Why I Wrote About Ancient Hookers: Guest Post by Stephanie Dray, Co-Author of A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii Plus Giveaway!

Oh do I have a treat for you today! I am so excited that A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii has released as it is a compilation of six short stories by some of the best authors in historical fiction writing today. Below you'll find not only an exciting guest post by one of those wonderful authors, Stephanie Dray, but also more information about the book, the authors, the blog tour and even information about a giveaway of a GORGEOUS Roman-style necklace and earrings set (yay!!).

Why I Wrote About Ancient Hookers

By Stephanie Dray

When we think of ancient Rome, we tend to think about the magnificent architecture. The roads, the innovative warfare, and the spectacular contributions the Romans made in art and governmental theory. But underneath all of that, of course, was the seedier side of the ancient world--the details of which were preserved for us forever on that day in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the city of Pompeii in ash, trapping a whole city in time for us to discover thousands of years later.

And what was first discovered, of course, was how deeply sex and sexuality ran through the culture. Early archaeologists were so scandalized, in fact, by the myriad phalluses, sensual artwork, and clear references to sex work that they reburied what they found.

In writing A Day of Fire with my fabulous co-authors, we wanted to be true of the Vegas-like nature of a Roman resort town like Pompeii, which is why none of us shied away from the predominance of brothels or sexual themes. But I very specifically wanted to write about the lives of two ancient sex-workers--not just as background color, but as protagonists in my story.

There were a few reasons for this. While sex work was entirely normalized and legal in the Roman world, the people involved in the trade were classified as infamia and treated shabbily. They enjoyed fewer rights and were subject to systematic abuse. In the ancient world--as in current times--women who traded sex for money were essentially dehumanized.

I wanted to put a human face on this. I wanted to show people whose culture defined them by their profession, but who had their own hopes and dreams, loves and losses, strengths and frailties. And a certain bit of graffiti in Pompeii caught my eye, describing two tavern whores--Capella and Prima--of very different physical types.

I began to wonder who these women were, beyond what was written about their price and unique skill sets upon the wall. Who were they to each other, I asked myself, and did they survive the eruption in Pompeii?

And their story really started to take shape in my mind once we started collaborating. My heroines appear briefly in the fast-paced soldier-and-gladiator tale Ben Kane wrote at the book’s center. Then I realized that Vicky Alvear Shecter’s hero-with-growing-pains would be in love with Prima, my hooker-with-a-heart-of-mud. Prima then appears again to cause trouble for the charming senator in Kate Quinn’s story. Meanwhile, her sister Capella serves as a friend in Sophie Perinot’s tale and a visionary in E. Knight’s. And I fell more deeply for them with each story.

Their plight became even more interesting while I was researching. I wanted to know what prostitutes wore. (Brightly colored clothing, often togas to delineate themselves from other women.) What they were called. (They had different names for different sorts of specialties and types of prostitutes.) Where they worked. (They could rent beds at the brothels, use cubicles off the street, or even ply their trade in the necropolis.)

The details were fascinating. But none more than a note about Emperor Vespasian’s ruling on prostitution in Thomas A. J. McGinn’s work on Prostitution, Sexuality and the Law in Ancient Rome. Allegedly, slaves sold with the express condition that they not be used in prostitution would be freed if they were so used. What might that law mean for two girls who had been used illegally in prostitution? And how would their struggle impact everyone around them?

Ultimately, I think I wrote the least salacious story about prostitutes in the history of stories about prostitutes and I’m so very proud of it. The characters moved me and will stay with me for a long time--I’m very honored to have been able to shine a light on a part of Roman life that is often overlooked. And I’m even more honored to have had to chance to creatively collaborate with such fantastic authors to produce something so special for readers.

 

Thank you so much for this insightful post, Stephanie! Knowing that the various characters find themselves hopping over into other stories makes me even more excited to read the book!

 

Please join historical novelists Vicky Alvear Shecter, Sophie Perinot, Ben Kane, Kate Quinn, E. Knight, and Stephanie Dray as they tour the blogosphere for A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii, from October 27-December 5 with HF Virtual Book Tours!

