What did the Romans do in their spare time? We know they went to the games, theatres, races. Even the baths were viewed as both business and pleasure. Have you ever considered board games? Not scrabble or chess but still, games that challenged the mind and helped young players develop strategies that they could take with them to the front lines of the Empire. Do you feel sorry for those poor Romans? They didn’t have things like Candy Crush or Wordle at their fingertips so let’s look at what they did have and how to play. Tabula Rasa “Tabula Rasa” is an ancient Roman board game that is also known…
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Ancient Roman Adventures and Misbehaving – Wolves of Rome Progress
I am just 10000 words into my latest Roman adventure Wolves of Rome but it is practically writing itself. This latest fantasy is inspired by the legend of Romulus and Remus and the founding of Rome. I am thinking, what might have happened if Romulus had not killed his brother? For worldbuilding help, I found a great video of a 3D aerial reconstruction of ancient Rome on YouTube. So far, Livia has finally settled on a choice of husband, he just doesn’t know it yet and Lucius has returned to Rome to take up his family’s seat in the senate. Excerpt from Chapter One Livia glanced at her broken mess…
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Insight Into The Creative Mind of Alexander Baxter Scott.
Author of supernatural LGBTQ fantasy Trem & Trem Exiles! Alex, the author of Trem, shares with us a little about his books, his writing process and some advice he would give his younger self. First off, tell us a bit about yourself. Hiya, my name is Alex Baxter Scott, I am a 25 year old writer from northern England! Interests include musicals, Sci-Fi, anime and others, all of which have helped inside and shape my work. I co own a book and coffee shop with my mother, so as far as business partners go, one can’t ask for a better fit! In-between all that I do some amateur voice acting…
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Get Lost In Time At Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli
Italy is a country renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, and one of its true gems is Villa Hadrian. Nestled in the picturesque countryside near Tivoli, this ancient villa stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. In this blog article, I will delve into the fascinating history of Villa Hadrian and provide essential tourist information for those who wish to explore this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. History of Villa Hadrian: Villa Hadrian, also known as Villa Adriana, stands as a testament to the grand vision and opulence of Emperor Hadrian during the 2nd century AD. This magnificent retreat was designed as a haven…
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Flash Fiction – How I improve my writing and be loved by millions. Maybe.
I Won – Second Place at Retreat West November’s Micro Fiction Competition I am delighted to share the fact I actually won something with writing! Yes, it was only second place but it is a start. Not only was my story published online, there were pennies involved too! https://www.retreatwest.co.uk/monthly-micro-fiction-competition-winners/ https://www.retreatwest.co.uk/rain-by-zoe-walker/ I recently discovered flash and micro fiction. I really enjoy the challenge of trying to create a story in just 50, 100 or 500 words. The internet is full of flash fiction competitions and I think it’s good exercise for writers, especially if you have hit a block in your current WIP. It isn’t easy, though. Every word must count.…
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A Study Of Doors In San Ginesio
Forgive the slight digression from the original topic of this blog, but I had to share some of doors from the small hill top town of San Ginesio.
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Urbs Salvia – A Hidden Ancient Roman Treasure In The Marche
It is August and that means it’s vacation time in Italy. I spent two busy weeks at my in-laws and finally went to the Roman ruins close to their house. ( I know I am very lucky to have such wonderful in-laws! Especially such a lovely Italian Mother In-Law!) Driving by Urbisaglia all these years, I thought it was just ruins of an amphitheatre but I discovered it was so much more. Let me share with you the most important Roman settlement within the Marche region of Italy. Urbs Salvia was situated at the crossroads of two important roads connecting the towns of the region during the Roman period. Urbs…
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An Author Interview With Jemma Murdoch
I invited Jemma to share a bit about herself and her new children’s book, Suzie Strudel, The Baking Poodle. “I hope to encourage children to believe in themselves, no matter their perceived weaknesses or strengths.” – Jemma Murdoch, author of Suzie Strudel, The Baking Poodle Please tell us a bit about yourself. The basics, day job, how many cats you have etc. Hey, there! My name is Jemma Murdoch, I am an Australian author interested in all things writing! I live in a coastal community and share my home with a mini rascal, of whom I am particularly fond. We have two fish, one named Rex and the other, aptly…
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The Newly Dead
This was a short story entry. The only criteria was that it was a complete short story only in conversation. Hope you like it. “Next.” Marco – “Why is it so dark? Where am I?” “You are dead, Sir.” Marco – “Yes, I got that. It happens. That’s not what I asked.” “Oh what joy! The conscious dead.” Marco – “What? I asked you, where am I?” “Where do you think you are?” Marco – “This better not be Hell. I was a good guy!” “Let me guess, Catholic right?” Marco – “Yes. Now where are St. Peter and the pearly gates?” “Why do I always get the religious ones?…
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So here she was, packed in a hot airless SUV with four other volunteers. Not even army issue. Was being incognito more important than safety? She wasn’t sure. Her teeth jarred as they hit another pothole. Hannah was tempted to open the window but half the desert hung in the air as their small convoy snaked along.
