Ally Aldridge's Blog, page 41
March 28, 2019
Thank you to my followers
I am really proud of myself for keeping it going. Life with a newborn is super busy but I just try to write one or two articles a week. I easily could have let this go but since starting my blog I love it.
My blog is mainly about writing, sharing tips and my journey to publication. I also share some personal posts on my other interests (being a mum, organic beauty and Netflix recommendations).
I am so thankful for everyone who has not only taken the time to read my posts but to also subscribe to my blog. I hope you continue to enjoy my content.
My blog picture is from when I was modelling and taken by Natalie Collins (Instagram @neotheartist) who I hope to work with again one day. She is an amazing photographer and this shoot was extra special as I am wearing my wedding dress.
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View on Instagram https://ift.tt/2O4NnCq
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March 25, 2019
A Group For Writers with a Side Hustle
Writers starting out often are juggling other responsibilities. They may be a student with assignments gobbling up their time, or full time employed to pay their bills, or a parent with young children that demand their time. Whatever their hustle, they still want to write.
Every time life gets in the way of their dream, they feel like a failure. Plust writing can be quite lonely experience with nobody to talk to when things aren’t working out. Often, you will feel like you are the only one struggling to find time to write unless you find yourself a writing group.
That’s why I am so pleased to have connected with Sabrina Sheldron @midnightstarlightwrites on Instagram. She invited me to join her Facebook group The Hustling Writers Community.
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Why I think this group is so awesome:
This group encourages everyone to support each others achievements no matter how small. Sabrina sets weekly goals that are easy to achieve but help people to keep writing and moving onwards. Currently, there is an Instagram daily photo challenge #hustlingwriterscommunity.
Why did Sabrina start the group?
I asked her and she said:
“I wanted to start the group because I was sure there were people out there, like me, who hadn’t quite met their writing goals yet. People that dream of being full time authors but are still needing to work other jobs or study before they reach those goals.
And, I wanted to create a space where we could sympathise and encourage each other, as we all have similar struggles and similar goals. Social media tends to make everything a bit of a rat race, so I wanted to create a nurturing space, where it’s ok to not be perfect and productive 100% of the time.
I often beat myself up when life gets in the way. There’s comfort in knowing people are going through the same things, and I hope that other people in the group feel the same comfort and encouragement”
Well, I certainly feel that Sabrina met her goal here. With the support of her group, and her passion to write, I hope she achieves her dream one day soon to be a published author.
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Sabrina Sheldon likes to write YA Fantasy Romance and loves all things Fairy Tale. The best place to find her is @midnightstarlightwrites on Instagram.
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March 22, 2019
What theme is heavily portrayed in your story?
Mariah begins as a shy girl that hides behind her best friend but by the end she has matured and started to blossom into a young woman. In addition, she starts out unaware she is a mermaid. But, by the end she has mastered turning into a mermaid and controlling her emotions that trigger her weather manipulation powers.
Tell me about what theme is strongest in your story.
View on Instagram https://ift.tt/2HmhXqR
This is my pic for day 15’ s prompt #womenwritingfiction #wwfchallenge2019
Image from #Unsplash by artist Karina Vorozheeva https://ift.tt/2HBNxQu
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Does your story have an antagonist/bad guy?
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March 18, 2019
Do you keep notebooks of story ideas?
I use the Simple Note app for jotting down ideas as I always have my mobile phone with me.
I do have physical notebooks but tend to use them more for development. For example when I sit down to flesh out an idea. This could be for jotting down research or for outling my plot or character development like their backstory. I also jot down useful tips I’ve picked up from reading blog articles or watching videos by other authors.
How about you? Where do you keep you story ideas?
View on Instagram https://ift.tt/2TezeUe
Image from Unsplash by artist Aaron Burden
https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden
This is my pic for day 16’s prompt #womenwritingfiction #wwfchallenge2019
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March 14, 2019
Does your story have an antagonist/bad guy?
I always feel that a well developed antagonist can be both good and bad. Most people have a reason for their actions. It depends of the perspective.
For example, Fallon is quite mean to Mariah. Some could accuse her of bullying. She keeps pushing Mariah until she triggers her weather manipulation powers.
However, in Kya’s story, Fallon is her best friend and she’s protecting her from the heart ache of seeing Jace and Mariah together. In Kya’s story she is more of a heroine.
Does your villain have a good side?
Here’s my pic for day 14’s prompt #womenwritingfiction #wwfchallenge2019
Collage made with images from Unsplash artists Becca Tapert, Riccardo Mion, Courtney Clayton, Kings Cichewicz.
View on Instagram https://ift.tt/2CkRl5r
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Do you use Pinterest?
This is a screen capture of my board ‘Story Inspiration’. It’s where I save stuff I’ve found on Pinterest that sparks story ideas.
