Ally Aldridge Writing

NaNoWriMo Diary – Week 3 (November 2019)

Fri, 15 Nov

Today was a non-pupil day meaning Noah was off school, so I had to energetic children to entertain. I decided to also take my niece and nephew out as their mum does a lot for our kids. With a full car of kids, I took them to a soft play centre to wear them out. The older kids were great and helped keep the little ones busy but I was constantly on the go.

When we got home, Aria napped and I used the time to support Noah with his homework and make important calls.

My husband needs the PC tonight so I am using the time to update my blog on my mobile and read a book.

Sat, 16 Nov

I’m very conscious of the fact that I need to catch up. When my husband took the kids out for a walk I jumped at the chance to get on the PC achieving almost 2k before lunch.

I really enjoyed what I wrote. Chapter 13 overlaps the epic battle from Jewel of the Sea at the end of the book. Where Mariah was unleashing her powers, Kya is at her lowest point. It was fun to write such a powerful scene from such a hopeless perspective and feel anyone that has read Jewel of the Sea will notice the stark contrast making the chapter very different between the books.

Aria was a little difficult to get to sleep and wanted extra cuddles. We think she’s having a growth spurt or teething as she’s extra hungry too but I finally got on the PC and added another 2k.

Sun, 17 Nov

We’ve had a very chilled out day today but this afternoon we discovered Aria has a rash on her body. We think it might be a heat rash so we stripped her off to cool her down.

I also spent a lot of my writing time chasing authors for their bios, profile pics, book photos and blurbs, etc. Back in October, I volunteered to create the World Indie Warriors catalogue to help promote their books to potential customers. I asked for details before NaNoWriMo started so I could finish it before this started but it didn’t happen. I’m really enjoying the creativeness and playing in Canva. It reinforces the feeling I would love to work in graphic design but I have no idea how to get into it.

Mon, 18 Nov

The rash hasn’t gone. So the first job of the day was to get her an appointment. I had to wait for a call back from the GP to decide if they will see her. It left me in limbo, watching my phone, waiting for the call but when they rang they offered 3:50pm. I knew this would be a rush with the school run so we hurried straight there and arrived with only a minute to spare. In my haste, as I leaned into the car to get the changing bag, I caught Aria’s forehead on the corner of the door. At first I thought it was nothing and gave her a kiss as we ran to get checked in. Then Noah needed a wee so i got him to the toilet. Whilst we waited for him I noticed the massive bruise swelling up before my eyes. By the time we got called in, it looked terrible. The GP was lovely and checked her over and gave me advice for head injuries (just in case) although he felt it wasn’t as bad as it looked. Then he checked out her rash (the reason for the visit). It turned out to be an allergic reaction. He gave us a prescription for that – a non-drowsy one because of her bump. Then I explained how she won’t take her chocolate laxative as she doesn’t like the taste so he did her a prescription for the plain which she we tried as soon as we got home and she loves it – yay.

After all that drama, we decided on a McDonalds for dinner. I know its not healthy but… happiness.

Once the kids were in bed, I jumped on World Indie Warriors Facebook page to host my live write-in. We had a great productive social and some people shared some steamy snippets with us. It got me back into my writing.

Tue, 19 Nov

We had a very exciting morning with Noah loosing his first tooth. He went through a kaleidoscope of emotions before becoming excited about the tooth fairy coming.

This then made us late and we were in a mad rush to get Noah to breakfast club and myself to work on time. When i arrived at work, I discovered I had forgot my purse and my stationery. I found a stray pen and my accounts debt showed me how to create a pre-pay card & got my husband to send me his card details so I could buy food.

With no money to spend at lunch, I was focussed on writing and got over 500 words written.

Bedtime was lots of fun with Noah telling his teddies to protect his tooth and only let the tooth fairy take it. Noah was eager to go to bed and agreed to put his tooth in a dish at the foot of his bed as daddy was worried it might get lost under his pillow.

My first job tonight was to email Jewel of the Sea to my editor. Then, I added another 2k to Jewel of the Sea before bed.

Wed, 20 Nov

The tooth excitement continued this morning with Noah waking us up to announce the tooth fairy has been.

Today was my short day at work with no lunch break so I didn’t get to write. I was then in a mad rush to pick up Aria, then Noah.

Noah’s school had a book fair so we had to check it out. I got 7 books for £10 and a percentage from the book sales will go to the school to buy books for the children! Win win!

Aria was in a dangerous mood climbing everything. She seems to be collecting a daily bump or scrape. I’ll be pleased when this stage is over but I fear this daredevil will only get more adventurous – eek!

I couldn’t relax until the kids were in bed. I wasn’t feeling my story tonight but I tried. I tried to encourage myself with chocolate but once the chocolate was eaten I decided to call it a night. I had almost achieved 1.5k so that’s not too bad going.

I ended my day going to bed and enjoy Crown of Conspiracy by Kara A Weaver.

