2019 got off to an exciting start for me when I signed a contract with GWL Publishing for my witchy debut novel, The Mermaid and the Bear.
It’s out in both paperback and Kindle NOW!
Aspects of the book:
- It’s mainly set in a castle in Aberdeenshire.
- It incorporates the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic.
- There’s a stone circle.
- There’s 16th century Christmas.
- And there’s a love story.
Cover:
Blurb:
Isobell needs to escape. She has to. Her life depends on it.
She has a plan and it’s a well thought-out, well observed plan, to flee her privileged life in London and the cruel man who would marry her, and ruin her, and make a fresh start in Scotland.
She dreams of faery castles, surrounded by ancient woodlands and misty lochs… and maybe even romance, in the dark and haunted eyes of a mysterious Laird.
Despite the superstitious nature of the time and place, her dreams seem to be coming true, as she finds friendship and warmth, love and safety. And the chance for a new beginning…
Until the past catches up with her.
Set in the late sixteenth century, at the height of the Scottish witchcraft accusations, The Mermaid and the Bear is a story of triumph over evil, hope through adversity, faith in humankind and – above all – love.
Further insight:
- My post Walking the Witchy Ways of Aberdeen
- My article Researching Historical Fiction: Immersing Oneself in the Past
- The Press and Journal’s feature on the book and author
- Review on Undiscovered Scotland: A delight from end to end.
- Review from Tonya Ulynn Brown: Yes, it is written in one of my favorite time periods, and yes it takes place in one of my favorite places in all the world, but when you combine that with the almost poetic style of Sinclair’s writing—sigh!
- Review on Terry Tyler Book Reviews: Suddenly I realised that I’d gone from thinking ‘yes, this is a pleasant enough, easy-read’ to ‘I’m loving this’.
A Witchy Halloween Article
Should we really have fun at Halloween when the north-east led the great execution of witches?
This is an excellent piece from @NeilDrysdale in which I cite the case of Bessie Thom, a real woman who features in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR: Bessie, quite possibly, went into the North Sea before being committed to the flames during a very public execution.
Aesthetic
I made a wee aesthetic for the book, because: oh the fun!
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Your book sounds fabulous. Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
This book sounds so interesting!! Way to go
Thank you so much!
Congratulations
Thank you 🙂
Love this! Sounds fascinating.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations!
Thank you Janet 🙂
Great news! Can’t wait.
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations! It sounds like my kind of book and I can’t wait to read it, so please keep us posted.
I will, and thank you 🙂
Congratulations! Sounds exciting!
Thank you so much!
I hope the book does well and will done on getting published!
Thank you so much Simon 🙂
Always a pleasure
Massive congratulations!
Thank you 🙂
Congrats! It sounds like a book I will want to read, looking forward to it.
Thank you so much RoseMarie!
You’re welcome
Congratulations – what a lovely way to start 2019 and many thanks for following my blog:)
Thank you and you’re welcome 🙂
Wow. That is so great to hear. Congratulations. Wish you the best. Nice photography too, by the way.
Thank you so much Manu!
Congratulations! That is so awesome. I’m glad that you are getting published. Sounds like an interesting story.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations, Ailsh on the publication of your book. Thanks for stopping by my blog and joining. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thank you and you’re welcome 🙂
Hi, Ailish! Thanks so much for following my blog. As we get closer to the release of THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, I’d love to do an interview/spotlight on my blog to help you spread the word. Just let me know if you’re interested. Years ago, I studied at the University of Aberdeen, and ancient stones and “witchy things” appear in my books, as well. Now I live in Salem, Massachusetts and when I’m not writing, I work at The Witch House (the 17th-century home of witch trials judge Jonathan Corwin). Hope to hear from you! 🙂
Hi Judith,
I would love to do an interview on your blog, thank you so much! How fascinating that we have Aberdeen in common and that you now live in possibly the most famous witch-hunting place of all!
I find it fascinating, too! Yes, Salem is a cool place, and I love educating visitors to The House about the history. If you’re interested in the site, you might want to read my October post about paranormal activity in the house. There’s quite a bit of it! I know your release is slated for the fall/autumn, but when you’re ready, send an email to judithsterlingmarshall@gmail.com and we’ll set up your interview and spotlight. I’m glad we’ve connected! 🙂
Your work in the Witch House must be so interesting; reading about it certainly was!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Hey, congratulations. And commiserations on the long edit (aren’t they a beast!)
