Ally Aldridge's Blog, page 26
July 13, 2020
Why you need a developmental editor!
I never thought I needed one. But now I have used one, I wish I’d got one sooner.
There are lots of different types of editors and each type has a purpose. When I first read the definition of a developmental editor, I dismissed them.
What a Developmental Editor does:
Always check what the editor does before paying them but usually a developmental edit includes:
Refine your ideasImprove narrativeFix plot holes and character arcsHow to tell your storyChapter length and orderWhat to delete/expand
Why I thought I didn’t need one:
I have so many story ideas that creating a story has never been an issue. And, I enjoy solving plot holes so why’d I want to pay someone to do that for me.
I was sure I could figure out how to tell my story my way and what was needed and when. I was worried an editor would lose my voice and it wouldn’t be the story I wanted to tell.
But, I was wrong:
A good editor works with an author to support them in enhancing their story. They give you the critique you’ve always needed.
What I got:
I hired Avery McDougal after meeting author J D Groom and seeing what she had down for her with Sorceress of Truth.
Avery edited my manuscript with inline comments. She didn’t just point out what needed fixing, she also told me where I’d got it right. Her feedback helped me grow as an author, learning by studying my own writing, guided by her feedback.
She, also provided a chapter report. This was an overview of the chapter and made me aware of any issues like grammar switches.
She provided a character analysis. These gave insight into how my characters were seen and their arcs. She linked this to character arc types which helped me learn about this too.
Avery also pointed out my bad habits. Once she pointed them out I became aware and able to correct them. For example, the overuse of a particular word.
Finally, Avery included helpful guides to help me in areas she identified that I struggle.
Editors are unique
All editors are unique. Some editors might not provide the support material Avery sent me. Before parting with your money, find out exactly what the service includes. Ask other authors for recommendations.
Check out the editors listed in the World Indie Warriors brochure.
The reasons I chose Avery were:
I liked what she’d done for Jodie. I still checked what I’d get to make sure I was choosing the right service for my needs. Avery does writing workshops for teens. My novel is YA fiction. Knowing she has current experience with my intended audience was a bonus. And, it certainly showed in her feedback. I got quotes and the cost was something I was able to afford. Avery is approachable and easy to talk to. She made herself available post edits should I have any questions about her feedback.
Working with Avery was an amazing experience. She supported me to make necessary changes to improve my novel. But, she didn’t just develop my novel, she developed me as an author.
Ocean Heart is stronger thanks to her feedback, and I’m a more confident writer.
If you enjoyed this, you will like:
Author Q and A – Ally Aldridge
July 9, 2020
Making his YouTube dream come true…
My son has repeatedly asked to be a YouTuber. For job day at school they suggest roles to dress up as but Noah insisted on going as a YouTuber. It wasn’t on the approved jobs list.
They are the celebrity gods of his generation. Noah loves watching gamers on YouTube. It looks so much fun, you can’t blame him for seeing it as a dream job…
Squashing Dreams
I’ve warned him, it’s not easy. That most YouTubers don’t make a living from it and just do it for fun. I’ve tried to deter him.
Worst of all, I realised I sound a lot like a dream crusher. I’m still haunted by all those people that told me not to write books. They told me I wouldn’t make it. It’s a poor mans dream, the struggling artist…
But, I couldn’t let go.
And, I don’t want to raise my kids to not try because it isn’t easy. If making videos brings him joy, what does it matter? As his mum, it’s my job to support him in his growth, not to put him down.
Homeschool
When the UK went into lockdown and we were faced with figuring out how to homeschool overnight, I tried to include Noah. I explained core subjects, we must do every week and ‘projects’.
Projects have included making rainbows for the NHS, caring for others, letter writing, making slime, writing a competition story, etc.
Project: YouTuber
The project Noah really wanted was “Become a YouTuber.” I told him mummy had no clue what to do, what software we need, or where to even start. We would literally be learning and figuring it out together.
I tried to stall him with:
Online safety project
Graphic design (research & design a logo).
Research YouTubers.
Storyboard favourite shows.
Mind map content ideas.
Storyboard his proposed show.
