Russ Wallace's Blog, page 9

Thinking Thursday - Will Zenobia will the Alexandria, Egypt Horse Race?

Happy Thanksgiving! We want to thank all of you who support our cause. The fight for justice started with Zenobia the warrior queen who conquered Egypt and challenged Rome and continues today as we share her message.
Don’t be afraid to show who you really are.
In Zenobia – Birth of a Legend, chapter forty-seven is the start of the horse race; powerful Arabian stallions are competing against her and her mare Bethy. There are many who don’t want to see a girl in the horse race, so they purposely try to bump and hurt her so she won’t be able to finish. A lot of times they say a horse and rider are one in mind and this next seen proves just that.

No one foresaw what happened next. Zenobia could not see Bethy’s eyes, but they were filled with fury that matched those of her rider. Abruptly the mare jerked her head right and bit with all her might the first thing her mouth touched. It was the left thigh of Whisper’s rider, and he screamed in pain and veered right into Brownstone. Zenobia glimpsed the collision and quickly looked back to her right. The two stallions were out of the race, one riderless, the other limping.The near audience could hear the wounded rider yelling, “That mare’s crazy! They’re both crazy! They’re both she-devils!” In his box, Alim Hasshel cursed the gods responsible for this, while in the back of the stands a tall scholar shook his head in disbelief. The mouth of Amanus opened in silent shock, while his sisters yelled in delight. Tabira shot a smile at the governor, but all his attention was focused on the racecourse.Salim raised a fist and yelled, “Yes! Great bite, Bethy!” 
Now I can’t go on and tell you what happens in this race, I don’t want to give away the ending. Don’t be fooled in thinking that the race is won just because Bethy got a good bite and two riders are out of the race. In fact some have been paid hefty by Alim Hasshel to make sure she doesn’t finish the Alexandria, Egypt race. He is determined to silence a woman who dares to compete in a man’s world. He wants to teach her a lesson on the proper place of a woman. Alim becomes a powerful enemy in book two, Zenobia – Challenging a Legend. Everybody is waiting with anticipation for when Zenobia becomes Queen and challenges Rome, but these first two books will give us a glimpse of how a powerful warrior is made.
Will she win the Alexandria horse race? Give me your answer in the comments. If you have already read book one, tell us what your looking forward to in the release of book two.

Tuesday Teaser - Zenobia is thankful to her mother for saving her life.

In book two, Zenobia - Challenging a Legend the education Zenobia receives is not always in the classroom. As a mother, Zelina is afraid of where these lessons may lead her daughter. Read some sentences from this scene below. 



Zenobia tried to reassure her. “I need to know these matters to know the Greek and Roman cultures. And I will need to know those societies if I get to rule someday. That does not mean I am drawn to those ways of life.”....."You had to defend me from the morals of our tribe to save my life! In my view, you are the most courageously righteous person I have ever known.” Zenobia was silent briefly, then she added, “I get my love of justice from you. I hope I can live up to your example. 
Zelina could not hold back her tears, and she was too choked up to reply.Zenobia continued, “Therefore, I respect your words, as I respect your person. But do not worry about me being influenced by Roman or Greek ideology. I am committed to my course.”

Picture by Howard David Johnson http://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/

Zenobia is thankful to her mother because she saved her life. I believe that experience is what molded her into a warrior and a queen. She found out very young that life is not fair. This becomes a life long goal to seek justice.

"Be thankful for all the struggles you go through. They make you stronger, wiser and humble. Don't let it break you, let it make you." - Unknown

Author Russ Wallace follows his dream of becoming a writer late in life

I can barely contain my excited! Today is the day I will get to watch the final movie in the Twilight saga, Breaking Dawn part 2. I'm a raving fan of Stephenie Meyer's and her books. I love to see successes as triumphantly as hers. Every time I read her books I'm amazed at her talent. Another author I'm in awe of is Russ Wallace. The writer's world is no picnic. Russ Wallace may not become an overnight success like Stephenie Meyer or instantly have a movie contract, but he is still following his dream. As promotion coordinator for Geode Press, I've written press releases to the media, wrote to Oprah, and even tried to give a book to Stephenie Meyer to help get the word out about this amazing character in history. Someday all this work will pay off and Russ Wallace's dream of seeing his book on the "silver screen" will come true.

