The start of the 2014 post

You know the absolutely best thing about getting a new phone? It’s not actually the camera, though that was the reason for purchase, that and the simple need to have a mobile phone that worked properly. No, it’s when you text people to tell them you’ve got a new number, people you haven’t seen for a while, and they say: let’s meet up, let’s go out, let’s have fun.

I’m lucky with my phone though, or maybe just a bit precious about it. The list of contacts is relatively small. It contains no narcissists, no mean people, no dispensers of put-downs. Substack edit, 2026: or did it? The answer is really, probably: no. Life changes. People change. Not all friendships weather that. But I need to overthink the particular strangeness of it all, so here we go…

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Crimonmogate is a private estate near Crimond in Aberdeenshire that boasts enormous grounds and gardens, a mansion house and a stone circle, and I knew absolutely nothing about it until very recently. This, despite having lived in the vicinity for decades and having a great fondness for old places.

I visited in July when the garden was open for Scotland’s Garden Scheme, though sadly I did not know about the stone circle at that point so did not seek it out. It may actually be Berrybrae, but more research is needed.

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Through the hedge we go:

To have a dip in a clam shell. As you do.

Crimonmogate House

The name means ‘road through the cow pasture by the peat moss’. The estate dates back to the 14th century, though the present house is 19th century.

Approaching the house from the side:

Round the front, you can see the Neo-Greek architecture.

There’s a sundial in front of the house with the date 1750 on it.

And off we run into the garden… I do love to do that.

Round the pond we go:

And we walk up to this lady (Gaia), who I recognised as being identical to a statue I’d seen at Fyvie Castle, and for a brief moment I wondered if she was mass produced. But no, she’s travelled around a bit, so was actually the exact same statue back at home with her marigolds, still wondering where she left her clothes.

You can learn more about Crimonmogate on their offical website here.

Wishing you all the marigolds and clam shells you could want,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Sisters at the Edge of the World

From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.

Set in the 1st century, the story includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. There’s a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!

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“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society

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The Battle of Auldearn took place on the 9th of May, 1645 as part of the wider Wars of the Three Kingdoms. It was fought between a Scottish Covenanter army who were aligned with the English Parliament, and the Royalist forces of Charles the 1st. The Royalists won the battle despite being hugely outnumbered 4000 to 1500.

It was a long and bloody day, and the fighting took place over quite a large area around and actually in the village of Auldearn right between the houses.

A view of Garlic Hill, one of the battle sites, from under my umbrella:

I’ve been researching the battle as part of my wider research about Isobel Gowdie; it took place 17 years before her famous confessions. What a horrific and traumatic event it must have been for the people of Auldearn, and not one that anyone who lived through it would ever forget.

Liking to immerse myself in the history, places and times that I write about, I stayed in the friendly and relaxed 1645 Inn in Auldearn. It’s situated right on the edge of the battle field, and I had strange and disturbed dreams about the battle at night. Will this make the novel more strange and disturbed? Quite possibly.

The Boath Doocot

The 17th century Boath Doocot (dovecot) is a good place to overlook the battle field. The doocot itself would not have been there at the time of the battle, but the old motte that it stands on certainly was. It dates from the 12th century and was the site of a medieval castle called the Old Castle of Eren, the source of the name Auldearn.

Pigeons coming in to land:

Dead Man’s Wood

I wanted to find Dead Man’s wood. Sometimes just referred to as the ‘Dead Wood’, this is a tiny woodland that is said to be the burial site of the slain Covenanters from the Battle of Auldearn. Several map apps on the go, I travelled the roads round Auldearn looking for it. And there, in the middle of a ploughed field (so I did not cross) I found it.

There were poppies growing nearby. Storms have had their way with the wood, and most of the older trees have blown down. Elderflowers bloom on the site.

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It’s said that people who were executed on Gallows Hill were sometimes buried in Dead Man’s Wood too, so it is possible that this might be the final resting place of Isobel Gowdie herself. There are no actual trial records for Isobel and her accomplice Janet Breadheid, and though one was granted, it had caveats, so the fate of the two women is unknown.

An iris grows beside the battlefield today… and on with draft two I go.

