Aurelia Fray's Blog
July 6, 2019
Love it or Hate it?
I can't believe how polarized the reviews are for this book. So many of my readers can't get beyond Cassy's behaviour in chapter 2...So much so that they dnf! It's been called unbelievable and horrific. AND I LOVE IT because they are not wrong. The relationship between the MC and her bestie is TOXIC, but like most girls who don't value themselves, our girl lets it slide. Until she doesn't...
This is real...and I mean REAL. Based on real-life events and fictionalized for your pleasure SOMEBODY TO LOVE is the love story of a guy who needs to wise-up and a girl who needs to see her true worth. <3 Read it if you dare...
Will you love it or hate it? smarturl.it/rachelloveshenry
Somebody to Love by Aurelia Fray
A romance with a dash of reality thrown in.
A story not for the faint of heart.
This is real...and I mean REAL. Based on real-life events and fictionalized for your pleasure SOMEBODY TO LOVE is the love story of a guy who needs to wise-up and a girl who needs to see her true worth. <3 Read it if you dare...
Will you love it or hate it? smarturl.it/rachelloveshenry
Somebody to Love by Aurelia Fray
A romance with a dash of reality thrown in.
A story not for the faint of heart.
April 2, 2019
Freebie Today!
Smarturl.it/MoreTeaVicar
#TeaAndATale #HotShortReads
Only he could turn a good girl bad...
18+ readers. Free today only.
#TeaAndATale #HotShortReads
Only he could turn a good girl bad...
18+ readers. Free today only.
August 21, 2018
How to know if your BFF is #clAssy
If you've seen me throwing out promo like the Pied Piper threw out wicked-flute-beats, then you'll know I've just released Somebody To Love; a hot, new, chick lit, romantic comedy, laugh-a-second, read. (Shameless self-promo, I know.)
What you might not know is there's a character everyone loves to hate who is based on real types of people. The #clAssy. And yeah, I meant to write it like that.
My character Cassy from the book is one Class Act B#%ch - like the worst - and is BFFs with my main girl, Rachel. Cassy is one of those friends, the one who pretends to love you but slaps you down if you look like you're better than her in any way. The 'are you sure you want to wear that?' 'Oh that color looks so cute with your gerbil cheeks.''Oh don't ask [insert your name here] she has no idea about [insert topic of interest here].'
Yeah, you all know the one.
Now, I'd like to apologize to all the nice people named Cassy out there. This isn't about you or your name (lovely name BTW). I'm sure you are all wonderful, but my Cassy is a total asswipe and so any reference to clAssy is a reference to her specifically--or people like her.
So how do you know if your BFF is actually a clAssy?
If you recognize more than three traits from the following list, then you may be dealing with a clAssy. There are no hard and fast rules to deal with these snide, underhand, devils, but identifying them is the first step. You'll eventually be able to recognize their negging and come up with strategies to combat it, whilst keeping your self-worth intact...or, you know, you can walk the hell away from negativity and save yourself the effort. I'm not a psychologist, or a professional people-er of any sort really, but I do have personal experience of the clAssy. So please don't make any strange life decisions based on this post, but DO realize that you are special and important and NO ONE has the right to put you down to raise themselves up.
... Okay...okay...get to the goddamned list...I know. Here we go:
1. Compliments you in a way that you feel like you're being insulted all at the same time. (Oh Rach, it's so brave of you to wear a top that emphasizes your elephant boobs. I really admire the way you just don't give a damn about what people think.)
2. Apologizes to their other friends for your behavior when you haven't done anything/said anything. (Hey, this is Rachel, I'm so sorry if she says or does anything odd. She's a bit of a weirdo.)
3. Defends EVERYONE else over you. (That dog who peed up your leg...it was your fault for standing where you stood.)
4. Pretends to be on your side through thick and thin, but somehow knows ALL the negative gossip going around about you. Usually based on stuff that only she knew in the first place. (Seriously Rach, rise above it all. There are enough people out there talking crap about you without you beating yourself up too. I'm here for you babe...)
5. If a potential date gives you the flirt-eye, she'll crush your chances before he even makes a move. (Oh honey, he's laughing at you because you have food in your teeth. He's an a-hole.)
