Big thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday evening! It was a privilege to be invited into your computer screens and I hope you enjoyed it. When I finally worked out how to read the comments, they were a delight. Hopefully nobody ran screaming from the room at the gory bits (unfortunately when you let … Continue reading Blades and Banter, the postscript
My Dear Hamilton
Nobody could accuse us of being stuck in the past here at Downie Towers. Well... not in the very distant past, anyway. Today we're venturing into the daringly modern times of the eighteenth century, where events turn out to have some even more up-to-date parallels. I'm delighted to welcome Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, authors … Continue reading My Dear Hamilton
Songs of Blood and Gold – an Ancient World bargain bundle!
A while back I was honoured to be asked to join the H-Team, a group of writers who combine their skills to produce gripping and original versions of famous tales from the ancient world. The team's three books are usually sold separately, but for a short while they're on offer as an ebook bundle called SONGS OF … Continue reading Songs of Blood and Gold – an Ancient World bargain bundle!
The Trojans are back!
The new novel from seven talented members of the H-team is published today - and as ever, they've been weaving old stories together in new ways. I wasn't involved this time (deadlines!) and I can't wait to find out what the team have done with the story we all 'think' we know. Meanwhile, they've been … Continue reading The Trojans are back!
“We have to hope that our characters will forgive us…”
"...because we're doing the best that we can." Margaret George, Historical Novel Society conference, 2016. I've never been to the Historical Novel Society conference before, but after last weekend I'm wondering why. It was splendid. If you want to read a well thought-out blog piece about it, there's one in the Times Literary Supplement. If … Continue reading “We have to hope that our characters will forgive us…”
Competition fever!
There's competition fever here at Downie Towers, with the caption competition running till the end of July, plus two more chances to win goodies. Apologies to those who've heard this all before, but in case you haven't... First, a chance to stock up your summer reading bag with books of your choice, or to win … Continue reading Competition fever!
“What’s new & old & read all over?”
Judith Starkston takes a good look at the current state of fiction set in the ancient world for the latest edition of Historical Novels Review. This is technically a members-only publication but the many writers who chipped in with our opinions are allowed to leap the fence and go public! As writing is usually a … Continue reading “What’s new & old & read all over?”
Suppose a part of Ancient Rome survived?
Friends who followed the Blog Hop a couple of years ago will have met my writing friend Alison Morton. Alison's created a gripping alternative thriller world, where her 21st century Praetorian heroines survive kidnapping, betrayal and a vicious nemesis while using their Roman toughness and determination to save their beloved country. Unfortunately, their love lives … Continue reading Suppose a part of Ancient Rome survived?
A Year of Ravens – Rebellion is stirring!
"Britannia: land of mist and magic clinging to the western edge of the Roman Empire. A red-haired queen named Boudica led her people in a desperate rebellion against the might of Rome, an epic struggle destined to consume heroes and cowards, young and old, Roman and Briton . . . and these are their stories." … Continue reading A Year of Ravens – Rebellion is stirring!
The pleasure of being a guest
I've had the pleasure of being a guest twice this week - first on a virtual trip across to Alison Morton's blog, where I was sharing a few mental meanderings about historical truth and donkey poo. Alison is the author of the Roma Nova series, set in a world where the Roman Empire hasn't fallen … Continue reading The pleasure of being a guest
Ruth Downie 