Ally Aldridge Blogging, Goal setting, Goals, Novel, Personal, Tips, Writing

Goals: Progress Since September 2019

Here is an update on how I have progressed towards the goals I set in September 2019 (towards achieving my annual goals set in January).

2019 Goals - Dec Review

Social Media

Blog (Word Press):  To continue to post at least twice a week keeping to my content schedule as much as possible. 

I am so proud of myself for keeping up with this goal.  Even during NaNoWriMo I managed to post twice a week.  

Instagram:  To maintain the new connections I have made and continue to engage with them and share content about my writing.

My posts have slowed down but I am still posting regularly.  Recently my post have been every two days.    

Twitter:  Continue to share links to my content on Twitter and connect with writers on the platform.

I took part in #RevPit and was one of the winners.  I keep meaning to write a blog post about it.  Basically, winners get to email their first 5 pages and query letter to an editor.  The editor then tweets about the ten submissions they have with advice on how to improve – this advice is useful to all writers so worth following the hashtag.  The next day, winners get an email to let them know which tweets were about their work.  

I did Boost My Bio for Pitch Wars then forgot to enter the main competition for a mentor – OMG I was so cross with myself (serious understatement).  It had been a busy weekend with two book festivals!

Facebook page:  To brainstorm how I can use this to connect with more writers.

I haven’t done anything new to my page but it is getting more traffic.  I have also been active on World Indie Warriros Facebook page.  I did my first Live via their page.  Then during NaNoWriMo, I did three live write-ins and I’ve hosted a midweek chat in December.

YouTube: To be brave and get in front of the camera and start sharing video content.  

I’m not sure I understand the change in terms for YouTube videos so I’ve not pushed myself to do this but I am super proud of myself for getting in front of the camera (see Facebook above).  

Tumblr: Share Instagram and Word Press content to this platform.

This happens all the time as my other sites are set up to automatically share there.

Newsletter

I sent out my second newsletter at the end of October.  This also included a full guide on using Hashtags on Instagram.  My next newsletter is due out at the end of December.  Click here to sign up.  

Writing

Jewel of the sea (formerly Drift)

Enter into the Wattys.  Put novel out to Beta Readers.  Take part in September’s #PitMad.  Work on my query letter.  

I entered Wattys but wasn’t a winner.  I also entered Wattpairs Mentorship Challenge on Wattpad but wasn’t chosen to be a mentee.  My Beta Readers went quiet…  I didn’t let these things halt my progress towards my dream. 

At the end of December it will be 10 years that I have been chasing traditional publishing.  I have decided it is time to be brave and self publish.  With my birthday money I have booked an editor and taken that first step towards making it happen.

Diamond in the sky (formerly Glide)

Re-plot novel, edit existing version and write ending.

I edited the first few chapters and updated Diamond in the Sky on Wattpad. I then used Save the Cat to plot and develop the remaining chapters.  Then during November, I worked on this novel for NaNoWriMo.  I managed to write a further 45k words, bringing the book up to 60k words.  There is still more to be written but I am so pleased with my progress and I know how it end now.  

Red Dresses

#NewYearNewNovel start a new novel for 2019

This is the new novel I started in April this year.  I plotted out the first few chapters and wrote the first 15k words to see how I got on.  I really enjoyed this novel.  I envision it being a steamy new adult romance.  I definitely plan to return to this project at a later date.  

Tinsel Tiger (picture book)

Research publishers and Literary Agents and pitch events to consider querying.  Consider whether to commission an artist to do the images and then self publish.  

I haven’t had any time to make any further progress on this project so it has taken a back seat.   

Other

In October, I volunteered to write the World Indie Warriors brochure, ready for December. 

I planned to have the brochure completed by the end of October so it would not distract me during NaNoWriMo.  It turned out to be really hard to get all the details required from all the creatives involved.  

During November, there was still missing information I was chasing.  I set aside Sundays to make time to get it finished and I managed to get everything by 1 December 2019.  

It was my first time creating a brochure and it was a steep learning curve but I really enjoyed doing it.  I wish I could do something like this everyday for a living.  You can view the World Indie Warriors brochure here.  

