Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Contemporary, Diary, Fantasy, Fiction, Goal setting, Goals, Historical, My Books, NaNoWriMo, New Moon, Romance, The Soul Heart Series, Writing, Young Adult

NaNoWriMo Project

My NaNoWriMo Project

New Moon (working title)

This project is set in the same low fantasy world of The Soul Heart Series. In fact, for readers of Ocean Heart they may recognise the main character, Denny.

This story is a prequel. It’s set in the 90s, back when Denny was a teen herself. It will cover how she became friends with Gwyn, started her Sparkle Cake business, and the highs and lows as a new mum.

Preparation

I feel more prepared now I have created a title, cover, and blurb. Of course these are all just a work in progress, so could change but it helps me feel more focused.

I’ve started writing an outline. I intended for this to be a novella but I already have a sneaky suspicion this could become a full length novel.

I’ve also made a spreadsheet to help me track my word count. If this works successfully, I will look at making a version available to my followers on Ko-Fi.

The Goal

I’m going to aim for the big Five-O (50,000 words). If I don’t make it, I will still have made progress, but if I do, it’d make me so happy.

I’ve been struggling with motivation because Sky Heart is on hold until I can afford the professional services I need to move it forward. I’ve also been bummed out with all the germs (sick kids) ruining September, and fracturing my ankle ruining October.

I really want to get back into the habit of writing again. My ultimate goal for November is this: To write!

Are you doing NaNoWriMo? What’s your project, goal, and how do you prepare?

[kofi]

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About Ocean Heart

About Sky Heart

About Work In Progress

About Ko-Fi

Ally Aldridge Age, Behind The Book, Contemporary, Fantasy, My Books, Ocean Heart, Publishing, Romance, The Soul Heart Series, Writing, Young Adult

Book format and buying options…

Buy it!

There are tons of ways to own your very own copy of Ocean Heart. Check out my webpage About Ocean Heart for full details, but here are a few:

Some of these links are affiliate links. Please visit my about Affiliate Links page for more details.

Signed Copy

You can buy a signed copy of Ocean Heart from Ko-Fi, and there are two options:

Personalised & Hand Signed

This is limited to the UK due to postage costs. First, I order the book, sign it, and then send to you. If you’d like a personalised message for you or someone special, I can do this.

This was the method used for the first 20 copies of Ocean Heart bought during my book signing event at Stillwater Books.

Now, you can get a hand signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Personalise & Digitally Signed

This is limited to countries with an Ingram printing facility. I will design a personalised page for you, that will be added to the book when printed. Ingram then will send out directly to you (saving on international postage costs/emissions).

Currently there is only one copy of Ocean Heart like this that I gifted to a TikToker.

Now, you can get a digitally signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Paperback

Bookshop.org

I recently blogged a ton of reasons to shop with Bookshop.org but the main one is to support your local independent bookshop.

Amazon

Amazon encourages shoppers to leave product reviews, helping consumers to make more informed decisions.

If you are not UK/US, try this universal link to find Ocean Heart at your local Zon: http://getbook.at/OceanHeart

eBook

Smashwords

The great thing about Smashwords is you can buy your eBook and choose the format, enabling you to read on whatever device is your favourite. In addition your eBook is saved to your Smashwords library, so you keep it forever.

Amazon

Kindle is one of the most popular eReaders both as a tablet and app.

If Smashwords and Amazon aren’t your thing, you can get Ocean Heart from many other popular eBook stores. Click this link to discover more eBook buying options: https://books2read.com/OceanHeart

[kofi]

If you have enjoyed this, you’ll like:

About Ocean Heart

A Little Trip to the Library

Ocean Heart was free on Google Play

Happy MerMay 2021

Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Contemporary, Fantasy, Library, My Books, Ocean Heart, The Soul Heart Series, Uncategorized, Young Adult

A little trip to the library…

If you know me, you’ll know I’m very naughty when it comes to returning books. In addition, I lose books! And, my youngest destroys books. Library fines are common.

But, during the pandemic my fines got to a point where they barred my account! ?

I was a bit scared & embarrassed to go into the library to pay my fines. But, as always, the local librarians were lovely. We sorted it out and I can borrow books again.

Ocean Heart never at the library…

When I released Ocean Heart last year, I approached my local library to recommend they stock a copy. And, they did!

It felt too good to be true. So, I searched using Suffolk County Libraries app to check it was really there. It was, but out on loan, with another Suffolk library!

A few weeks later, I checked to see if it was back. It had returned to Felixstowe but was on the Reserved Shelf.

When I paid my fines, I asked what the Reserved Shelf meant. It meant someone had requested it! My book is in demand! And, it had already been collected! ?

