Diabolical and Deranged: Writing and Blood

Diabolical

Diabolical and deranged. These are words that have been said about me, or aspects of me, in the last few days. I like diabolical the best. My editor said it about the plot twists in CABRIOLE (book 2 of A Dancer’s Journey series). And she’s right. They are diabolical. And now they’re making other people cry too, not just me. It feels a little wrong to be delighted about such a thing, but it shows that the book is ticking the proper emotional boxes. So, I’m pleased. And diabolical.

Note: the Dancer’s Journey series will release later this year. I don’t want there to be big gaps between release dates, so I’m waiting until all three books are ready. Health issues are preventing me from setting an actual publication date as yet. I will be writing lots more about the series, and the inspiration behind it, here on the blog over the coming months.

And Deranged?

It’s not my mind that’s deranged, but my blood. So I was told by a specialist nurse this week. And that’s not so much fun. There are to be more tests. And treatment. And, hopefully, my blood will arrange itself in a more pleasing manner soon.

Some Diabolical and Deranged Street Art

diabolical street art in Fraserburgh

I rather like the side of this wee cottage in Fraserburgh. Great movement and verve there from the artist.

Sisters at the Edge of the World

Ethereal and spellbinding... says the Historical Novel Society of 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.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

Newsletter

Go here to sign up for occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a more intimate space than the blog. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

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Read my bio and see all the social links and articles here.

Writer’s Tip Jar

Just Some Spring Flowers

spring flowers - crocus in the garden
In the garden

It’s good to see the spring flowers. And the sunshine. As illness recedes a little along with the winter.

SISTERS

Ethereal and spellbinding

Romans + Celts = some rather complicated romance!

Set in 1st century Scotland, the novel features a neurodivergent main character, chosen sisters, fierce warriors and the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

    Newsletter

    Go here to sign up for occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a more intimate space than the blog. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

    My About Page

    castle roof

    Read my bio and see all the social links and articles here.

    Writer’s Tip Jar

    Spoonie Days, a Pink Sunrise and Snowy Spring

    sunrise on a spoonie day

    That was a beautiful pink sunrise a few weeks ago over a local doocot. Before I got ill. And spoonie time started. Again. Sigh.

    Having revelled my way through the beauty of winter, celebrating the fact I was staying so well, I have been struck down once more. But I’ve been a lot worse. And I’m not in hospital, so that’s good. And, as my appearance here today shows, the medication is starting to kick in.

    Spoonie Days

    I have managed to keep up my writing schedule. My first spoon of the day goes on that. There’s quite a good explanation of the term spoonie here. Basically, spoons represent the energy you have for tasks and activities each day. And with chronic illness, the spoons can be very limited.

    A Dancer’s Journey Series

    Quote from TENDU by Ailish Sinclair

    These books are long, and involved. They’re rather a Magnum Opus at over 100,000 words each. They’re all at different stages of the editing/proofing process. I’m so enjoying working with all the editing feedback and bringing them together into something strange, intense and, hopefully, beautiful. So they will still be out this year. I will not stop till they’re done.

    But that’s my blogging spoon spent. For today. I’ll leave you with the scene that greets me most mornings at the moment… I’m not sure what happened to spring!

    My Books

    Historical Fiction from Ailish Sinclair. Witches, kidnapping, Romans and romance.
    • SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD opens on a snowy winter solstice in 1st century Scotland. The main character is neurodivergent, and has been non-verbal until that first scene of the book.
    • If you like castles, Scotland, history, witches, stone circles and Christmas done medieval-style, you might like THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR. There’s also a love story.
    • FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children of 18th century Aberdeen, and is set in both Scotland and Colonial Pennsylvania.

    They’re all available in paperback, kindle and on kindle unlimited.

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    Newsletter and Updates

    Go here to sign up for occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a more intimate space than the blog. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

    Writer’s Tip Jar

    A Snaggled, Barbarous Place

    a snaggled, barbarous place

    Snaggled

    A snaggled and barbarous place. That’s where I am. No, I’m not ill again. In fact, I’m doing quite well. Well enough to sit at my desk and write every day, anyway. I’m deep in relationship conflict and development in CABRIOLE, the second book in my dark and romantic ballet series, A Dancer’s Journey. And I’m LOVING it.

    Release

    These books will be out later this year. I don’t want to rush them. And I also don’t want to put them, even the first one, TENDU, which is actually ready now, up for pre-order before they’re all finished. Because, what if I did become ill? And then there was a terribly long gap between books? No, no, no.

    They’re going to be released a month apart, so there will be no long waits for readers. No cliffhanger endings either. Each book completes its story. But then there’s more. So much more.