Script an intro….
He passed every challenge until all that was left was “Record a Show”.
Pre-Recording Prep
Mummy wasn’t confident about making a gaming video, screen recording was a step too far. So, we compromised on BookTube which I was more confident about as I watch these. Noah chose his book, Pests by Emer Stamp.
Noah’s storyboard pointed out the importance of reminding viewers to subscribe, like and “hit that bell”. He also chose an outfit that didn’t identify him and a clutter free space to record (yay – bedroom tidied).
Recording
We did it! Here is how…
iPad
We used an old iPad to record Noah talking. We used the tips on making a video from the Toppsta site, and their review ideas.
B612 App
We had a few bloopers; Some where mummy took a photo instead of a video, and some where Noah got camera shy, tongue tied or too excited! We used these to create an intro using B612 App.
iMovie App
The B612 Intro was much louder than the rest of the video. We adjusted the clip’s volume in iMovie. We used it to cut and move content around.
FilmR App
We used the FilmR app to add text and fun GIPHY. Then we saved it and uploaded it to YouTube.
YouTube Studio App
We used the YouTube Studio app to create Noah’s channel. We were a little lost and scared as it was all getting a bit real by this point. We changed his profile image and named the channel.
YouTube app
I did this part for Noah. I added a video description and included the blurb for the book he was discussing. Then we uploaded to YouTube.
RapidTags website
I had to research how to tag YouTube videos. I tried hashtags, speech marks… then accidentally hit return.
I research tag generators and found RapidTags site gave the best suggestions.
Here is Noah’s first show for Starboy TV:
Don’t forget to like, subscribe and hit that bell!
Although, I don’t think Noah will be making anymore videos in the near future. He’s decided he prefers watching other YouTubers.
If you enjoyed this, you will like:
Arty Mouse: Learning Through Art
July 6, 2020
Summer Make-Up
Just before summer, I treated myself to some new makeup. Most days I’m not wearing make up as I’m just at home in lockdown but when I do, I prefer to keep things quite natural.
My new natural look:
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What I used:
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Madara Organic Makeup
I got the Madara Age Defying Sunscreen (SPF30) in a Natrismo box last summer showcasing different suncare products. It was my favourite in the box and I wanted to try more by the brand.
When I saw Naturismo doing a 50% off all Madara deal, I couldn’t resist trying some new products.
I’m finding the foundation a bit drying for my skin type. I think when it’s time to replace, I’ll get the sunscreen instead.
Skin Equal – Soft Glow Foundation (shade 10): RRP £33
The Concealer (shade 15): RRP £20
Vapour Beauty
Usually, I buy Vapour foundation and concealer, and love the soft creamy texture.
Last summer, Vapour were selling minis of their multi use products. Unfortunately, they don’t appear to be doing them this year which is a real shame as I prefer the minis. I used the mini on my lips and cheeks.
Runway Minis – Aura Multi Use (shade Courtesan): N/A (NB: Full size RRP £34)
Lily Lolo
This brand was my first Organic foundation. Their mineral powders are very affordable and worth checking out.
Eye Pallette (Laid Bare): RRP £21
Jane Iredale
This brand has one of the biggest range of shades for foundation colours and types. I’ve tried and loved them all.
I once had a palette that enabled me to try a wide range of lipsticks, glosses, and eyeshadows. They were all high quality and I meant to buy the full size but never got round to it.
I’ve always been curious to try their lash builder and the minis are a great opportunity to do this. These would also be useful to anyone who rarely wears make up and just wants a small amount for a special occasion.
Mini Pure Lash – Extender & Conditioner: £2.50
Mascara – Longest Lash (shade Black Ice): £2.50
I am going to buy the full-size version. I’ve found the best price is to buy them together from a Salon in Brighton called Skin Maze.
