Ally Aldridge's Blog, page 12

What I’d be reading… (2)

A Choice of Essence by Katelyn Uhrich

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.

A Choice of Essence Blurb

This book is a middle grade high fantasy. The MC is a godling. She helps care for the spirits when they are between worlds.

I recently discovered the there will be a book 2. It is in the final stages of publishing, but there’s no release date yet (that I know of).

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What I’d be reading… (1)

Fate of the Blue Moon by H. B. Lyne

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.

Fate of the Blue Moon by H.B.LyneFate of the Blue Moon Blurb

This is the first book in a Shifters of Caerton series. It’s an urban fantasy with magic and different types of shifters.

Here are some affiliate links. Check out my Affiliate Disclosure page to learn more.

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NaNo Diary – 1 to 7 Nov 2021

Hello & welcome to the first 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. This worked out to 22 days. This meant, on my writing says I needed to write 2,273 words.

For this week, I plan to write Monday to Friday and take Saturday & Sunday off. By the end of the week I need to have written 11,365 words to be on track.

Monday, 1 November

I was determined to make a good start. Noah was back to school & Aria was home with me. No matter how hard I tried to get her busy doing her own thing, she wanted to play with me. I only managed to write 86 words.

In addition, I discovered my web hosting was about to run out. Renewing with my current provider was going to be hella expensive, so I had to quickly research other providers and migrate my website. This was a huge distraction, and although it appears to have gone well, I can’t help but worry that when my hosting ends with my original provider I’ll lose my website.

It was also the last evening for a few nights I’d get to spend with my hubby, so we watched an episode of Locke & Key together before bed.

Not the awesome word count I wanted to kick off day one with.

NaNo 2021, day 1

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Tuesday, 2nd November 2021

I’ve been excited to get writing this project but when I sat down to do it, I couldn’t get into the story. I knew Tuesdays and Wednesdays would be hard as they are my long work days, and I’m often shattered by the time the kids are in bed.

I reread the chapters I did before, and added more to my character profiles. I realised the story is more early 2000s, than 90s, so I researched the music of that era. I then wrote 1,185 words.

I had also written 349 words in my 30 minute lunch break.

Today’s total was 1,534 words

NaNo 2021, day 2

Wednesday, 3rd November 2021

This morning my mum sent a text saying she couldn’t come & take my son to school & my daughter to nursery. As I was getting the kids ready, I didn’t see the text until minutes before she was due to arrive.

With my broken foot, I couldn’t take them myself. As my hubby had just worked a 12h night shift, he was sleeping. I began going upstairs to wake my husband, and called my mum to find out what had happened. She answered and explained my sort-of-step-dad is unwell but he’s calling the doctor and she’s on her way.

In the evening I was determined to do better. Once the kids were in bed, I got comfy, and got writing.

I managed to write 1717 words, making me very happy.

NaNo 2021, day 3

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Thursday, 4th November 2021

Today mum was late to collect the kids. This scared me as I knew my sort-of-step-dad had been unwell the day before. I was worried things may have got so bad my mum hadn’t even been able to call or text me.

I rang, and my sort-of-step-dad answered the phone. He didn’t sound good, but told me my mum was on the way. Turned out she had just got the time wrong, but hearing how poorly he was made it more real.

I spent the rest of the day worrying about him. I worried so much, I made myself dizzy, so I didn’t write in my lunch break. I took a proper break away from a screen.

In the evening I couldn’t relax to write, and had to take the night off from writing.

NaNo 2021, day 4

Friday, 5th November 2021

I’ve woke up with a banging headache. Probably a sign I didn’t sleep well. But, I need to write today as I scheduled tomorrow as a night off. But, I really don’t feel like writing.

All day, I had a headache. I tried to write and nothing was coming. Then there was this moment when the kids were calm and I remembered today is when Under the Willow has their live chat. I joined the chat, and my headache cleared.

I got the kids to bed, tidied the house, and put my daughter to bed several more times because of the fireworks. Then I watched Nine Perfect Strangers on Prime, and wrote.

Collectively today I wrote a Whopping, 1,955 words!

NaNo 2021, day 5

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Saturday, 6th November 2021

I’m feeling excited about tonight. My husband is sleeping off his night shift today, so I’m trying to keep the kids quiet, so I probably won’t be able to sneak in many (if any) words during the day.

Tonight, we are off to Trinity Park to enjoy the fireworks for my birthday. There is live bands, and food, and I the kids loved it. My only complaint would be the poor management over the food.

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Sunday, 7th November

Today is my actual birthday. I had a lazy morning opening cards in bed, before getting up to have a fry up for brunch.

My mum popped round, and I had lots of texts and messages wishing me a happy birthday. It was a PJ day, and I loved it.