• Read more on the Battle of Auldearn here

• And the Wars of the Three Kingdoms

Isobel Gowdie Posts

• Isobel Gowdie: I Shall Go Into A Hare

• Auldearn Stone Row in the Scottish Highlands

• The Witches of Inshoch Castle

• Pink Flowers, Blue Skies and Magical Hares

• Writing a Coherent Novel Among Blue Flowers

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The Mermaid and the Bear (a novel about a different Isobell)

Lost in ancient woodlands and caught up in whispers of witchcraft, Isobell must navigate danger to reclaim her life. Can she find her happily ever after?

Paperback and kindle on Amazon

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

“A delight from end to end…” Undiscovered Scotland

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See my About Page here

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I’m currently deep in the midst of writing a novel inspired by the 1662 witchcraft confessions of Isobel Gowdie.

I wanted to be deep in the midst of the associated places again, so at the weekend, on the 3rd of May, the date of her second confession, I visited Auldearn once more.

The Stone Row

It was autumn when I last explored the Bronze Age row and cairn (see that here). I wondered if there would be bluebells there this time.

The path in looked very hopeful:

Not only were there bluebells, there were thousands of bluebells! They were sitting under a thick woodland canopy which made the scent intense and heady with no breeze to disperse it.

I walked the stones…

Isobel mentions standing stones in her confessions, specifically the shooting of elf arrows from there.

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There are other stones in the vicinity, but I rather favour these ones as being hers.

New Blog Posts

Writing a Coherent Novel Among Blue Flowers (more Auldearn)

Pink Flowers, Blue Skies and Magical Hares

It’s all getting a bit Springly out there

10 Mystical and Magical Sites in Aberdeenshire

Woodpecker Folklore from Scotland

Sending you the heady scent of a thousand bluebells,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Scottish Fiction

I write Scottish fiction (quick link to Amazon), often set in Aberdeenshire, the area of Scotland where I live. My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears and Romans to be found in them, detailed here. I have two contemporary series, the spicy, spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.

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Amazon Worldwide

That’s the Moon Gate at Leith Hall. It’s good luck to pass through such a gate, or even to look through one, so I thought it’d be nice for today. There were daffodils to be seen through it when I took that photo a few years ago.

Candlemas

The traditional Scottish rhyme for today goes:

If Candlemas Day be dry and fair, the half o’ winter’s to come and mair.
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul, the half o’ winter’s gane at Yule.

Or, an easier-to-understand version:

If Candlemas Day is clear and bright, winter will have another bite.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain, winter is gone and won’t come again.

So, I’m happy to report that it’s pouring, or ‘dinging it doon’ out there, as we say. See an older post on Candlemas here.

And now the snowdrops are out:

New Blog Posts

The Haunted Library of Delgatie Castle

On the 9th Day of Snowmas

Snow, Swans, and Being on the Radio

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Talking of being on the radio…

Since being ill (so for the last eight years) I’ve always refused any media request that might be stressful. My confidence was gone.

But, now, the same misfortune that caused the hesitance, seems to have fixed it. I’ve come close to death a few times over the last few years. What does it matter if I look silly/mess up/sound stupid? Isn’t it sadder to miss out on experiences in life? So when a producer from the BBC asked if I would go on Radio 2 and ask OJ Borg questions about the Burning of the Clavie, I said yes. And it was fun!

You can hear it here (link just goes to BBC Sounds now) for the next 24 days. Though, I understand that it can be tricky to get outside of the UK in some instances.

And if you want to know about the ancient Scottish fire festival called the Burning of the Clavie, there’s a post on it here.

Moving on to sunnier days…

Snow got on the lens in the photo below, but I rather like the effect:

Hopefully it’ll all look like this soon:

Wishing you ‘dry and fair’ and sunshine,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Scottish Fiction

I write Scottish fiction (quick link to Amazon), often set in Aberdeenshire, the area of Scotland where I live. My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears and Romans to be found in them, detailed here. I have two contemporary series, the spicy, spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

We’ve had a wee bit of snow here. I ran around in it in Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen: blog post here. In fact, I’ve been doing quite a bit of running around…

Brig o’ Balgownie

I waded through thick mud in Old Aberdeen to take photos of the medieval bridge: pictures, history and folklore here.

