Two big announcements:
First, my book, Hand of Fire, is now officially in the publishing queue at Fireship Press. Yeah! Next step will be when they send me copy edits.
Second, I am helping my small press, Fireship, promote their upcoming authors by organizing book blog tours online. As I gathered blogger information for promoting my own book down the road, I realized I actually had a fairly large bank of good bloggers who love historical fiction. I really believe in the project of small presses—and my small press in particular—of publishing unusual, outstanding fiction that often gets ignored by the “big guys.” And my small press definitely needed to develop some marketing strategies for their authors, so this is my contribution. I am hoping it will succeed and build awareness of some good books and Fireship Press as a member of the historical fiction community. Here’s our first tour up on the Fireship Press website.
A.
Overview of historical fiction by one of the genre’s most knowledgeable experts. Sarah Johnson posted her presentation for librarians online as part of open access week. All the sub genres explained, how we might define HF, reasons for increasing popularity. What do you look for in an historical novel? Link here
B.
Are you a foodie? Also like things ancient? Then you’ll enjoy this interview with Laura Kelley about reconstructing ancient recipes and the connections she draws between food preparation styles among different cultures along the Silk Road. Link here
C.
What’s the weirdest way you’ve learned something important about history? An old question: Why the sudden, mysterious collapse of cities & empires at the end of the Bronze Age (1250-1100 BCE)? Was it an invasion? Now widespread evidence shows a sudden-onset, prolonged drought—major climate change—is almost certainly the culprit throughout Israel, Turkey, Cyprus, elsewhere. I write about this period, so good to know. Turns out pollen tells the story. Doesn’t that amaze you—figuring out history fr. pollen counts?! Link here
D.
Started enjoying the supernatural season yet? Halloween: medieval Florentine style. Tinney Sue Heath’s entertaining post about a ghostly visitation at the end of a Guelf/Ghibelline battle. Link here