Also, thanks for the follow
Thank you too 🙂
First of all, congrats. Second, your book sounds like a fascinating and fun read. Can’t wait to see it on the shelves.
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulations- sounds wonderful! I’d definitely be interested in reading
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulations. May the book have wings.
Thank you so much 🙂
Sounds intriguing! I like the wee aesthetic you created.
Thank you Liz 🙂
Thank you for checking out my polyallsorts blog, Ailish. Your editing journey – I have found the editing of my stories a thoroughly worthwhile experience. To have an editor explain to me why, for example, the order of sentences could be improved, or why such and such an expression is ambiguous, or why a spot of filtering would help… it’s been informative and I know it has made me into a better writer. There were far fewer subjective revisions for my third story than there were for the first one! I hope your editing journey is equally useful. Best wishes
Jude
Thank you so much for your editing insights Jude! Most helpful 🙂
Your book sounds enchanting! I look forward to following your journey to publication!
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations! And thank you for your interest in Wonky-Words!
Sx
Thank you and you’re welcome!
Many congratulations Ailish. Wishing you many more blessings on the road ahead.
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulations, looks and sounds very intriguing.
Thank you 🙂
Sounds very interesting! Well done for getting published 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Great title, congratulations. I’m sure this year holds many exciting things for you.
Thank you 🙂 It does feel like an exciting year!
How awesome!! Congratulations!
Thank you so much 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping by my recovery blog and hope you found my writing and literary blog too! It is my “other passion” as I enjoy writing. Stop anytime!
https://anauthorandwriterinprogress.wordpress.com
Happy New Year Too!
Cat ~Author, Catherine Lyon
I will check out your blog Catherine 🙂
TY!! ✨
Congratulations!
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations on your upcoming book ..Thank you for the follow
Thank you and you’re welcome 🙂
Congratulations . Aestheic looks fabulous
Thank you 🙂 I had fun with that!
Good luck 🙂 and congrats
Thank you Shannon
It’s a pleasure to ‘meet’ you, Ailish. Good luck on your editing & publication journey!
You too! And thank you 🙂
Best of luck with this adventure☺(…it is a very “magical” title!)
That title came easily. Alas, my current WIP has no title at all!
Time(and strange coincidences)will decide…
That would be good
Congratulations … sounds intriguing!
Thank you 🙂
This sounds so incredibly good!!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations! I’m intrigued by your teaser. 😀
Thank you ⭐️
Beautiful photo. And good luck on your new story, it sounds so interesting!!
Thank you Jennifer 🙂
Congratulations on the book. This sounds fantastic. Can’t wait for it!
Thank you so much!
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Second of all, your novel looks sooooo good! I’m always a complete sucker for historical fiction that aren’t the “norm”. WOULD LOVE TO READ THIS WHEN IT COMES OUT.
Thank you so much Alyssa. I definitely have trouble trying to write the ‘norm’!
Such warm and heartening news. Well done on your publication. May you continue to grow from Strength to Strength.
Thank you so much for your kind words Kavitha 🙂
Congratulations. I’m trying to get my YA urban fantasy mermaid story published. I love the mood board you’ve put together. I shall stay tuned to learn more about your book.
Your book sounds intriguing; I hope you find a good home for it!
Thank you
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Congratulations on the publication of The Mermaid and the Bear. I look forward to reading it. I also want to thank you for following me. I will try to make it worth your time.
Thank you 🙂 I look forward to reading your posts!
Congratulations! I have two books out on Amazon you might like…Drafted and Identity Check both by Rich Allan.
Cool!
Congratulations
Thank you 🙂
Wow! Congrats! 🙂
Thank you!
The book sounds to be interesting
I hope it is!
WOW! Sounds so neat and you have my interest! Need ARC readers?
Thank you so much! I’m not sure what the publishers policy is on ARCs, but there’s a lot of editing to go through before that stage.
Receiving the news that someone loved your novel so much they want to publish it is a wonderful experience. I am happy you had the chance to experience it.
Thank you Bryan 🙂
Congrats on your news, Ailish! What a lovely name you have. Wanted to stop by and say thank you for the follow on I Write Her. I do hope you enjoy my thoughts as much as I’m enjoying your blog right now. 🙂
Thank you Susi! I look forward to your posts 🙂
Thanks for following my blog! I love researching the history and traditions of Christmas. A 16th century Christmas sounds intriguing.