Thurs, 21 Nov

It was my long day at work but I managed to write in my lunch break. After work I was tired and unmotivated to write. In total I wrote 2k. I wanted to write more but the words were not coming.

Week one total

To be on track I need to have reached 35000 so I am behind target. No surprises there.

Finishing the second week my grand total is: 27,471

I’m 8k behind but feely oddly hopeful i can still do this. I somehow need to write 2.5 to 3k per day which isn’t impossible. I’m still pleased that I’m writing and pushing through the tricky parts of the novel.

Check back next Thursday to see my progress.

If you liked this, then you will enjoy:

NaNoWriMo Diary – Week 1 (November 2019)

NaNoWriMo Diary – Week 2 (November 2019)

NaNoWriMo Preparations

Book Review: Envy by J D Groom

Click my link tree to discover more ways to connect with me.@Redfae

 

Ally Aldridge Writing

Writers Hashtags Collection

You are going to want to save this blog post.  This post is going to share all the links to the previous hashtag series in one place but it’s going to do more than that. It’s going to share my final tips to help out any writer getting started on Instagram.

Have a public profile

If you are looking to connect with writers and promote your writing, then you need to be visible. If you make your content private people won’t be able to see if they want to follow you.

Complete your bio

Tell people what you are about. If you are a writer/author put it in you bio. I feel I need to add some more detail to mine but it’s way better than nothing.

Create a Link Tree

Instagram only allows you to share one link. Link Tree is a clever site that enables you to link to a page where you have listed all your links. This is useful to sign post people to your other social media accounts (I.e. Twiter, Facebook, etc), your website and/or blog, and sign up to your news letter.

Make use of the name space

I only discovered this recently but when you fill in the field for your name you can also write “author” or whatever else you want to be identified as. This gets picked up by search engines.

Don’t exceed 30 hashtags

You can have up to thirty hashtags on your post. Every hashtag helps you get discovered. However, don’t only use the most popular hashtags. These are good as the hashtag will have lots of followers but your post could get lost in the volume.

Mix up your hashtags

Don’t use the same hashtags all the time. Instagram will think you are spam and ‘shadow ban’ you for using a hashtag too frequently. This means that the algorithm won’t favour you and you are less likely to be seen.

Use different volume hashtags

I don’t know the technical phrase for this but this is what I mean. Some hashtags are very popular I.e. #writersofinstagram (275k posts) . Using a hashtag like this means your post could get lost in the volume as your competing against lots of images being posted frequently with the same hashtag. However, popular hashtags also have more followers and you could be spotted by someone you’ve not connected with yet.

Low volume hashtags tend to be more niche. For example #writersblocksucks has 1k+ posts. People searching for this are likely interested and your post has less competition. Recent posts stay near the top for longer.

Follow hashtags

Follow hashtags that relate to things you are interested in. This will help you to see what others are posting and discover new accounts to follow & engage with.

Create a hashtag collection

Note down hashtags you find useful. It’s useful to store these on your phone so you can copy and paste when you need them. To discover more hashtags to add to your list, look at what others are using that post similar content to you. So, if your a poet, what hashtags are other popular poets using?

Take part in follow loops

Choose a loop that feels relevant to what you wish to achieve, I.e. similar interests. Follow the loop rules but remember if someone is posting content you don’t like, you don’t have to follow them. What you should not do, is follow to unfollow – it’s just bad etiquette and not how you engage with others.

In addition, a lot of people have ‘follow apps’ to tell them when someone does that. Plus Instagram will detect accounts that follow and unfollow a lot and delete them as they will think you are a bot. The same goes for liking then unliking lots of posts.

Use apps

I have an iPhone and love certain apps for creating content:

  • Unsplash has so many free stock photos.
  • Canva is easy to use to create images and add text and embellishments.
  • Typorama is great for addding text.
  • B612 has great filters for taking selfies or animating pictures.
  • Preview to see how your posts will look in your feed prior to posting.
  • Planoly to schedule posts enabling you to create your posts ahead of time.

Try new things

I have figured this out over the last few months by daring to try new things. Social Media and trends are constantly changing and you need to move with it. Keep it fun and do what you enjoy.  You may even start a new trend.

THE HASHTAG COLLECTION

Click the picture to go to the part of the guide you want to read.

Extra Advice

Stay true to yourself. People like personal posts, so post selfies. It’s social media, be social. But, don’t get hung up on followers, likes, comments, etc. Remember, if it gets too much, you can take a break. Writing is what is most important to a writer.

One last tip that works for everything… Create a Pintrest Board to save useful tips and advice.

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#BoostMyBio for Pitch Wars 2019

Writers and YouTube Playlists — Ally Aldridge

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How was #PitMad September 2019?