I have loads of boards. I have boards for character development, cover designs, mood boards, etc. I save useful articles for tips on writing, blogging, vlogs, etc. I’ve got boards with useful crafts, recipes and hair tutorials. I have used it for my sons homework, party planning and decorating rooms.
It is quite clear that I love Pinterest and find it incredibly useful. I haven’t used it much for socialising although I hope to get better at that.
This pic was for day 13’s prompt of the #womenwritingfiction #wwfchallenge2019 Instagram challenge.
There is a link to my boards in my Instagram bio.
View on Instagram https://ift.tt/2O1CsJR
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March 13, 2019
Do you have anything published?
Do you have anything published?
I had to dig out these pictures as they were taken in 2010 when my short contemporary romance was printed in the Scribblers Anthology. The proceeds of the sale went to charity, I think it was the East Anglian Childrens Hospice.
My first article was published when I just a kid by Leyton Orient in their fanzine. Over the years I’ve written a number of blog articles on a wide range of topics (writing, gaming, sex, fashion, conservation, etc).
My dream is to be a published author. I’ve lost count of the number of years I’ve worked towards this dream. One day, I will see my novel in a bookshop, I just feel like it is what I am meant to do. How about you?
#writerslife #instagramwriters #me #booklaunch #redhead #writersofig #writerschallenge
#aspiringauthor #writerscommunity #redheadwriter #discoverunder3k #fellowcreativeminds #ampublished
Here’s my pic for day 11’s prompt #womenwritingfiction #wwfchallenge2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu83FM9HcbI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=govlgfa4fjj2
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March 12, 2019
Spotlight on Spring Literary Dates calendar
Spring is when the calendar starts to get busier. As we get closer to the summer there are more festivals. Now is a good time to enter competitions.
In April #WriteMentor will open for potential mentees to apply for mentors. In May, there is The Bath Festival. If you prefer online events, be ready for #PitMad on 6 June.
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I’m going to take this opportunity to remind you about the calendar I have been updating with literary dates and made accessible to all.
Google calendar
I created a public Google calendar so you can see everything I have added. If you want to copy an event then you too will need a google calendar (it is free with a free Google email account).
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March 7, 2019
My everyday makeup
I’m in such a rush in the mornings that my makeup routine has to be quick. The best way to speed things up is to reduce the number of products that I use. Currently, these are the makeup products I use everyday.
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Nui Cosmetics
I use their liquid foundation in the shade Intense Kanapa (RRP £42). What I like about this product is you can build it up. It also dries to give a natural matt look.
Vapour Illusionist Concealer I love all vapour products but have to budget buying them. This concealer in 010 (RRP £24) is my favourite as it covers but is soft and creamy so doesn’t look dry and caked on. I think the moisture helps imperfections heal faster too.Tarte Cosmetics
I have two palletes and this one has more subtle colours which is perfect for day time as I don’t want to look too done up for a school run. This pallette is Rainforest of the Sea volume III (RRP £30).
PacificaThis mascara in shade Abyss is black and waterproof (RRP £15.49). With all the changing hormones post pregnancy, this has been a blessing. Axicology I love these lipsticks and my current shade is Noble (RRP £25). It’s a brick red (slight orange tone to it). Not only do I use this on my life but I add a little to my cheeks as a sheer blush and I’m good to go.[image error]
Here is me in my everyday make up. My hair is a mess as I’ve been running around with the kids and Aria likes to pull hair and put banana in it. A mums life is oh so glamorous -lol.
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March 4, 2019
I did #FebWritersChallenge
The challenge was on Instagram and set by @marielipscombwriting.
I enjoyed the first challenge so much that I decided to give it another go. Here are the highlights from February:
My top three photos from the challenge
These pictures are the ones that recieved the highest engagement on Instagram.
Day 1 #CurrentlyReading
This video clip was viewed over 200 times. It was one of the rare occasions when Aria wasn’t asleep on me so I was able to relax and read my book.
Day 13 #MCsHair
I created this layout using images from my Pintrest board on my main character Mariah.
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Day 25 #WhoDoesYourMCAdmire
For this image, I used Unsplash to find an image of someone that looks like Kya. Mariah doesn’t really look up to anyone but she gets envious. Kya is someone she compares heself to and wishes she was more like.
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My favourites
I really love how these challenges encourage me to share my writing with my instagram followers and on day 18 I got to post my favourite scene. Initially, I was going to share the underwater kiss as it is the scene that sparked the whole story. As I was looking for it, I decided to go with the moment before when Mariah’s life is changed forever.
Day 18 #FavouriteScene
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March Challenge #WomenWritingFiction #WWFChallenge2019
This month I have decided to go with another Instagramers prompts. @Courtnimax has created the following Women Writing Fiction Daily Challenge for March 2019.
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I hope you find these examples of the images I posted for February’s prompts interesting and inspiring. If you are a writer on Instagram please connect with me as I would love to see how you share your writing on the platform too.
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