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.
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Guest Post – Anxiety and Self-Doubt: My Constant Writing Companions (and tools for alleviating them) by Lucy A. McLaren
We met Lucy a few days ago during an interview, where she shared a bit about herself and her upcoming book. Here she shares with us an post on anxiety and self doubt. Something that many writers face. Follow Lucy on her website here and on Twitter. I’m writing this blogpost from the point of view of someone who is both a writer and a counsellor. I am not an expert in either of these fields, but they are areas for which I feel equally passionate—and for me they are inherently linked together, whilst also influencing each other. I started writing my first book A Child’s Awakening in March 2018…
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An Author Interview With Lucy Mclaren
I’d like to welcome Lucy Mclaren, the first author willing to share an insight into her life, right here, just for you. You can find Lucy in numerous places! On Twitter, and on Instagram. Her website can be found here, where you can sign-up to her newsletter to receive regular updates on A Child’s Awakening as well as free short stories. Hello Lucy, please tell us a bit about yourself. The basics, day job, how many cats you have etc. Hi! I’m Lucy McLaren, I’m 31 years old and live with my husband in Essex, England. I am an animal lover though sadly we don’t have any of our own…
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4 Things A Fledgling Author Needs
As an unpublished author about to start querying, I have done some research and as they say, forewarned is forearmed. Unfortunately, you can’t just write words down, edit them, have an agent fall into your lap, publish and then retire to a beach somewhere to write some more words. As I discovered, there is more to being an author than a story. There is all the back stage stuff too, like these 4 tips I will share below. I have worked through them myself and I hope they can help you out too. In this list of 4 things an author needs, I won’t include, the obvious perfected manuscript, an…
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The Colosseum – Ancient Rome’s Answer to Netflix
The Colosseum or The Flavian Amphitheatre First opened 1,940 years ago by Emperor Titus in 80 A.D. after a mere 10 years of building work. This huge building, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, named after the family who built it, is the largest amphitheatre ever built. It could accommodate around 7,000 people at one time. It’s elliptical in shape and is at the longest point, measures 188 metres long and 156 metres wide. The outer walls are 50 meters high and formed by 80 arches. That’s the boring bits out of the way. Now, these arches functioned as entrances and led to a series of tunnels and steep stairways that…
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Roman Honey Cakes or Libum
During my research for my novel Even Gods Are Blind, I looked at the typical foods eaten during the early part of the Roman Empire. In this post I would like to focus on honey cakes or libum and in the interest of authentic research, I of course, have made them and provided a recipe below. Online, you can find an original recipe by Cato the Elder, in his works on Agriculture. But what is Libum, I hear you cry! Libum was a small cake used as an offering to the Lares, the household gods and I have seen sources that indicate it was offered to others including my favourite,…
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The Wisdom and Warrior – Minerva: Unveiling the Ancient Goddess
Introduction: In the rich tapestry of Roman mythology and religion, the goddess Minerva stands as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and timeless legacy. Her origins trace back to the Etruscans, and she found her place among the Roman pantheon as a deity of immense significance. In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating history of Minerva, a goddess who transcended time and cultures, and discover her enduring influence on ancient Rome. Minerva’s Etruscan Roots: Minerva’s story begins long before the Romans rose to prominence. In the early days of Etruscan civilization, she was worshipped as a goddess associated with the thunderbolt. Etruscan art often depicted her with wings, akin to…
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Jupiter: From God of Light to Guardian of Rome
Introduction In the vast pantheon of ancient Roman deities, Jupiter, often equated with the Greek god Zeus, shines as a luminous symbol of celestial might and authority. With each thunderous clap and flash of lightning, his presence is felt in the heavens and on Earth. This exploration takes us on a journey through the multifaceted identity of Jupiter, from his early role as the God of light and weather to his elevated position as the protector of Rome and embodiment of justice. The God of Light and Weather At the heart of Jupiter’s celestial dominion lies his initial role as the God of light and weather. He commanded the elements,…
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Juno: The Complex Deity of Marriage, Motherhood, and Divine Vengeance
In the pantheon of ancient Roman and Greek deities, Juno, also known as Hera, emerges as a multifaceted goddess embodying the intricacies of both divine and mortal life. She was not only the celestial counterpart to Jupiter (Zeus) but also his sister and wife, a paradoxical union that underscored her importance in the ancient world. This exploration takes us into the realm of Juno, the guardian of marriage, childbirth, and the perpetuation of the human race, shedding light on her complex character, often overshadowed by her husband’s escapades. Guardian of Matrimony and Motherhood Juno held a pivotal role in the lives of mortals, particularly women. She was the divine protector…