Click my Link Tree to discover more ways to follow me

@Redfae

 

Ally Aldridge Writing

NaNoWriMo Diary – Week 2 (November 2019)

Fri, 8 Nov

I had the worst nights sleep. Aria was up every hour – maybe she’s having a growth spurt. We had to wash & sterilise her bottles in the middle of the night as we ran out. We heard Evie have two seizures. And, I had a killer headache, borderline migraine.

In the morning, Rob was going to take Noah to school so I could have a little lay in but it’s hard to sleep with all the noise of people rushing around so I got up. Sadly Evie had a seizure while Noah ate his breakfast. It was the first time he has seen it.l, although we told him she is poorly, it really upset him. Afterwards he claimed he was poorly with a tummy ache and begged to stay home and watch Evie. I let the school know what happened as I couldn’t be sure if he was ill or expressing his sadness, either way he wasn’t going to be any good for class.

I had wanted Noah out the way as we needed to pack for our holiday and help my mum with how to care for Evie and give her medicine. We managed to get it down in time and Noah appeared much better now he had cheered up – phew (he’s usually ill in November).

We arrived at Forest Holidays. Unpacked, ordered pizza, got the kids to bed – Noah was a little tricky to get to sleep as he found the new sounds disturbing. Once they went to sleep my hubby and I enjoyed the hot tub.

Sat, 9 Nov

We woke up after a brilliant nights sleep and our first breast at our lodge.

We headed to the Forest Retreat and got details of the “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt!” trail. Noah read the map and lead us through the forest. He answered the questions, wrote down the answers and read us the field facts. I was very proud of him. We then returned to the Forest Retreat to claim our prize – a copy of the book that inspired the trail. We then stayed for lunch.

Aria was tired and fed, making her a happy content baby that agreed to go down for her nap. Once asleep, we let Noah check out the hot tub. He loved it. He was ready to get out just as the timer went off for 20minutes which is the max allowed for safety.

Afterwards, I tried to get on my laptop to write but it decided to do an update! Why does this always happen when you have limited time? Once done, I managed almost 500 words before Aria woke.

We had a chilled out afternoon watching Incredibles 2. We had dinner, put the kids to bed and then I spent time with my husband. I was then tired and read Crown of Conspiracy by Kara S Weaver before bed.

Sun, 10 Nov

Both kids slept like angels. I gave them breakfast but Aria was in a naughty mood and made so much mess. While I cleaned the dinning room & kitchen, she headed off to the bathroom to throw toilet paper everywhere and empty the bin. She brought me a dirty nappy she had opened to alert me to the next disaster.

We went for a walk before lunch where Aria threw away her hat – no idea where it is. We had lunch, she slept, Noah and I took advantage of the hot tub.

Now, I’m trying to write but do you think my laptop will turn on? It’s been charging all night and now… playing dead. I’m going to have to write on my mobile. Grrr!

Later, we watched a film, had dinner, put the kids to bed and enjoyed our last night here together.

Mon, 11 Nov

I didn’t want to leave the forest but it was time to travel home. Mum gave us an update on the cats and Evie had a bloody paws. It looked like she’d broken her back claws during a seizure. I rang the vet and as she wasn’t in pain and the blood was dry, we agreed to keep her home as bringing her in could cause more distress. The meds seem to be working.

We unpacked, I did laundry and prepared for work. I knew Ofsted were in so I wanted to double check my plan for the day except… where was my diary. I was in a blind panic, cursing myself for unpacking my handbag to use it for a day at the spa. It took me a full hour to figure out where it was. It was then dinner time, putting the kids to bed and then… going live.

Yes, tonight I finally did it. I logged onto World Indie Warriors Facebook group and did a live write-in. We chatted about our projects and writing and did three writing sprints. Once finished I was excited about my novel again and super proud of myself for braving the camera.

Tue, 12 Nov

Today was my long day at work. It felt even longer with Ofsted in as many people were tense, making sure their lessons were perfect. I think everyone did well and I’m silently confident.

Tonight I added over 1k to my word count. I would have liked to have done better but my neck is in pain (I think I slept on it funny).

Wed, 13 Nov

Today was my short day at work. It doesn’t mean I get more free time. As soon as I’m home I’m busy with the kids. Tonight, Rob & I we’re busy wrapping presents for Noah’s birthday. By the time always done I had no time to write.

Thurs, 14 Nov

Today, is Noah’s birthday but I had an early start at work so he only had time for one card and present before breakfast Club.

I expected to be visited by Ofsted today as they have not yet seen me or any of my learners but they didn’t. Although, lots of my colleagues were visited. Today was my last day of work for the week so I will find out how we scored next week. However during my lunch break I wrote a few words and emailed them to myself.

I finished work late so when I got home it was dinner time. Noah waited for me before unwrapping his presents and having cake before bed.

I’m conscious that I am falling behind so I made sure I write tonight. Adding almost 2k to my total.

Week one total

Finishing the second week my grand total is: 14,783

To be on track I need to have reached 23,333 so I am behind.