    Losing the Plot

    My poor characters. They’re still recovering from a devastating event that happened in the first book, and now they’re struggling with yet more difficult and complicated things. It’s no wonder they like it when I have a day out. This time their problems are of their own making, though, as stated in the quote above. This was not the plot that I originally envisaged for them. They got away from me. But they’ll sort it all out, and they’ll think everything’s fine. And then a mysterious child will walk up some steps into book three, and turmoil will begin again 🙂

    Snowdrops

    And look what’s happened in the garden. The appearance of the snowdrops always feel so sudden. And so hopeful. Not snaggled in any way. Spring approaches.

    snowdrops in a snaggled place

    My Historical Fiction

    books by Ailish Sinclair
    • SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD opens on a snowy winter solstice in 1st century Scotland. The main character is neurodivergent, and has been non-verbal until that first scene of the book.
    • If you like castles, Scotland, history, witches, stone circles and Christmas done medieval-style, you might like THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR. There’s also a love story.
    • FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children of 18th century Aberdeen, and is set in both Scotland and Colonial Pennsylvania.

    They’re all available in paperback, kindle and on kindle unlimited.

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    Signed copies from me

    Newsletter

    Go here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a more intimate space than the blog.

    Writer’s Tip Jar

    The 18th Century Letter Seals of Lord Pitsligo

    Eighteenth Century Letter Seals

    Those are the beautiful letter seals of Lord Pitsligo, a man I have written about before:

    letter seals

    His forward thinking ways inspired aspects of the Laird in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, and a similar set of letter seals feature in FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE.

    Letter Seals Quote from FIREFLIES:

    Excerpt from FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE featuring letter seals.

    Research

    The seals were shown to me by a direct descendant of Lord Pitsligo while I was researching FIREFLIES. I got to hold them and turn them on their hinges, which was wonderfully informative and exciting. It was great to connect to the time of the book like that too.

    Label on Lord Pitsligo's letter seals

    The Book

    Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair, out 2021

    FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle, and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!

    See the publisher’s Press Release here

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    “Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

    Jacobite wine glasses at Culloden visitor centre
    More research: Jacobite symbolism on wine glasses at Culloden

    Newsletter

    Keep up with all my news by signing up to the mailing list. It’s occasional and always contains some exclusive photos.

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    Walking the Witchy Ways of Aberdeen

    cobbles, or cassies, as they are called in Aberdeen
    Galllus Quines. Wonderful street art in Aberdeen honouring those persecuted for witchcraft.
    Gallus Quines

    The Quine Shrine: witchcraft in Aberdeen

    I ran through St Nicholas Kirkyard, and down and round Correction Wynd, an old medieval lane in Aberdeen, to see this recent street art. I was due to meet people for breakfast, but determined to see the ‘Quine Shrine’ first. The reason being? That first part, on the left, honours those who were persecuted for witchcraft in Aberdeen, and one tile names a few of them, including the three women I chose to write about in The Mermaid and the Bear.

    Tile naming some of those accused of being witches in Aberdeen, Scotland

    Survey of Scottish Witchcraft

    The spellings are different, because spellings weren’t set back then, not like they are today. I chose to go with the way the names are recorded in the Survey Of Scottish Witchcraft from Edinburgh University. It was there that I learned, contrary to popular belief, that only a tiny proportion of those accused were midwives or folk healers; a mere 9 of the 3837 ‘witches’ in Scotland were midwives, and only 141 had some mention of healing in their cases (see the background page of the database).

    In my fictional account of these women’s lives, one of them is a midwife and healer, but this is not the reason for the accusations brought against the three quines.

    So, with the quine shrine admired and appreciated, on to breakfast:

    Turmeric Latte
    Turmeric Latte

    The Tolbooth

    Now fortified, off to gaol we go! It’s difficult to get good pictures in
    the 17th century Tolbooth, what with it being so dark due to having windows like this:

    Tiny and narrow window in a 17th century prison
    Let the sunshine pour in!
    Chain in the Tolbooth Museum, Aberdeen
    A chain hangs from the wall

    Prosecutions for Witchcraft in Aberdeen

    I think I did a better job with photos the last time I was there, blogged here. That was when I first read these words:

    text, detailing some history of witchcraft in aberdeen

    I remember feeling overcome and distressed by the information, but it was then that I decided I was definitely going to write the book. Here’s that steeple, or its replacement, standing tall against the blue sky:

    Steeple and clock of St Nicholas Kirk in Aberdeen

    Back in 1597, there were two large bells in the original steeple. Now there’s an impressive carillon, and it started to play while I was eating my lunchtime chocolate ice cream in the kirkyard. This is not as creepy and strange as it sounds; there are benches and lots of people go there for lunch! I took a short video, so you can hear the bells.