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Have you got some last Christmas gifts to buy or fancy treating yourself? Be sure to check out @worldindiewarriors brochure of products and books by indie creatives. ? And keep an eye out for my blog post, this Monday, on how you can get involved. ? #indiecreative #indiecreator #shopsmall #supportcreatives #smallbusiness #indieproducer #indieauthor #indieauthorsofinstagram #selfpublish #bookmarketing #bookbloggers #influencer #bookpromotion #bookish #bookgifts #giftideasforbooklovers #bookworm #bookdragon #bookreviews #worldindiewarriors #artistsoninstagram #writersofinstagram #poetsofinstagram #creatorsandinnovators #creatorsoninstagram #bookshopsofinstagram #indiebookstore #independentartist #worldindiewarriors

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Writing Course/Writing Festivals

Attend writing festivals

I got to attend The Ingram Sparks Print Facility Tour which was part of the Milton Keyne’s literary festival #MKLitFest.

I also attended WoW Con which is an online Literary Festival run by Write Mentor.  I also paid for a one-to-one via Skype with a Literary Agent.  I intended to write a blog post about it but just haven’t had the time.  

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I had an incredible day yesterday. I travelled to Milton Keynes for #mklitfest to attend the Ingram Sparks factory tour. ? @ingramsparkbooks was described perfectly by one of our tour guides as The Willy Wonka factory equivalent for book lovers. It was like magic seeing the massive machines producing books. ? I got lots of samples and information on using their print services. Of course I was delighted to get a notebook in each colour. ? A massive highlight was meeting some of my @worldindiewarriors friends. ? #miltonkeynes #ingramsparks #printondemand #selfpublishing #worldindiewarriors #wiw #indieauthor #indieauthors #indie #indieauthorsofinstagram #indieauthorsofig #indieauthorsofinsta #indiecreatives #fellowcreatives #indiewriter #indiesareworthit #notebooks #stationery #bookmaking #Notebook #notebookaddict #writingtip #writerstip #writingtips #writerstips #supportauthors #supportingauthors #authorssupportingauthors #bookstagram

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Personal

Personal

Crafts

Make time at least once a week: Planner:  continue to use Carpe Diem planner; Pocket letter:  write another pocket letter; Scrapbook:  Do at least one page; Crochet:  Finish Aria’s blanket for her birthday.

I haven’t found anytime for crafts. I haven’t been using my planner, written any letters or created any cards.  I haven’t added to my scrapbook or finished Aria’s blanket.  

I did attend the Festive Planner Meet in Felixstowe.  I can’t even begin to express how amazing it was to spend time with these girls doing crafts for a few hours.  It had made me feel motivated to do more crafty things in 2020.  

For Christmas, I have brought brown paper and festive stamps to decorate it with.  That counts as a craft, right?

Read at least four and a half books by the end of September (annual goal 6 books)

I’ve exceed this goal and read a total of 11 books.  I will be sharing a post in early 2020 with a collection of all the book reviews posted in 2019.  

I have also read The Practice Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin (review  scheduled for January 2020) and Crown of Conspiracy by Kara S Weaver (review scheduled for February 2020) and Trust Me by Maddie James (review scheduled for March 2020).  

I have also signed up to Net Galley to be able to review new releases.  I will write a review on how I get on with the site and I’ll post about any books that I manage to read (time is always my biggest challenge).

Development

Development

Writer courses:  Continue to take advantage of any free courses that come my way if I have the time to do these. 

I desperately want to enrol on Page Malcolm’s courses, especially her author academy, but it is beyond what I can afford.  I keep missing her live videos as they are when I am asleep but I always try to catch the replay as the content is valuable.  

I am also incredibly lucky that Willow Editing has given me access to her self-publishing course to beta test it.  I started it at the end of October but then had to stop due to NaNoWriMo.  I intend to make good use of this during December.  She is so friendly in the videos she actually gets me excited about editing which is you knew how much I hate editing then you’d understand how awesome she is.  

