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Growing Out a Pixie Cut & Other Random Tales

By Yolandie Horak / 30th March 2020

Hey, I'm growing out my pixie. My hair is now at that awful stage where it's really thick in the...

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Growing Out a Pixie Cut & Other Random Tales

Art Inspired By A Trial of Sparks & Kindling

By Yolandie Horak / 27th March 2020

I mentioned a while back that I'd commissioned the epic Doodleeeeeeeee to create a doodle artwork inspired by my favourite...

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Art Inspired By A Trial of Sparks & Kindling

7 Easy Tutorials to try During Isolation/Lockdown

By Yolandie Horak / 24th March 2020

With more places around the globe entering states of lockdown, I figure we might as well make art. I haven't...

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7 Easy Tutorials to try During Isolation/Lockdown

I Haven’t Left the House in 9 Days

By Yolandie Horak / 22nd March 2020

What I miss is walking. Up until last Friday, I walked every single day. Making my steps was important to...

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I Haven’t Left the House in 9 Days

Tales from Self-Isolation

By Yolandie Horak / 18th March 2020

Honestly, as someone who spends the greater part of her day typing away in the basement and avoids going out...

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Tales from Self-Isolation

Fangirling

By Yolandie Horak / 15th March 2020

You know the writing is at that intense stage when I can't sleep in on a weekend. For the third...

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Yolandie’s Favourites

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I’m Yolandie – Revisited

I’m Yolandie – Revisited

A few years ago, I had an epiphany–I’m not done… Read More »I’m Yolandie – Revisited

Calgary

Toronto is a city of skyscrapers. Steel and glass. Grey.… Read More »Calgary

A Tribute

This morning, my grandmother passed away. It was a long… Read More »A Tribute

Still want more? Have a random post

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Let’s Write Anger

Friends. Writing is difficult. Especially emotions, which are the slightest… Read More »Let’s Write Anger

Late!

Hello there, folks. I’m honestly just popping in to say… Read More »Late!

Vacation Collage

Farewell, Rome.

On our last day, we had to leave the apartment… Read More »Farewell, Rome.

Survival Tips for New Immigrants

Maybe it’s because I know so many people who have… Read More »Survival Tips for New Immigrants

Calgary Library

If you, like me, love books, this is the place… Read More »Calgary Library

Things I Don’t Understand – Canada Edition

You know, we’ve been living in Canada for just over… Read More »Things I Don’t Understand – Canada Edition

yolandie_horak

STILL ALIVE Apparently, it's reached that point w

STILL ALIVE

Apparently, it's reached that point where my Instagram peeps are sending out search parties. Sorry, folks! This is proof I'm okay. If I had a newspaper to photograph with me so you could see the date, I totally would. 😂

I've been working hard on Book 3, and I'm happy to report I'm 10 chapters and 25k words in. Booyah.

Now you know I'm all right, so I'm going to disappear again. Check out the blog if you want to know what's going on behind the scenes (link in the linktree)! Okay, bye now! I have a book to write. ❤️ #writer #writersofinstagram #writersoninstagram #writing #writinglife #lovewriting #wordnerd #writerslife #writingcommunity #amwriting #book3 #fallofthemantle #indieauthor #indiewriter #indieauthorsunite #indie #independentauthor #iwritethebooks #newadult #na #ya #youngadult

CAN IT BE WEEKEND YET? What a week this has been.

CAN IT BE WEEKEND YET?

What a week this has been. I feel like crawling into bed and staying there for a month. But if I can't do that, I'll settle for a quiet weekend, cuddled witha good book and a mug of hot chocolate.

What are your weekend plans?

#thehazelwood #melissaalbert #youngadult #yabookstagram #blackandgold #teaandtales #bookstagram #bookphotography #booklover #booksandblooms #bookblogger #reader #readersofig #tinycups #tbr #toberead

I THOUGHT TODAY WAS WEDNESDAY⁠ ⁠ But no, it's

I THOUGHT TODAY WAS WEDNESDAY⁠
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But no, it's not. Whatever. I scheduled this post thinking it was Wednesday, so I'm rolling with it. 🤣⁠
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I completely fell off the bus with my Instagram this month and forgot all about my heart-themed one line Wednesday posts. In my defence, I can finally make art again without my wrist throbbing with pain, so I've been slightly preoccupied with that. Maybe I'll even post some stuff to my art account (@colour_and_graphite)! ⁠
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What are you all up to on this not-Wednesday?⁠
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I'm working on more art, and hello, Book 3!⁠
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#onelinewed #astodyofashandsmoke #asoaas #fallofthemantle #bookone #debutnovel #indieauthor #indiewriter #indieauthorsunite #indie #onelinewednesday #thursdayedition #bookgram #booksbooksbooks #bookish #beacuseofreading #bibliophile #flatlay #bookphotography #scentedcandles #booklover #readersofig #instabooks #booksandblooms⁠