I love Christmas, in various eras, too!
Congratulations!! It sounds amazing.
Thank you 🙂
You are most welcome!
Good luck with your book!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations! Sounds like a nifty read.
Thank you!
Congratulations on your printing of your new novel. Also, thank you so much for joining TotallyInspiredMind.com and following it.
Paulette L Motzko
Thank you and you’re welcome 🙂
Congratulations! Looking forward to the publication of your book; I’d certainly like to read it 🙂
Thank you 🙂
That is amazing. Well done. CongratZ!
Have you seen/ read Outlander? It does remind me of it.
If you like Outlander you may like this though there’s no time travel and it’s set about 150 years earlier 🙂
Congrats on your book and much success! Thank you for following BrewNSpew.
Thank you and you’re welcome!
Congratulations. Good luck with editing. And it sounds great! (And looks good, too.)
Thank you so much!
Congratulations! How exciting!
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations on your publication! Looking forward to reading it. Btw. thanks for following my blog. I am a bit shame-faced about the nomer “scottishwriter”… I have only self-published one collection of short stories. Also I am not too sure what to do with the blog. BUT I am developing “Cup of Friendship” into a time shift novel. I just posted Chapter 3 where Lord Pitsligo’s childhood is reimagined.
Another Lord Pitsligo fan! ‘Cup of Friendship’ sounds amazing 🙂
Congratulations on your publication… Not everyone gets what he or she wants…. kudos to your hard work…
Thank you so much 🙂
Well done!
Good luck with the editing process, which can take a lot of time! And thanks for stopping by my blog and following. I’ve taken a gander through yours and love the voice you give to places. Scotland is so beautiful. I want to get back there at some point, but in the meantime will read your blog!
Thank you 🙂 And I’m glad you like the blog!
This looks awesome! Congratulations!
-Jen, The Haute Mommy Handbook
Thank you so much Jen!
Congratulations! Sounds like a great read. Blessings on the editing journey ahead! 🙂 Harula x
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulations on your novel. It sounds right up my street.
Thank you Simon 🙂
Look forward to it. Many thanks for the ‘follow’ which brought me to this and your wonderful photos.
Thank you! I’m glad you like the photos 🙂
I’ve been meandering through your blog. I like the style of it very much. Quite different to the usual.
Am I right in thinking you were a ballet dancer, or a teacher of ballet, or both? Maybe still are? I went to my first ballet at 7 years old, never forgotten though that’s more than 7 decades ago. So far, I have not met anyone else who saw Nureyev and Fonteyn dance together, as I did.
My short story ‘The girl in Block 18’, on my blog, is what I call ‘Faction’, ie based on a real happening – a visit to Covent Garden.
It was also good to ‘meet’, for the first time, someone else who writes 75 word stories.
Yes, I was both and still do a little. I will have to check out your story! I do like the challenge of 75 words now and again 🙂
Congratulations from Fife! And good luck on your editing journey, I hope you keep us all posted as I’ll be certainly wanting to support you and get the word out about your book [I mean the aesthetics alone say I’ll be reading this for sure!]
Thank you so much for this wonderful support! I am deep in the editing cave now…
Wonderful photos from a great, beautiful part of the world. Love Scotland. And congratulations on the book! Thanks for following — http://www.thewritershed.com
Thank you too 🙂
Exciting news about your book. Congratulations! I’ll be eager to read it. Such magical pictures too. Made my day to see your follow on http://kidlitcorner.wordpress.com
Thank you so much Keely 🙂
Congratulations on your book and its getting published, Ailish. An exciting time to be sure and no doubt with a great deal of anticipation. I’m very excited for you. Sounds like grand storytelling with the ingredients of mystery, love, fantasy, and a touch of the mystical. :O)
I hope it lives up to your description, and thank you!
You’re most welcome. and I’m sure it will. :O)
Congratulations on your book sale and best of luck during the editorial process. I am also beginning an “editorial journey” with my book (working title: The Man Who Loves Elephants), a biography. Thanks for stopping by my site and following my blog.
so glad to meet you! wishing you joy & success with all your endeavors 🙂
Thank you so much!
Your book sounds great. I will be looking for it. Thanks for the post.
Thank you so much 🙂
Very tantalising those pictures! Congrats!
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations on your book. I love the fact that it’s a love story and of course anything that represents an older century. Sounds like it’s going to be great!