I’m 9k behind so it is doubtful I will catch up in time to make 50k but the important thing is the progress I have made and will continue to make. I’m not giving up and even if I need a few more months, I will finish this novel.

Check back next Thursday to see my progress.

If you liked this, then you will enjoy:

NaNoWriMo Diary – Week 1 (November 2019)

Goals: Progress Since June 2019

How I edited my novel – 12 tips for self editing

Book Review: You stole my heart… Do I have to take your name?

Click my link tree to discover more ways to connect with me.@Redfae

 

Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Resource, Review

Book Review: You stole my heart… Do I have to take your name?

This is a book I wouldn’t naturally pick up but Sarah Padfield-Neofitou sold it to me on the idea that it could help me with naming my characters. It certainly will make me think more about their surnames but there was more to this book than that.

What is it about?

The book is aimed at recently engaged, soon to be married couples. It addresses the different traditions and beliefs following marriage about names. It raises awareness that you don’t have to take your partners name and they don’t have to take yours and all the different options available to you both.

The book also has tips on how to announce your post-marriage surnames, things to watch out for like avoiding unfortunate initials.

The most eye opening part of the book was on how people judge others for their name decisions. You suddenly realise how many prejudices there are connected to a simple choice that doesn’t really affect anyone but the name bearer.

The real shocker I discovered is I have judged people for their choices and I’ve no idea where my ideals came from. I never thought I was a judgemental person until I saw myself in her words as that person.  I hadn’t expected to evolve as a person from reading this but I did and I’m a better person for it.  

Do I recommend it

I think this book would make a great engagement gift. When I got married I didn’t give a second thought to changing my name. It is what you do…

But now I realise how vast my choice was. I also think if I realised how difficult it is to officially change your name, I wouldn’t have bothered.  

I’m not sure I would have bought this book as a writing resource, although, now I have it in my collection I’m sure I will refer to it for inspiration when coming up with surnames.

If you liked this post you might enjoy:

Book Review: Save the Cat – Writes a Novel

Book Review: Envy by J D Groom

Tips on naming your character

Click my Link Tree to discover more ways to follow me

@Redfae

 

 

 

Ally Aldridge Writing

NaNoWriMo Diary – Week 1 (November 2019)

Fri, 1 Nov 

This morning my mum had Aria but I wasn’t free as I was busy having a check up at the hospital.  I tried to jump on the computer to get some writing done before Aria was returned to me but by the time the housework was done, she was home.

I was worried I was never going to get to write today but once the kids were sound asleep I wrote an impressive 2,280 words before heading to bed to enjoy Crown of Conspiracy.

Sat, 2 Nov

My husband let me have a lay in today, except… I didn’t sleep. I was on my mobile making a start on my next chapter and almost got the first 1k done. Great start to the day.

Aria went down for a good nap this afternoon and I stole the opportunity to get writing. My word count is almost at the 2k mark.

I struggled to get the kids to sleep but I wasn’t too worried because of the steady progress I had made throughout the day. Once Aria gave in and went to sleep, I wrote some more but decided to go and read in bed instead of burning myself out too early in Nanowrimo.

I’m very pleased wit my 3,012 words today. I think this will be the daily count to beat.

Sun, 3 Nov

I didn’t have the best start today.  Aria decided not to nap and then one of my cats had a seizure.

Evie used to have seizures as a kitten and they thought she had epilepsy but the drugs she’d take would make her drowsy. As she was young and they weren’t often, the vet suggested we see if she grows out of it and she did. She’s been fine for about 7 or 8 years, possibly more. She’s fine now the episode has passed but I’ll take her to the vets tomorrow for a check up.

I was feeling sad about Evie, exhausted because I hadn’t had a break and in no mood to write. But after dinner, Jodie held a spontaneous writing sprint on Facebook. I decided to join in and after three 5 minute sprints, I had my first 700 words of the day. I ended on a cliff hanger. It got me back in the saddle and realised I can do this!

The kids went to bed well and I finished day 3 adding 1975 words.

Mon, 4 Nov

First job of the day was to book my cat into the vets. The health of my family (including my fur babies) will always take priority over my writing. It was only recently I realised that that rule should apply time too. Recently, I’ve also been making sure I’m taking care of myself too. Evie is booked in for 12:10.

The vet was lovely. She checked Evie over and took her bloods. Then went over how to care for Evie whilst having a seizure and when to bring her in as an emergency. I had a little cry when I got home as I’m worried about her but we’ll get the results on Wednesday.

Aria napped and I wrote 600ish words.

I was supposed to host the live write-in on World Indie Warriors Facebook page. Moments before I was due to go online Evis had another seizure. I was moving furniture to keep her safe, then sitting with her whilst she came around and I totally forgot about going live. Thankfully Michelle Raab jumped to the rescue and hosted the session (with a little support from Jodie, her son and a microwave). After the evenings events I just didn’t feel like writing.