Resource book:  Buy another writing help book.  I am considering the Emotion Thesaurus.

I haven’t ordered any resource book but my wish list has got longer.  lol!

What’s next

I am really pleased with what I have achieved this year and I’m feeling positive that 2020 is going to be even better.  I am actively pursuing self-publishing and I love being part of World Indie Warriors.  

How did your goals go this year?  Are you feeling positive about 2020?

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:

My Books

#BoostMyBio for Pitch Wars 2019

How was NaNoWriMo 2019

I got to tour Ingram Spark’s print facility

Why I Love World Indie Warriors

To discover more ways to connect, click my link tree.

@Redfae

 

 

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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

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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

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Ally Aldridge Writing

Useful hashtags for writers (part 5) – Days of the Week

If you want to check out part 4, click here.

Sometimes when I’m not sure what to post I find these daily themes useful.

Monday

#mondaymotivation #mondaymadness #mondaymuse #mondayoff #manicuremonday #manicmonday #musicmonday #mancrushmonday #mustreadmonday #mermaidmonday #mermaidmondays

Tuesday

#tuesdaytip #tuesdaytruth #transformationtuesday #tuesdayshoesday #goodnewstues #takemebacktuesday #tastytuesday

Wednesday

#waybackwednesday #woofwednesday #wednesdaywisdom #wednesdayworkout #wednesdaywriting #wednesdaywords #wednesdaygrind #wellnesswednesday #winitwednesday #womancrushwednesday

Thursday

#throwbackthursday #tbt #thursdaythoughts #thursdaytruth #thursdaygrind #thankfulthursday #thoughtfulthursday #thankgoditsthursday #tgit

Friday

#followfriday #ff #fridayface #fridayoff #fridayfun #fridayreads #flashbackfriday #fbf #fictionfriday #featurefriday #factfriday #freebiefriday #flashfictionfriday #thankgoditsfriday #tgif

Saturday

#caturday #saturdaysnippets #saturdaylove #saturdaystyle #saturdayswag #saturdayshoutout #ss

Sunday

#socksunday #sundayread #spotlightsunday #selfiesunday #weekendvibes #sundaybrunch #shoutoutsunday #selfpromotesunday #sundayshelfie #shelfiesunday

There is still two more hashtag posts in this series to come…

In the meantime, please enjoy:

Why I love YALC

Felixstowe Book Festival and My White Knight

Planner Meet

Aria’s Alice in Wonderland themed First Birthday

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Useful hashtags for writers (part 4) – Interests

If you would like to read part 3, click here.

Here is a collection of other useful hashtags that are popular with writers.

General Writing Challenge hashtags

You could take part in challenges for writers like Nano and post progress updates on IG or do a photo prompt challenge and add any of these tags that are relevant.

#writerschallenge #writingchallenge #writingprompt #poetrychallenge #writingprompts #writingchallenge

Writers/Authors Supporting Each Other

These are great tags for when your post is aiming to help others.

#writingtip #writerstip #writingtips #writerstips

#writerssupport #supportingpoets #supportauthors #supportwriters #supportwritersandauthors #supportingauthors #authorssupportingauthors

#featurepoem #featuredpoet #featuredauthor #featuredwriter #authorspotlight

Tags for writers/authors that blog

If you are a writer that also blogs here are some general tags for you although you will also want to add some that are specific to the content you’ve created.

#Blogging #blog #blogger #bloggingforfun #writersblog #bloggingcommunity #bloggingsecrets #bloggingUK #BlogAnniversary #NewPostUp #amBlogging #BloggerofIG #blogginggoals #bloggoals #bloggingtip #bloggingyourway #Wordpress #WordPressBlog #WordPressBlogger #BloggingItUp #BloggingIsFun #blogaboutwriting #wwwblogs

Tags for writers that use Planners

I know many writers are stationery addicts and can’t resist a planner. If you are sharing your planner, here are some general tags although you may also wish to add tags relating to the type of planner you are using too.