Thank you so much Roshonda 🙂
You’re welcome, Dear =)
My Mum came from that part of Scotland. She was schooled in New Deer. I’m N.Z. but I visited in 2006. Loved every minute of it. Your book sound amazing. Will it be available on Amazon.
Thank you for checking my poems and following.
How amazing; I know New Deer well! Yes, the book will be on Amazon.
I loved your ballet poem 🙂
Perhaps you’d like to also view my poem “A Touch and Taste of Grace” this shows a view of the church I would sing in for hours when a child. It was down our lane and never locked in those days. Happy times. Mother was born in Clackforbie and grew up in New Deer.
I saw that poem and also liked it 🙂 Not so familiar with Clackforbie.
What a beautiful web site. You do a great job writing also. Thank you for taking a look at my post. I certainly will become a follower. Take care.
Thank you so much 🙂
Well done, you! Have you thought of the Society of Authors?
Gwen
I know of them. Are you a member Gwen?
Congratulations on finding a publisher for your novel! And thanks for following my blog!
You’re welcome, and thank you!
Publication’s a giant step, I doff my cap to you. You’ve a wild ride ahead, enjoy every moment…
Thank you so much!
🙂
Happy you enjoyed 42,000 Square Feet. I love your site. Congratulations on being published. Quite frankly, I’m not surprised due to the excellent work you do with this post. Would you be so kind as to let us know the date in August your book will be sold? I definitely will read it. Many thanks. Bob
At the moment, the date is not set in stone, so I can just say autumn 🙂
If the book is half as good as your photographs it should be great. I look forward to reading it when it’s published.
Thank you so much, Maris 🙂
Thats so exciting! Looking forward to reading it 🙂
Thank you 🙂 There is some mention of Shakespeare in it!
It already sounds like a book I will most likely enjoy 🙂
Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome
I’ve been working my way through a lot of historical fiction recently – looking forward to getting my hands on The Mermaid and the Bear.
Thank you so much, Boar’s Head
Congrats on the book news, Ailish! Your book sounds great, by the way.
Thank you ⭐️
Congratulations on your book! I think it will be great
Thank you so much 🙂
Your books sounds so good, especially together with the aesthetic. Congratulations!
Thank you so much 🙂
This book sounds interesting, I might have to check it out when it’s published!
Thank you 🙂
A little late, but hopefully it counts – Congratulations!
Sounds interesting – castle, a stone circle, and a romance!
Thank you Jina 🙂 I hope it will be interesting!
It looks and sounds awesome. Congratulations!
Thank you 🙂
Thanks for taking time away from your writing, Ailish, to visit my blog. I share your Scottish heritage. My mother was born in Portree, Isle of Skye, and as you can see from my surname, I’ve chose her maiden name as mine: MacKenzie! Good luck with your novel.
I love reading writer’s blogs! How interesting about your heritage. I wrote a post on Skye here: https://ailishsinclair.com/2017/06/over-the-sea-to-the-fairies/
Congratulations I would love to read it, will it be available in the United States??
Thank you, yes 🙂
Congrats!
Thank you 🙂
I will look forward to reading it, congratulations!
Thank you 🙂
congratulations on your book Ailish! 🙂 congrats for the efforts & time you’ve put in !
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulation. The book sounds intriguing!!
Thank you 🙂
Congrats!! I’ll definitely have to keep an eye out for it.
Thank you 🙂
That sounds like an interesting storyline. Good on your for working towards your goal
Thank you so much 🙂
Sounds great looking forward for it to be part of my library
Thank you so much 🙂
Congratulations (: I really like the sound of this, and your 2020 book too, so I’ll keep an eye out for more news in the future.
Congrats! I’m most intrigued by the 16th century Christmas, can’t wait to see the details of how it has changed over time!
That part was great fun to research and write 🙂
I looked this up:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Scottish_Witch_Hunt_of_1597
Oh, what an interesting subject! Looks to me that your book is very interesting too. In what month is it going to be published?
It is a fascinating subject, a rather overlooked part of Scottish history! The book is out in the Autumn, exact date not set in stone as yet 🙂
brilliant, being Scottish myself I can relate, very best of luck..
Thank you 🙂
Sounds like a fascinating read! And how exciting for you! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Wow that sounds really cool
Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
I am really into magic, love and everything you say it’s going to be in your book! The book will be available for purchase online or is there another way of buying it?