Tue,  5 Nov

We had an awful night where Aria was very unsettled. I was up every hour and then had an early start for a long day at work.

Work kept me busy and at lunch I went into town with my colleagues. When I came home I was busy with this kids as my husband nipped out for his dads birthday. Aria didn’t want to go to bed but after two bottles of milk she gave in to her weary eyes.

Then I was free to write but I hadn’t seen Evie all day. I found her hiding behind the sofa and wondered if she’d been scared by the fireworks or had another episode. I coaxed her out with her dinner then spent the evening snuggling on the sofa.

Wed,  6 Nov

Today was my short day at work but as soon as I was done I had my kids.

The vet rang to say the blood tests found nothing wrong with Evie. We discussed what to do next. They could do a scan but whether this finds something or not, the outcome will be to prescribed the same meds and this unfortunately is a trial and error thing to find the meds that work for her. We decided to go straight for the drugs and pick them up tomorrow.

Evie’s seizures have got worst. I think worrying about her is wearing me out even though I don’t feel like I’m thinking about it. I didn’t feel up to writing but wary that I am falling behind.

I sat at the computer and managed to write nearly 2k and posted it onto Wattpad.

Thurs, 7  Nov

Today, is my birthday!

There was a mad rush to drop off the kids and then my husband and I attended a spa for a day of relaxation. It was just what we needed. I made great progress reading my book.

When I got home I opened my cards and text & called people to say thank you.

I don’t know why but relaxing wears me out.I’m shattered. All I did this evening was check in on social media where I discovered some writer friends had shared my pics to help people discover me and my blog. They are good to me.

Week one total

The first week is done and my grand total is: 9,921 words.

To be on track I need to have reached 11,666 so I am a little behind.

Check back next Thursday to see my progress.

If you liked this, then you will enjoy:

What to watch – Shows with writers in

Book Review: Duet Rubato

Why I Love World Indie Warriors

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Click my link tree to discover more ways to connect with me.@Redfae

Ally Aldridge Writing

I got to tour Ingram Spark’s print facility

I helped myself to one of everything.  My bag was super heavy but I knew this was a very valuable opportunity and after hearing the talk I was invested in the idea of self publishing. 

The Tour

Then we got to have the grand tour! This was a real highlight. Our tour guide referred to it as the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory equivalent for Book lovers and he wasn’t wrong.

It was fascinating watching the machines churning out pages on printers that were bigger than me.  The ink cartridge was basically a massive barrel.  Huge rolls of paper were loaded into the machine and they fed into the printer, coming out on a roll full of print.  The pages were folded and chopped and moved along a conveyor belt to the next part of the production process. Another machine printed the covers to the specification requested. They then entered a machine where pages were bound and matched with the correct cover. The books continued on their conveyor belt until they reached a machine which trimmed the cover to size and sorted the books for distribution.  Massive mail bags that would rival Santa’s sacks were bursting as they awaited collection. 

Afterwards

We made the most of getting to meet up and Nicola (local to the area) took us to a beautiful pub for a drink. The sun was streaming and we kicked back and talked about writing. There is nothing better than being surrounded by like minded creatives who understand your crazy imagination. We took full advantage of the opportunity to connect on a more personal level offline.

I loved hanging out with them so much, I definitely want to meet up again. There have been whispering of another WIW meet at London Book Fair!  I just have to figure out childcare and travel etc.

My thoughts…

Seeing the books made, filled me with excitement.  My inner voice kept squealing, “That could be your book one day!”  I wish I could show you pictures or videos of the factory but they made me sign an NDA.  Seeing it come to life made me eager to get my manuscript ready for print so my ink and paper creation can go for a ride on their conveyor belt.

If you ever get the opportunity to go on their tour, do it.  If you are thinking about self publishing, definitely consider Ingram Spark. 

If you enjoyed this post you would like:

Why I love World Indie Warriors

What to do after you finished your novel

Why I love YALC

Felixstowe Book Festival and My White Knight

Click my Link Tree to discover more ways to follow me

@Redfae

 

Ally Aldridge Tips, Writing

Useful hashtags for writers (part 7) – Seasons

If you want to read part 6, click here.

Seasonal Hashtags

If you are still struggling for ideas on what to post then use the seasons as inspiration.

Colder months

During the colder months you can post pictures of books with candles, blankets and hot drinks. Post pictures of writing indoors with a hot drink.

You can post pictures using harvest as inspiration in autumn including root vegetables or fiery and golden leaves.

Leading up to Christmas recommend bookish and writer gift ideas. Use Christmas decorations in flat lays.