If you enjoyed this, you will like:
My Skin Organic Box (March 2020)
July 5, 2020
Camp NaNo July 2020
I’m taking part! Or, so I say…
I’m doing the challenge with World IndieWarriors and set my goals as follows:
Write the ending of Sky Heart (book 2) – estimated 20k words
Finish reading my two current reads (Agent Undone by Cassidy Reyne, and Sea Witch by Sarah Henning)
Complete Storyseller Academy course
About Sky Heart
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Slow Start
1 July
I’ve barely started! So, at the end of June I was sending Ocean Heart (book 1) to my editor but fear struck. It was ready a week early but I kept reading it through, checking it, worrying whether it is good enough. When I was still doing this is July, I realised what I was doing and hit send… at almost midnight.
2 July
So, I started a day late. When I looked at chapter 24 of Sky Heart (book 2) I couldn’t remember what was going on. It dawned on me that it’s been too long, I need to reread it all to get my hear back in the story. I may not get to write this month 
July 2, 2020
Find your Summer Reads in the latest WIW Brochure
This June the latest World Indie Warriors Brochure was released.
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Indie Books
The brochure is packed full of indie books, their blurbs, where to buy and how to connect with the authors. But, thats not all…
Indie Services
There is a directory of service providers. These are small indie business offering services that support the indie community. It’s a great resource to discover cover designers, book formatters, editors, coaches and marketing.
Indie Products
The brochure also showcases indie businesses that make and sell their own products. This enables you to discover unique and custom items that can’t be bought in mainstream shops.
Articles
The brochure is full of useful information from start to finish. There are tips for readers and an interview with a book blogger. There is an interview with the author who won a book cover contest. And you can discover what World Indie Warriors is all about.
It’s FREE to download
If you’ve read this far, you probably want to know how to get your hands on it.
Just visit their website and download it.
How to get included in the next edition?
The brochure is to showcase World Indie Warrior members. To join you just need to follow them on Facebook or Instagram – they are working on a forum.
They do lots of different activities to support the indie community. For example, this month, they are doing CampNaNo on Instagram and have a goal tracker on Facebook. Being part of a team is a great way to stay motivated towards achieving whatever creative goal you set.
If you check their blog you’ll find details on how to get your content included in the next edition.
If you enjoyed this, you will like:
Where to find the best indie books…
Why I love World Indie Warriors
June 29, 2020
Book Review: Out of my League by Sarah Sutton
I have been following Sarah for a while on Instagram as I was intrigued to read her debut novel What Are Friends For?
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So, when the opportunity to read an ARC for her new novel came up it was the perfect chance to see whether I like her writing. And, I do.
Don’t forget to join my newsletter for my own ARC sign up news!
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Blurb: Out of my League
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Spoiler Warning: If you hate spoilers, skip to the end and only read my final thoughts.
Beginning
The MC, Sophia, has dreams of getting an internship at a local Newspaper. She is famous for her article on plastic straws that activated change.
Her journalism plan involves writing for the school paper but she receives the devastating news that the School’s Board are scrapping the papers funding to buy bleachers for the baseball team.
Sophia is supposed to be finding ‘the right time’ to dump her idiot boyfriend Scott. She decides to save the school paper by writing a final article, on how toxic the Baseball team and undeserving of the funds. She delays dumping Scott to use him to get the information for her expose.
Middle
Sophia attends an end of school party with her best friend Edith. It’s at Walsh’s house, the captain of the baseball team; the baseball team that has taken her beloved newspaper’s funding.
Sophia isn’t a fan of Walsh. Scott has constantly bad mouthed him to her, highlighting his every flaw.
Scott arrives at the party, with another girl.
When he realises he’s been caught cheating, he dumps Sophia in-front of everyone and humiliates her. Walsh jumps to her rescue and claims they are secretly in love and can now be together.
Despite being a heart throb, Sophia is not into Walsh. She runs off and Walsh goes after her. He offers to be her fake boyfriend and help with the article (not knowing the angle Sophia is aiming for).
We follow Sophia infiltrate the baseball team, gathering incriminating evidence for her article. She fends off her ex-Scott’s snide remarks whilst he flaunts his new girlfriend.
In addition, Sophia’s parents are at each others throats, their ups and downs escalates to divorce. And Sophia turns to her fake boyfriend for comfort. They get close, and she discover’s Walsh’s family life isn’t perfect either.
