In the bustling markets of ancient Rome, amidst the grandeur of marble statues and the aroma of exotic spices, a humble vegetable reigned supreme: cabbage. Far from being a mere filler, it was a prized gem in the culinary tapestry of the Empire. Its versatility transcended class. Wealthy patricians might savor it tossed with garum, a pungent fermented fish sauce, while plebeians would enjoy a hearty stew simmered with cabbage and legumes. Beyond its delicious simplicity, cabbage held a revered status. Believed to possess potent medicinal properties by Roman physicians like Cato the Elder, it was lauded for aiding digestion and even warding off illness. But the true marvel of…
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Today’s random question- what could I do more of?
What could you do more of? More exercise and more decluttering. I could also practice being more present with my family, by segmenting my work and family life more effectively. Typical mum mentality perhaps?
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Mrs. Hancock and the Mermaid” – Dive into Themes and Characters
Dive into the enchanting world of “Mrs. Hancock and the Mermaid” by Imogen Hermes Gowar, a novel that combines historical fiction with elements of magical realism. In this immersive tale, readers are transported to 18th-century London, where the lives of captivating characters interweave with themes of love, desire, wonder, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Characters: The novel introduces us to an array of compelling characters, each with their own desires, secrets, and vulnerabilities. At the heart of the story is Mr. Jonah Hancock, a merchant whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the owner of a mysterious and captivating mermaid. Themes that Ebb and Flow: “Mrs.…
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A Concise Version of the Love Story, Eros and Psyche
Once upon a time, in the ancient mythological world, there lived a beautiful mortal woman named Psyche. Her extraordinary beauty was the talk of the land, and people from far and wide came to gaze upon her radiant face and offer gifts and worship. This, however, brought her both admiration and jealousy. Psyche’s beauty was so renowned that it began to rival that of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty herself. Enraged by the mortal’s beauty and the diminishing attention she received, Aphrodite decided to take matters into her own divine hands. Aphrodite summoned her son, Eros, the mischievous god of desire, and ordered him to use his golden…
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A Review of ‘Tabula Rasa’ by Ruth Downie – An Ancient Roman Britian Mystery
I have been devouring the Ruso mysteries this summer. I am sharing a review of book 6 in the series. It is probably my favourite so far and I will share why, further on. “Tabula Rasa” by Ruth Downie is a captivating historical mystery novel that takes readers on a journey to ancient Roman Britain. Set in the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, this book follows the adventures of Gaius Petreius Ruso, a Roman army doctor who finds himself entangled, once again, in a complex web of secrets and danger. One of the standout aspects of this novel is the author’s meticulous attention to historical detail. Downie…
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Slaves in Ancient Rome: Origins, Roles, Aspirations, and Revolts
Ancient Rome stands as a formidable empire renowned for its military might, architectural marvels, and enduring legacy. It is my favourite subject and period in time and I can talk about it for hours. Yet, beneath the grandeur of the Roman Republic and Empire lay a complex and often overlooked facet of society: the institution of slavery. In this exploration, we delve into the lives of slaves in ancient Rome, shedding light on their origins, roles, aspirations, and the intricate web of social, economic, and ethical complexities that defined their existence. The Origins of Roman Slavery Slavery in ancient Rome had diverse sources. Slaves could be captured in warfare, born…
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10 Easy Tips for Self-Editing Your Fictional Writing
Congratulations! You’ve poured your heart and soul into your manuscript, weaving a tapestry of characters, plot twists, and emotions. Yet, before your literary creation can dazzle readers, it requires a crucial step: editing. This for me, is the hard part, cutting fluff, sentences I spent hours finely tuning, only to then dump them in the bin. I am in the middle of fine tuning Even Gods Are Blind and it is getting there but all these blog posts are a perfect example of productive procrastination… Effective self-editing encompasses various stages, from developmental editing to copy editing (also known as line editing) and finally, proofreading. This comprehensive approach is the chisel…
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They Are Alive! 10 Lightning Tips for Crafting Compelling Characters
In the vast tapestry of literature, characters are the beating heart of the narrative. They are the souls that readers connect with, the voices that resonate, and the vessels through which stories come alive. Crafting memorable characters is an art form, one that requires a balance of creativity, empathy, and keen observation. Whether you’re a seasoned novelist or an aspiring writer, the journey of character creation is a path well worth exploring. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the depths of character development, unveiling ten tips to breathe life into your fictional creations and etch them into the hearts of your readers. 1. Know Thy Character Intimately Before you introduce…
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Venus: The Enigmatic Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty
In the pantheon of ancient Roman deities, few figures shine as brightly and enigmatically as Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire. Known to the Greeks as Aphrodite, Venus transcends mere mythology to become a symbol of the profound and often complex emotions that bind humanity together. In this post, we delve into the multifaceted world of Venus, a goddess who embodies the eternal allure of love and beauty. She is an important character in my novel, Even Gods Are Blind. Birth of Venus Venus’s origin is rooted in myth, and her birth is the stuff of legend. According to Roman mythology, she emerged fully grown and remarkably beautiful…
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A Review of “Circe” by Madeline Miller: A Mythic Masterpiece
If you have read the Odyssey by Homer, you are probably familiar with the name Circe. When Odysseus and his crew meet Circe, she invites them to her palace and offers them a feast. However, she uses her magic to turn them into pigs. Odysseus, with the help of the god Hermes, receives a magical herb, which protects him from Circe’s spells. He confronts Circe, demands the release of his crew, and eventually persuades her to turn his men back into humans. They stay with Circe for a year before continuing their journey. And that was all we knew of Circe until now…. Step into the beguiling world of Greek…
