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
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Ancient Egypt’s Strange Practice of Animal Mummification
Try wrapping your head around this: excavators in Egypt have found four million cat mummies, seven million dog mummies, four million ibis mummies and tens of thousands of other mummified animals, big and small--including bulls, mice, snakes, baboons, lions, and even bugs! Apparently, the ancient Egyptian philosophy of "Go Big or Go Home!" didn't just apply to the … [Read more...] about Ancient Egypt’s Strange Practice of Animal Mummification
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
A Day of Fire–Now Out!
At long last, this riveting story about the final days of Pompeii is available in e-book and print! “This truly is the finest book I have read this year, an emotional roller-coaster that educates while it entertains. Its impact will stay with me for quite some time.” ~Parmenion Books “Despite knowing what happens in Pompeii and to the majority of its citizens, A Day of … [Read more...] about A Day of Fire–Now Out!
The Inspiration Behind the Pompeii Necklace
In celebration of the upcoming release of a novel in six parts--A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii--we are giving away a necklace and earring set inspired by ancient Roman jewelry (enter the giveaway here). The novel was the brainchild of Stephanie Dray and Kate Quinn ad I feel very fortunate to be among such stellar historical fiction writers, including Ben Kane, Sophie … [Read more...] about The Inspiration Behind the Pompeii Necklace