#planner #plannersgonnaplan #lovetoplan #goalsetter #goaldigger #bigplans #schedule #myschedule

#plannergirl #plannergirls #craftyladdies

#plannermeet #plannermeetup

#plannertips #plannertipsandtricks #plannerinspiration #planneraccessories #plannerstickers #stickerfanatic #plannersupplies #planneraddict #planneraddicts #plannerdecoration #stickeraddict

Tags for writers that read and review books

I only discovered recently how important reviews are especially for indie books. If you can find the time, write a review, share it on IG and everywhere else to help it get discovered.

When tagging you may also want to tag the picture with the books genre, where you bought it and what media it is. See part 2 for bibliophile tags or part 3 for genre tags.

#Book #Kindle #kobo #ereader #books #audiobooks #ebook #ebooks

#tbr #toberead #tbrwishlist

#reading #amreading #readingnook #readinginunusualplaces #epicreads

#yalovin #iloveya #yabookstagram #youngadultbook #instabookstagram

#indiebookshop #indiebookstore #bookshop #bookstore #bookshelves #shelfie #amazon #waterstones #bookhaul

#library #librarylove #loveofreading #borrowedbooks #booksonloan

#bookreview #bookblogger #bookblog #goodreads

#bookstagramer #childrensbookstagram #yabookstagram

This is not the end of the series, there is more to come!

In the meantime, you should check out:

Two year blogging anniversary!

My new Carpe Diem planner

Handwrite to boost creativity

Book Review: Red Queen

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Ally Aldridge Goal setting, Goals, Personal, Writing

My plans for the fourth quarter

You may have caught my previous post where I reflected on my progress so far this year towards my annual goal. As we enter into Autumn, I am evaluating where I am at and setting myself some new goals for the next quarter.

Social Media

Blog (Word Press):  I have enough post ideas to post twice a week but my new plan is to plan posts a month ahead and if I only have enough for one post a week, I’ll be happy.

Instagram:  Continue engaging with my new connections.  October, I am taking part in a photo prompt challenge and will be aiming to post once a day.  However in August, I trialled three posts a week and this was easy to maintain.  I think this is something I will be moving towards.

Twitter:  I still share content to Twitter and get involved in Twitter events but it isn’t my main social platform.  I’ll continue in this manner.

Facebook page:  Currently, this is not my main focus. I share content here. I think when I publish, I will use this platform for giveaways and live chats, etc.  

YouTube: It’s not only plucking up the courage to go infront of the camera but also to find the time and correct conditions (not exhausted or surrounded by kids).  Until my life calms down, this is being shelved. 

Tumblr: Share Instagram and Word Press content to this platform.

Writing

Jewel of the Sea:  Use feedback from Beta’s to improve novel.  Complete Willow Editing’s course and use what I learn to improve Jewel of the Sea.  Whilst saving for an editor, find out more about self publishing.  Query agents that show an interest.

Diamond in the Sky: Re-plot novel, edit existing version and write ending.  There’s a lot to write so I will be working on this for NaNoWriMo.

Tinsel Tiger: Research Literary Agents/Publishers of picture books and consider querying.

Personal

Read six or more books:  I’ve hit my goal of six books but I will continue to read more.

Self care:  Sadly, I’ve neglected myself. I think I would love to have a spa day, get my nails done, get my eye lashes done, maybe use a face mask.  Surely this can be achieve within the next three months.  

Development

Willow Editing:  I am so lucky that Willow Editing has given me access to her editing course.  I really struggle with editing as I’m not confident in my use of English Language and the more I think ‘is that right?’ the more I second guess myself.  

Resource book:  During the last quarter, my goal was to buy another resource and I failed.  So, this time I will set:  Buy two resource books on writing!

What are your goals?

I shall review these again at the end of December.  I often feel like I haven’t achieved much until I acknowledge what I have managed to do.  Will you be setting any goals?

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy:

My plans for the third quarter

#BoostMyBio for Pitch Wars 2019

Book Review: Save the Cat – Writes a Novel

My Books

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Ally Aldridge Writing

Useful hashtags for writers (part 3) – Manuscript

To read part 2, click here.

