Closed — One Year Anniversary: “Selene of Alexandria” Giveaway!

It’s been a year since Selene of Alexandria came out. What a roller coaster ride!  Before Christmas 2009, the first review came in from Bookpleasures.com saying “buy this now!” A handful of sales later, Story Circle Book Reviews (fiction for, about and by women) said “pure fiction magic.” The jewel in the crown, the Historical Novel Society said “a promising new historical novelist with  a gift for wonderfully researched, vividly evoked, good old-fashioned storytelling.” More reviews, more raves. I could sit back and let the money roll in…NOT! Now I had to renovate my website, develop a blog, put together a press kit, create a book trailer, provide guest blog spots on other sites, leave useful information on historical and reading boards, conduct giveaways on reader sites, do public readings…and on and on. It was fun and exhilarating, exhausting and frustrating, but it was a journey that most writers would give their right hand for. I published a book. It’s out there and well received. Before I move on to publishing my second book Twilight Empress, I want to thank all the people who believed in me, bought and/or reviewed the book and recommended it to their friends.

As a celebration, I’m giving away five copies of Selene. This is an international giveaway. For US and Canada winners, I’ll send either a paper book or ebook–your choice. For all others, I’ll send an ebook in your choice of formats. Entry is easy: leave a comment (make sure to give your email when asked, but not necessary in the post). If you want a second entry, sign up to follow the blog. For a another chance, repost this giveaway on your Facebook, blog, Twitter, website, etc. and post the link in your comment. Don’t worry if your comment doesn’t appear immediately. I moderate comments, so it may take little while! I’ll announce the winners on Monday, December 20.  Again, thank you all and good luck!

And the winners are:

mene

Love History

Mary K of L.A.

Camille

Heather

I’ve sent you each  emails asking about shipping. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Read Full Post »

History in the News: Italy’s Woes, Roman Recycling and Forensic Genetics

The Gates of Nineveh

The recession is hitting our historical heritage hard. Governments all over the world are cutting back on staff, delaying maintenance on existing sites, allowing sites to “disappear” in the name of progress or jobs. National Geographic has a slide show of twelve ancient landmarks on the verge of vanishing. Many of the stories in this round-up are touched by the money factor. We’ll start with Italy’s woes.

Read Full Post »