Research for the next book…

There was a short holiday in Nairn which involved visiting places mentioned in the witchcraft confessions of Isobel Gowdie, and other places such as Auldearn Stone Row and the coffin bridge of Carrbridge.

The Downie Hillock

In her confessions, of which there are four, gathered over a six week period in 1662, Isobel mentions this hillock as an entrance to Elf Hame, or Fairy Land. She feasted with the King and Queen of Elf Hame there.

*Note: it’s commonly said that these confessions were obtained without torture. Indeed, it’s stated several times in the actual documents (protesting too much?). However, Isobel was imprisoned for at least six weeks, and, at that time, sleep deprivation was commonly used on accused witches in Scotland and was not considered to be torture.

A quote from confession three where Isobel mentions encountering fairy bulls that frightened her:

“we went in to the downie hillis, the hill opened and we cam to an fair & lairge braw rowme in the day tym, th[e]r ar great bullis crowtting & skrylling ther at the entrie; qluhillk feard me”

Whatever the truth about the words above, Isobel knew the Downie Hillock, and I was determined to find it.

The path in to the Downie Wood:

Would I be able to locate it? How big was it?

Through the wood I went:

I flipped between OS and Google maps as I searched but, in the end, the indistinct path led straight there.

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The hill is known locally as a fairy hill and was the site of an Iron Age fort.

Up I climbed…

If it hadn’t been for the trees, there would have been a great view of the sea. This was a recurring feature in the holiday!

No fairies showed themselves, no King or Queen or bulls, but it seemed a peaceful place to me. An ancient place. And one I suspect I’ll visit again.

Hoping your December gives you more sunshine and less mud,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Scottish Fiction

I write Scottish fiction, often set in Aberdeenshire, the area of Scotland where I live. My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears and Romans to be found in them, detailed here. I have two contemporary series, the spicy, spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Autumn continues being beautiful. I continue being well. There’s been lots of toadstools and a visit to Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen.

Other recent blog posts include the Nine Castles of the Knuckle and the Liminal Space Between Summer and Autumn.

Research for the next book continues, with some ‘field exploration’ planned. Literally. There may be a bit of tramping about in fields. More on that next time!

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Banff Castle

On Doors Open Day, I visited Banff Castle and the Merchant’s House with its gorgeous book nook below. More on that house here

I met an archaeologist in the house who told me about the bit of wall pictured below on the Water Path, and I just had to walk through it on my way up to the castle. The doorway in the wall is known locally as the ‘Templar Hospital’, probably relating to one of two medieval hospitals in the town, now long gone. One was a leper colony and situated on an island in the River Deveron, so this is probably not that one. But I digress…

Through the door I went and on to Banff Castle. The current building is a Georgian manor house dating from 1750. It’s beautifully done up and has rooms available for various events. See its website here

There was a much older motte and bailey castle on the site. It’s shown on records from the 12th century and was part of the town’s defences against the Vikings. Only outer defensive walls remain of this castle, but they stretch a long way, right down to the harbour:

Inside the current manor house:

And a dead-tree carving outside:

Wishing you relaxation and warm sunshine,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Crops are being harvested, the nights are cooling, and it all feels rather gentle and nice. I’m still staying well, which is amazing. I managed to attend my brother’s wedding recently, and that felt a bit like a miracle. Here’s my annual ‘harvest in Scotland’ post.

Writing update

I’m deep in research mode for a historical, or maybe several historicals, based around the Scottish witchcraft accusations. My eyes are strained from all the reading, but it’s fascinating, and terrible, of course, always that. But stories there are, and I want to tell them, to give voice to those who were harmed.

With that in mind, I visited the mural of Isobel Gowdie in Auldearn and met the artist. Isobel’s witchcraft confessions are considered to be the most extraordinary in British history. I also visited the old Kirk, the setting for some of her coven meetings. You can read more about this on the blog here

The picture below is from an article that appeared in the Press and Journal last year (I’m in it!): Should we really have fun at Halloween when the north-east led the great execution of witches?

