Monday, and Thursday to Sunday. I plan to take Tuesday & Wednesday off as I’m often tired after a long day of work. By the end of the week I need to have written 22,730 words to be on track.

I finished last week with 4,674 words, putting me behind target by 6,777 words. My daily word count goal was 2,273 words, but to catch up I need to write an extra 6,692 words this week.

6992 words / 5 writing days = 1,398 words

1398 words + 2,273 words = 3,671 words per writing day.

I can tell you now that isn’t going to happen, so I expect to slip further behind. I’ll try to exceed my original goal so I can catch up a little.

Monday, 8th November

Lots of house things to get done today, like contact my car insurance because my husband had a little accident driving my car. There are a ton of birthdays this month, plus Christmas is looming. So we’re trying to figure out how to afford all that on top of all the bills.

Worrying isn’t good for my creativity, but it’s necessary to sort it out. I can’t bury my head in the sand.


Worrying isn’t good for my creativity.

NaNo 2021, day 8

Tuesday, 9th November 2021

Today was my long work day and after spending all day looking at a computer, I wasn’t interested in writing. I did watch more Loche & Key with my husband, we’re now on season two.


All work and no writing, makes no progress.

NaNo 2021, day 9
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)


Wednesday, 10th November 2021

Another long work day, but today I had a good reason why I hadn’t written. My aunt & uncle are visiting and wanted to take us out for a birthday dinner.

This month is my birthdays, my mum’s birthday, and my aunty’s birthday. It’s also son’s birthday this week but it was his bedtime, and lots of birthdays on my husbands side too.

We went to The Dooley. The service and food was lovely, and my uncle educated me on red wines. I wasn’t home late but with a happy full belly, I went to bed early and fell into a deep content sleep.

I’m supposed to post a NaNo update on Instagram today but I wanted something more positive to share, like better progress.


Too busy to write or post.

NaNo 2021, day 10

Thursday, 11th November 2021

It’s my short work day and I finished feeling rejuvenated. My mum picked me up and we went to a book fair at my daughters nursery. We also got a free book, and a poppy she’s made for Remembrance Day.

I could have written tonight but I wanted to spend the evening with my hubby before his shifts start up again and I barely see him. We watched Loche & Key together.


I could have written but I wanted to spend the evening with my hubby…

NaNo 2021, day 11

Friday, 12th November 2021

My son is off school today. He was up a bit in the night with his cold. He he this ferocious sneeze, and yes, I mean ferocious. It’s so powerful it’s almost a cough, and with Covid starting to increase at his school we decided it was best to keep him off, test him, and get his strength back up.

I caught up with some marketing admin that I needed to do. I sorted out my belated social media post. I might not have made any progress this week, but someone else might be struggling and need to know they are not alone. Yes, I won’t make NaNo but I’m not quitting. Every word matters and next week might be better.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)


My son lost another wobbly tooth. I forgot to mention he lost two teeth only the other day. He now has three teeth in an egg cup, waiting for the tooth fairy to visit. Thankfully he’s very understanding that they are short staffed due to the pandemic so she has time to find some money.

I sent off my answer to an author Q&A, which should be scheduled for 20 Nov. I’ll share when it goes live.

I emailed a lady I met from Get Suffolk Reading, a project run by Literacy Trust. I’ve joined the Facebook Group, and I’m looking forward to staying aware of upcoming local bookish events,

I managed to sneak off and leave my husband with my daughter while I did some writing. My son was feeling better so he hung out with me. My husband brought me my dinner so I didn’t have to stop. I wrote 2,442 words. Yay, I have some words!

In the evening I watched Nine Perfect Strangers on my Kindle, and scrolled through YouTube.

My husband needed an early night as he has an early start, so we went to bed. It was just as well because not long after I heard my daughter crying. I got to her room and she breathing strange, wheezing, and swallowing. I got her to speak as I wasn’t she if she was choking. She told me she was fine and wanted to go back to bed. But, she wasn’t fine, I could hear she wasn’t. I was scared and didn’t want to leave her to sleep. I wanted to keep her upright, and listen to her breathing to make sure she was okay. Then she coughed, this odd bark like cough. I googled it and all her symptoms were croup. I got her some water, and prepared for a night on the sofa together. I had to calm her down as her crying made it worse. Once she relaxed, her breathing improved and the coughing stopped. We just cuddled all night .


Every word matters!

NaNo 2021, day 12

Saturday, 13th November 2021

It’s no surprise that I am one tired mummy this morning. If I manage to do anything more than care for my kids, it will be a miracle. It’s no surprise I decided to take it easy. PJ day for the win!

I can’t write tonight because I need to prepare for a very special person’s birthday, my little boy. And, I need an early night.


PJ Day for the win!

NaNo 2021, day 13
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)


Sunday, 14th November

It’s my son’s birthday 🥳.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)


I didn’t think I’d get a chance to write today but my son wanted to spend his Robucks and play on his Kindle. My daughter is still not feeling well so she was super snuggly and wanted to chill whilst watching cartoons. So, I got out my laptop and wrote 2,940 words. I’m so pleased 😃.


I got out my laptop and wrote 2,940 words.

NaNo 2021, day 14
The Soul Series

Discover more about the Soul Heart series:

About Ocean Heart (book 1), available in eBook, paperback, and in all good bookshops and libraries.

About Sky Heart (book 2), currently in Beta, and then lots of editing rounds involving my editor.

About New Moon (prequel), currently first draft being written for the NaNoWriMo challenge.

[Kofi]

The post NaNo Diary – 8 to 14 Nov 2021 appeared first on Author Ally Aldridge.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on November 17, 2021 00:00