Below is my latest press release. What do you think?



What motivates a man in his seventies to become a writer? Author Russ Wallace proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams. His inspiration came from an article about Zenobia who brought an army against Rome. He was intrigued and found that not many stories have been told about this extraordinary girl. After years of research he sat down and wrote the first book. He has outlined up to seven books following her rise to power. Wallace is a 2012 IPPY award winner in Historical Fiction. Currently he is working on book two Zenobia –Challenging a Legend due for release later this year.

Brilliant and beautiful, Zenobia carried the greatest female military mind in history. Inspiring to people of all ages, she uses the skills of both a warrior and a queen to fight against injustice. The series spans her entire life from her birth to when her love of justice brought her into conflict with the strongest empire on earth - Rome.

Book one Zenobia- Birth of a Legend traces her life from age nine to fifteen, setting the stage for her amazing rise to power. It includes the beginning of her legend and her budding romances.

History buffs, young adults, young at heart, and all who search for truth and knowledge will find her story captivating as a true historical figure and one of the most fascinating women who ever lived. In the first book of the series, you’ll discover that living in an unjust world, you sometimes have to battle for justice.


"I am a queen; and as long as I live I will reign." - Zenobia



In womenshistory.about.com Ancient Queens an article written By Jone Johnson Lewis.
Zenobia is known as "warrior queen" conquering Egypt and challenging Rome.

Tuesday Teaser - Zenobia's thrilling adventure contines in Challenging a Legend

Our Tuesday Teasers are found at the end of book two, Zenobia – Challenging a Legend. Zenobia turns in her bow and arrow and uses her beauty as a weapon. Like Cleopatra, she learns how to persuade a man. But instead of ruling Egypt Zenobia has revenge in her heart. A breathtaking rescue at sea is a voyage you won’t want to miss.
Coming soon…
While you wait, here’s a little teaser.

“How does it feel, you worthless dog?” Zenobia snarled, dimly realizing she sounded like the leopardess she confronted once.

“This is the woman you should marry! And you are right, she does look like Cleopatra, but she’s also a great warrior! She is one of a kind.”

“There is a traitor in our camp! The bandits who ambushed us on our trip to Egypt knew who we were. They planned to take us for ransom. I intend to find out who was behind it.”

“With a bow and arrows, Zenobia could take almost anyone. I don’t know about her other warrior skills, like swordplay. But, probably, the answer is ‘Yes.’ I’d bet on her.”

Before you get book two make sure you read about how it all started in Zenobia – Birth of a Legend. Follow as she’s trained to be a warrior and educated in Egypt. Experience the natural talent she has with her bow and arrow. And learn how Cleopatra’s story inspires her to rule Egypt and conquer Rome.

Available online in hardcover or eBook format; also available at local bookstores and libraries:
www.geodepress.com (click on order button)
www.amazon.com (hardcover or Kindle format)
www.smashwords.com (all eBook formats)
Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe – www.changinghands.com (Adult Historical Fiction)
Scottsdale Library (Mustang branch)
The Book Rack in Mesa – bookrackonline.com (local author section)

Author Russ Wallace follows his dream late in life.

I can barely contain my excited! Today is the day I will get to watch the final movie in the Twilight saga, Breaking Dawn part 2. I'm a raving fan of Stephenie Meyer's and her books. I love to see successes as triumphantly as hers. Every time I read her books I'm amazed at her talent. Another author I'm in awe of is Russ Wallace. The writer's world is no picnic. Russ Wallace may not become an overnight success like Stephenie Meyer or instantly have a movie contract, but he is still following his dream. As promotion coordinator for Geode Press, I've written press releases to the media, wrote to Oprah, and even tried to give a book to Stephenie Meyer to help get the word out about this amazing character in history. Someday all this work will pay off and Russ Wallace's dream of seeing his book on the "silver screen" will come true. 
Below is my latest press release. What do you think?