I must say I’m relieved. I love my library and would hate them to waste money on an unwanted book. As a new author building my audience, I worried I might be too unknown. I feared nobody would be interested in Ocean Heart. It makes me so happy to see it’s always checked out.

If you want to borrow the paperback, you’ll need to reserve it. It is in their collection, but there’s a queue. ?

For students of Felixstowe Academy, there are a few copies available from their school library.

Ocean Heart on Overdrive App

Overdrive is an eBook app used by libraries. You can search for Ocean Heart and request a copy to read. I don’t think they’ve ordered the eBook yet but all you have to do is ask.

If you love reading eBooks, supporting your library, and supporting authors, get this app and start enjoying a vast range of eBooks for FREE using your library card.

Ocean Heart ISBNs

It’s easy to find my book searching by title or my name, but to be certain you found the right copy, use the ISBN.

Ocean Heart ISBN, paperback 978-1-8382084-0-0, eBook 978-1-8382084-1-7

Paperback or eBook?

There you have it, Ocean Heart is available for you to read for free using your library card. If it’s not currently stocked by your local library, just ask them to order it in.

More About Ocean Heart

Buy Ocean Heart

Below are some affiliate links for buying Ocean Heart. You can learn more about these on my Affilate Disclosure Page.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1092737?ref=Redfae

[kofi]

Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Review, Romance, Young Adult

Book Review: Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee

I don’t think I would have bought this book if I hadn’t won the book merchandise, because I’m not into music. I’m so glad I did because I couldn’t put this back. It was the perfect summer read!

Setting

It’s set in modern times in America. The MC and her family moved to the town for a fresh start following an incident that ruined her brother’s football career.

Characters

Joy is the main character. She always puts her brother’s needs before her own as she feels responsible for what happened. She loves to sing but puts off her own dreams to keep everyone else happy.

Her best friend is the beautiful Lena. And, her other best friend Cale asks her to fake date him, so he can get closer to Lena who he is crushing on. He’s not the only one, as Joy’s brother is into Lena too. But. Lena has her eyes fixed firmly on her incredibly charming neighbour Jin.

Joy lets Jin in on the plan. As they work together to set Lena & Cale up, everything gets complicated.

Review

I loved this book so much more than I thought I would. Piper is an expert at story telling, I felt sticky in watermelon juice, and every heartache.

A fake dating plan rarely delivers the desired results for the parties involved, but this one surprised me as it wasn’t what I initially thought. It was better.

The characters are all well developed with their own motives, needs, and growth. Together they pushed the story towards a very satisfying ending.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Below are some affiliate links. Visit my Affiliate Disclosure Page to learn more about these.

[kofi]

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Behind the Book: Stuck on Vacation with Ryan Rupert

Behind the Book: Out of my League by Sarah Sutton

Book Review: The Practice Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin

Romance Tropes

Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Contemporary, Dystopia, Fantasy, Future, Period, Review, Romance, Young Adult

Reading Challenge: The Mirror Souls by Julia Scott

About the challenge

The challenge was set by World Indie Warriors on Instagram. They created three #WIWBingo boards; YA, Romance, and Fantasy.

The aim is to read and review the books on Instagram and tag @worldindiewarriors

The goal is to get three in a line, and help indie books get seen.

I’m doing the challenge. I’ve already read some of the books on the board so I’ll be reposting them this month, and I’m hoping to read some new one too.

The Book Review

Here is my post of my old review for The Mirror Souls by Julia Scott. I shortened it for social media.

[kofi]

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The Benefits of Having a Formatter

Book Review: Red Blood by Kaitlyn Legaspi

What to Watch if you love Super Powers

Are you starving your creativity?

Below are some affiliate links. Please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page to learn more.

Ally Aldridge Books, Fantasy, Future, Review, Super Powers, Young Adult

Reading Challenge: Red Blood by Kaitlyn Legaspi

About the challenge

The challenge was set by World Indie Warriors on Instagram. They created three #WIWBingo boards; YA, Romance, and Fantasy.

The aim is to read and review the books on Instagram and tag @worldindiewarriors

The goal is to get three in a line, and help indie books get seen.

I’m doing the challenge. I’ve already read some of the books on the board so I’ll be reposting them this month, and I’m hoping to read some new one too.

The Book Review

Here is my post of my old review for Red Blood by Kaitlyn Legaspi. I shortened it for social media.

[Kofi]

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Book Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Book Review: The Rookery by Deborah Hewitt

Behind the Book: Chasing Sunrise by Emily Mah

What to watch if you love super powers

Below are some affiliate links. To learn more about these please visit my Affiliate Disclosure Page.

Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Contemporary, Fantasy, Review, Romance, Young Adult

Reading Challenge: Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron

About the challenge

The challenge was set by World Indie Warriors on Instagram. They created three #WIWBingo boards; YA, Romance, and Fantasy.

The aim is to read and review the books on Instagram and tag @worldindiewarriors

The goal is to get three in a line, and help indie books get seen.

I’m doing the challenge. I’ve already read some of the books on the board so I’ll be reposting them this month, and I’m hoping to read some new one too.

The Book Review

Here is my post of my old review for Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron. I shortened it for social media.

If you enjoyed this you will like:

Behind the Book: Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron

Behind the Book: Sam’s Story by Nicola Hebron

Behind the Book: Chasing Sunrise by Emily Mah

Book Review: Red Blood – Card Holders by Kaitlyn Legaspi

[kofi]

Below are some affiliate links. To learn more about these, please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Contemporary, Fantasy, Review, Romance, Young Adult

Reading Challenge: Sorceress of Truth by J.D. Groom

About the challenge

The challenge was set by World Indie Warriors on Instagram. They created three #WIWBingo boards; YA, Romance, and Fantasy.

The aim is to read and review the books on Instagram and tag @worldindiewarriors

The goal is to get three in a line, and help indie books get seen.

I’m doing the challenge. I’ve already read some of the books on the board so I’ll be reposting them this month, and I’m hoping to read some new one too.

The Book Review

Here is my post of my old review for Sorceress of Truth by J.D. Groom. I shortened it for social media.

[kofi]

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WIW Summer Reading Challenge

Behind the Book: Sorceress of Truth by J.D. Groom

Book Review: Envy by J.D. Groom

We Went Live For Indie Author Week

Below are some affiliate links. Check out my Affiliate Disclosure page for more info.

Ally Aldridge Books, Dystopia, Fantasy, Review, Romance, Super Powers, Young Adult

Book Review: Mirror Souls by Julia Scott

I downloaded this book onto my Kindle app ages ago, and forgot about it. But, the World Indie Warriors Summer Reading Challenge reminded me to read it.

I follow Julia on social media and she is my formatter. She’s also the newest member of the Unstoppable Authors Podcast Team.

Setting

The books is set in the future with three different alien races. Well, one race is Gaians which is basically human, from Gaia aka Earth.

Avalons look human but are superior and rule the Gaians. They have access to tech that enable them to teleport and monitor everything the Gaians do.

The Midorians are another alien race at war with the Avalons. They live out in space on massive ships.

Main Character

The main character is Alana. She’s Giana and best friends with an Avalon, Gen. Alana is a rebel and breaks rules like curfew and crosses boundaries to be with her BFF.

Alana is dreading shift day when her & her family could be moved as she likes where they are. She’s also almost eighteen, an age where she’ll be give her profession. As she gets older, there’s more talk of her being coupled.

Review

I liked Alana. She’s a daring character and a rebel. The story is about her finding her Mirror Soul. It’s like a soul mate that awakens powers.

The Avalons don’t allow Mirror Souls and Alana is breaking rules to discover and be with hers, putting everyone she loves in danger.

It’s a fast paced adventure as they travel all over the world looking for somewhere safe to be together. Instead, they unravel a load of secrets, as embark on a mission to rescue Alana’s family.

I’m not a fan of aliens. space or travelling, and this book was up against that. But, the fast pace and action kept me turning the page as I unravelled secrets with Alana.

[kofi]

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Book Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Book Review: Red Blood Card Holders by Kaitlyn Legaspi

The Benefits of Having a Formatter

My “To Be Read” Pile (March 2020)

Below are some affiliate links. You can discover more about these on my Affiliate Disclosure page.

Ally Aldridge Age, Review, Suspense, Young Adult

Reading Challenge: Brave New Girl by Grace Herbst

About the challenge

The challenge was set by World Indie Warriors on Instagram. They created three #WIWBingo boards; YA, Romance, and Fantasy.

The aim is to read and review the books on Instagram and tag @worldindiewarriors

The goal is to get three in a line, and help indie books get seen.

I’m doing the challenge. I’ve already read some of the books on the board so I’ll be reposting them this month, and I’m hoping to read some new one too.

The Book Review

Here is my post of my old review for Brave New Girl by Grace Herbst. I shortened it for social media.

If you enjoyed this you will like:

Full original review of Brave New Girl by Grace Herbst

Summer Reading Challenge

Romance Tropes – Which are your favourite?

Going Live for Indie Author Week

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Below are some affiliate links. Visit my Affiliate Disclosure page to learn more.