There Is a Season for Everything
Winter is giving us either a beating or a gift of quiet, depending on how you view –25° temperatures and wind chills that plunge to –45°. Some of you have endured even worse, while others would argue that ice-covered roads, power outages, and a dreary 45° are just as punishing. Our poor outdoor tree is morphing into a Charlie Brown look-alike, stooped and struggling. Meanwhile, snowbirds are grinning while packing their suitcases, and hardy winter types are cheering—because anything above zero is a call to ski, snowmobile, ice-fish, snowshoe, or scrapbook, bake bread, and finally tackle those long-awaited projects. There truly is a season for everything.
No heckling from the Florida and Arizona sections of the stands.
Did I Mention?
I submitted the completed book of “Powers of Death” to CrossRiver Media for edits, cover art, and suggested changes. Working with a small press has its benefits, and the editors have been very supportive throughout the process, but I am anxious to hear how the final story comes together for someone else after reading it.
I had a blast with my characters in this book – someday I hope to master the art of humor in my prose, but for now I hope there is a bit of light-heartedness in Sabina’s encounter with a frie-nemy from her adolescent years.
Excerpt:
“Oh, Sabina, I completely forgot you would understand—being a widow yourself. Did you know that my devoted husband,
Cornelius, and your Xeno were friends? I am sure we sent condolences after Xeno died—on your wedding night, so dramatic. And only married a few hours. The humiliation of a third engagement for you, ending in ruins, must be unbearable. How have you survived?”
“That was eight years ago, and I have recovered.”
“Still unmarried, I hear. Do you get out much?”
“I keep busy,”
“Of course you do, poor dear. I don’t really believe that curse business—well, maybe a little. I mean, three men are dead because of you.”
Sabina bit the inside of her lip. She would have a bruise before she escaped. “If you could answer a few questions, I can go home alone to my depressing solitude.”
“Aren’t you funny?” Echo laughed.
Luke 6:27–28
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Word Quiz – Writing Dilemma
I have received positive reviews for my research and the authenticity of my books, but can there be too much authenticity? Too much description, too many historical landmarks, and too many Latin and Greek words? There are two sides to every denarius. (Roman coin)
Below is a shortlist of words I’ve chosen to keep and define in the vocabulary list. Which of these do you recognize from my previous books, and which should I keep, simplify, or drop?
aediles – Roman magistrates responsible for public buildings, festivals, and city maintenance.
agora – A public open space used for assemblies and markets in Greek and Roman cities.
caldarium – A very hot, steamy room in Roman baths, heated by an underfloor hypocaust system.
garum – Popular Roman condiment made from fermented fish entrails.
impluvium – Shallow indoor pool beneath an open roof to collect rainwater in a home.
paterfamilias – Male head of a Roman household with legal authority over family members.
Salve! / Salvete! – Latin greetings meaning “Hello!” (singular / plural).
(used once in context) Cerebrum non habet – Latin phrase meaning “He has no brain.”
Words I chose to leave out:
sella curulis — the curule (folding) chair that signified the authority during a trial.
subsellia — the low benches minor officials sat on
tribunal — the magistrate determining guilt or innocence during a trial. He sat on the sella curulis.
Discover January’s new post at liisaeyerly.com: a delicious dive into the opulent tastes of Rome’s elite — including Three of the Strangest Foods Elite Romans Actually Ate. Fancy a culinary stunt for your next dinner party? Try my adapted recipe for Apicius’ Sea-Urchin Custard: a silky, briny custard threaded with savory herbs and a whisper of garum. History, recipes, and photos included — step into ancient decadence and serve something your guests will never forget.