Walsh starts doing sweet things for her, even when nobody is around to witness it. Sophia starts to fall for him and has to keep reminding herself its not real. Edith tries to persuade her to scrap the article but she can’t see any other way to save her dream of becoming a journalist.
Everything gets very messy for Sophia:
She fights with her parents that now have decided on counselling, and are having a baby.
She runs to Walsh. He confesses he knew Scott was cheating and at the party he planned for her to catch Scott out, to get back at him. Realising she was a pawn in their rivalry from the start breaks her heart. She tells Walsh about the article exposing the team cheating (paying other teams to throw the game) and storms off.
She goes to Edith’s house, and they fight. Sophia is heartbroken that Edith knew about Scott too and didn’t tell her, and Edith points out the many ways Sophia has been selfish.
Ending
Sophia has a lot of making up to do. With the support of her parents and BFF, it’s time to get back the boy she loves with a grand gesture… but, when she arrives at the pitch the game is cancelled.
She bumps into her ex, Scott. He tells her Walsh revealed the baseball team’s cheating. Scott’s new girlfriend is sick of the rivalry between the guys and dumps him.
Sophia finds Walsh speaking to a baseball scout. Despite the cheating, he still got picked. They get together. Sophia loves Walsh more than the article and scraps it.
Her parents are happy. Sophia and Walsh are happy. Then Sophia gets a call. Her teacher sent her straw article to the local paper and they love it and offer her an internship.
So many happy vibes 
June 25, 2020
Behind the Book: Wiccan Romance – Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron
I enjoyed Nicola’s novel Amelia’s Story, the first book in her Wiccan Romance series. She kindly agreed to a Behind the Book interview about her novel, and here it is.
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This is your first published novel but what’s the first story you remember writing?
I remember writing a book during what I think was about year 9, so when I was around thirteenishthat had a couple of similar themes to Amelia’s Story but it wasn’t magical. It focused on relationships as they fascinate me, the way people become a couple, the obstacles they overcome and just how happy people become when they start dating someone they really like, the characters were a bit younger in that book so it had more of a school setting but, at least in the UK, that period at school from when you are fourteen to eighteen you change so much and it’s when you start to really think about your future so it’s such a fascinating time to write about.
Did you know you were writing a series from the start?
Amelia’s Story was initially just supposed to be a short story that I used to write when I had a couple of spare hours during my A Levels and while at University. It was only when I went back to it when someone suggested I use writing to help me deal with my anxiety that it became a full length novel and then a series when I came up with ideas for the brothers and I just fell in love with all the characters.
What inspired this novel/series?
The first bit of inspiration came from a Nora Robert’s book I was reading, it was a magic based book and I just really wanted to try my hand at writing one. Also it was during a snow week and I was supposed to be writing my history coursework but obviously decided to procrastinate. I picked up the story nearly eight years later as I still had the story running around in the back of my mind for years and I finished it nearly a decade later and I’m really proud of it.
Why did you chose to become an indie author?
Between calls at work I would look at the best way to publish my novel, studying which publishing house would be most likely to publish it, however I spotted Amazon KDP and the more I learnt about it the more I decided it was a better option for me. I then spoke to a number of other indie authors and decided to give it a go.
Tell me about a typical day in the life of Nicola Hebron?
Well, I have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia so my days are pretty lazy as I need to keep as relaxed as possible to keep the pain at bay. Usually I write on and off throughout the day, usually twenty minutes at a time then I take a break and watch TV, at the minute I’m watching the Chicago franchise, which Dick Wolf executives produces and I’m a big fan of his shows. I also love reading, I always read in the bath and usually for about an hour at night.
Some of your main characters have elemental magic. Which elemental power would you most like to have?
As far as elemental powers, I would most like to have the power to control air, although water would also be pretty cool. If I could have any power in the world, I would most like to fly or teleport so I could go wherever I want to.
Please share a snippet of Amelia’s Story?
#1
“Buster! Come here!”
“He’s over here, Aidan!” Ben called out.
“Ben didn’t expect you out here!” Aidan called out, as he followed his dog out of the bushes.