    Lunchtime bells

    Pinterest

    I’ve made a Pinterest board for the book, though it does seem to be rather focussed on the cheerier parts of the story.

    pinterest board for  the novel, The Mermaid and the Bear, by Ailish Sinclair
    Pinterest board

    I am Weather Obsessed

    And on another cheery, or perhaps laughable, note, I was recently mentioned in the Evening Standard as an example of a ‘weather obsessed’ Briton.

    Ailish Sinclair in the Evening Standard.

    I must go now. I have to check on the weather!

    The Mermaid and the Bear

    Cover of Ailish Sinclair's 'The Mermaid and the Bear'

    The book that came from it all is out now in paperback and kindle.

    Amazon UK and Amazon Worldwide

    Other bookshops (and libraries) can get it too!

    From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland 

    Newsletter

    Go here to sign up for my (roughly monthly) newsletter. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always includes some exclusive photos.

    My Other Books

    Sisters at the Edge of the World cover

    Set in 1st century Scotland, my latest novel, 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

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

    Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair, out 2021

    FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!

    See the publisher’s Press Release here

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    Review from the Historical Novel Society

    ballet novel, TENDU, by Ailish Sinclair

    See my About Page here

    An Explosive Loch for the New Year

    an explosive loch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

    The loch seemed to look explosive yesterday when I walked down to its banks.

    I do like the pink and blue colours of January. It’s so mild, too. Not a hint of frost or ice left.

    In the woods:

    trees by the explosive loch

    And, just before sunrise, at the beach:

    beach at sunrise

    Sisters has a lovely new review from Ashley over on the Adventures in Literature Blog.

    Told in first-person, all from Morragh’s perspective, be prepared to experience everything as she does. From her awakening out of muteness, to her embracing of her role as the spiritual leader of their tribe and eventually to her transition to the next stage. I will admit the final chapters had me emotional.See the whole review here.

    Read my books for free

    All my novels are on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon’s lending service, and that always has a 30 day free trial, though some people are being offered 3 months for free just now. See all the books here. Also in paperback.

    kindle unlimited

    Newsletter

    Go here to sign up for occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. They’re a more intimate space than the blog.

    My About Page

    Ailish's feet

    See it here.

    Writer’s Tip Jar

    Historical Hot Chocolate and 75 Words

    Historical Hot Chocolate... not quite.

    That’s not historical hot chocolate there; it’s totally modern and topped with ice cream, and was rather delightful on a snowy day.

    To see the historical version being made we have to go to one of the YouTube channels I used during the research and immersion phase of writing FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE.

    Elizabeth, the main character, uses a slightly simpler method, back in the 18th century, in this quote from the book:

    “I shave slivers of chocolate from the block and stir them into hot water over the fire. I add sugar and mix until it is all well blended. Then I pour it all into the pot with the warm milk and whisk and whisk until it’s frothy and perfect.”

    Whatever century you’re in… yum!

    The first 75 words of the novel were up on Paragraph Planet in 2021. I took a wee screen shot:

    Openeing of FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE by Ailish Sinclair
    The Mermaid and the Bear cover

    FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 18th century kidnapped children of Aberdeen and is choc full of historical hot chocolate!

    Not to be forgotten, my debut novel THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR features the Scottish witchcraft accusations and a love story.

    Paperbacks and kindle: Amazon UK or Amazon Worldwide

    “Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

    Fireflies and Chocolate teaser

    The North Wind Doth Blow Over Aikey Brae

    Aikey Brae Recumbent Stone Circle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

    Trees Felled at Aikey Brae

    The dense block of pine trees that partially encircled the stones on Aikey Brae has been felled, leaving the site feeling like a windswept wasteland.

    I knew it had happened but it was still a shock when I visited the circle at the weekend.

    Originally posted 2020.

    This was the first sighting of the stones after walking up the, admittedly, much improved and cleared, track:

    Megalithic stones on the horizon

    Gone is the path through the dark forest.

    Gone is the experience of stepping out into the sunlight and the stones.

    Traversing the, now rough, ground at the top of the hill, I got a bit closer, the taller uprights coming into better view.

    Aikey Brae stone circle ahead!

    Running to the circle

    I ran the last bit of the way, wanting to be within the circle to get my bearings, so the place could feel like it used to. I sought views that would not have changed, having been open to the countryside all along.