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Autumn days

So, I walk in the heathery woods…

And touch the waxy rowan berries.

Marching through the dunes is invigorating. And the oldest house in Fraserburgh has had its door painted bright yellow which feels a bit autumnal too. The house was a place of Jacobite plotting in the 18th century.

And back to reading I go,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Scottish Fiction

I write Scottish fiction (quick link to Amazon), often set in Aberdeenshire, the area of Scotland where I live. My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears and Romans to be found in them, detailed here. I have two contemporary series, the spicy, spicy Dancer’s Journey and the coming-of-age Castle Dancers.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

But, find it, I eventually did. The trees have been felled since I last visited. Ironically, this made the circle even more difficult to find as my usual tree markers were gone. It’ll be easier next time as there is a new fence right beside the path, and I’ll remember it.

Past the observatory, I went. It was closed, or there might have been photos of the views.

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After several false trails, finally, the stones were spotted. I’ve not seen a sign like this before. Must be something new.

It was very different without the trees. They used to frame the space so perfectly. But I imagine replanting will happen at some point. It’s Forestry Commision land.

Beautiful stones… There’s a few more pics on today’s blog post here

Recent blog posts

Buddleia and the Bridge

A Pine Marten and a Pine Forest

In case you missed it last time:

Beautiful Trees

And an older one written when there were still trees all round Loudon Wood Circle: Finding Loudon Wood Stone Circle

May everything you want to find be easy to find,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Sisters at the Edge of the World

From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.

Set in the 1st century, the story includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. There’s a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

Sands have shifted at Fraserburgh beach, and another wreck has appeared. Scroll down for more photos of that.

Meanwhile, in the garden, a lot of weeding has occurred. Pruning. Chainsawing. Things that haven’t happened much in the last few years while I’ve been ill.

It’s led to a rampage of flower posts on the blog. It started with apple blossom and carried on to hawthorn. Then there were bluebells in the woods and toadflax in a drain (prettier than it sounds). The uncovered rockery was revealed with purple gromwell, and a little crime-fighting (yes, really, sort of). Darwin’s Barberry came next and then fire and elephants by the newly tidied-up pond. The rampage ended on another blossom: cherry.

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A new TikTok Review of TENDU

“POV: You thought it was just another ballet book… then it emotionally body-slammed you in pointe shoes. Slow burn, enemies to lovers, fate, and a Scottish setting that delivered.”

Thank you to bookboundandblushed for the review: see it here on TIKTOK!

Series on Amazon

See the series page on my site

The Shipwreck

I love it when old bits of history resurface like this. It makes me wonder how much more is hidden deep down in the earth and the sand.

The boat shape is still there, clearly marked by water.

Fraserburgh, reflected:

It was a calm day of sunshine and blue skies when I took these photos. Was it a dark night of wind and rain when the boat was banked?

Other recent blog posts

Beautiful Trees Seen on a Walk

Walking the Dunes

Unfurling Ferns, Marsh Marigolds and a Dragon

Castle Fraser in Spring

In case you missed it last time:

When You’ve Inherited a Castle

And if you want more shipwrecks:

Aberdeenshire Shipwrecks in the Sand

Wishing you all calm days of blue skies and sunshine,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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The Mermaid and the Bear

Lost in ancient woodlands and caught up in whispers of witchcraft, Isobell must navigate danger to reclaim her life. Can she find her happily ever after?

Set in a fictional castle in Aberdeenshire, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.

Amazon Worldwide

It’s not me that’s inherited a castle, but the main character of my latest book, my ninth book - Alexander: Dancing With Fire - which is out today.

It’s the end of a series and also the end of writing that castle, a place that has become so real to me over the years. I know every corner of it, every dent and scratch and piece of decor, and how or why it got there. The castle saw witchcraft accusations in 1597, loneliness and longing in 1743, and then it became a dance school for the two contemporary series. One series is steamy, and one, this one that Alexander completes today, is not steamy, but it is still gritty.