My husband got me sushi and cake for dinner. In the evening we watched more Loche and Key.

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]

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A gift from my Book Fairy

So, the other day, an Amazon parcel arrived for me. My husband of course was like, “What have you bought now?” Like I’m some kind of out of control shopaholic.

I’m actually very restrained. I hate shopping, and will spend ages checking reviews and researching the best deal, before making a purchase. I very rarely spontaneously buy.

Due to my careful purchasing, I always know exactly what I have bought and I wasn’t expecting anything. But, I could feel why he thought I had. The package felt like a book.

I unwrapped it and was flabbergasted to see a massive book! I’m intimidated by big books, and this one is bigger than any other book I own. I read the blurb and it sounded like a a book I’d like.

I swore I hadn’t bought the book, and checked my account. No order. I started to wonder if Amazon made a mistake or if I had a book fairy… Had I entered a bookish competition, forgot about it, and won?

I wanted to thank whoever had gifted me the book, but had no idea who. I wondered if I should make a video to show how happy I am to have received such a lovely surprise.

Then my cousin messaged me to say it was her. 🥰. Now, I need to face my fear of thick books, and let her know how I get on. I’m so excited. I feel a little like we are in our own exclusive book club. I’ve never been in a book club as I’m too slow a reader to keep up. 😂

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

If you want to join my no pressure (read at your own pace), exclusive secret book club, here are some affiliate links to get your very own copy of Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff:

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NaNoWriMo Project

My NaNoWriMo Project

New Moon (working title)

This project is set in the same low fantasy world of The Soul Heart Series. In fact, for readers of Ocean Heart they may recognise the main character, Denny.

This story is a prequel. It’s set in the 90s, back when Denny was a teen herself. It will cover how she became friends with Gwyn, started her Sparkle Cake business, and the highs and lows as a new mum.

Preparation

I feel more prepared now I have created a title, cover, and blurb. Of course these are all just a work in progress, so could change but it helps me feel more focused.

I’ve started writing an outline. I intended for this to be a novella but I already have a sneaky suspicion this could become a full length novel.

I’ve also made a spreadsheet to help me track my word count. If this works successfully, I will look at making a version available to my followers on Ko-Fi.

The Goal

I’m going to aim for the big Five-O (50,000 words). If I don’t make it, I will still have made progress, but if I do, it’d make me so happy.

I’ve been struggling with motivation because Sky Heart is on hold until I can afford the professional services I need to move it forward. I’ve also been bummed out with all the germs (sick kids) ruining September, and fracturing my ankle ruining October.

I really want to get back into the habit of writing again. My ultimate goal for November is this: To write!

Are you doing NaNoWriMo? What’s your project, goal, and how do you prepare?

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If you enjoyed this, you will like:

About Ocean Heart

About Sky Heart

About Work In Progress

About Ko-Fi

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Book format and buying options…

Buy it!

There are tons of ways to own your very own copy of Ocean Heart. Check out my webpage About Ocean Heart for full details, but here are a few:

Some of these links are affiliate links. Please visit my about Affiliate Links page for more details.

Signed Copy

You can buy a signed copy of Ocean Heart from Ko-Fi, and there are two options:

Personalised & Hand Signed

This is limited to the UK due to postage costs. First, I order the book, sign it, and then send to you. If you’d like a personalised message for you or someone special, I can do this.

This was the method used for the first 20 copies of Ocean Heart bought during my book signing event at Stillwater Books.

Now, you can get a hand signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Personalise & Digitally Signed

This is limited to countries with an Ingram printing facility. I will design a personalised page for you, that will be added to the book when printed. Ingram then will send out directly to you (saving on international postage costs/emissions).

Currently there is only one copy of Ocean Heart like this that I gifted to a TikToker.

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Now, you can get a digitally signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Paperback

Bookshop.org

I recently blogged a ton of reasons to shop with Bookshop.org but the main one is to support your local independent bookshop.

Amazon

Amazon encourages shoppers to leave product reviews, helping consumers to make more informed decisions.

If you are not UK/US, try this universal link to find Ocean Heart at your local Zon: http://getbook.at/OceanHeart

eBook

Smashwords

The great thing about Smashwords is you can buy your eBook and choose the format, enabling you to read on whatever device is your favourite. In addition your eBook is saved to your Smashwords library, so you keep it forever.

Amazon

Kindle is one of the most popular eReaders both as a tablet and app.