“Lia was walking the dogs, thought I would give her a hand.” Ben explained, as he shook his friend’s hand.
“Hi.” Lia mumbled, as she continued to pet Buster.
Lia stumbled backwards as Buster leant his full weight against her legs, causing Aidan to grab his dog’s collar, pulling him away from her. Smiling, Lia shifted so that she could focus on the dogs and look at Aidan without being obvious. He looked at ease, wearing a pair of faded jeans, black shirt and unzipped grey hoody. She had known Aidan for years and had a crush on him for nearly as long. Consequently, whenever he was around, which was a lot of the time as he was Ben’s closest friend, she turned into either a babbling idiot or a mute. Lia glanced down at the dogs when Aidan looked over at her and busied herself taking off Betty’s lead.
#2
“So, what’s your plan Alice?” Aidan asked.
“That’s easy, Aidan. I’m going to get little Miss Princess goody two shoes to give up her powers by convincing her that the only way I’m going to release you is if she gives her powers to me.” Alice crowed. “And then, using both her powers and those that our family has managed to hold onto, I’m going to make you love me, leaving her with nothing.”
Where can we go to discover more and buy Amelia’s story
Amelia’s Story is available at all major online booksellers, including Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmiths and Barnes and Noble. It is also available in ebook format, including Kindle, Kobo, Nook and Ibooks.
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If you enjoyed this, you will like:
Book Review: Wiccan Romance – Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron
June 22, 2020
9 Years Married
Yesterday was Father’s Day in the UK and I looked back at photographs of my dad and I, and Photos of my husband with our kids. I feel so blessed to have had both their influences in my life.
[image error]A collage of pics showing me with my dad, and my husband with our kids.
We got together in 2000, and earlier this year we celebrated being together 20y. It doesn’t feel that long as time’s flown by. We’ve been through a lot together, ups and downs, and it’s made us so strong.
We don’t make a big fuss of our anniversaries but next year we might do something as it’ll be 10 years, and that’s a big deal. We were thinking of going away but little Aria doesn’t like travelling, but I’m hoping by next year she’ll be better. And, hopefully the virus will be old news too.
Wedding Memories
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June 18, 2020
Alice in Wonderland Afternoon Tea
There are simple pleasures we all miss during lockdown, things we took for granted. I enjoyed taking my kids out and meeting up with friends for play dates. Sometimes, I go to a cafe and treat myself to tea and cake. And, the best tea and cake is afternoon tea.
Afternoon Tea
“Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups.” Historic-UK.com
Traditionally it’s eaten between lunch and dinner (between 4pm and 8pm), and it’s not to replace a meal… but, in my hometown, it’s quite acceptable to eat it for lunch.
Alice in Wonderland Themed
I’m a sucker for Alice in Wonderland. I haven’t even read the book (sorry), I just love the quirkinesses and the quotes. With the Mad Hatter tea party, it’s the perfect theme for afternoon tea…
So, when my friend sent me a link to a local cafe doing home delivered afternoon tea, Alice in Wonderland themed…
How could I resist?
And, it’s supporting a local business, one that sells cake and tea.
At £25 per person, it was a good price for afternoon tea which is a rather indulgent experience. But, I hesitated… How big would the portions be?
Delivered Afternoon Tea
I needn’t have worried! I’d bought two, one each for my husband and I, and to share ours with the kids. The generous helpings meant we were eating cakes for days.
But, that wasn’t all…
Check out this picture of all the beautiful touches the cafe did to make this afternoon tea so special.
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If you enjoyed this, you’d like:
Alice in Wonderland 1st Birthday
Felixstowe Book Festival – Children’s Events
Children’s Picture Book Publishing
June 15, 2020
Author Q and A – Ally Aldridge
I hope you didn’t miss this. It’s my first author interview about my upcoming novel Ocean Heart.
Seeing this Q&A makes my journey feel more real and exciting. I can’t wait to publish Ocean Heart and share it with everyone.
Head over to Jodie’s blog to read and discover more.
Author Q&A – Alison Aldridge
Author Q&A – Alison Aldridge
— Read on jdgroom.com/2020/05/01/author-qa-alison-aldridge/