A LITTLE BROKEN⁠ ⁠ So, I just finished rereadi

A LITTLE BROKEN⁠
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So, I just finished rereading the Harry Potter series, and I'm emotionally wrecked. I tell you, you know what to expect and you know who won't make it, but holy crap, it still sucks when it happens. So I'm not quite feeling myself. :P⁠
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Meanwhile, I've been able to make art again for the first time in a loooong time, due to a wrist injury that's been dragging me down.⁠
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Point is, I've been away from all forms of social media for a long time now. I was either painting or reading HP. Oh, and working on my own writing.⁠
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I've just started with Romanov. What are you currently reading?⁠
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#nadinebrandes #fawkes #romanov #historicalfantasy #youngadult #ya #yaloves #booksandblooms #bookphotography #booklover #readersofig #reading #currentread #fantasy #southafricanbookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookish #bibliophile

THIS IS MY BOOK BABY⁠ ⁠ I wrote this book, and

THIS IS MY BOOK BABY⁠
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I wrote this book, and I'm fiercely proud of it, but I struggle to promote it. I struggle a lot. Still, I want you to be able to read it if you want, so here's how you can get a copy.⁠
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A Study of Ash & Smoke is available for print via the lovely folks over at @IngramSpark.⁠
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This means that it's MUCH easier to get a good quality physical copy of ASOAAS in your hands, no matter where you're ordering from (and this includes my friends and family back in South Africa).⁠
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You can ask your local bookstore to order you a copy with this ISBN: 978-1-9990648-0-8.⁠
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Additionally, if you're in North America, you can now order the softcover edition of ASOAAS online from Walmart and a variety of other bookstores. (Of course, it's still available on Amazon, if that's your provider of choice.)⁠
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You can also ask your local library if they'd stock a copy for you. Again, just enquire with the ISBN (978-1-9990648-0-8).⁠
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Not only will you get to read my debut novel, but you'll be helping me out big time. You see, when people request certain books from bookstores and libraries, they're more inclined to keep a small stock of those books in their establishments. This brings the book to the reader, which spreads the word about indie titles, and ultimately allows us indies to write more stories.⁠
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As you can probably tell from the photo, the print quality is gorgeous. It's so much better than it used to be with the old printer.⁠
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If you'd like to purchase an electronic copy instead, I have a list of purchase links in my linktree.⁠
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Even if you can't purchase a copy at this time, I'd be really thankful if you took the time to share this post. If you've read the book and liked it, be a dear and rate it on Goodreads or the site of purchase. And if you know a readerly friend who might like it, please recommend ASOAAS to them.⁠
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Thank you so much for your support!⁠
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#astodyofashandsmoke #asoaas #fallofthemantle #bookone #debutnovel #indieauthor #indiewriter #indieauthorsunite #indie #artistsofinstagram #bookgram #booksbooksbooks #bookish #bibliophile #flatlay #bookphotography #scentedcandles #booklover #readersofig #instabooks #writer

I'VE OWNED THIS BOOK FOR 2 YEARS⁠ ⁠ And still

I'VE OWNED THIS BOOK FOR 2 YEARS⁠
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And still haven't finished reading it. The worst part is, it's not even because the book is difficult to read, or because I'm not interested. Life just gets in the way.⁠
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It's still one of my favourite books. The illustrations are out of this world, and the lore included seriously blows my mind. That the creators of Dragon Age could put together such an elaborate world for a gave universe is inspiring. It makes Thedas real.⁠
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Now, you all know I'm a Dragon Age geek. What are your favourite fandoms?

#dragonage #dragonageorigins #dragonage2 #dragonageinquisition #worldofthedas #gamergirl #gamer #geek #geekery #fangirl #dragonagefangirl #bookstagram #bookphotography #booksandblooms #teaandtales #teaandtalestuesday #teaandbooks #teatime #teatuesday #tinycups #noritake #grandmascrochet #heirloom #handmade #booksbooksbooks #oldbooks

FRIYAY⁠ ⁠ Not that I'm someone who stops worki

FRIYAY⁠
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Not that I'm someone who stops working over weekends, especially when I'm inspired, but whatever. At least I can sleep a bit later than usual.⁠
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One thing I do more on weekends than in the week is read. I read every day, even if it's just a page. On weekends, though, I snuggle in my reading chair and spend hours lost between the pages.⁠
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What are your reading habits?⁠
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Featured here are two books that have been on my TBR since middle last year. I seriously need to tackle them soon.⁠
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#danceofthieves #maryepearson #kingofscars #leighbardugo #grishaverse #booksandblooms #teacups #teatime #noritake #grandmascrochet #heirloom #handmade #booksbooksbooks #bookphotography #booklover #bookblogger #coverlove #bibliophile

