It’s the shortest day of the year today, the Winter Solstice. It always feels reflective to me, this marker on the turn of the wheel, the earth, the sun. The photo above was taken at Berrybrae Stone Circle here in Aberdeenshire on another, sunnier, shortest day.
And that’s the Northern Major Lunar Standstill, taken a few days ago. This is when the moon reaches its most northerly rising position on the horizon. It happens every 18.5 years. The southern one occurred in June, and it’s thought that our recumbent stone circles up here are aligned to that southern moon rising. So, it feels special to me.
There have been some great skies recently.
I like that some things are coming to fruition now in this dark time of the year, things that generally take me a long time to complete. And, as ever, it has been years in the making. A new book series. It’s finally ready. Just about.
This is the quiet time of the stories, the time when it’s only me and publishing professionals that have seen the manuscripts.
My heart is safe and hidden on this shortest day as I look up at the sky.
But soon…
Meet Ariel and her classmates, Bubbles and Alexander, along with a whole cast of vibrant characters, as they experience love, life and adventure at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland.
Each book in this coming-of-age series delves into the personal struggles and heartfelt romances of a different student over the course of a school year. As the spotlight shifts its focus within the old walls of the castle, there are television shows to be made and dark truths to be faced.
Join these young dancers as they whirl through their challenges, forge unbreakable bonds, and discover the power within themselves. Are you ready to travel to Northern Scotland, step into the castle school and dance through the deep dark of the dungeon?
Castle Dancers Series on Amazon UK
Castle Dancers Series on Amazon Worldwide
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There will be a free short story going out in the next mailing (probably between Christmas and New Year). The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
Love the photograph of Berrybrae Stone Circle. Sounds like you’ve got some intriguing new releases planned for 2025! Love the covers; the colours are amazing
Thank you! I am pleased with the covers 🙂
Congratulations and best of luck with the new series! A great reason to celebrate this winter solstice.
Thank you 🙂
Gorgeous photos
Thank you!
I’m glad that the days will be getting longer. No doubt that your new series will be magnificent, Ailish.
Thank you so much, Tim 🙂
My pleasure, Ailish.
Apparently you’ve been sandbagging… kudos. :-]
Nice work and great photos as well.
Thank you, Brendan 🙂
Sure, Ailish ;-]
How exciting that you have new books coming.
Yes, it’s been a while!
What spectacular terrain to hike through
Quite muddy at this time of year, but yes, still beautiful.
Wonderful! One day, I will explore some of those circles in that part of the world. A happy Solstice to you – and the new book series must be exciting – fabulous covers!
Thank you! I hope you get the chance to explore 🙂
Such beautiful pictures, Ailish. A wonderful celebration of the solstice.
Thank you, Noelle 🙂
Your photos are, as ever, beautiful.
Thank you 🙂
What lovely photos.
Congratulations on your latest series. Will it, or A Dancer’s Journey, be available anywhere other than Amazon?
Yes, book shops and libraries can get them. Also on my Kofi shop https://ko-fi.com/ailish/shop (new series will be there soon).
That is an amazing post! The pictures are calming, especially the third one, which looks like the sky is on fire. I also love photographing skies.
Here’s one of my posts where I’ve added my photographs:
https://thelunastar4.wordpress.com/2024/12/25/to-the-core/
Also, if you like poetry, check out my blog.
Nice!
Btw what is the age rating of your books?
They’re adult. Fireflies and Chocolate and the new Castle Dancers series are suitable for young adults and teens too.
Then they go in my tbr. I’m only almost 14…so, I’ll be reading the ones meant for YA and teens. They sound pretty interesting though.
I hope you enjoy them 🙂
I know I will.
These pictures are not only beautiful but also really very serene.
I’m glad you like them.