In honor of the Blog Tour the authors have included a very special giveaway of a beautiful one-of-a-kind Roman style Necklace (18″) and Earring set inspired by jewelry from the ancient world.  Handcrafted of real carnelian, the most popular semi-precious gemstone of the ancient world, it was designed to commemorate the release of “A Day of Fire.”  Wear it yourself and imagine you are in Pompeii (not on the day of disaster of course), or, with the holidays approaching, it would make a great gift for a fan of ancient roman historical fiction.

 

 

 

Publication Date: November 4, 2014 Knight Media, LLC
eBook; 315p
ASIN: B00NI5CBXI

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

Pompeii was a lively resort flourishing in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius at the height of the Roman Empire. When Vesuvius erupted in an explosion of flame and ash, the entire town would be destroyed. Some of its citizens died in the chaos, some escaped the mountain’s wrath . . . and these are their stories:

A boy loses his innocence in Pompeii’s flourishing streets.
An heiress dreads her wedding day, not knowing it will be swallowed by fire.
An ex-legionary stakes his entire future on a gladiator bout destined never to be finished.
A crippled senator welcomes death, until a tomboy on horseback comes to his rescue.
A young mother faces an impossible choice for her unborn child as the ash falls.
A priestess and a whore seek resurrection and redemption as the town is buried.

Six authors bring to life overlapping stories of patricians and slaves, warriors and politicians, villains and heroes who cross each others’ path during Pompeii’s fiery end. But who will escape, and who will be buried for eternity?

Order the Book

Amazon US
Amazon UK

About the Authors


STEPHANIE DRAY is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical women’s fiction and fantasy set in the ancient world. Her critically acclaimed historical Nile series about Cleopatra’s daughter has been translated into more than six different languages, was nominated for a RITA Award and won the Golden Leaf. Her focus on Ptolemaic Egypt and Augustan Age Rome has given her a unique perspective on the consequences of Egypt’s ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion. Before she wrote novels, Stephanie was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Learn more at www.StephanieDray.com.



BEN KANE worked as a veterinarian for sixteen years, but his love of ancient history and historical fiction drew him to write fast-paced novels about Roman soldiers, generals and gladiators. Irish by nationality but UK-based, he is the author of seven books, the last five of which have been
Sunday Times top ten bestsellers. Ben’s books have been translated into ten languages. In 2013, Ben walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall with two other authors, for charity; he did so in full Roman military kit, including hobnailed boots. He repeated the madness in 2014, over 130 miles in Italy. Over $50,000 has been raised with these two efforts. Learn more at http://www.benkane.net.




E. KNIGHT is an award-winning, indie national best-selling author of historical fiction. Under the name, Eliza Knight she writes historical romance and time-travel. Her debut historical fiction novel, MY LADY VIPER, has received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Historical Novel Society 2015 Annual Indie Award. She regularly presents on writing panels and was named Romance Writer’s of America’s 2013 PRO Mentor of the Year. Eliza lives in Maryland atop a small mountain with a knight, three princesses and a very naughty puppy. For more information, visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com.




SOPHIE PERINOT is the author of the acclaimed debut, The Sister Queens, which weaves the story of medieval sisters Marguerite and Eleanor of Provence who became queens of France and England respectively. Perinot has both a BA in History and a law degree. A long-time member of the Historical Novel Society, she has attended all of the group’s North American Conferences, serving as a panelist at the most recent. When she is not visiting corners of the past, Sophie lives in Great Falls, VA. Learn more at www.SophiePerinot.com.




KATE QUINN is the national bestselling author of the Empress of Rome novels, which have been variously translated into thirteen different languages. She first got hooked on Roman history while watching “I, Claudius” at the age of seven, and wrote her first book during her freshman year in college, retreating from a Boston winter into ancient Rome. She and her husband now live in Maryland with an imperious black dog named Caesar. Learn more at http://www.katequinnauthor.com.




