From My Fantasy Writing Desk
This weekend is your last chance for the Sorcery in Alpara Preorder Special–a great price ($2.99) and a bonus short story. Easy instructions:
1. Before Oct 14, preorder Sorcery in Alpara
2. Email me at offers@JudithStarkston.com and attach a copy of your Amazon preorder receipt (or screenshot) before October 14th. The story will be emailed to you on or before 10/14.
Here’s the handy page on my website for this preorder special.
Here are a couple snippets from advance reviews of Sorcery in Alpara:
Starkston has done it again. Her masterful touch with elements of fantasy, romance, history, and mystery create a layered narrative that draws you in from the first page and keeps you engrossed until the very last word.
Toni Linenberger, The Review Crew
I was swiftly seduced by this richly imagined world and the book’s unforgettable heroine, Tesha, a high priestess of the Hittites who becomes a warrior queen. Detailed historical research informs the novel, while every page is packed with excitement and emotion. The magic that runs through the novel is like nothing I’ve read before, making this a truly unique historical fantasy.
Nancy Bilyeau, bestselling author of The Blue
Two Local Appearances
If you live in the Phoenix area, join me at two fun book events.
My launch party at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore is scheduled November 9, 2-3 pm. A group of six authors, ranging from fantasy, contemporary crime and historical mystery are going to celebrate together in a lively panel interview. More on this event as we get nearer–for now save the date.
Just Read, Local Author Fair: November 2, 11 am – 2 pm at Burton Barr Library. I’ll be there with all my books, including the latest, Sorcery in Alpara, so you can buy a signed copy stamped with the royal seal of the Hittite Queen. There will be more than 70 local authors, so this is a great place to meet your new best read ever.
Archaeology I Enjoyed:
A Very Old Baby Bottle
Bronze Age baby bottles? They’re cute and come in several animal shapes! That’s how the potter would sell them to anxious parents, I’m guessing. (See the photo at the top. Photo by Yelkrokoyade on Wikimedia. The pieces are from the Wien Museum, Vienna) They’ve found these cups with spouts (maybe more sippy cup than bottle) in contexts from the Stone Age to the Late Bronze Age. You’re probably thinking it’s a bit of a leap to assume they are baby bottles. However, there are two kinds of evidence. One, they’ve done analysis of residue and yes, they held animal milk. Second, they have been found in child graves. I can easily see a chubby little toddler hand holding the animal part of the cup for a good swig. Click here for NYT “Prehistoric Parents Used Baby Bottles Made of Pottery”
Mythological Travel
10 places to visit from mythology. A fun, deservedly multi-cultural list. My predictable favorites are Troy (read my Hand of Fire if you’d like an armchair visit), Paphos, Cyprus (said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite and the rocks & foam they produce are dramatically beautiful—so it’ll feel real regardless) and Mt. Olympus (although the Olypmian gods aren’t currently visibly in residence). Notable are Pele’s volcanic home and a bamboo forest full of spirits. Travel plans, anyone? Click here for The Travel.com “10 Destinations From Mythology That You Can Actually Visit”
And Speaking of Mythology
Here’s a whole book fair of books with mythological elements in them. Click on the banner to see the collection.
For Fantasy Fans, the Ultimate Fantasy Fair
Click on the banner to browse the Fantasy books.
