Tell us about your latest book.
My latest book is CLEOPATRA UNCONQUERED, which
is an alternate history novel that re-imagines the history of the ancient world
being altered by the triumph of Antony and Cleopatra, rather than Octavian, or
Augustus Caesar, at Actium, which was an important naval battle in the First
Century B.C. This book alternates between the first person viewpoint of
Cleopatra herself, and that of her goddess and protector, Isis, goddess of
motherhood, magic, and pharaohs.
Where can a
reader purchase your book?
My books can be purchased online at Amazon.com, of course,
and directly from my publisher at www.savantbooksandpublications.com.
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| http://amzn.to/2b5nUDQ |
Interviews, of course. I am also giving talks on Cleopatra, giving a
brief overview of the true history of her life, with a hook into my alternate
history series, also contrasting Hollywood’s portrayal of her with what the
true facts of her life and character.
Who inspires you?
Cleopatra herself, of course. She fought for so much and was a woman
willing to sacrifice her life rather than surrender herself. Also, being a fellow polyglot, I could always
relate to her gift for being multilingual. I am also a big fan of Deborah, the
only female judge in the Old Testament. She was powerful yet humble, a rare combination.
How do you research your
books?
I begin by
reading everything I can about my protagonist—biographies, mostly. I also read
other novels about them to inspire my imagination. I then watch both movies and
documentaries—the documentaries for the facts and the movies to imagine being
in the shoes of the protagonist. Then, if I can afford it or if it is feasible,
I visit the lands that were dear to them. I have not yet been to Egypt, but I
have been to Israel and I think that trip will bring to life the remaining
three books in the series.
What is your work in
progress? Tell us about it.
My works in progress have already been completed, I just await the
go-ahead to publish them. They are as follows: CLEOPATRA VICTORIOUS, which
picks up where CLEOPATRA UNCONQUERED left off, following Antony and Cleopatra
after their victory at Actium as they attempt to rule the Roman-Egyptian
empire, raise their children, and face foes. CLEOPATRA MAGNIFICA follows the
life of Antony and Cleopatra’s fictional great-granddaughter, Cleopatra X, who
is queen of Egypt by right and birth and queen of Ethiopia by marriage.
Lamentably, however, Pollio, the leader of Rome, has become obsessed with his
cousin and kidnaps her. But is this the end? No! This exciting saga continues in CLEOPATRA
TRIUMPHANT, in which Cleopatra X is able to escape her cousin’s trap, reclaim
her land and true husband and restore the victories of her great-grandmother.
It kind of fell into my way by accident. I had an English teacher,
Linda Van Meter, in high school, who loved the senior research project I did on
Cleopatra as well as an essay I did on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. She
encouraged me to turn my gears away from the sciences, which I was struggling
in but thought I had to do to please my parents, who were both scientists, to
writing, literature, drama and foreign languages, where my true talents lie.
Does your family support
you in your writing career? How?
I have a very supportive family. My father has been my advocate for
many years and he helped me quite a bit with this series. He also has been
involved in business and marketing for many years and is helping me sell my
series.
What books or authors
have most influenced your life?
Jean Plaidy and her ‘Queens of
England’ series was most influential on my writing style. Philippa Gregory,
author of The Other Boleyn Girl, gave me encouragement when I was doubtful
about my abilities. Her advice was ‘the best way to do it is simply to do it.’
Margaret George’s novel, The Memoirs of Cleopatra, was influential in my
fascination with the Egyptian queen. Michelle Moran, who writes about ancient
Egypt and France, two nations dear to me, was also a big influence and was kind
enough to look at some of my earlier work
When you’re not
writing, how do you spend your time?
I am a very sociable person. I like to spend time with friends and I also love to travel back to my home state of Ohio to visit friends there. I also enjoy swimming, walking, and playing video games. I am very active also as a freelance journalist and love helping at church related charity events.
I am a very sociable person. I like to spend time with friends and I also love to travel back to my home state of Ohio to visit friends there. I also enjoy swimming, walking, and playing video games. I am very active also as a freelance journalist and love helping at church related charity events.