6. If a potential date is determined enough to make contact with you, she'll block it at all costs -- whether it's by putting you down in front of him and his friends or by physically sitting in his lap and breaking eye contact. (Yeah...this one was based on my clAssy)
7. Makes you feel like no one else in the world would understand you/put up with you because you are somehow damaged and she is the best thing that ever happened to you. (I swear, Rach, you're lucky I love you. This crap would drive anyone else away.)
8. Last but not least (because there are LOADS more things that I can't list or I'd be here forever) The instant you stand up for yourself, she suddenly labels you the bitch/ungrateful/mean/bully/snooty/ etc. She'll twist it all so that you look like the bad guy....sometimes though, she'll do this just to impress others. (Uh Rach, this friendship thing we have isn't going to work. My new boyfriend doesn't like you. I kind of told him that you were the one who acted like a tramp every time you went out and might have mentioned a few other things....oh I know that was ALL me, but he looked so disappointed when I was telling him the story, that I pinned it on you in case he dumped me. Now he thinks you're a bad influence and we have to quit our friendship....I kind of agree with him. You really are a bad influence...)
So there you have it. Cassy ... one Class-Act-B#%ch.
Want to know how far a clAssy will go? Grab your copy of Somebody To Love now. BUY NOW
What the Reviewers say:
“Aurelia Fray has done it again. She’s created a perfect harmony of humor, happiness, fear, sadness, wit, snark, disappointment, and redemption - and tied it all into one phenomenal read.”
~ 5 Star Amazon Reviewer
What you might not know is there's a character everyone loves to hate who is based on real types of people. The #clAssy. And yeah, I meant to write it like that.
My character Cassy from the book is one Class Act B#%ch - like the worst - and is BFFs with my main girl, Rachel. Cassy is one of those friends, the one who pretends to love you but slaps you down if you look like you're better than her in any way. The 'are you sure you want to wear that?' 'Oh that color looks so cute with your gerbil cheeks.''Oh don't ask [insert your name here] she has no idea about [insert topic of interest here].'
Yeah, you all know the one.
Now, I'd like to apologize to all the nice people named Cassy out there. This isn't about you or your name (lovely name BTW). I'm sure you are all wonderful, but my Cassy is a total asswipe and so any reference to clAssy is a reference to her specifically--or people like her.
So how do you know if your BFF is actually a clAssy?
If you recognize more than three traits from the following list, then you may be dealing with a clAssy. There are no hard and fast rules to deal with these snide, underhand, devils, but identifying them is the first step. You'll eventually be able to recognize their negging and come up with strategies to combat it, whilst keeping your self-worth intact...or, you know, you can walk the hell away from negativity and save yourself the effort. I'm not a psychologist, or a professional people-er of any sort really, but I do have personal experience of the clAssy. So please don't make any strange life decisions based on this post, but DO realize that you are special and important and NO ONE has the right to put you down to raise themselves up.
... Okay...okay...get to the goddamned list...I know. Here we go:
1. Compliments you in a way that you feel like you're being insulted all at the same time. (Oh Rach, it's so brave of you to wear a top that emphasizes your elephant boobs. I really admire the way you just don't give a damn about what people think.)
2. Apologizes to their other friends for your behavior when you haven't done anything/said anything. (Hey, this is Rachel, I'm so sorry if she says or does anything odd. She's a bit of a weirdo.)
3. Defends EVERYONE else over you. (That dog who peed up your leg...it was your fault for standing where you stood.)
4. Pretends to be on your side through thick and thin, but somehow knows ALL the negative gossip going around about you. Usually based on stuff that only she knew in the first place. (Seriously Rach, rise above it all. There are enough people out there talking crap about you without you beating yourself up too. I'm here for you babe...)
5. If a potential date gives you the flirt-eye, she'll crush your chances before he even makes a move. (Oh honey, he's laughing at you because you have food in your teeth. He's an a-hole.)
6. If a potential date is determined enough to make contact with you, she'll block it at all costs -- whether it's by putting you down in front of him and his friends or by physically sitting in his lap and breaking eye contact. (Yeah...this one was based on my clAssy)
7. Makes you feel like no one else in the world would understand you/put up with you because you are somehow damaged and she is the best thing that ever happened to you. (I swear, Rach, you're lucky I love you. This crap would drive anyone else away.)
