Last month, I attended the Historical Novel Society (HNS) conference in Las Vegas. The conference itself was terrific, and I loved meeting and seeing other writers, including my Day of Fire co-writers, Kate Quinn, Eliza Knight, and Sophie Perinot. I also served on a panel, thanks to the amazing Donna Russo, and presented alongside Donna, Zenobia Neil, and the incomparable … [Read more...] about Point of View Pointers, Vegas, and Wretched Excess
Writing
The Women of the Odyssey Have Something To Say About Modern Sexual-Harassment
How they Help Us Explore the Disconnect Between A Man's Self-perceived Goodness and the Actual Consequences of His Actions. When internet porn was new, I had a boss who pressed a button so that photos of naked women and/or porn would flash on his large computer screen--which he swiveled my way--every time I walked in to his office. He once asked me to sew a button on his coat … [Read more...] about The Women of the Odyssey Have Something To Say About Modern Sexual-Harassment
Writing with Teens and A Slice of Heaven in Roanoke
Thanks to Angela Jordan and Michelle Hopf of Auburn University, I was invited to speak with teens participating in the university's week-long writing camp. Each student received a copy of Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii. I met with them for "Dinner and Conversation with the Author" It. Was. Awesome. The kids were all so bright, engaging, and motivated. Plus, they also got … [Read more...] about Writing with Teens and A Slice of Heaven in Roanoke
Oh You Romans. From a God of Farts to Boiling Drinking Water, You Never Cease to Amaze!
The wonderful thing about researching history is that I’m always learning new things. The most aggravating thing about researching history is that I’m always learning new things too late. I hate it when I find something new I could’ve used in my past books. For example, I recently learned that the Romans had a god of farts and BMs called (wait for it) CREPITUS! I would’ve … [Read more...] about Oh You Romans. From a God of Farts to Boiling Drinking Water, You Never Cease to Amaze!
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