#winter #winterreads #snowday #bookishcandles #evergreen #allwrappedup #booksandblankets #snowflakes #snowangels #icicles #uptosnowgood #sweaterweather #snowhappens #winterwonderland #letitsnow #snowmuchfun #winterwonderland #fallingforwinter #morejacketsplease #tistheseason #minttobe #doyouwanttobuildasnowman #sleighallday #snowflakekisses #frostymornings #moremugsandhugs #babyitscoldoutside #hellowinter #snowplacelikehome #staycozy #wakemeupwhenitssummer #keepcalmandsnuggleon #itsasnowday #snowlife #coldweather #winteradventures #winterweekend #butfirsthotcoffee #frostyfriday #winterfun #gotsnow

#autumn #autumnequniox #fallvibes #blusteryday #hellofall #fallsosoon #unbeleafablefall #goodbyesummer #cuddleseason #fallfoliage #pumpkinpatchseason #pumpkins #pumpkintime #leafkicker #iloveautumn #fallforyou #fallingforyou #newleaf #loveleafs #bundleup #whatthefall #autumnsky #autumnevening #youautumnlovethis #leafingsummerbehind #instaautumn #beautifulnature #beautifulautumn #orangeleaves #herefortheleaves #dropitlikeitsfall #bootsaremadeforwalking

Warmer months

During the warmer months you can post pictures of reading or writing outside, perhaps a book by a pool with a cool drink like a cocktail. In flat lays you could decorate with fresh fruit and fresh flowers.

With spring there is new life. Get out to farms to see newborn animals, meadows to see wildflowers.

Recommend books to take on holiday. Attend book festivals – check out my calendar.

#spring #springshowers #springreads #springequniox #springflowers #instaspring #saltairsandinhair #girlsjustwannahavesun #beachplease #sunsout #seathebeauty #lettheseasetyoufree #seastheday #letsgotothebeach #betteratthebeach #sunglassesselfie #beachvibes #hangingwithmybeaches #instabeach #forshore #sunrisetosunset #restingbeachface #whaleyoubemine #whaleofatime #letsgetnautical #keeppalmcarryon #hightidesgoodvibes #wateryoudoing #springtime #tropiclikeitshot #happinesscomesinwaves #wavehello #seayounextwave #namastayatthebeach #youmesea #sunshineinmypocket #swimsuitselfie #mermaidtime #sandytoessunkissednose

#summer #summerreads #holidayreads #writingoutside #readingoutside #beachreads #summerdays #summertime #endlesssummer #summerfeeling #summermood #summersunsets #youhadmeataloha #summertimefun #sunshine #summerselfie #summergoals #dontworrybeachhappy #thosesummernights #thatsummerfeeling #flipflopseason #sandleseason #paradisefound #flipflopfeet #mermaidforeachother #mermaidlife #mermaidhair #mermaidhairdontcare #poolselfie #sunkissed #summerdaze #sandsunsummer #ilovesummer #hellosummer

This is the end of my hashtag series.  I shall create a post with the collection all together to make them easy to find.  

In the meantime, you would love:

Day 18 – Sunshine

Sun protection

The Beast From the East

The Best Children’s Books for Christmas

Click My Link Tree To Connect On Social Media
Click My Link Tree
To Connect On Social Media
Click My Link Tree To Connect On Social Media
Click My Link Tree
To Connect On Social Media
Ally Aldridge Books, Competition, Fiction, Goals, Novel, Writing

Write 50k words in 30 days

Are you doing NaNo? NaNoWriMo in November is the big annual challenge to write 50k words in just 30 days.

I’ve done it a few times before but never won but that doesn’t deter me. My feeling is that as long as I take part, I am still making progress towards my goal. If you want to be buddies on NaNo, I am Redfae (add me and when I log on, I’ll add you back).

The Project

I’ve spent most of September and October plotting Diamond in the Sky ready for NaNoWriMo. I’ve been plotting using Save the Cat. I still have some work to do to develop my B Story characters but I think I am ready enough for 1 November.

Diamond in the Sky is a spin off novel from Jewel of the Sea, following Kya’s life spiral out of control after getting dumped.

Get involved

Writing can be a rather solitary experience but together with some other members of World Indie Warriors, we shall be hosting live write-ins.

I shall be doing lives every Monday in November at 9pm on Instagram. These will be a chance to chat about how our writing projects are going and get motivated for the week ahead. Even if you aren’t doing NaNo, feel free to join in the chats and cheer everyone on.

On Monday, 21 October, I did my first ever Instagram live with Jodie Groom. I was really nervous so she offered to join me online as a test run to figure things out before November and support me.

To see the live from last Monday you will need to be a member of World Indie Warriors Closed Facebook Group. It’s easy to join. Just click the join button on Facebook.

If Monday’s aren’t for you then you’ll be hyped to hear there will be other write-ins during the week. Check out the schedule to discover other days and times to join WIW online.  Some members will be doing adhoc write-ins.

 

If you have enjoyed this post you may also like:

Reflecting on Camp NaNo July 2019

Book Review: Save the Cat – Writes a Novel

Tips On Naming Your Characters

Why I Love World Indie Warriors

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Ally Aldridge Tips, Writing

Useful hashtags for writers (Part 6) – Month

If you would like to read part 5, please click here.