So it’s a bittersweet release. I’ve put the big ring of keys in Alexander’s hand and left him to it; I’ve run off into the garden, not even my own garden this time. Scroll down for pictures of that. Future stories currently in my mind might visit the environs of the castle again, but - so far - I have no plans to re-enter the building. Though, I do know it was used as a hospital in WW2… But no, back to the book of the moment…

Opening of book: Why does the piano always echo in a ballet studio? And where does all the dust come from? The floors are cleaned every night. But every day, more dust gets kicked up. I can see it in the rays of weak city sunshine coming through the window. The swish of a foot in a jump, an assemblé, causes white powder to arc through the air. It’s a good amalgamation, this one. Lots of travelling across the room and gliding movements too. There’s powerful leaps, changes of direction and a wide-armed proud end to the piece. How does it feel to dance it? How would I know?

Blurb: When Alexander turns eighteen, he learns that he has inherited a castle, the one that houses the dance school he attends, to be exact. He’s always wanted a do-over, a chance to fix the broken parts of himself and his life. Could this be it?

Instead of allowing the school to continue on as normal, Alexander throws the students and teachers out and claims the castle as his own.

At first he’s lonely. At first he’s hesitant. Will he have any friends left after this? The events of his uncle’s televised wedding at the castle prove that, while Alexander definitely still has friends, his broken ankle is actually the least damaged part of him.

Within the ancient castle walls, a world of dark family secrets is revealed. Join Alexander as he dances on the edge of sanity and survival, navigating through the flames of his turbulent past to forge a new future.

Alexander’s book, and his castle, are available here in paperback, kindle, and on kindle unlimited.

Series on Amazon

See the series page on my site

Logie Steading Garden

The Logie Steading is situated about 10 miles south of Forres in Moray, and it’s a great place to visit when you’ve abandoned your characters to their fate in a fictional castle. The converted steading houses a cafe, bookshop, art gallery, garden shop, timber store and a museum. There’s more on the blog today and here on the official site of the steading.

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We’re going to tiptoe over this wee bridge to the garden:

And admire the grand house. It’s a little bit like Alexander’s castle, with its turrets and forest setting.

There are massive redwood trees…

And glorious woodland views all round.

Recent blog posts

The boundaries of woods and garden have been breached at last!

Daffodil Folklore: Do Not Disturb The Fairies!

Spring is Springing Hard this Year

Huge Tree, Tiny Flower

A Path of Stripy Shadows

Tarlair Revisited: Art Deco Pool and Pavilion

In case you missed it last time:

When Characters Break the Fourth Wall

And an old favourite:

The Lost City of Lenabo Woods

Other Writers’ Things

Let me know if you would like your work to be included in this section of the newsletter. Books, blogs, art, writing, dancing… Just reply to this email with your info.

The Wee Writing Lassie is doing a blog series about Alexander. There’ll be several posts over the next few days, starting here

Explore the books of leading City of London solicitor James Lingard: see his historical novel ‘The Girl Who Disappeared’ here

Wishing you all sunshine and beautiful places to be or visit,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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Fireflies and Chocolate

Torn out of an isolated life in a Scottish castle, Elizabeth embarks on a determined quest to return home. Exhilarating adventures unfold on the high seas, love blossoms, and the chocolate, purchased in Benjamin Franklin’s printing shop, is delicious!

FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were taken from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies.

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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.

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Out now – 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.

Amazon UK

Amazon Worldwide

New Books and Special Offers

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About Page

Read all about little old me here

It’s almost March. Winter is nearly done. The season seems to have passed more quickly than usual, or maybe I’m just being a bit too optimistic about its end. I missed March and the crocuses last year while in hospital, so I’ve possibly forgotten exactly how it goes.

We’re enjoying frosty mornings and sunny days in Northern Scotland this week (scroll on down for pictures). It’s really lovely, like revisiting a distant and long-yearned-for land.

Book news

The second title in the Castle Dancers series is out today! It’s run me ragged, emotionally speaking, this book, but I still love it so much. The main character’s bubbly personality couldn’t be contained on the page, and, during the story, she sometimes breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly, even wishing them ‘Merry Christmas’ at one point. I’ve written a bit more about this trait or technique on the blog today.

Opening of book: It’s going to be the most boring year of my life. I’m very determined about that. You know, it’s not going to be like last year. This time there’ll be no naked dancing, or television appearances. No fires in stone circles. No hospital stays. No meltdowns. There’s nothing to see here! Move it along!