VICKY ALVEAR SHECTER is the award-winning author of the young adult novel, Cleopatra’s Moon (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2011), based on the life of Cleopatra’s only daughter. Shehttp://www.vickyalvearshecter.com/main.
is also the author of two biographies for kids on Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. The LA Times called Cleopatra’s Moon–set in Rome and Egypt–“magical” and “impressive.” Publisher’s Weekly said it was “fascinating” and “highly memorable.” Her young adult novel of Pompeii, Curses and Smoke (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic), released in June 2014. She has two other upcoming books for younger readers, Anubis Speaks! and Hades Speaks! Vicky is a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University in Atlanta. Learn more at

Giveaway



To enter to win this beautiful one-of-a-kind Roman style Necklace (18″) and Earring set, hand-crafted with real carnelion, and inspired by jewelry of the ancient world, please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form HERE.


Giveaway is open internationally.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on December 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on December 6th and notified via email.

Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

A Day of Fire Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 27

Review at The Maiden’s Court

Wednesday, October 29
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Thursday, October 30
Review at leeanna.me

Monday, November 3
Review at Bibliophilia, Please

Wednesday, November 5
Review at Peeking Between the Pages

Monday, November 10
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, November 12
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Thursday, November 13
Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Tuesday, November 18
Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection

Wednesday, November 19
Review at Book Babe

Tuesday, November 25
Review at Reading the Past

Wednesday, November 26
Guest Post at Historical Tapestry

Friday, November 28
Review at The True Book Addict

Monday, December 1
Guest Post at From the TBR Pile

Thursday, December 4
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, December 5
Review at Let Them Read Books



 







 

 



Curses and Smoke Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Arthur A. Levine Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook

 

Genre: YA Historical

 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

 

When your world blows apart, what will you hold onto?

 

TAG is a medical slave, doomed to spend his life healing his master’s injured gladiators. But his warrior’s heart yearns to fight in the gladiator ring himself and earn enough money to win his freedom.

 

LUCIA is the daughter of Tag’s owner, doomed by her father’s greed to marry a much older Roman man. But she loves studying the natural world around her home in Pompeii, and lately she’s been noticing some odd occurrences in the landscape: small lakes disappearing; a sulfurous smell in the air…

 

When the two childhood friends reconnect, each with their own longings, they fall passionately in love. But as they plot their escape from the city, a patrician fighter reveals his own plans for them — to Lucia’s father, who imprisons Tag as punishment. Then an earthquake shakes Pompeii, in the first sign of the chaos to come. Will they be able to find each other again before the volcano destroys their whole world?

 

So What Did I Think About The Story?:

 

The destruction of Pompeii and the unique remains left behind have long fascinated me. Just looking at the well preserved plaster casts of those caught in the eruption is heartbreaking and provocative. But while archaeologists and scientists might be able to extrapolate facts surrounding the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE by what remains there seems to be very little remaining that can speak first hand to what these people felt leading up to, during and directly after the catastrophe. What would it have felt like to stumble through the streets in daytime darkness and booming explosions while rocks and ash rained down on  you without knowing what was happening or what was coming? What would you be thinking as your world literally came crashing down around you? Vicky Alvear Shecter's Curses and Smoke showcases this emotional, humanistic side of living during this time and through this devastating event from the viewpoint of two young lovers desperately searching for freedom in a world not ready to give it to them.

 

Both Tag and Lucia are very sympathetic, well developed characters and while the extensive and very informative author notes at the back of the book indicates that most of the characters, including Tag and Lucia, are fictional the descriptions of their struggles and the heart and soul they display make them feel all too real. Being that this is a YA novel described as targeting readers aged twelve and up, their fight for the right to make their own choices and decide their future will feel all too familiar to those going through that transition from child to adult.  Reading about how little freedom these two had and how powerless slaves and women were during this time should also highlight how different life is now and how much more freedom is inherent in our modern society. This in no way limits the enjoyment for older readers as anyone can relate to what it feels like to lose control and struggle to grasp what you can. Regardless of age, gender or circumstances, it isn't hard to feel compassion for these two and cheer them on as they try for the seemingly impossible. My favorite character of  all, however, was young, orphaned Castor, who follows Tag around like an energetic and loving puppy, pulling on heartstrings and just begging to be loved. These three characters are the stars of the novel and I can honestly say by the end of the book I was completely invested in what happened to them.

