My favorite posts around the web the last couple weeks (I didn’t get a post up last week–too many other projects demanding attention):
The Historical Novel Society’s new annual award for self-published and indie authors is both a sign of the times and a positive contribution to the rising quality of self-pubbed historical fiction. Helen Hollick, a pro if ever there was one, offers advice and leadership to this blossoming sector, helping raise the standards. This year’s winner and runners up are a clear indication of that. Click here
Roman structure found at site of Hattusa, capital of Hittites. Obviously a much later chapter (2nd C AD) in this site’s long history than the primary Hittite focus of this dig that has been under excavation for 108 years. While the Hittite capital was destroyed at the end of the Late Bronze Age, apparently the Romans built a church or other gathering place on top of the ruins much later. Oh the tangled webs of archaeological sites! Click here
This just in: The Acropolis is not in danger of Collapse. The reports by London Times & others greatly exaggerated problem—interesting editorial note in the Greek paper, was this an attempt to sway the upcoming UNESCO decision about returning Parthenon marbles to Athens? Click here
The Macedonian tomb continues to reveal its treasures. Now a carved marble door with studs that imitate the nails of a wooden door. This is a typical feature of Macedonian tombs and helps confirm the identification of this archaeological site as a tomb from the period of Alexander the Great. I like the photos of the supporting scaffolding and archaeologists working inside. What an exciting but careful project this is. Click here
Oh to be in Boston for this exhibit: As first sung by the blind poet Homer, that epic tale of love, war and art comes brilliantly alive through wine bowls bearing scenes from “The Iliad’’ and “The Odyssey,’’ marble busts of gods and heroes and coins spent in the markets of ancient Greece displayed in fresh ways at the Museum of Fine Arts. Click here
The Bronze Age in Spain—a palace and a silver diadem. Site occupied for 600 years and is the earliest Western European political building, the article says (2200 to 1550 BCE). Click here
Here’s Donis Casey in a post about hearing voices from her past while doing yoga. As a person who can’t survive without yoga and who often has weird mental experiences related to writing during yoga, I’m totally with her on this post. Also, Donis is speaking to Desert Sleuths Sisters in Crime next Wed the 15th about dialogue—now there’s a talk no sane writer would miss, so if you live in Phoenix area, get there. (Grimaldi’s, 4000 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, 6:00 networking & dinner, 7:00 talk) Click here