For today’s part of the series the hashtags will focus on your work in progress.

Tags for your work in progress

Your followers want to see your process, they want to be there for your ups and downs. They want to know what you are up to.

#writing #amwriting #amwritingfiction #writerswrite #writewritewrite

#themestated #midpoint #startingpoint #act1 #act2 #act3 #act4 #storybeats #ending #theend #exposition #incitingincident #climax #pointofnoreturn #plottwist #catalyst #debate #falsedefeat #falsevictory #allislost #finale

#editing #amediting #selfediting

#plotting #pantser #research #researching #snowflakemethod #stc #savethecat #theheroesjourney #bookendmethod

#writersblock #writersproblems #creativeblock #perfectionistblock #impostersyndrome #selfdoubt #innercritique #scenetrouble

#charactergoals #loveinterest #antagonist #mc #maincharacter #characterarc #characterdevelopment #likeablecharacters

#betareaders #arc #advancedreadercopy #critiquepartner

#amquerying #querying #novelpitching #synopsiswriting

#workinprogress #writingproject #writingtime #writinganovel #writingabook #manuscript

#wordcount #wordgoals #writergoals

Tags for sharing your writing

#excerpt #storysnippet #storysnippets #teaser #blurb #pitch #novelexcerpt

Also, check out #storysnippetssaturday where each week @jjotisauthor @bridieblake @amandalyncreek @rynthewriter and @sondaewrites host a weekly prompt to encourage everyone to share a snippet from their work in progress.

View this post on Instagram

I almost forgot to post my #storysnippetsaturday . Today’s prompt was #scenetrouble . This is a snippet from a scene I have found challenging to write. ?✍️ I find any scene where Kya is in her crow form difficult, especially flying. As this is a first draft I’m focussed on getting the story out but I know when I come to edit these scenes will need some serious sprucing up. ?✍️ #writing #amwriting #amwritingfiction #writerswrite #writewritewrite #plotting #savethecat #writersproblems #workinprogress #writingproject #writinganovel #writingabook #manuscript #excerpt #storysnippet #storysnippets #novelexcerpt #novelist
#urbanfantasyauthorcommunity 
#writingfiction #novel #series #spinoff #sequel 
#modernfantssy #yafiction #contemporaryfantasy #yafantasy

A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae) on

Writing by genre

When publishing you have to pin point your novel to a specific genre so bookshops know where to put it on the shelf but when you are tagging you can put every genre that applies to your novel.

Think about your target audience too – what age is the intended audience. Think about the length of your story too. Think about the setting and time period.

In that regard, this list is endless but here are a few examples get to get you started.

#novelist

#urbanfantasyauthorcommunity

#fiction #nonfiction #genrefiction #biography #memoir #novel #novella #shortstory #anthology #flashfiction #series #spinoff #prequel #sequel #saga

#ya #yafiction #newadult #childrensfiction #adultfiction #middlegrade

#romance #romancefiction #yaromance #romcom #paranormalromance #historicalromance #erotica #contemporaryromance #slowburn #swoonworthy #lgbt #secondchances

#fantasy #contemporaryfantasy #urbanfantasy #highfantasy #yafantasy #mythandmagic #magicalrealism #darkfantasy #mythology #fairytaleretelling #superheroes #vampirestory #werewolfstory #mermaidstory #magic #sciencefiction #modernfantasy #urbanfantasy #fables #fairytales #swordandsorcery

#action #adventure #spyfiction #espionage #girlswithguns #militaryfiction #warstory

#dystopianfiction #utopianfiction #spaceopera #steampunk #historialfiction #futuristicfiction #western #wildwildwest

#zombiestory #postapocolyptic #postapocolypticworld #alieninvasion #ai #robots

#horror #ghoststory #slasher

#comedy #darkcomedy #romanticcomedy #talltale #parody #blackcomedy #satire

#crime #drama #thriller #suspense #courtroomdrama #mystery #detectivestory #whodunnit #gangster #juvenille #murdermystery #cosymystery #psychologicalthriller #crimethriller