The only character that left me scratching my head was Quintus, the self-centered patrician who tried to come between Tag and Lucia. He seemed to be attracted to Tag but then would treat Tag like a lowly servant and do things to demean him. He would often tell Tag he wasn't as bad as Tag thought but then would be just as self-centered and nasty as you could imagine. While other characters, such as Lucia's horrible and cruel father, aren't likeable they still play an integral part in the overall story and by the end Quintus just didn't seem to have done that. That being said he didn't necessarily detract from the story either and so just felt unneeded to me.   

 

One of my favorite aspects of the novel, besides the wonderful characters, was discovering the differences in religion, superstition, and cultural practices that were new to me. I was not aware of the Roman conquest of Pompeii and what that meant for the Etruscan people who lost their way of life and, for some, their freedom when they became slaves to the Romans. For that matter I wasn't aware of just how prevalent and accepted slavery was during this time. Another horrific discovery was the practice of exposing unwanted babies to the elements by being left to die outside the city. Just the thought of those poor babies being left to die and the complete inability of the mothers to do anything about it if their husbands refused to accept them just turns my stomach. These very different practices, regardless of how unsavory or foreign to our modern minds, are all integral parts of the story and give the drive needed for the characters to react and strike out at the world as they do.  It really is fascinating to learn what people from history had to deal with and what they did to fight against the injustices that we often take for granted.         

 

In regards to this being a YA novel I also enjoyed that the romance aspect felt very age appropriate. It was sweet, tender and confusing at times, just as first love should be. I think anything more heavy-handed would have felt inappropriate given the younger end of the spectrum of readers and makes it easier to recommend this to a wider audience. It should be noted that not all elements of the novel are easy to read and the ending, while breathtaking, might catch readers by surprise and not necessarily in a good way. It, like the life the characters are living, isn't always perfect or happy and really drives homes that fighting for something like freedom often comes with devastating consequences. With all this considered, Curses and Smoke is a remarkable novel that I don't doubt will spur on its readers to look further into this time and place in history.  I know it has done that for me.

 

So What Did I Think About The Cover?

 

Absolutely beautiful! I love the wispy, innocent looking young woman in the front staring at the angry, red volcano in the distance. The explosion is such a turning point in the novel that the cover makes me think of that split second in time before all hell breaks loose! It fits the feel of the novel perfectly for me.

 

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

 

Giveaway

 

To enter to win a copy of Curses and Smoke of your very own tell me below if you have read any remarkable novels that take place in Ancient Italy and be sure to leave your email address (no email address, no entry). For extra entries share online and leave a link to where you shared. I will randomly pick a winner on June 17th and the winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before I have to pick another winner. Good luck!

 

You can also find the links to purchase the book and follow along with the book tour below.

 

About The Author

 

Vicky Alvear Shecter is the author of the young adult novel, CLEOPATRA’S MOON (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2011), based on the life of Cleopatra’s only daughter. She is also the author of two award-winning biographies for kids on Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. She is a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University in Atlanta.

 

 

 

Author Links

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

 

Buy the Book

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Books-a-Million
Fishpond
Powell’s
Waterstones

 

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Monday, May 26
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Review & Giveaway at The Mad Reviewer

Tuesday, May 27
Guest Post & Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, May 28
Review & Giveaway at Fiction Folio

Thursday, May 29
Review at Good Books and Good Wine

Friday, May 30
Guest Post at Good Books and Good Wine

Monday, June 2 Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Tuesday, June 3 Review at Geek Girl’s Book Blog
Interview & Giveaway at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, June 4 Review at Book Drunkard

Thursday, June 5 Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Friday, June 6 Review at The Book Belles
Review at Manga Maniac Café

Monday, June 9 Review at Bibliophilia, Please
Review & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, June 10 Review & Giveaway at Historical Tapestry

Wednesday, June 11 Interview & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Thursday, June 12 Review at Let Them Read Books
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Friday, June 13 Review at Broken Teepee
Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books