8. Last but not least (because there are LOADS more things that I can't list or I'd be here forever) The instant you stand up for yourself, she suddenly labels you the bitch/ungrateful/mean/bully/snooty/ etc. She'll twist it all so that you look like the bad guy....sometimes though, she'll do this just to impress others. (Uh Rach, this friendship thing we have isn't going to work. My new boyfriend doesn't like you. I kind of told him that you were the one who acted like a tramp every time you went out and might have mentioned a few other things....oh I know that was ALL me, but he looked so disappointed when I was telling him the story, that I pinned it on you in case he dumped me. Now he thinks you're a bad influence and we have to quit our friendship....I kind of agree with him. You really are a bad influence...)
So there you have it. Cassy ... one Class-Act-B#%ch.
Want to know how far a clAssy will go? Grab your copy of Somebody To Love now. BUY NOW
What the Reviewers say:
“Aurelia Fray has done it again. She’s created a perfect harmony of humor, happiness, fear, sadness, wit, snark, disappointment, and redemption - and tied it all into one phenomenal read.”
~ 5 Star Amazon Reviewer
August 13, 2018
How to make an author's day
As you all know, Somebody to Love is my book baby. It might have been written as a dare between besties, it might have a grain more truth than fiction, and it certainly has WAY too much of me in it to be comfortable...but it's mine. And like all good things claimed by people, I love it to bits. So imagine my UTTER excitement when I see I have a new 5-star review from Reader's Favourite.
That's right. 5-stars. Oh and a shiny sticker for my books too.
What a way to start off a week? #Winning
In truth, I LOVE all my reviews whether they be one-star or five-star. They show me those wonderful readers took a chance on my words.
(Better still when they shout at me for making them spit their drink through their nostrils.)
So THANK YOU. You make it all worthwhile.
Not read it yet? What are you waiting for? All those reviewers can't be wrong! (and don't forget to leave your words when you're done. I read and appreciate them all.)
Fray xx
That's right. 5-stars. Oh and a shiny sticker for my books too.
What a way to start off a week? #Winning
In truth, I LOVE all my reviews whether they be one-star or five-star. They show me those wonderful readers took a chance on my words.
(Better still when they shout at me for making them spit their drink through their nostrils.)
So THANK YOU. You make it all worthwhile.
Not read it yet? What are you waiting for? All those reviewers can't be wrong! (and don't forget to leave your words when you're done. I read and appreciate them all.)
Fray xx
August 2, 2018
Review
Angelfall by Susan EeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Loved Penryn's drive to save her sister despite the odds.
View all my reviews
July 8, 2018
HUSK Live Serialisation
Not sure if I am being brave or stupid but I decided to try something out. I will be writing, editing and serialising my latest work in progress LIVE on WATTPAD over the next few weeks.
Husk is a story set over 24 hours and (for now) plays to the reverse Harem genre. (Yeah, you know me. I'm always testing myself to see if I can write in new genres. It's where half my short stories come from. )
Genre:
Thriller/Suspense/mystery/romance & home of Sass-mouth McSassypants.
Working Blurb:
First days at a new job are supposed to be hard, but not like this. Rock bands, managers, kidnapping, car theft (though that depends on who you're asking), seriously crappy attitudes, blackmail notes, threats, more kidnap, and one very very long day.
Hold onto your guitars, this is going to be the longest day of one girl's life.
Want to check it out or follow my progress?
https://www.wattpad.com/story/1467433...
Husk is a story set over 24 hours and (for now) plays to the reverse Harem genre. (Yeah, you know me. I'm always testing myself to see if I can write in new genres. It's where half my short stories come from. )
Genre:
Thriller/Suspense/mystery/romance & home of Sass-mouth McSassypants.
Working Blurb:
First days at a new job are supposed to be hard, but not like this. Rock bands, managers, kidnapping, car theft (though that depends on who you're asking), seriously crappy attitudes, blackmail notes, threats, more kidnap, and one very very long day.
Hold onto your guitars, this is going to be the longest day of one girl's life.
Want to check it out or follow my progress?
https://www.wattpad.com/story/1467433...
