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Io Saturnalia!
The other day, I wrapped pine garland around the bannisters and put candles in the windows. As I type this, there are cookies baking in the oven. I’m planning a big feast for my friends and family and buying gifts for my loved ones. All these traditions would be familiar to the ancient Romans who celebrated this time of year in much the same way we do. Since my Saturnalia Celebration at Constellation Books for the launch of Song of the Nile was snowed out, I’ve decided to do a virtual version. So, read on and we’ll share in the solstice together.
First, The Feasting…
This month I’ve had the pleasure of hosting an archeological food extravaganza on my blog in which we’ve reproduced historical menus and recipes for the modern palate. I can’t tell you how hungry it has made me to format these delicious posts and now I get to share some of my favorites with you:
- A Winter Solstice Feast with a Recipe for a Juniper Reduction Sauce
- Dining With A Castillian Knight: Recipes from 15th Century Spain
- Food & Feasts in Ancient Rome: Mincemeat Recipe
- Beverages of Ancient Romanized North Africa: Recipes for Mint Tisane & Hibiscus Tea
And the Wine…
If you’re a reader or writer of historical fiction and you live in the Chesapeake Bay Area, you should know that we’re in the process of starting a new chapter of the Historical Novel Society. We intend to make our first meeting on March 6th when we will gather round debut author Sophie Perinot to ply her with wine and keep her calm during her release of The Sister Queens.
Then the Boasting…
As it happens, I have something to boast about. I recently sold the rights to Lily and Song of the Nile to Spain. Yes, Spain, where Juba II probably earned his kingship fighting the Cantabri. Moreover, while Song of the Nile seems to be the most controversial book I’ve ever written, it’s also been garnering quite a bit of flattering praise!
And the Tomfoolery…
In April, I will be giving my Bad Girls of the Ancient World talk at Smith College’s annual ConBust–in fact, I will be there all weekend as a guest and panelist on March 30-April 1st and would love to see friendly faces. Trust me, there’s nothing that an author likes more than discussing her books and chatting with friends. I always love to hear reader feedback–even when it’s terrible–so please don’t be shy about letting me know what you think!
Then the Gifts…
I’m happy to announce that the lucky winner of the Song of the Nile celebratory motherlode of historical fiction is Riva K. Bell! Riva, when you read this, tell me where to send your books:
And More Gifts…
You may recall that I had to call a halt to my “Review My Book, Win a Nook” contest last month due to legal complications arising from the nature of the contest. However, I still have an ambition to get more e-readers into the hands of book lovers like you. And I’m not about to bail on the idea of giving my readers an e-reader when I’ve promised one. So, I do have a Nook to give away. It’s a Nook Touch, light grey, beautiful and new in the box. You can win it with minimal effort by either adding any of my books to your Goodreads “to be read” pile and/or using twitter/facebook to recommend that others do so. (See Details.)
Stephanie Dray
Hi Stephanie,
I have added your books to my Goodreads and I’m following you on twitter and leaving tweets about the contest and your books.
Wishing you a wonderful and very successful New Year.
Warmly
Janice Bennett
Ahhhh! Lucky gal! I really want to read ‘The Dragon and the Pearl’. lol. Well, happy New Years!
I’m not sure the link is correct for the new HNS chapter. It’s taking me to a Mail Chimp page. I’d love to be involved as I’m just in DC and am a fervent historical fiction reader! Also, I’m involved with a virtual book tour for The Sister Queens next month so it’s really cool to hear that the author is local 🙂
Meg, here’s the real link!
Sweet! I just sent a request to join the group!