#drama #comedydrama #horrordrama #medicaldrama #historicalperioddrama #crimedrama #romanticdrama #teendrama

#picturebooks #pb #boardbooks #graphicnovel #comic

#childrensfiction #kidslit #earlyreader #chapterbook #firstchapterbook

#bookofpoetry #instapoetry #poetryisnotdead #poetrybook #poetry #instagrampoetry #poemsofinstagram

#selfhelp #resourcebook #reciepebook #helpbook #textbook

Personal Writers/Authors Hashtags

#writerslife #writerslifeforme #authorslife #redheadwriter #womenwritingfiction #aspiringwriter #aspiringauthor

#writingspace #writingden #writersdesk #writingoutside #writingoutandabout #writersretreat #writersworld

If you are posting a picture of yourself then use: #me #selfie

Tags for writers tools

#music #playlist #booksoundtrack #storysoundtrack #youtube

#Stationery #pen #pencil #highlighter #handwriting #handwritten

#planner #notebooks #stationery #bulletjournal #bookmaking #stationeryaddict #stationeryaddicts #stationeryaddict

#Notebook #notebookaddict #pentopaper #bulletjournal #bujo #discbound

#computer #pc #laptop #tablet #keyboardwarrior

There are more hashtags to come so make sure you are following this series.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:

What is your genre?

Book Review: Save the Cat – Writes a Novel

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 29, 30 and 31

Writing Tools — Ally Aldridge

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Ally Aldridge Blogging, Goal setting, Goals, Novel, Personal, Tips, Writing

Goals: Progress Since June 2019

Here is an update on how I have progressed towards the goals I set in March 2019 (towards achieving my annual goals set in January).

Social Media

Blog (Word Press):  To continue to post at least twice a week keeping to my content schedule as much as possible. 

This has been happening even though it has been challenging to find time since returning to work.  With my hashtag series, I’ve got quite a few posts already scheduled so I should be able to post twice a week for a little while still.

Instagram:  To maintain the new connections I have made and continue to engage with them and share content about my writing.

This has definitely happened and I there are some writers that stand out to me as we have been chatting off Instagram (I even met three of them in person).

On Instagram, I took part in the #WIWJulyChallenge by @worldindiewarriors.  I have continued to post for the #StorySnippetsSaturday challenge and I took part in their week long #WritingJourneyChallenge in August by the same hosts.  For September, I have been doing the #aestheticWIPup photo challenge (I’ll share my highlights soon).  

I got to create the October Instagram photo challenge #WIWOctober for @worldindiewarriors , so I need to post daily for that – eek. 

Twitter:  Continue to share links to my content on Twitter and connect with writers on the platform.

Twitter is a platform I’ve neglected as Instagram has taken precedent and I tend to only use it for events.  On Twitter, I took part in #SFFpit September,  #PitMad September.  I am also taking part in #PitchWars.  

Facebook page:  To brainstorm how I can use this to connect with more writers.

I haven’t really done this.

YouTube: To be brave and get in front of the camera and start sharing video content.  

I just don’t have the opportunity to create videos. With an ambitious, mischievous, one year old that rarely naps, I think I will have to put this goal on hold until she moves out.  

Tumblr: Share Instagram and Word Press content to this platform.

This happens all the time. 

Other?

I managed to send out my first ever newsletter (sign up here).

Writing

Jewel of the sea (formerly Drift)

  • Edit: Enter into the Wattys.  Put novel out to Beta Readers.  Take part in September’s #PitMad.  Work on my query letter. 

I’ve attended a few pitch events and got some requests. As a result, I had to work on my query letter (which I am rubbish at) and send to the interested parties.

I didn’t put my novel on Beta Readers but I did email it to some writer friends to read for me. I’m saving up for an editor and I think once I finish the next edit, I’ll try out the Beta Readers site.

I entered Wattys 2019 and as I write this post I don’t yet know the results. They are released today! Wish me luck.

Diamond in the sky (formerly Glide)

  • Finish & edit:  Diamond in the Sky has been on hold but work on this is possible to start in July or August but I plan to give myself a little break.

