The Orchid Hour, Interview with Nancy Bilyeau
Join me for an interview with historical novelist Nancy Bilyeau and her latest, The Orchid Hour, set in 1923 NY during Prohibition. Our conversation even came with a cocktail.
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Survivors of Vesuvius Explosion, AD 79
The venerable site of Pompeii and environs keeps on surprising us. Sometimes only after a lot of creative hard work. Now we’re learning about the survivors. How’s that for a positive twist on the infamous disaster?
Review of Elisha Daemon, by E.C. Ambrose
If you’d enjoy a novel combining medieval magic and medicine, my review of E.C. Ambrose’s Elisha Daemon is for you. Read on.
The History of Writing, Independence & Resistance
The history of writing reveals some of the most profound ideas and values we humans ponder. The Hittite world that inspires my fiction used the cuneiform writing system–as did every other Near Eastern empire in the Bronze Age. Until a great shift into a variety of scripts came about. The question is why.
Cover Reveal for Becoming Madame Secretary
Join me in celebrating the cover reveal for Stephanie Dray’s upcoming novel, Becoming Madame Secretary. Whether she’s bringing to life Cleopatra’s daughter or Jefferson’s, she’s an outstanding writer of historical fiction. Take a peek at what she’s done with Frances Perkins.
Review of The Cliff’s Edge by Charles Todd
Thirteen may be an unlucky number, but not with the thirteenth book in the Bess Crawford series. I’ve consistently enjoyed this mystery series. Set in 1919 postwar England, The Cliff’s Edge skillfully interweaves several intriguing elements: the long shadow of WWI, English village life just after the war, old hatreds, and a twisty plot. I hope you enjoy my review.
Lettuce, An Unlikely Divine Egyptian Aphrodisiac
Myths about ancient gods often bring us tales of sexual adventures, but this one about the Egyptian god Min involves lettuce. Go figure, and enjoy.
Why 30,000 People Slept on the Beach One Night
In her guest post my good friend Nancy Bilyeau tells you why 30,000 people slept on the beach one night. I’ll add the words Coney Island into the mix to entice you to read her post about “America’s Playground” during a heatwave.
Archeo-pizza in Pompeii
Is that a Pompeian pizza frescoed on that wall? A pizza historian is calling it an archeo-pizza. I’m calling it yummy sounding and fun. Read all about it.
Fictional Food: Bringing the Ancient World to Life
Writing fiction based in the ancient world requires creative use of somewhat obscure evidence to bring it to life, along with a dose of imagination. That’s especially true with fictional food from the past. A new exhibit at the Penn Museum explores how archaeology brings ancient foods back to life. It’s a fun topic to delve into.