It will be in all Amazons around the world in both paperback and Kindle. Other bookshops can order it through a distributor if they use one, or direct from the publisher
Thank you very much! Can’t wait!
Your book sounds fascinating. I’ll look it out. Thanks for liking my blog, Ailish. And good luck with your sales.
You’re welcome, and thank you
Congrats on the book, and good luck with the edits!
Thank you so much Priscilla! Edits nearly done…
Best of luck with your book Ailish, sounds fascinating, and thanks for liking some of my posts. Spookily enough, I started checking your blog whilst at the youth hostel at Loch Morlich, which I see you are fond of! All the best, Ruth
What a great coincidence! Loch Morlich is such a beautiful place 🙂
This sounds like a super fun read and something I might enjoy, hopefully it will be available in Canada 🙂
Thank you, and yes it will. All Amazons in the world, and independent bookshops can get it too 🙂
Congrats! The book cover looks interesting and has a hint of mystery! 😀
Thank you! Mystery is good…
Just curious about your site/journal and noticed the first post for your new book. My friend Ed has a FB page dedicated to everything mermaids, so of course, I shared this post of yours. 🙂
Thank you so much! That sounds a fun group 🙂
Ooh looks and sounds wonderful…an amazing achievement to write a book, it takes a lot of work. Will look out in the autumn for it’s release
I love historic novels. Good luck!
Thank you 🙂
Your book sounds amazing!! I cant wait until it is released!!
Thank you so much!
Sounds fantastic. You had me with witches – then again with a 16th century Christmas! Hope the launch goes fabulously for you
Thank you so much Lynn 🙂
My great pleasure 🙂
Hello there, I’ve just nominated your blog for the Liebster Award. Hope you’ve enjoy it as much as I do. Have fun!
https://lumibaochit.wordpress.com/2019/08/30/liebster-award
Thank you so much; I am honoured. I am, however, not very good at doing things like this 🙂
Congratulations
Thank you 🙂
How exciting!
Yes 😀
CONGRATULATIONS, Ailish!!!1 <3 <3 It sounds super interesting! Would definitely like to read it! 🙂
Thank you 🙂
I’m so intrigued by this, also loving the navigation of your blog! I’ll be looking forward for when I can get my hands on a copy. Congratulations x
Thank you so much 😀
Hi, Thanks so much for following my blog. Your blog is amazing and so I will follow you too. Have an amazing day. Betty
Thank you too 🙂
This book sounds amazing!!! I will definitely have to read it!!
Thank you so much; I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Ailish, your book sounds like my kind of book. Congrats on getting it published! I’ll have to read it soon.
Thank you so much 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!
Looks like a great read.
Thank you 🙂
This looks like an amazing read!! I added it to my goodreads tbr..
I hope you enjoy it!
Loving the aesthetic honestly! The book sounds very interesting too, specially the historical bit surrounding witchcraft! Eleni actually posted an essay tackling part of the topic if you are interested on it: https://latenightbookscom.wordpress.com/2019/05/24/an-essay-on-the-representation-of-magic-and-superstition-in-norse-and-celtic-medieval-literature/
Cheers and good luck!
Misha.
Loved the essay, thanks for pointing me to it!
Thank you so much for checking it out! Witchcraft is always fascinating! Will def check your compositions!
Such a disturbing subject, yet so intriguing
Congratulations on your exciting project! Thanks for visiting my blog.
Thank you, and you’re welcome 🙂
Congratulations on your book! It looks fantastic!
Thank you so much 🙂
This sounds intriguing! I love the cover!
I’m really pleased with the cover too 🙂
Your novel is not ordinarily something I would select from a bookstore shelf. I bought it because I enjoy your blogs and want to support your efforts as an author. I LOVED THE BOOK! It is beautifully written with a story line I thoroughly enjoyed. Good love stories are good reading, no matter the genre or time period. I’m so glad to have read your book and look forward to reading more.
Thank you Susan. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! I think it does cross genres a little.
Best title I’ve seen in a very long time. Nicely done.
CongratZ on the publishing.
Thank you 🙂
Wow this summary sounds so poetical and amazing! Definitely something I’d want to read 😀
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it if you do read 🙂
😀
Fascinating visuals. Wish you success and fame going forward.
Thank you 🙂
I loved the book!
That’s great to know!
I love the way this post is laid out showcasing your novel. Inspiring for me definitely!
Thank you 🙂