Judith Starkston

Judith Starkston has spent too much time exploring the remains of the ancient worlds of the Greeks and Hittites. Their myths and clashes inspire her fiction and open gates to magical realms. She has degrees in Classics from the University of California, Santa Cruz and Cornell. She loves myths and telling stories, and her novels imbue fantasy with the richness of ancient worlds. The first book in her Trojan Threads Series, Hand of Fire was a semi-finalist for the M.M. Bennett’s Award for Historical Fiction. Priestess of Ishana, the first in her historical fantasy Tesha series, won the San Diego State University Conference Choice Award. Judith is represented by Richard Curtis.

Writing Magic, Icelandic Vikings and Caligula’s Ring

June 19, 2020June 20, 2020

Writing scenes based on Egyptian magic. In archaeology news, re-dating the settlement of Iceland and a sapphire cameo with unusual Roman history.

Writing Contest, Iron Age Game Pieces, Red Lion Theater

June 12, 2020June 12, 2020

I entered the SPFBO book contest. In archaeology news, read about game pieces from cremation burial and the excavation of the earliest London theater.

Writing & Plotting, Ancient Game and Biblical Altar

June 5, 2020June 5, 2020

I’m writing & plotting with a friend. In archaeology news, read about an Egyptian senet game board & Biblical altar residue showing cannabis use.

Choosing a Title, Egyptian Tomb Paintings & a Roman Mosaic

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020

I’m picking a title for my historical fantasy. In archaeology news, read about the recent discovery of exquisite tomb paintings in Egypt & Roman mosaic in Italian vineyard.

Writing Together, Site Finding by LiDAR & Mesopotamian Women

May 22, 2020May 22, 2020

Friendship and writing critique. In archaeology news, read about LiDAR images used to identify potential archaeological sites in Britain and the Peabody’s catalogue Women at the Dawn of History.

Free Historical Mysteries, Hittite Mosaic & Donkeys

May 15, 2020May 15, 2020

Select from excellent free historical mysteries. In archaeology news read about a unique Hittite mosaic floor and ancient donkey power.

My Writing Process, Without-Leaving-Home Tours of Ancient Egypt & Nineveh

May 8, 2020May 8, 2020

How I plot and replot my novels. In archaeology news, read about the Egyptian Book of the Dead & a virtual visit to Nineveh.

Creating Drama with Setting, Pompeian Last Meal & Magic

May 1, 2020May 1, 2020

Writing a climactic scene with the right setting. In archaeology news read about a reconstructed last meal for Pompeiians and a magic kit for fertility or fortune telling.