I went back to the drawing board. I’ve got a new notebook and I’m exploring all the characters – even the side ones – to make them more real. I’ve also been use Save the Cat to work out the plot and beats as I’m struggling with how to put the pieces together towards Act 3 and 4. I know what I want to happen and can see certain scenes in my head but I need to put it together. The aestheticWIPup challenge this month has really helped me discover where the gaps are.

Tinsel Tiger (picture book)

  • EXTRA: I needed a picture book to enter a competition.  I decided to edit a poem I had written into a picture book format and submitted it. I also pitched it during #PitMad.

I have pitched my picture book a few times but not had any interest. Is it the pitch or the story? I don’t know.

I have thought about researching agents and querying them. I love the story but I’ve not written a picture book before so perhaps I’m doing it wrong.

I’ve also thought about another poem I wrote that I think could be edited into a fun picture book.

Writing Course/Writing Festivals

  • Third Quarter: Attend writing festivals

I’ve attended a few Literary Festivals over the summer and they’ve been a wealth of information.  Granted these weren’t free to attend but I made the most of what I got for my money:

  • Felixstowe Book Festival – Felixstowe
  • YALC Book Festival – London
  • MKLit Festival (blog post coming soon) – Milton Keynes
  • Wow-Con (blog post coming soon) – online

Personal

Working Together Course:  Finish this course.

I’ve got a certificate and everything. *happy dance*

Crafts: Make time at least once a week:

  • Planner:  continue to use Carpe Diem planner
  • Pocket letter:  write another pocket letter
  • Scrapbook:  Do at least one page
  • Crochet:  Finish Aria’s blanket for her birthday

Over the summer crafts has taken a nose dive. I did take Noah to a local craft cafe to do some activities but the challenge is Aria.

This week she removed a painting from the wall, took the leg off a table and climbed up a chest of drawer to throw pens at us. If you restrain her (car seat, cot or a high chair), she just screams. Until Aria is more easy going, she needs someone to play with her so I can help Noah do crafts or even his homework.

In the evenings, I’ve been focused on reading/writing and it’s left no time for anything else. The local craft cafe also do evening activities for grown ups so once Aria is better at night, I’m going to a scrapbook evening.

Read at least four and a half books by the end of September (annual goal 6 books):

I’ve smashed this. I’ve finished my annual reading goal. This summer I have read Envy, The Deepest Blue (book reviews of the last two are coming).

I bought lots of books at YALC. I’ve also been sent some books by authors for me to review and I’ve borrowed books from the library. I’ve got ebooks on my Kindle. I’ve even got sample books and guide books from Ingram Spark. I’ve got more books than time!

I’ve almost finished You Stole My Heart, Do I have To Take Your Name and I’m reading The Lost Prince on loan from the library and got The Cruel Prince waiting on my Kindle.

That’s enough about my goals, did you achieve yours? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoyed this post, you will like:

 

 


Development

  • Writer courses:  Continue to take advantage of any free courses that come my way if I have the time to do these. 

These have mainly been the workshops at the book festivals, etc.  However, a friend on Instagram recently sent me access to her self editing course for me to review which I am eager to take a look at as editing is one of my major struggles.

  • Resource book:  Buy another writing help book.  I am considering the Emotion Thesaurus.

I downloaded a sample on my Kindle but haven’t looked at it yet.  The other day someone posted on Instagram a picture of a book they are using for plotting and it looked awesome and now I want that one too.  And, I’ve been toying with buying the Writers and Artists Yearbook but can’t decide if I need the children’s one or adults…

What’s next

I’m going to evaluate how I am doing and set some new goals for the next quarter.  

Let me know how you are progressing towards your goals and whether you check in on yourself too?

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:

Goals: Progress Since March 2019

Felixstowe Book Festival – How to connect with local writers?

Why I love YALC

Book Review: Save the Cat, Writes a Novel

 

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

Useful hashtags for writers (part 2) – writing communities

To read part 1, please click here.

For part 2, I am going to share tags for more general communities that are not hosted by anyone.

