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Coney Island 1911

Why 30,000 People Slept on the Beach One Night

In her guest post my good friend Nancy Bilyeau tells you why 30,000 people slept on the beach one night. I’ll add the words Coney Island into the mix to entice you to read her post about “America’s Playground” during a heatwave.

fictional foods barley bread, olives, almonds, flowers

Fictional Food: Bringing the Ancient World to Life

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.

writers working together, Deep POV

Pulling Your Reader Close, Deep POV

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.

George Washington resigning in Old Senate Chamber

George Washington, Thinking American History

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.

book cover image Duke at the Door

Review of A Duke at the Door, by Susanne Allen

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.

Lion from Ishtar Gate

The Ishtar Gate: Meaning Through Time

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.