A bit of blurb: As Bubbles walks up the tree-lined drive towards the castle, she is immediately surrounded by TV reporters. Next she encounters the enigmatic and charming new boy, American student Aiden, and finds herself in an instalove situation. Being cast as the lead in a historical documentary is altogether too exciting and fun, as are the night-time visits to caves and underground chambers.

As Bubbles navigates her difficult home life, the complexities of her mental health and various intense experiences at the castle, she struggles to maintain equilibrium.

Will she be able to find balance amidst the chaos, or will her carefully laid ‘boring’ plan unravel completely?

The book is available here in paperback, kindle, and on kindle unlimited.

Series on Amazon

See the series page on my site

Frosty Morning Photos

This photo was taken just as the sun was rising in the wild woodland garden (putting a romantic spin on untidiness there):

It is risen!

The garden is quite sheltered due to being surrounded by many tall trees. You can see that the woods are bright with sunshine at the end of the path…

The early morning rays are just hitting these wee blooms in the frosted grass:

Recent blog posts

There’s a bit of a theme here again. Once this latest series of books is out, health allowing, I hope I’ll have time to venture a bit further than the woods and garden!

The Snowdrops and the Mole

Sunshine in the Birch Woods

The Snowdrops have Landed

In case you missed it last time:

When Writing Gets Intensely Personal

And an old favourite:

Walking the Witchy Ways of Aberdeen

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Other Writers’ Things

Let me know if you would like your work to be included in this section of the newsletter. Books, blogs, writing, dancing…

“Did you know that the term ‘tearaway’ came from Aberdeen? If you want to know what it means, I could tell you, but you might regret asking…” From the stupidgirl_no1 blog here

The Wee Writing Lassie is doing a blog series about Bubbles. There’ll be several posts over the next few days, starting here

Feeding Your Romance Addiction Newsletter! By signing up you get Contemporary and Dark Romance New Releases delivered to your inbox weekly.

Hoping I’m right about the season, and that we’ll all be relaxing in some lovely, warm spring/autumn sunshine soon in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres!

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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It’s always the coldest month up here, and it feels like the longest too. So, I’m glad to be here. Also glad because - again, finally - Ariel is out today in paperback and kindle! It’s also in Kindle Unlimited. This book has been years in the writing, decades in the forming, and it’s done.

Opening line of the book: It’s the night before I’m due to start at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, so, of course, my mother tries to kill me.

A bit of blurb: 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?

This series of books is intensely personal to me; I’ve written a little bit more on the blog today with yet more old photos.

The other titles release at the end of February and March, and what will I write then? The past is calling again, distant times, further back than I’ve been before, so we’ll see where that leads…

Series on Amazon

Photos: slightly embarrassing, very personal

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It’s that strange time between Christmas and New Year when everything feels quiet and on hold somehow. It’s nice, though. I’m liking it.

The Castle Dancers Series is ready to go and up on pre-order now. Whew! It was beginning to feel like this would never happen, but I’m staying well, and writing, writing, writing… and here we are!

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.

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Walking in the woods

There have been some great skies of late. I stumble out into the trees after writing and stare up at them.

The world darkens around me as I head home.

Wishing you bright skies and a wonderful 2025!

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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And I’m loving it! I’ve stayed well for quite a while now, so I’ve been crunching through fallen leaves in the woods, visiting the witch stone, and enjoying golden sunshine at the beach (scroll on down for more beach).

Writing is going well. The third and final title of the next series is finally off to the editor. I mentioned some earlier trouble I was having with it in this sea rocket post. These are gentler books than my others, I think, though there’s still quite a bit of grit in them.

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Recent blog posts:

The Bear of Netherton Stone Circle

The Mystery of Burghead Well

Burghead Pictish Fort and the Burning of the Clavie

Roseisle Beach and Pine Forest

I’ve also written about badgers in the garden and caves and harvest time in Scotland.

Sisters at the Edge of the World

From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.

“Ethereal and spellbinding” Historical Novel Society

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Amazon Worldwide

Beach!