UNTIL THEIR HEARTS BEAT IN SYNC⁠ ⁠ In the buil

UNTIL THEIR HEARTS BEAT IN SYNC⁠
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In the build-up to Valentines Day, I'm going to share some quotes from A Study of Ash & Smoke that involve hearts. Some will be romantic, some won't, but you'll find either the word 'heart/s' or 'heartbeat' in all of them. This one features both! Booyah.⁠
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Meanwhile, I'm working hard on Book 3. In my head, I'm calling it ATOSAP, but nothing is carved in stone yet.⁠
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Want to guess what the acronym stands for?⁠
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#onelinewed #astudyofash&smoke #astodyofashandsmoke #asoaas #fallofthemantle #bookone #debutnovel #indieauthor #indiewriter #indieauthorsunite #indie #onelinewednesday #bookgram #booksbooksbooks #bookish #beacuseofreading #bibliophile #bookphotography #scentedcandles #booklover #readersofig #instabooks #booksandblooms #teacups⁠

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colour_and_graphite

STARRY SKIES ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This litt

STARRY SKIES
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This little watercolour is one of my personal favourites (and is actually available for purchase too). I just love how vibrant the colours came out.
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I think this is around the time I finally figured out how to paint pretty skyskapes, and I became stuck in painting them.
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What do you think?
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#watercolourwed #watercolorwed #watercolourwednesday #watercolorwednesday #watercolour #watercolor #artist #indieartist #artistsofig #instaart #painter #watercolourpainting #artlover #southafricanartist #artstagram #artsy #skyscape #starryskies #nebula #pinkandblue #sparkly #landscape

WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY
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This is an old watercolour, part of a series inspired by Inktober a few years back. I tried to catch an emotion in each of the paintings in the series, and this one is my take on anxiety. It's called Sometimes Growth Hurts.
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As someone who struggles with intense anxiety, this was the painting in the series that most resounded with me. Sometimes, in order to grow, you must face changes. For me, change is incredibly scary and often sends me into inescapable thought spirals.
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I painted this right in the belly of that change, when we were looking for ways to leave Germany. Immigrating for the second time, after we were so sure we would stay in Germany forever, was scary as hell.
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Looking back now, it was an important part of my personal growth journey, but at the time, I pretty much felt like this painting.
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#watercolourwednesday #watercolourwed #watercolourpainting #watercolour #throwback #greenhair #greenhairdontcare #anxiety #anxietyjourney #painting #artist #immigrant #southafricanartist #southafricanlivingabroad #artistsoninsta #artistsofinsta #instaart #artistsofig

DAY 15 Better late than never, right? Ive been ha

DAY 15

Better late than never, right? Ive been having trouble with my wrist, which means lower art productivity than usual.

I'm glad to be back at it with my skull chart. Once this one is done, I'm moving on to the kidney. Please send me requests for after that!

#inktober #inktober2019 #inktoberday15 #day15 #skull #humanskull #medicalchart #medicalsketches #medicalsketch #medical #artnerd #artistsofinstagram #artistsoninstagram #artist #art #ink #uniballpen #blackandwhite #bicpen #ballpointpen

VIRIDIAN ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Because I lov

VIRIDIAN
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Because I love me some green. This is a throwback to one of my older pieces, and this gloriously green duo is actually available for purchase in my Etsy store (link in the bio).
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Green scapes are just so soothing. I love painting them, and I love the calmness they bring to a room.
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What's your favourite colour?
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#green #viridian #mountains #trees #forest #landscape #watercolour #watercolor #watercolourpainting #watercolorpainting #throwback #tbt #throwbackthursday #artist #artistsofig #artlover #artsy #orange #grandmascrochet #greatgrandmascrochet #imadethis #indieartist #southafricanartist #artistic

FIN I don't have it in me to draw something for I

FIN

I don't have it in me to draw something for Inktober today, but I did take some time to finish my brain chart.

I'm really happy with how this one came out. I'm thinking I can maybe give this a vintage feel and sell prints, if anyone is interested? What do you think?

#brain #humanbrain #medicalsketch #medicalchart #medicalsketches #inktober2019 #inktober #inkdrawing #uniballpen #ballpointpen #bicpen #fineliner #art #artistsofinstagram #artistsoninstagram #artist #artistsofig #indieartist #southafricanartist #imadethis

WATERCOLOUR WEDNESDAY ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

DAY 8 My new medical page is filling up nicely. I

DAY 8

My new medical page is filling up nicely. It's a miserable snowy day here in Calgary, so I plan on adding more to this sketch today while binging Gilmore Girls.

What are you up to today?

#inktober #inktober2019 #inktoberday8 #day8 #inkdrawing #uniballpen #ballpointpen #bicpen #artist #indieartist #artistsofinstagram #artistsoninstagram #southafricanartist #skull #humanskull #medicalchart #medicalsketches #medicalsketch #medical #artnerd

DAY 7 Starting a new medical chart today, all abo

DAY 7

Starting a new medical chart today, all about the human skull.

My wrist is acting up again, so I'm starting small for this chart. Just a zoomed in jawbone.

Because I sincerely don't want to end up back on medication to keep my wrist functional, I might not be able to keep up posting Inktober stuff every day. I'll keep you updated.

#inktober #inktober2019 #inktoberday7 #day7 #ink #inkdrawing #skull #humanskull #jawbone #medicalsketch #medical #medicalsketches #artist #artistsofig #independentartist #indieartist #artistsofinstagram #art

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