If Smashwords and Amazon aren’t your thing, you can get Ocean Heart from many other popular eBook stores. Click this link to discover more eBook buying options: https://books2read.com/OceanHeart

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If you have enjoyed this, you’ll like:

About Ocean Heart

A Little Trip to the Library

Ocean Heart was free on Google Play

Happy MerMay 2021

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A little trip to the library…

If you know me, you’ll know I’m very naughty when it comes to returning books. In addition, I lose books! And, my youngest destroys books. Library fines are common.

But, during the pandemic my fines got to a point where they barred my account! 😱

I was a bit scared & embarrassed to go into the library to pay my fines. But, as always, the local librarians were lovely. We sorted it out and I can borrow books again.

Ocean Heart never at the library…

When I released Ocean Heart last year, I approached my local library to recommend they stock a copy. And, they did!

It felt too good to be true. So, I searched using Suffolk County Libraries app to check it was really there. It was, but out on loan, with another Suffolk library!

A few weeks later, I checked to see if it was back. It had returned to Felixstowe but was on the Reserved Shelf.

When I paid my fines, I asked what the Reserved Shelf meant. It meant someone had requested it! My book is in demand! And, it had already been collected! 😃

I must say I’m relieved. I love my library and would hate them to waste money on an unwanted book. As a new author building my audience, I worried I might be too unknown. I feared nobody would be interested in Ocean Heart. It makes me so happy to see it’s always checked out.

If you want to borrow the paperback, you’ll need to reserve it. It is in their collection, but there’s a queue. 🥰

For students of Felixstowe Academy, there are a few copies available from their school library.

Ocean Heart on Overdrive App

Overdrive is an eBook app used by libraries. You can search for Ocean Heart and request a copy to read. I don’t think they’ve ordered the eBook yet but all you have to do is ask.

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If you love reading eBooks, supporting your library, and supporting authors, get this app and start enjoying a vast range of eBooks for FREE using your library card.

Ocean Heart ISBNs

It’s easy to find my book searching by title or my name, but to be certain you found the right copy, use the ISBN.

Ocean Heart ISBN, paperback 978-1-8382084-0-0, eBook 978-1-8382084-1-7 Paperback or eBook?

There you have it, Ocean Heart is available for you to read for free using your library card. If it’s not currently stocked by your local library, just ask them to order it in.

More About Ocean HeartBuy Ocean Heart

Below are some affiliate links for buying Ocean Heart. You can learn more about these on my Affilate Disclosure Page.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

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Why you should shop at Bookshop.org

This post will contain affiliate links. You can learn more about these on my Affiliate Disclosure page.

There are tons of good reasons to support bookshop.org which was why I created an affiliate account with them. But, I strongly believe you shouldn’t recommend something you have not tried yourself. So…

What a good excuse to go book shopping!

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee

I won some book merchandise in an Instagram giveaway from this author. I then felt compelled to buy the matching book. How could I not?

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Ordering was super simple. I searched Bookshop.org, found Joy’s Summer Love Playlist, added it to my basket, and checked out like I would any other online store.

The only extra step was choosing which bookshop to support. Bookshop.org gives the sale to independent bookshops. I choose my local bookshop, Stillwater Books, to support my local high street.

My book arrived in a cardboard book mail envelope – exactly like Amazon would.

Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent

Just to be sure that my first buy wasn’t a fluke, I had to buy another book – a great excuse to preorder my all time favourite authors latest release!

@redfae7

#favouriteauthor #newrelease #bookmail #redwolf #yafantasy #yafiction #fairytaleretelling #redridinghood #bookshoporg #bookshop #hardback #unboxing

♬ Wolves #1 – Selena Gomez

Again, my order came packed perfectly. No damage. No issues. And, so incredibly gorgeous.

More reasons to shop with Bookshop.org

Supporting Independent Bookshops

Bookshop.org support local bookstores by creating an easy to use online store to rival Amazon. I’ve nothing against Amazon but I don’t want to see independent bookshops wiped from the high street because they can’t compete with Goliath. Thanks to Bookshop.org the battle field is more even, giving consumers more choice.

Bookstores can earn commission for supporting Bookshop.org. They get 30% if a buyer uses their affiliate link. In addition 10% from sales goes into a kitty that is shared between all bookstores in the program, so they can make money even if they didn’t make a sale!

Bookshop.org will tell customers about upcoming events and book deals at their favourite store, and give the store your email so they can keep in touch to with their newsletter.

Bookshop.org do all the leg work for the sale. Books are distributed by Gardners, and they promise to keep deliveries Carbon Neutral.

Bookshop.org can connect people with their local bookshop. I expect you know where yours is. But, if you’re on holiday in the UK, use their map to find when the nearest independent bookstore is.

They have an awesome affiliate program!

