In Monday’s post, I said that something wonderful was about to happen, at least for me. Well, it happened… today.
I had a little message from WordPress congratulating me on my 500th follower! That’s a big deal for me. When I started this blog just over two years ago, I had no idea what to write about, or if anyone would even be interested.
I posted my first blog post on 19th December 2012… it got no likes or comments at all until last year! Since then, I’m happy to say things have picked up a little. My most popular blog post since I started is still Hy-Brasil | Mysterious Lost Island of Irish Mythology.
But the best thing about blogging is getting to know all of you! Many of you take the time not only to read my posts, but to like, Tweet and comment on them, and the conversations we have via blog comments, on my posts and yours, are what keeps me blogging.
So I’d just like to say a big THANK YOU for all that you do, and for being part of this little community here on Aliisaacstoryteller. And just for you, here is a short story I wrote recently called ‘Letting Go’, a mythological paranormal fantasy combo set on Lough Ramor, where I often walk with Indi, for you to download to your laptop or Ereader. As WordPress does not currently support the attachment of Epubs or Mobi’s, please email me if you would prefer a different format.
Happy Reading and Happy Blogging, everyone! Oh, and this was my first attempt at creating my own book cover, so please be kind lol!
Even in such a short story, your amazing talent as a story-teller shines through. Well-done, Ali. Beautiful and evocative. Not a word out of place. I wish someday to be half the writer you are 🙂
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Thank you Nick! 😁
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Hi Ali, I was too eager to get at least one of your books and besides, I thought there were more than three, so I didn’t wait for your reply re recommendation. I just purchased the kindle book on short love stories, and I bought your Book 1 in paperback format. Looking forward to reading them. By the way, I was remiss earlier in forgetting to congratulate you on reaching 500 followers–kudos!
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Oh sweet music to an author’s ears! You were eager to read my book! How kind you are Zoe, a real Cook Cat! Thank you very much! I sincerely hope I dont disappoint… oh, the pressure!!! 😊
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Ali…this is Emily, Zoe’s human. I just read Letting Go and have to tell you: I was spellbound throughout! I had the chills and they reached epic proportions when The Lady told her the price she had to pay. I am getting the shivers again right now, just writing this. Your writing style is wonderful, I love it! So many good phrases, so much of your language really spoke to me, that it’s hard to pick a favorite. Very talented author, my friend. And now? Now my “to be read” pile is about to get bigger as I go purchase something else you’ve written. Knowing how much I love Letting Go, do you have one you’d recommend as a first read? Thank you again!
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Reblogged this on The Life & Times of Zoe the Fabulous Feline and commented:
Hey Ali, first I love the book cover! Very pretty and it would seem to go with the genre. Thank YOU for the free story! I’m downloading it now and look forward to reading it. I may even share it with my human, Emily. Speaking that name reminds me…are’t you the writer doing a story about a cat named Zoe adopted by a girl named Emily? You know we are dying to read that!!
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I am that person indeed! But it was an aside to my third novel, and I have since decided to incorporate it into the novel as one of the sub-plots running through it So a bit of a longer wait, I’m afraid. Thank you for the compliments, hope you enjoy the story! 🐱
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And thank you so much for re-blogging!
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Ah, thanks so much for the gift. Can’t wait to read it.
And congratulations on the achievement. I’ve been blogging for a year and I still feel like I’m a newbee. The example of expereince bloggers like you it’s always enlightening. I’m learing something every day.
Keep up the good job 🙂
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Thank you! Hope you enjoy the story! I’ve been blogging just over 2 years and I STILL feel very much a newbie lol! I have just followed you so now you have another follower! And I look forward to spending more time reading your blog! All I can say is that I have found it hard work but slso enjoyable and rewarding too. Good luck!
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Thanks so much for the follow 🙂
It is hard work, but as you say, it’s very rewarding. And I do enjoy it a lot, or I would have quitted by now.
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Congratulations on the new follows! That’s awesome! And I can’t wait to read your story when I’m done blogging tonight.:)
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Thanks Rachel! Its been a hard slog, but I love that my followers are so interactive and leave so many comments, it makes my day!
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Happy followversary, Ali! And that was a very nice cover on a very nice story – thank you 😀
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Thanks Tara! It was quite fun to do, although I made a lot of mistakes. Dont think I’ll be taking it up as my day job though…
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congrats 🙂 well deserved. Cant wait to read this story, have downloaded and popped it in my ibooks 😀 so glad we met 😀
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Aw what a lovely thing to say! I feel the same! 😊
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CONGRATULATIONS ALI 😀
PLUS – Great story AND cover – Well Done 😀
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Thanks your Royal Furriness! Glad you liked it… them! I don’t think I’ll be making many covers, though, but I just wanted to have a go!
