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Avril's YouTube Channel
Summer 2026 Updates | Writing Goals, Half-Hiatus Plans, And More
For many people, summer is a time for rest and relaxation or embarking on new adventures. For me, on the other hand, it's a bit of a different story. I work at an escape room in a casino mall, situated in a property where those people looking for rest and relaxation or embarking on new adventures during the summer go. Needless to say, it gets hectic! Summer means extended hours of operation. 2026 is my third summer working there, so I roughly know what to expect when it comes
6 days ago
Word Counts DO Matter, Actually... | Hey, Past Avril...
Welcome to the first in a new series I'm calling "Hey, Past Avril..." Not long ago, I read through every single one of my old blog posts to make some minor tweaks and reformat the earliest ones after some assets got jumbled in the transition from one hosting platform to the current one. And along the way, I noticed my stance on some things has changed over the years. Writing is a process of evolution as a result of personal experiences, research, time and, perhaps most import
May 31
DeInfluencing Your Writing | 7 Things You Don't Need
I've entered a period of downsizing and decluttering. It could be related to the reflections I was having when I turned 30 this past March and craving change amid my desire for more stability and control in this new decade of life. Not a total overhaul, but hoping to move into a new space sooner rather than later. Reevaluating what's important to me. What I want vs what I need. And the algorithm knows it. My YouTube feed has especially been tailored to my reassessment efforts
May 24
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About Avril
Avril Marie Aalund is a writer of Regency Era romance.
Based in Connecticut, she spends her time jumping between her WIPs, doting on her cat, playing video games, and having fun at her job as an escape room Game Master.
Unlocking My Writing | 5 Ways Working At An Escape Room Has Made Me A Better Writer
Chances are, if you've seen me on social media or have read posts on this blog, you know I work at an escape room. I've been there for about a year and a half now, and it's been such a wonderful experience. It may not be what I scribbled down on a kindergarten "When I grow up..." project (for the record, my actual answer was zookeeper), but it's a job that feels like it was made for me. In all honesty, it is my dream job. And frankly, I like to think I'm pretty good at it. F
Crystals For Writers
They say that a cluttered desk is a sign of a creative mind, and believe me when I say that my desk is very cluttered. Part of that can be attributed to how small my desk is, but I'll also admit that a good deal of my limited space is taken up by my collection of crystals, which has been steadily growing over the years. Crystals are something I feel like I have always been drawn to but only began exploring more in-depth as an adult. While there is not much scientific proof o
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Real And Raw Reflections On "The Age Of Scorpius"
January 2026: after the initial publication of this post, the author shared that he is Trans and now goes by Milo. I've updated this post to reflect his preferred pronouns. Everything else remains the same. Disclaimer: this post is not directed towards Milo Winter specifically, nor anyone on or affiliated with his team. via Goodreads The bookish corner of the internet can be a lovely place. Even though it's got its unfavorable areas, it's an asset for writers seeking communit
A Not-So-Tiny "Tiny Bookshop" Review From A Writer, Bookworm, And Gamer
via Steam Like many writers out there, I'm also a gamer. And like a lot of folks, I got really into Animal Crossing during the pandemic lockdown. Checking on my island was a daily ritual and became my favorite way to unwind once I'd started at a new job after being laid off following a furlough. That said, I'm not what you'd call a cozy gamer. My idea of cozy gaming is putting on my comfiest pajama pants, making some cocoa, curling up under a throw blanket, and listening to
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