You may have seen my Affiliate links on my site. One of the affiliate programs I’ve joined is Bookshop.org

My own Bookshop

It’s only virtual but to have my own bookshop is a dream come true. Okay, it’s not a real bookshop, it’s an affiliate shop, but I get to pick the books to go on my “shelves” aka lists.

Check out Redfae Bookshop

Book List Recommendations

Not only can you share links to your books, but you can create book lists to recommend a collection of books.

Here’s a Book List I created for my Redfae bookshop.org to showcase indie books. I definitely should be using this feature more!

Anything else…

Bookshop.org accept National Book Tokens. If you got one as a gift, add it to your account and spend it.

Any issues…

Well, the only problems I’ve had are that I can only create affiliate links for the UK Bookshop.org. I’ve applied for a US account too but they’ve not approved me, so, I think it is restricted to my own country.

They also don’t have book reviews or ratings. I like readings reviews as they help me decide if a book is right for me.

I’ve not yet made any money from it but I’m not bothered about that as I see it as a free tool to embed books in my website that is aesthetically pleasing.

These things are very minor and don’t put me off using or recommending Bookshop.org . And, maybe one day in the future they will have those features or it’ll become an income venue for me.

Final thoughts…

You should look at getting a Bookshop.org account if you recommend books for others to read. I love it, the ethics, and how easy it is to use.

If you are thinking of buying a product using an affiliate link, you should because it costs you nothing extra. It just helps out the person making the recommendation, and in this case it also helps independent bookshops.

Also, buy Ocean Heart by Ally Aldridge. 😜

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If you enjoyed this you will like:

About Ocean Heart

How to fund your creativity?

My Process – How to publish a book

Different self publishing platforms

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

I don’t think I would have bought this book if I hadn’t won the book merchandise, because I’m not into music. I’m so glad I did because I couldn’t put this back. It was the perfect summer read!

Setting

It’s set in modern times in America. The MC and her family moved to the town for a fresh start following an incident that ruined her brother’s football career.

Characters

Joy is the main character. She always puts her brother’s needs before her own as she feels responsible for what happened. She loves to sing but puts off her own dreams to keep everyone else happy.

Her best friend is the beautiful Lena. And, her other best friend Cale asks her to fake date him, so he can get closer to Lena who he is crushing on. He’s not the only one, as Joy’s brother is into Lena too. But. Lena has her eyes fixed firmly on her incredibly charming neighbour Jin.

Joy lets Jin in on the plan. As they work together to set Lena & Cale up, everything gets complicated.

Review

I loved this book so much more than I thought I would. Piper is an expert at story telling, I felt sticky in watermelon juice, and every heartache.

A fake dating plan rarely delivers the desired results for the parties involved, but this one surprised me as it wasn’t what I initially thought. It was better.

The characters are all well developed with their own motives, needs, and growth. Together they pushed the story towards a very satisfying ending.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Below are some affiliate links. Visit my Affiliate Disclosure Page to learn more about these.

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Collaborating on a New Exciting Project

Elzevera of Willowtree Editing needed some extra help in managing her Mighty Network: Under the Willow

I joined the Mighty Network back in 2019 and Elzevera helped me with self editing, Ocean Heart.

It inspired me to want to create my own Mighty Network and I set this as a goal at the start of 2020.

I have been exploring creating a Mighty Network. It is a social site for creatives. I’m currently a member of a Mighty Network by Willow Editing. I have been Beta Testing a self-editing course by Elzevera of Willow Editing.

I am considering the network as a potential way to share extra bits with my readers. I am also exploring it as a space to share writing resources as many of my followers are fellow writers.

http://allyaldridge.com/writing-progress-january 2020/

But, I’d also decided to self publish Ocean Heart, and this was my priority and keeping me very busy. I didn’t have time to build my own Mighty Network. I ended up abandoning the goal to focus on my debut novel.

Early this year, I stepped back from my volunteer role with World Indie Warriors. I created their indie books brochure and eZine. Collecting all the info and publishing four times a year was taking over too much of my free time. When I started a new job, I didn’t have the energy to continue with both. It was hard to let go but I’m still very close with the members and support them however I can.

Now I’ve settled into my new role, I have more energy again. When I saw Elzevera call for help on Instagram, it sounded like a perfect new fresh challenge for me.

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I applied to help, and we had a little chat about what she’d need me to do. From October, I shall be Elzevera’s new co-host. I’m excited to take on this new role.

Under the Willow is inline with my original Mighty Network goal. Elzevera’s created her network to empower writers to have the tools they need to self edit their work, and improve their writing craft in a supportive community.

If you want to join a supportive group of writers and improve your craft, please do come join us on Mighty Networks in Under the Willow

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If you enjoyed this you will like:.

12 Tips for Self Editing

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Writing Progress – January 2020

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