Archive for September, 2009

Cleopatra’s Daughter II: The Bottom of the Slope

Monday, September 28th, 2009 | Reviews, The Writing Life | 2 Comments

This weekend I had time to sit and do nothing but finish Michelle Moran’s wonderful new novel, CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER. I have enjoyed all of her work to date, but CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER is my favorite so far. The novel is about experiences of Kleopatra Selene and her twin, Alexander Helios, as they came to live in the household of their father’s Roman wife.

Raised among the people who conquered their kingdom, knowing full well that they will likely never see Egypt again, these children grow to adulthood among their enemies. This is a moving novel, and one that opens a window into the Roman world during the years when Octavian made himself the Emperor Augustus.

I am no fan of the Romans, save for their roads and their plumbing, but Michelle Moran managed to show both sides of Octavian, while writing about the depths of the corruption in Roman law and politics, where everything was for sale.

I highly recommend buying and reading this novel. I waited for months before it was available, and it was well worth the wait.

A Good Book is a Slippery Slope

Thursday, September 24th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

I have just started reading CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER  by Michelle Moran, and now I don’t want to put it down. I am sliding down the slope…

If it was Saturday, I would read it cover to cover in one sitting. As it is, I will have to wait until my work is done…

And I had hoped to take this one slow and savor it.  It turns out, I don’t have that kind of self control. But what a delicious problem to have…a book so good, characters that breathe with such life, that I do not want to turn away.

Quote of the Week

Friday, September 18th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”

Abraham Lincoln

Cleopatra’s Daughter

Thursday, September 17th, 2009 | Reviews, The Writing Life | 2 Comments

CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER by Michelle Moran came today!

I am happy!

Of course, before I start it, I need to finish THE HERETIC QUEEN… one book at a time.

Meeting My Editor: Exploring Uncharted Waters

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 | The Writing Life | 1 Comment

Yesterday was an incredible day. I had lunch with my agent, Margaret, and my editor, Claire. We sat at a table for four, so I liked to think that my character, Eleanor of Aquitaine, sat in the fourth chair, at least in spirit. (Writers have crazy ideas like this…those of you who follow the lure of storytelling may know what I mean.)
 
We discussed the next book, TO BE QUEEN, and marketing ideas for THE QUEEN’S PAWN. As we talked, the ideas kept flowing and I kept taking notes between bites of burger and fries. (No cute little salad for me, in spite of my initial good intentions. I love real food. What can I say?)
We ironed out ideas for Eleanor’s next adventures, and things came clear that had been cloudy for me before. I was reminded again of how important a good editor is, of how a keen eye and a gift for steering a storyteller can bring out the best in a writer, this time in me. Though I had not seen my editor in almost a year, I sank roots deeper into the idea that I am not in this alone. Though Eleanor and I have taken ship on uncharted seas, I have a radio on board, and I can talk to Claire. She can give advice when the seas rise and the ship looks like it will sink. Between the steady gaze of Claire and the wonders of Eleanor’s life, I find myself in good hands indeed. Here’s to the sea, the open sky, and uncharted waters. I look forward to seeing what I will bring back.
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