[reposted from June 11, 2021] This is what my dining table looks like these days. I’m beginning the third novel in the Eye of Isis series, and I’ve written enough of Tetisheri’s story now to revise her calendar. Calendars are very important in series–when did she do what, where, and to whom? Writing a calendar…
[*I was going to title this post “Puuuurrrrrrty,” but I caught myself in time.] Yep, the finish copy is now in my hands, another stellar production by Head of Zeus. (And incidentally, who are those guys? I want names and photos and maybe addresses, too, so I can declare my undying devotion to each and…
The second chapter of the first novel in the Eye of Isis series, set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. 2 (Part 2) “What are you working on?” Tetisheri said. The queen watched the pot as it came back to a boil. “Dried powdered willow bark ground fine, pomegranate juice, and honey.” “What’s it…
The second chapter of the first novel in the Eye of Isis series, set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. 2 (Part 1) on the morning of the Tenth Day of the Second Week at the Sixth Hour… Nebenteru’s Luxury Goods boasted a prime central location on Hermes Street, which followed the docks lining…
In case you have somehow managed to avoid, evade, and duck the onslaught of promotion I have been doing for the Eye of Isis novels (and I’ll be writing about that on #thiswritinglife tomorrow), here is the first chapter of the first novel in the series for your reading pleasure. More to follow… 1 “Sheri!…
So…Isis3 publishes in 12 days, as you could hardly have missed if you follow this blog. On November 3rd at the Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale I’ll be signing the hardcover, where people will ask me questions about the book, like where the idea for it came from (well, I’m sorry, but you do always ask…
Time. In crime fiction time is the essence of detection. If Whositz says “I was sleeping with my mistress when my wife was murdered” the first thing the detective on the case will do is verify that alibi. If Whositz is seen leaving his mistress’ house by the back alley in time to get home,…
One week after… Disappearance of a Scribe, the second Eye of Isis novel, is out there in the real world now (instead of existing just between my ears). A body in Rhakotis sandals gives a nasty shock to passing fishermen, and Cleopatra’s Eye, Tetisheri, is called to the scene to investigate. Thereby hangs a tale of…
I love the acknowledgements pages in historical novels, like the ones in Jim Benn’s Billy Boyles series. It is where the writing rubber meets the road; i.e., where the writer reveals where fact and fiction diverge (or don’t) in the narrative that precedes them. So here are the “notes and acknowledgements” from Disappearance of a…
A week and a day away! Publication of the second Eye of Isis novel, that is, aka Disappearance of a Scribe. Barbara Peters calls it “On the Waterfront, Cleopatra style,” which epigram I promptly stole for the book’s tagline. Jimmy Hoffa would feel right at home. Excerpt: “Yes, Timo?” Tetisheri turned her head to see…