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And quite right to do so Ali – it can be fun (in between the hair-pulling frustration times lol) 😀
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Yes… I’ve got a few new bald patches lol!
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😀 😀 😀
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Congratulations Ali. That is a huge achievement. Rae.
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Thanks Rae! I am amazed and delighted and grateful! 😁
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Congratulations, Ali!:)
Loved the story… heartaching, but beautiful x
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Thanks Sue! 😁
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Congratulations Ali. 500 followers is great.You won’t notice them creep up on you now and you’ll double that before you know it. We expect cake from you then though.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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I do make a rather good chocolate fudge cake David, even if I do say so myself! 😀 thanks and huge hugs to you!
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Wow, congratulations, Ali!!! 🙂 So glad to have met you on your blog, too. I always love what you have to say, and most importantly, becoming friends. Oddly or not so oddly enough, I found your blog last year while looking something up about a dream. I have never thought that was coincidental. I can’t remember if I told you that before. Anyway fantastic blogging milestone, and I’ll be reading that short story as soon as I have more than a very small moment. 🙂 Maith thú!
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I remember that you came across me by accident but I didnt know it was because of a dream! What was the dream about? How intriguing! Dreams sent by the Sidhe are rarely random. If you feel it wasnt coincidental, then I trust that it wasnt. My life has been enriched by getting to know you Éilis, and you’ve opened my eyes to a lot of things about life… and after. Xxx
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Thank you, Ali, I am very moved by your words. I feel the same. 🙂 The dream was actually about a kind of global organization of people interested in mythology, but more interested in getting to know the people behind the stories than about studying the stories (or roleplaying/reenacting like sometimes happens.) People were meeting regionally and there were a lot of workshops, one of which I was leading, about my ancient kin, of course. Anyway in the dream I came home from the workshop and went onto the group webpage, so when I woke up I googled to see if anything like that exists. It doesn’t, of course. 🙂 But your blog was one of the first cites that showed up in the search. I remember thinking after reading the first post of yours I came across, I’ve found a kindred spirit. 🙂 I felt the dream was sent to connect us, sorry if that sounds fate-ish, lol.
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Dont be sorry, I love that idea! I also love the idea of getting to know the people behind the stories, I’d like that too. Plus its great to know that my blog showed up near the top of your search, too, lol! 😁
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Yeah, it sure did, Ali! You have already met some of the people behind the stories, you know. 🙂
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Congratulations, that’s quite a milestone!
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Thank you! 😁
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Congratulatons! That’s a great milestone.
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Thank you! 😀
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Congratulations! Good for you! Now, to reach 1,000!
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Lol! Wait a minute… I’m still celebrating the 500! Thank you!
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Wow, awesome. You said you were trying some darker stuff. This one is a degree or two darker. I like it. Thanks for sharing it.
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Thank you! Glad you liked it. Wait till you read Conor 3. He’s on a real downer… dont know how anything good’s gonna come out of it! 😀
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I’m sure it will be awesome.
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Thanks for your vote of confidence. We’ll see…
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Oh, and before I forget, I like your cover too.
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Lmao! Well its not great but better than I expected. Sidhe dont usually have elf ears, and actually shes a bit too young and pretty, but I liked the pic. I was just playing around really, I’ve made maps and trailers, why not have a go at covers?
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You’re multi talented. I’m not so much, but do what I can.
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No I’m not! Thats the first time anyone has said that to me! Lol! Thanks! But I’ll have a go at most things…
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I’ve tried and failed at many artistic endeavors. Writing seems to be my best fit.
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Absolutely! I’d defo agree with you, you have a great talent. But I’ve never seen any of your artwork so couldnt comment on it. But I do know that you make great sourdough bread, and look how you nurtured Tituba…
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I’m in the process of putting Tituba away today. She didn’t make the blog. I decided to dry her out in a cold oven to keep the bugs away.
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Poor Tituba! They just wouldnt leave her alone! Well, she can enjoy her hibernation, and save herself for another day.
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True. I kept a bit out in case I feel like one more loaf this weekend.
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You must! Wish I could try a bit. Do you think it tastes different because you’ve kept her going so long?
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I’m not so sure. People like the idea of having an ancient starter, but I’m not sure the end result is any better. I think it’s the ingredients and experience that helps more than how old the starter is.
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I’ll take your word for it. I wonder whats the longest time anyones kept one going for? If I dont reply to your next comment its because I’ve fallen asleep…
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Sweet dreams.
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Well done! 🙂
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