This was the most time consuming post in the series to write because sometimes dates change. I have selected those I felt would most interest writers.

Use the list as a reference but search to find out more about these special dates to check when they are running and how to get involved.

January

#januarygoals #goalsetting #goals #goalsetter #goalgetter #goaldigger #youcan #writergoals #writinggoals #annualgoals #muchtodo #januaryreads #readinggoals

#thankgoditsmondayday (first Monday of the year)

#internationalcreativitymonth

#nationalmentoringmonth

1. #happynewyear #newyearnewme #januaryfirst

2. #sciencefictionday #sfday

3. #jrrtolkienday

6. #cuddleupday #curlupwithabook

14. #nationalcleanyourdeskday

17. #gettoknowyourcustomersday

18. #theasarusday #nationaltheasurusday

23. #nationalhandwritingday

31. #inspireyourheartwithartday

February

#takeyourchildtothelibrary #librarylover (first Saturday in February)

1. #getup #nationalgetupday

1. #worldreadaloudday #readaloudday #readaloud

11. #dontcryoverspilledmilkday

14. #valentinesday #happyvalentinesday #valentine

15. #singlesawarenessday #single

17. #randomactsofkindnessday

20. #nationalloveyourpetday

26. #tellafairytaleday #tellafairytale #tellatale

March

#campnanoprep #campnanoprepApril #campnanoprepApril2019

#marchtodo

#borrowedbooks #returnborrowedbooksweek #returningbooks #ebooks #readanebookweek

4. #natonalgrammarday #grammarday

5. #worldbookday

11. #nationalworshipoftoolsday

14. #nationalwriteyourstoryday #writeyourstoryday

17. #stpatrickday

21. #worldpoetryday

30. #nationalpencilday

31. #nationalcrayonday

April

#nationallibarymonth #libraryloversmonth #schoollibarymonth

#nationallibraryweek (7-13 each year there’s a new theme) #libraryweek , #nationallibraryworkersday (Tuesday of library week) , #nationalbookmobileday & #supportteenliterature (Both on Thursday of library week). According to Wikipedia.

#nationallibraryday #nationalbooklibraryday #celebrateteenliteratureday

#childrensbookweek #childrensbookday

NaPoWriMo

#napowrimo #instapoems #poetrymonth #poemsforapril #nationalpoetrymonth

CampNaNoWriMo

#campnano #nanoapril #campnano2019 #campnanoapril2019 #campnanogoals #campnanoprogress #nanocabin #cabinmates #nanocabinmates #nanobuddies

1. #aprilfoolsday

2. #internationalchildrensbookday

4. #nationalschoollibrarianday #schoollibrarianday #schoollibraryday

5. #flashdriveday

5. #worldbookday

16. #wearyourpyjamastoworkday

17. #gettoknowyourcustomersday

27. #nationaltellastoryday #tellastoryday #tellastory

27. #independentbookstoreday

28. #nationalsuperheroesday #superheroes

28. #greatpoetryreadingday

May

#mermay

#audiobookappreciationmonth

#getcaughtreadingmonth

#readingisfunweek (12 – 18)

2. #harrypotterday

30. #nationalcreativityday

June

#campnanoprep #campnanoprepJuly #campnanoprepJuly2019

#lgbtbookmonth

1. #saysomethingniceday

3. #nationalrepeatday

6. #nationaleyewearday

10. #ballpointpenday

11. #makinglifebeautifulday

12. #nationallovingday

15. #smilepowerday

16. #nationalfathersday

18. #nationalsplurgeday

21. #nationalselfieday

21. #summerbegins #summersolstice #longestday

30. #socialmediaday

July

CampNaNoWriMo

#campnano #nanojuly #campnano2019 #campnanojuly2019 #campnanogoals #campnanoprogress #nanocabin #cabinmates #nanocabinmates #nanobuddies

#paperbackbookday

August

#happinesshappensmonth #romanceawarenessmonth

1. #worldwidewebday #wwwday

2. #colouringbookday #nationalcolouringbookday

5. #worklikeadogday

9. #bookloversday #booklovers

10. #vloggingday #vlogging #vlog #vlogger

10. #loveyourbookshopday

14. #calligraphyday

18. #badpoetryday

21. #poetsday

31. #welovememoirsday

September

#librarycardsignupmonth

#bannedbooksweek (last week of September)

6. #readabookday

8. #literacyday #internationalliteracyday

13. #positivethinkingday

13. #roalddahl #roalddahlmonth #roalddahlday

15. #internationaldotday

22. #hobbitday #lotr

22. #deardiaryday

24. #punctuationday

25. #comicbookday #nationalcomicbookday

30. #internationalpodcastday

October

#nationalbookmonth

#teentober (previously #teenreadweek)