April 14, 2018
Reading & Researching a new genre
Voodoo Knights by Amanda RoseMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fun enjoyable read that hooks you and holds you to the last page. The characters are engaging and cheeky enough to make you laugh and feel like you are in the book with them. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
View all my reviews
March 29, 2018
Going LIVE
Today is the day that Somebody To Love Somebody to Love goes live.
It's been an exciting journey and a revealing one. I've experienced massive wins and some fails and found out that my beta crew, friends, and supporters are worth their weight in gold!
Getting this book out in the wild has been a year in the making and now it is finally in the public domain, I can't help but be both excited and nervous to hear reader's feedback.
My Beta's comments were hilarious. Snorting their drinks, sneaking to bathrooms for a little extra reading time, promising just one more chapter then steaming through to the last page. Then there were the shouty comments, the "whaaaats?" and "How dare she's" and "Fraaaayyyy!!!"
So I'm hopeful that Somebody To Love will be a really good giggle-worthy hit.
For anyone interested, it'll be on sale for Easter weekend only at 0.99cents/pence.
Smarturl.it/RachelLovesHenry
Fingers crossed.
Frayxoxo
#Rachelloveshenry #Smbdy2Luv #Don'tBeAcassy
It's been an exciting journey and a revealing one. I've experienced massive wins and some fails and found out that my beta crew, friends, and supporters are worth their weight in gold!
Getting this book out in the wild has been a year in the making and now it is finally in the public domain, I can't help but be both excited and nervous to hear reader's feedback.
My Beta's comments were hilarious. Snorting their drinks, sneaking to bathrooms for a little extra reading time, promising just one more chapter then steaming through to the last page. Then there were the shouty comments, the "whaaaats?" and "How dare she's" and "Fraaaayyyy!!!"
So I'm hopeful that Somebody To Love will be a really good giggle-worthy hit.
For anyone interested, it'll be on sale for Easter weekend only at 0.99cents/pence.
Smarturl.it/RachelLovesHenry
Fingers crossed.
Frayxoxo
#Rachelloveshenry #Smbdy2Luv #Don'tBeAcassy
February 27, 2018
Wake me up when the email comes...
Yes. It is true. We are over halfway on the kindle scout campaign.
How do I feel about it?
Honestly, I'm torn between pulling out my hair and fist pumping every time I see a supportive message or tweet. I know I said it before but ... SERIOUSLY... the not knowing is a killer.
What I do know is that I have the most amazing bunch of people wrapped around me. Friends, colleagues, writing buddies, readers, even my Pretty AF clients have been pulling out all the stops to help me spread the word. Seeing their encouragement and hearing them ask, "What can I do to help?" has made this campaign so worthwhile.
I've met new people and had the opportunity to help others too along the way. Voting for books I'd like to read on scout and hearing from those authors --many of whom are going through that same uncertainty -- is inspiring.
Whether or not I succeed with Scout, I already know I've won, because although I might not be super popular, or have a 20k+ following, I've learned who the good ones are throughout this experience.
That said, I have under 2 weeks to keep my nose to the grindstone and get Somebody to Love in front of potential nominators' faces. You can bet I'm going to give it my all as much as I might want to crawl under the covers and whisper, "Wake me up when the email comes..."
x Fray x
Want to read an extract of Somebody to Love and nominate it? CLICK HERE
Want to help?Here's some of the ways you can get involved: CLICK HERE
Want a chance to win a HUGE GIVEAWAY?
CLICK HERE
How do I feel about it?
Honestly, I'm torn between pulling out my hair and fist pumping every time I see a supportive message or tweet. I know I said it before but ... SERIOUSLY... the not knowing is a killer.
What I do know is that I have the most amazing bunch of people wrapped around me. Friends, colleagues, writing buddies, readers, even my Pretty AF clients have been pulling out all the stops to help me spread the word. Seeing their encouragement and hearing them ask, "What can I do to help?" has made this campaign so worthwhile.
I've met new people and had the opportunity to help others too along the way. Voting for books I'd like to read on scout and hearing from those authors --many of whom are going through that same uncertainty -- is inspiring.
Whether or not I succeed with Scout, I already know I've won, because although I might not be super popular, or have a 20k+ following, I've learned who the good ones are throughout this experience.
