In between dark and romantic writing sessions, I’ve been taking little breaks of fairy-tale fun, in memory, and in the garden which is just entering its pink phase.
The dragon pictured at the top of this post is located in Castle Fraser’s secret garden, which also contains this rather lovely little castle:
And a hobbit-style door…
Castle Fraser itself:
Then, of course, there’s the playful garden at Brodie Castle.
It features a huge white rabbit. I used lots of pictures of this garden for the cover reveal of THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, here in this Alice in Wonderland themed post, almost four years ago now. There’s unicorns to be found there too.
But it’s time for me to head back down to my own darker fairy tale again. I pass the knight in the medieval hall at Drum Castle as I leave bright places behind.
Down the secret stairway I go…
The candles snuff out as I enter the dungeon. Yes, it’s the same one that features in Mermaid. It’s still there in the modern day, in my contemporary work.
So, I type away at my desk, lost in the dramatic events of the story once more.
Meanwhile, back out in the garden, where lighter fairy-tale fun still exists, Frogbert waits patiently to be kissed.
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SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
See the press release here
Read the article New Novel Highlights Roman History in North East from Grampian Online.
THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story. There’s 6 chapters of medieval Christmas too.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were kidnapped from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s proper derring-dos on the high seas… and there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
My About Page
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Thank you so much for sharing these photos!
I’m glad you like them 🙂
Fantastic pictures, Ailish. Such a fascinating history.
I always find castles quite fascinating.
They sure are, almost as fascinating as your writing.
Thank you, Tim 🙂
Bravo!
Bellissimo!
I LOVE The Photos!
Wonderful!
Love to see the pictures associated with the books. When I read the books the pictures were drawn from the writing and were already in my head, and now I can see them as they are. So wonderful!
I’m really glad you like seeing them, Julie 🙂
Wow! Love, love, love these pics!
I love these photos.
wonderful photos —and captions 🙂
It looks so cool!!!!
I’m glad you think so 🙂
Fascinating imagery. It really does lift one out of place.
Into that fairytale world…