Trojan Frescoes, Newly Uncovered in Pompeii
If you love the myths surrounding the Trojan War as much as I do, you’ll enjoy the latest frescoes found at Pompeii. My thoughts and links to good photos.
Book Launch Celebration for Flights of Treason
You’re invited! At the Avid Reader Bookstore, Davis, Judith Starkston’s book launch celebration for her latest novel, Flights of Treason. It’ll be an evening of lively conversation & laughter led by Davis author Eileen Rendahl. Dive into Judith’s Hittite inspired historical fantasy series.
The Mystery of Rufford Abbey, Book Review
Here’s my review of The Mystery of Rufford Abbey, a dual timeline thriller set in the modern day with a time traveling medieval woman. If you enjoy contemporary psychological crime fiction and historical fiction, this might be a good choice.
Monumental Neolithic Sites in Turkey
When I first started studying Turkey’s archaeology, there was one amazing Neolithic site with huge buildings and amazing artwork. Not what you expect from hunter gatherers. Now more than 20 sites have been uncovered in an arc of 125 miles at the base of the Taurus mountains. What on earth was going on here–and why here and not elsewhere? Read on to find out.
Writers Retreat in Florida
I spent a productive and enjoyable week with three other writers on our self-directed writers retreat.
In Conversation with Terry Shepherd
I had great fun “In Conversation with Terry Shepherd.” We talked for 10 mins about my upcoming release, Flights of Treason, among other topics. Terry is a pro at the interview gig, and we covered a lot of ground. Click through to listen.
The Witch’s Lens by Luanne G. Smith: Book Review
World War I with a fantastical layer added in? Luanne Smith’s novel puts the historical horrors of the “war to end all wars” through an unexpected prism and combines the darkness with redeeming loyalty and friendship. I hope you enjoy my review.
The Romanov Impostor by Jennifer Laam: Book Review
The Romanov Impostor portrays a “what if she’d survived” story of Anastasia Romanov. The novel is an entertaining dive into 1920’s Hollywood with the exciting twist of maintaining Anastasia’s secret in the face of a woman whom she alone knows has to be an impostor. Here’s my review of this fun historical read.
Cleopatra’s Languages: Reimagining a Famous Queen
Ancient sources describe Cleopatra as an amazing polyglot, but to what degree did she really speak a variety of languages and what is the significance of that knowledge? A Dutch scholar has a new “read” on the famous queen and I enjoyed it. I hope you will too.
Writing Workshop: Point of View
I’m teaching a writer workshop on the topic of Point of View at the Avid Reader, the local bookstore in Davis, CA Feb 28th. Join me and my fellow instructor, Tim Schooley.