That said, I have under 2 weeks to keep my nose to the grindstone and get Somebody to Love in front of potential nominators' faces. You can bet I'm going to give it my all as much as I might want to crawl under the covers and whisper, "Wake me up when the email comes..."
x Fray x
Want to read an extract of Somebody to Love and nominate it? CLICK HERE
Want to help?Here's some of the ways you can get involved: CLICK HERE
Want a chance to win a HUGE GIVEAWAY?
CLICK HERE
February 16, 2018
Week One Down
So, my first week of Kindle Scouting is done and I'm not sure how I feel about it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm excited and upbeat. I'm hopeful and determined to do whatever I can to make the process successful. I've even had a few fist bump moments (when I hit over a thousand views in three days and my first hour spent on the hot and trending list, for starters). In the end, though, it's the uncertainty that gets you.
As a campaigner, you get a few stats so you can see how you are doing. These are updated once a day so you find yourself creeping in the back door every damn morning like a dirty-stop-out, with smudged lippy, and panda eyes. You raise your head just high enough to see if anyone noticed you were hanging out all night, pimping your wares and then you drag your sorry carcass up the stairs for a shower so you can start all over again.
You see...knowing how many views your page gets is exciting for all of three minutes and then you wonder whether those views have translated to votes. Did they love your cover but hate your synopsis? Did they drool at your synopsis but despise your first chapter? Did you edit the heart out of your narrative in a bid to be edgy? Did you miss witty and go straight to try-hard? My beta readers are glaring at me about now. Their feedback confirmed that I nailed what I was going for, but knowing so doesn't make ALL the doubts go away.
Irrational fears aside though, it is very liberating to put yourself at the mercy of the readers. They suddenly become your agent, your pub team, your cheerleaders. What better way to know you've written something that vibes with your audience than by letting them select your book? Yes, it is risky AF in the current UF/YA/Paranormal dominated climate. But Romance isn’t dead my lovers...Romance is right there like a thread woven into everything...and with STL and its this-is-real-life underbelly, I can't help but hope it appeals.
I’ve been kind of lucky too. The support I’ve had from friends and readers has been phenomenal so far. And the specific advice from previous scouters has been exceptional. Without them, I wouldn’t have even taken the first step.
Okay...rambling over for now. I will check in soon with updates.
Love
Fray xoxox
Read the Extract & Nominate me here.Somebody to Love
Don't get me wrong, I'm excited and upbeat. I'm hopeful and determined to do whatever I can to make the process successful. I've even had a few fist bump moments (when I hit over a thousand views in three days and my first hour spent on the hot and trending list, for starters). In the end, though, it's the uncertainty that gets you.
As a campaigner, you get a few stats so you can see how you are doing. These are updated once a day so you find yourself creeping in the back door every damn morning like a dirty-stop-out, with smudged lippy, and panda eyes. You raise your head just high enough to see if anyone noticed you were hanging out all night, pimping your wares and then you drag your sorry carcass up the stairs for a shower so you can start all over again.
You see...knowing how many views your page gets is exciting for all of three minutes and then you wonder whether those views have translated to votes. Did they love your cover but hate your synopsis? Did they drool at your synopsis but despise your first chapter? Did you edit the heart out of your narrative in a bid to be edgy? Did you miss witty and go straight to try-hard? My beta readers are glaring at me about now. Their feedback confirmed that I nailed what I was going for, but knowing so doesn't make ALL the doubts go away.
Irrational fears aside though, it is very liberating to put yourself at the mercy of the readers. They suddenly become your agent, your pub team, your cheerleaders. What better way to know you've written something that vibes with your audience than by letting them select your book? Yes, it is risky AF in the current UF/YA/Paranormal dominated climate. But Romance isn’t dead my lovers...Romance is right there like a thread woven into everything...and with STL and its this-is-real-life underbelly, I can't help but hope it appeals.
I’ve been kind of lucky too. The support I’ve had from friends and readers has been phenomenal so far. And the specific advice from previous scouters has been exceptional. Without them, I wouldn’t have even taken the first step.
Okay...rambling over for now. I will check in soon with updates.
Love
Fray xoxox
Read the Extract & Nominate me here.Somebody to Love
