
Writing. It’s always personal really. Parts of the author are there, regardless of subject. But sometimes, when we draw deeply on our own life, intensely personal territory is reached. That has happened with the Castle Dancers series, especially in the first two books.
Some of the characters’ experiences are mine. Exactly mine. It’s not enough to call it autobiographical. These are novels – fiction – but small parts are so personal that I’ve found myself not very willing to blog about them. Even here, today, I’m not going into detail.
When A Dancer’s Journey was approaching publication, I wrote about life/book aspects: close friendship, dance college, predatory stuff, research, illness, and I played with the characters in my imagination.
Not so, this time. I’ve been blogging snow and trees. Much of the above is applicable with these new books too, but somehow it’s different this time. They’re different this time. They’re not spicy or steamy. But they are gritty. Humorous too. Hopefully exciting and fun. And I love them.
The Intensely Personal Photos

I remember the day these photos were taken. I spent most weekends at my ballet teacher’s house at that time, and one Sunday we took photos to use when applying to colleges. The lights were obviously a bit intense, but it was a good day.
More slightly embarrassing, intensely personal photos will appear in my newsletter later today. You have been warned, newsletter readers 🙂
Castle Dancers
Out today and 99p – Ariel: Dancing on TV

The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.
Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.
On Kindle Unlimited.
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The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…

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Neat! It sounds like a page turner.
Thank you 🙂
Yes, Ailish, I agree with you. A writer shows up in their books. Your books are fantastic.
Thank you so much, Tim 🙂
My pleasure, Ailish. I always enjoy your posts.
That’s so good to know 🙂
Sounds fabulous – it’s on my list. And what wonder pictures of the young you! You should write what you know and this book is it!
Thank you, Noelle 🙂
I totally understand this, Ailish. My character Ava in Whit’s End experiences much of what I did in life, but like you, there is also fiction. And Ariel sounds like my kind of story. Thank you for writing it.
Using our own experiences can lead to some unique storylines.
Sounds so good! I’m downloading Ariel now. I needed a new book to read on my Kindle. Thanks Ailish 🙂
I hope it’s a good read for you!