#wrimoprep #nanoprep

#libariesweek2019 #libariesweek (7-12 Oct) #libarydayuk #nationallibariesweek

Link to all Library Days in Europe and Library Week UK Org

6. #madhatterday

10. #worldmentalhealthday #wmhd #mentallyaware #mentalawareness

16. #nationaldictionaryday #dictionaryday

20. #nationaldayofwriting #dayofwriting

31. #halloween #samhain

November

#nationalmemoirwritingmonth

#picturebookmonth

#nationalfamilyliteracymonth #nationalfamilyliteracy

NaNoWriMo

#nationalnovelwritingmonth #nano #nanowrimo #nanowrimo2019 #nanogoals #nanowrimogoals #nanoprogress #nanowrimoprogress #nanowinner #nanowrimowinner #wrimo

#nationalnonfictionday (first Thursday)

#blackfriday #blackfridaydeals

#smallbusinesssaturday #nationalsmallbusinesssaturday #smallbizsaturday #shopsmall

#cybermonday #nationalcybermonday

1. #allsaintsday

1. #nationalauthorsday

2. #dayofthedead

3. #nationalbookloversday #bookloversday #nationalbookloverday #bookloverday

5. #guyfawkesnight #guyfawkes #bonfirenight #guyfawkesday #gunpowderday #happybonfirenight #nationalgunpowderday #fireworks #bonfire #fireworkdisplay

15. #ilovetowriteday

December

#readanewbookmonth

#christmasholidays #happyholidays #uglychristmasjumper #uglychristmassweater #christmasdecorations #christmasdecor #christmasstyle #christmasfashion #christmasshopping #latenightshopping #christmasparty #christmasdinner #christmastime #christmastree #underthemistletoe #mistletoekisses #christmasreads #festivereads #jolly #presents #gifts #picoftheday #santa #fatherchristmas #saintnicholas

21. #celebrateshortfictionday

21. #firstdayofwinter #wintersolstice #shortestdayoftheyear

21. #crosswordpuzzleday

24. #christmaseve

25. #christmas #christmasmorning #christmasday #xmas

26. #boxingday #thankyounoteday

31. #newyearseve #nye

There is one more post in this series to come…

If you enjoyed this post, you will like:

More than 10 Extravagant Ultimate Gifts for writers

More than 10 Affordable Ultimate Gifts for writers

Goals for the year ahead – 2019

Reflecting on Camp NaNo July 2019

Click My Link Tree To Connect On Social Media
Click My Link Tree
To Connect On Social Media
Ally Aldridge Writing

NaNoWriMo Preparations

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” Sudden Death by Rita Mae Brown

50k words in 30 days!

I’ve never achieved it.  If that makes me insane to keep trying then I will happily own it.  I believe all writers are a little crazy.  Who wouldn’t be with the powers of creation at their fingertips.

I also refuse to give up on my dream.  Even if I don’t make 50k in 30 days, I will still have made progress on my project.  I call it tenacity rather than insanity.  I’m forever hopeful.  My hope won’t allow me to give up.

Doing things differently

Okay, perhaps, I’m not doing things exactly the same as before.  I do try to learn from my mistakes.  Every year, I decide I will plot and plan in October but often cram in any preparation in the last week, day or not at all, like some terrible exam I forgot about.

This year, I started preparing in September!

Together with my trusty plotting partner, Save The Cat, I managed to figure out all the beats from start to finish.  I have some characters I need to flesh out a bit – they don’t even have names yet!  But, I am feeling much more prepared for this than ever before.

My project!

For NaNoWriMo 2019, I am going to work on finishing Diamond in the Sky.

diamond-in-the-sky-cover-and-blurb

The blurb (above) and cover needs a little work as it says nothing about the theme of the novel.  The theme is about learning to love yourself and not needing validation from others.  Kya starts off feeling obliged to do things her friends tell her she should be doing, she feels like she needs a boyfriend to be attractive. Over the course of a few paranormal events, deaths and more than one romance, Kya discovers herself.  Well, that’s my goal.

Wish me luck…

If you would like to follow my progress on NaNo and be buddies, you can add me.  My username is Redfae and you can read my stories on Wattpad.

Going Live

In addition, tonight, Monday, 21 October 2019 at 9pm (GMT), I will be going live on Instagram.  Please join me. 

I’ll be chatting with Jodie Groom about what World Indie Warriors will be doing for NaNoWriMo, such as live write-ins and how we can all support each other.  I’m a little nervous as I’ve never done anything like this before.  

If you enjoyed this, you will enjoy:

Reflecting on Camp NaNo July 2019

Book Review: Save the Cat – Writes a Novel

Tips on naming your character

NaNo Progress Diary (the end) – NaNoWriMo 2018

Click my Link Tree to discover more ways to follow me

@Redfae

 

Click My Link Tree To Connect On Social Media
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