Ever notice how wanting something very badly turns you into a child? No? Just me? Well, after watching this video of Ben Kane, Russell Whitfield, and Anthony Riches walk from Capua to Rome, kitted out as Roman soldiers, I find myself obsessed with trying to figure out how I could join them in future marches. My pinging thoughts: I could do it! I wouldn't have to wear the … [Read more...] about I Want to Do This! You In?
Curses and Smoke
What to Do When A Reader Catches an Error
Quick answer: Own up to it. Here's an email conversation I had with a reader who wanted an explanation for something she noticed: Hi Vicky, I started reading this novel and I am really starting to enjoy it. I noticed that since this is a piece during the Roman period all the references to the gods are Roman, however on page 13 chapter three Lucia mentions Poseidon the earth … [Read more...] about What to Do When A Reader Catches an Error
Student Video of C&S And Skype Visit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMmvvARV5i0&feature=youtu.be As part of a Scholastic Book Fair event, the media specialist of Deer Creek Middle School in Oklahoma invited students to make videos of their favorite books. A group of three eighth graders made this fun video of Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii. The whole school voted on the videos made for the event and … [Read more...] about Student Video of C&S And Skype Visit
Fiction Set in Ancient Rome
Many of us came to a love of the classics after reading historical fiction set in the ancient world. Unfortunately, most modern publishers are seeking the next big dystopia like Hunger Games or fantasy like Harry Potter. That why I'm asking those who have read my book--Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii--and enjoyed it, to consider voting for it via this survey for the Teen … [Read more...] about Fiction Set in Ancient Rome
The Day I Laughed With Cokie Roberts
I'd been--accidentally, I swear--the last person to deplane in Baton Rouge because I'd stayed to help a sweet old lady on crutches make it off the plane. (Hahahaha, NO. Actually, I'd been reading a book, waiting for the crush to disperse when I looked up and found the plane entirely empty and the stewardesses glaring at me). I shot out of my seat and and ran but no amount of … [Read more...] about The Day I Laughed With Cokie Roberts
