Writing fiction based in the ancient world requires creative use of somewhat obscure evidence to bring it to life, along with a dose of imagination. That’s especially true with fictional food from the past. A new exhibit at the Penn Museum explores how archaeology brings ancient foods back to life. It’s a fun topic to delve into.
Here’s my review of The Queen of Swords, an excellent dark fantasy with both cynical and positive streaks and kick-ass heroines. Lots of fun.
I’m immersed in the Historical Novel Society Conference this week, presenting, learning from others, and hanging out with my tribe. It’s fun to tell you about it.
I’m talking about Deep Point of View to the California Writers’ Club in Sacramento Friday June 2, 9-11 am. Anyone can attend–whether in person or on Zoom. There should be a recording on their website afterwards. Teaching workshops like this is a fun part of settling in to my writer life in California. I tell you all about it in this week’s post.
I hope you’re up for another travel post about Washington, DC. I wandered through the White House and I saw some cute critters. Come along and enjoy.
I traveled last week to Baltimore and DC, seeing a number of our core American “famous locations,” including one starring George Washington. I found a timely reminder as well as an enjoyable experience. So this week I’m leaping forward in history from my usual Bronze Age posts.
My review of a sub-genre of historical fiction that I don’t usually read. From the bare-chested cover and the mention of a duke in the title, you may have guessed this is Regency romance, but with a shapeshifter fantasy twist. A light and humorous read for fun.
The Ishtar Gate of Babylon is one of the more iconic archaeological features of the ancient Near East. Built in the 6th century BCE, it has taken on a variety of meanings over the centuries. And it depicts a gorgeous procession of lions, bulls, and dragons. Check out how one monument provides so many different views.
Significant differences between the DNA of the men and women excavated on the Orkney Islands reveals a possible answer to why Bronze Age life came when and how it did to these islands off Scotland. The tales bones tell!
In Secrets of the Nile, Tasha Alexander brings readers another twisty plot on a trip up the Nile in a troubled Egypt during British colonial rule. A Victorian whodunnit that keeps the pages turning. I had fun with this review.