General writing community

#writer #writers #writerofig #writersofig #writerofinstagram #writersofinstagram #instagramwriter #instagramwriters #igwriter #igwriters #writingcommunityofinstagram #fellowwriters #writersofinsta #writerscommunity #writingcommunity

General author community

#author #authors #authorscommunity #authorschallenge #authorsofig #instagramauthors #authorsofinstagram #igauthor #igauthors #aspiringauthor #aspiringauthor #authorsofinstagram #authorcommunityofinstagram #authorslifeforme #fellowauthors #authorcommunity #authornetwork #authorsonig #authorsofinsta

General indie author community

#indieauthor #indieauthors #indie #indieauthorsofinstagram #indieauthorsofig #indieauthorsofinsta #indiecreatives #fellowcreatives #indiewriter #indiesareworthit

General poets community

#instapoet #poetsofinsta #poetsofig #poetsofinstagram #poetrycommunity #poetsandwriters #igpoets

General bibliophile community

#bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagramer #newbookstagramer #bookworm #bookdragon #booklover #bookish #abookaday

There are more bookish hashtags coming but they have been listed under other categories such as genres and book bloggers.

If you find these useful, please stay tuned for the rest of the series coming every Thursday.

In the meantime, you will enjoy:

I did #FebWritersChallenge

April, I featured poets – what’s next?

Me being featured!

Book Review: Duet Rubato

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

Useful hashtags for writers (part 1) – writing groups

If you’ve been following my blog you may have noticed that this year I’ve been really enjoying Instagram. I recently achieve 3,000 followers and I created next months #WIWOctober photo prompt for @worldindiewarriors.

My idea for this post was to share my personal collection of hashtags but as I started writing it I realised it was getting too long! So, I have broken it down into a series of posts.

I am going to start off with tags associated with writing communities I have connected with via Instagram.

Tags for writing communities

There are lots of people looking to connect on Instagram. Here are some of my favourites and tags associates with them:

World Indie Warriors

This is a great group for any creative or indie looking to collaborate and make meaningful connections. This supportive group share tips, resources and support each other’s growth.

Follow @worldindiewarriors and join their group on Facebook. Use hashtags: #wiw #worldindiewarriors

Founder @michelleraabwrites also encourages the use of the hashtags #readersheart #everyonehasastory

Hustling Writers Community

This group is aimed at anyone that aspires to be an author but has to juggle writing alongside other commitments making your dream the side hustle. There are people working full time, studying, parents, carers etc but they are all dedicated to squeezing writing in wherever they can.

Follow @midnightstarlightwrites and become part of her group on Facebook. Use the hashtag #hustlingwriterscommunity

Fellow Creative Minds

This is a networking group to connect creatives together. There is a good mix of artists, writers, musicians, etc. If you would like to meet fellow creatives follow @lizthewritingwiz and join her Fellow Creative Minds group on discord. Use the hashtag #fellowcreativeminds

Authors Challenge 2019

Follow @debratorreswrites and pm her to take part in her monthly challenge. She will add you to an IG chat group so you can get to know other authors taking part in the challenge.

Use the hashtag #authorschallenge2019 and post pictures for the daily picture prompt.

Tags for Wattpad

One of the most popular online platforms for sharing writing is Wattpad so it is no surprise that people are posting to IG about it. You don’t have to follow @wattpad but it is a great way to stay up-to-date regarding the platform.

If you are a Wattpader (reader/writer) here are some tags you may find useful.

#wattpad #wattpadstories #wattpadwriter #wattpadquotes #wattpadmemes #wattpader #watpaders #wattpadbook #wattpadcover #wattpadstory #wattpadauthor #wattpadlove #wattpadislove #wattpadlife #wattpadnovel #wattpadreader #wattpadbookclub #wattpadaddict #wattpadlover #wattpadlovers #wattpadteenfiction #wattys #wattpadrecomendation

If you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for the rest in the series.

In the meantime, you will also like:

Instagram For Writers — Ally Aldridge

Why I Love World Indie Warriors

A Group For Writers with a Side Hustle

I did #JanWritersChallenge