    Facing the great recumbent:

    Recumbent stone at Aikey Brae

    It still felt different. With no treeline at the side of my eye, everything seemed bright and glaring. I never fully appreciated just how much the trees sheltered the site before, till I was buffeted by wind at every turn. That shelter contributed to the calm feel of the place.

    Now it feels stormy.

    Stone at Aikey Brae

    Cold.

    The stone circle at Aikey Brae

    Things Change

    But I’m going to stop my complaining now. Because… well… things change. I’m sure the circle has looked like this many times during its 4000 year lifespan. Trees will have grown. People will have harvested them. Current thinking is that the surrounding land would have been tree-less when the circle was built.

    Three prehistoric stones

    And improvements have been made to the place. There’s a new path round the hill, boasting benches and a picnic table; a shiny new sign announces this upon arrival. I didn’t explore the path and the views it offers, still being a bit post-pneumonia feeble, but I will go back and walk it later in the year.

    I’ve spent so much time at this stone circle, both physically and at my desk while writing, because though the circle in my books is fictional, it’s Aikey Brae it’s based on. The change will take time to settle. I need to notice the new beauty it brings. The light is different, I see that already. There are plans in place to plant indigenous trees; I will enjoy watching those grow large over the coming years.

    And, no matter what changes we make around them, the stones still stand tall and majestic against the sky.

    Two tall stones at Aikey Brae stone circle

    Go here to view Aikey with the trees, and in the snow.

    THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR has a new sexy review from Grumpytyke: “Not far into the second half it became pretty sexy! I didn’t expect that, not from the first half of the story nor from Ailish’s blog posts.” See the whole review here.

    The Mermaid and the Bear by Ailish Sinclair

    My Books

    Sisters at the Edge of the World cover

    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

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

    Cover of Ailish Sinclair's '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.

    See the press release here

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland 

    Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair, out 2021

    FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!

    See the publisher’s Press Release here

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    “Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society

    feet

    See my About Page here

    Newsletter

    Go here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.

    Writer’s Tip Jar

    The Rocking Stones of Auchmaliddie

    The rocking stones of Auchmaliddie

    The Rocking Stones of Auchmaliddie, situated near the village of New Deer in Aberdeenshire, are thought to be the remnants of a recumbent stone circle. Only the large recumbent and one flanker remain. They are made of white quartz which lights up under the moon and sparkles in the sunlight. What an impressive circle it would have been when whole! Most recumbent circles in the Grampian region are aligned to moon cycles so moonlight quite possibly featured in their use.

    They are still beautiful, I think. Even in driving hail, as they were when I visited recently.

    close up of the quartz of the rocking stones of auchmaliddie
    The quartz.

    The black line there is comprised of straw bales wrapped in plastic. The stones are located at the edge of a field.

    The rocking stones of Auchmaliddie.

    Folklore of the Rocking Stones

    Local folklore suggests that the stones, also known as the Muckle (huge) Stanes of Auchmaliddie, were once placed on top of one another. It is said that if a person were to stand on them and tell a lie the top stone would tip.

    The rocking stones of Auchmaliddie

    A Stone Circle, Destroyed

    The rocking stones have fared better than the stone circle that stood on the hill, just a mile or so away, at the other side of the village. In the 18th century it was smashed up and used in the foundations of the new manse. Bad luck is said to befall anyone who lives on the surrounding lands. The nearby farm is called Standing Stones. Below is the hillside where the circle would have been, Culsh Monument to the right.

    The Culsh Monument, New Deer, Aberdeenshire

    In other news, I did a wee interview over on Relationships are Complicated.com here.

    Quote from interview: My next historical novel explores the relationship between two chosen sisters who flee abuse together as young children. They are as close as two people can be and I am still working on conveying that closeness and the deep understanding that exists between these young women as they negotiate their own romantic liaisons with men, both approved and unapproved by their community, and as their Bronze Age society marches into war. (Now published. See SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD).

    If you liked this article on the Rocking Stones of Auchmaliddie, you might like to explore my other stone circle posts here.

    Or maybe my books, all of which feature a stone circle:

    Sisters at the Edge of the World cover

    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!

    “Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society

    See the press release here

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

    Cover of Ailish Sinclair's 'The Mermaid and the Bear'

    Taking place mainly in a 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.

    See the press release here

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland 

    Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair, out 2021

    FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!

    See the publisher’s Press Release here

    Amazon UK

    Amazon Worldwide

    “Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

    feet

    See my About Page here

    Newsletter

    Go here to sign up for my occasional emails. They’re a more intimate space than the blog and always include some exclusive photos.

    Writer’s Tip Jar