But, let’s return to that golden, autumnal light… The sands of Fraserburgh beach have been shifting recently. This appeared:

I don’t know if it’s another shipwreck or a different kind of structure, but it’s new. And old, obviously. A combination I’m fond of.

Hoping you all enjoy some golden sunshine too,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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The Manteith Collection

The Manteith Collection comprises THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR and FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE.

The books do not have to be read in order. Book 1 (mermaid, 16th century) is set mainly in a castle belonging to the Manteith family and involves witchcraft accusations and romance.

In Fireflies (18th century) Elizabeth Manteith is kidnapped and transported to the American colonies as an indentured servant.

Manteith Collection on Amazon

Yes, it’s summer in Scotland, and it’s warm. The garden and field are bright and busy with colour and bees. The blog has seen writing affirmations and memories of a summer solstice at a stone circle.

I had a visit to Aikey Brae Stone Circle recently. And it was SO lovely. Sunny and warm and peaceful. There were flowers there too.

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Blue skies above…

Wishing you many bright and colourful days,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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It’s been a while. Things went a bit haywire for me health-wise again, and there’s been a hospital stay and a very slow recovery, still ongoing.

There was quite a lot of online activity during all this from hospital window TikToks to sad messages on Twitter/X.

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A Completed Series

With the release of Fouetté last Friday, my naughty, naughty Dancer’s Journey series is now complete and ready to binge.

When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland...

See the series here

Stormy Seas

The tide was in at the beach last Sunday. It seemed a good idea to walk down the steps to get some photos of the Mordor-style skyline.

It was a good idea. The view was beautiful as I stood there taking pictures. But then... I was suddenly knee deep in sea water. Worth it, though, I think.

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An Interview with Amalphia Treadwell

The Wee Writing Lassie interviews the main character of A Dancer’s Journey in her new blog series with her usual wit and cheekiness.

Latest Blog Posts: Christmas at the Castle

Christmas at the Castle and a Completed Series
Fyvie Castle at Christmas
The Loch of Fyvie in Winter
Calm and Steadfast Like a Tree
Serenity and Snowberries

Author Spotlight

Today the spotlight is on author James Lingard. Educated at Dulwich College and University College London, James was a leading City of London solicitor who specialised in banking law and insolvency law as a partner in Norton Rose. His lifelong interest in history inspired him to write historical fiction.

THE GIRL WHO DISAPPEARED is a fact-based historical novel set in Britain in the 1930s. Emily falls passionately in love with working-class Walter, despite fierce opposition from her class conscious father... This is a moving love story about one woman’s enduring resilience, a story full of quiet humour and surprising twists and turns.

Let me know if you would like your book to be featured here.

Wishing you all happiness and warmth this holiday season, and all good things for the new year,

Ailish xx

https://ailishsinclair.com/

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The Road to Winter

We’re definitely on that road now. I did a little blog series about it, featuring the scene above, Fedderate Castle, Strichen Stone Circle, Strichen Lake, and Chocolatey Books. And if you think that’s a lot of blogging, there’s also been some running about in the forest, a beach sunrise, and a spooky and serendipitous week.

Yes. My current medication situation seems to have made me a little hyperactive!

Book Release

Cabriole, the second title of A Dancer’s Journey, is out today. I’ve written a wee post about it: The Dark of the Castle

This is the notorious one, the one that a publisher wanted me to change. To be fair, they did assure me that it wasn’t because they were bigoted or prudish, but because it had to have set tropes to fit their romance line. But still, I have wondered how people would react to this more unusual story.

From emmalolly13 on TikTok: “This series has a special place in my heart… I feel so blessed to continue reading Amalphia’s story… Her journey with love has been rough… this is such a soul-touching series.”

• Series page here on my site

• Series page on Amazon

A Witchy Article

Should we really have fun at Halloween when the north-east led the great execution of witches?

Excellent piece from Neil Drysdale in the Press and Journal. I cite the case of Bessie Thom in the article, a woman who features in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, as an example of what happened to one of the more than 3,000 victims of the witch trials.

“Bessie, quite possibly, went into the North Sea before being committed to the flames during a very public execution.”

A Frosty Beach

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