[image error]
What motivates a man in his seventies to become a writer? Author Russ Wallace proves it’s never too late to follow your dreams.  His inspiration came from an article about Zenobia who brought an army against Rome. He was intrigued and found that not many stories have been told about this extraordinary girl. After years of research he sat down and wrote the first book. He has outlined up to seven books following her rise to power. Wallace is a 2012 IPPY award winner in Historical Fiction. Currently he is working on book two Zenobia –Challenging a Legend due for release later this year.
Brilliant and beautiful, Zenobia carried the greatest female military mind in history. Inspiring to people of all ages, she uses the skills of both a warrior and a queen to fight against injustice. The series spans her entire life from her birth to when her love of justice brought her into conflict with the strongest empire on earth - Rome.
Book one Zenobia- Birth of a Legend traces her life from age nine to fifteen, setting the stage for her amazing rise to power. It includes the beginning of her legend and her budding romances.
History buffs, young adults, young at heart, and all who search for truth and knowledge will find her story captivating as a true historical figure and one of the most fascinating women who ever lived. In the first book of the series, you’ll discover that living in an unjust world, you sometimes have to battle for justice.

"I am a queen; and as long as I live I will reign." - Zenobia

In womenshistory.about.com Ancient Queens an article written By Jone Johnson Lewis. Zenobia is known as "warrior queen" conquering Egypt and challenging Rome. 

Tuesday Teaser from Zenobia – Challenging a Legend

Our Tuesday Teasers are found at the end of book two, Zenobia - Challenging a Legend. Zenobia turns in her bow and arrow and uses her beauty as a weapon. Like Cleopatra, she learns how to persuade a man. But instead of ruling Egypt Zenobia has revenge in her heart. A breathtaking rescue at sea is a voyage you won't want to miss.Coming soon...While you wait, here’s a little tease.

"How does it feel, you worthless dog?” Zenobia snarled, dimly realizing she sounded like the leopardess she confronted once. But she was far more deadly than any leopard would ever be.


“This is the woman you should marry! And you are right, she does look like Cleopatra, but she’s also a great warrior! She is one of a kind.”




“There is a traitor in our camp! The bandits who ambushed us on our trip to Egypt knew who we were. They planned to take us for ransom. I intend to find out who was behind it."

 

“With a bow and arrows, she could take almost anyone. I don’t know about her other skills, like swordplay. But, probably, the answer is ‘Yes.’ I’d bet on her.”



Before you get book two make sure you read about how it all started in Zenobia – Birth of a Legend. Follow as she’s trained to be a warrior and educated in Egypt. Experience the natural talent she has with her bow and arrow. And learn how Cleopatra's story inspires her to be Queen of Egypt and conquer Rome.
Available online in hardcover or eBook format; also available at local bookstores and libraries:www.geodepress.com (click on order button)www.amazon.com (hardcover or Kindle format)www.smashwords.com (all eBook formats)Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe - www.changinghands.com (Adult Historical Fiction section under Wallace)Scottsdale Library The Book Rack in Mesa - bookrackonline.com (local author section)

Zenobia - Birth of a Legend special events

We have some exciting things happening in Zenobialand.



On Thursday November 15th, we will be adverting Zenobia- Birth of a Legend during a special prescreening of Breaking Dawn part 2 at San Tan Harkins in Gilbert, AZ. We want to Thank Prescreenby2huns for this great opportunity.Want to see movie premiers before the rest of the world? Email prescreensby2huns@yahoo.com. They have upcoming movies like the Hobbit on December 13th.
And many more movies to come like, Iron Man III, The Host, Catching fire, and much much more. They raise money for worthy charities, so get on their mailing list to get more information.

We have a  film company, Joseph Za Productions creating a short movie of an exciting scene from Zenobia - Birth of a Legend. Coming soon on our youtube page. http://www.youtube.com/user/ZenobiaTV1?feature=watch



We will be participating in the Shear Bliss Salon's "Girls night out" this Saturday. 
Come check out our booth at “Girls night out” on Saturday November 10thFrom 6pm - 9pmLocated at Shear Bliss Salon at 

WHO IS ZENOBIA?

Until my father-in-law Russ Wallace started talking about writing a book I had never even heard about the true historical figure Zenobia.  I did the survey on our blog and found many others also had never heard of her. Take the survey at http://geodepress.blogspot.com/
My husband, Jason Wallace, loves to describe the book as, “Zenobia is the most powerful woman you've never heard of.”
Why is this, I wondered? In my opinion why she has been unknown until now is because the victors are the ones who write the history books. Rome wanted to silence the Warrior Queen. They certainly didn't want anyone else to know how close she came to actually overthrowing Rome.
Some accounts portray her as a power hungry woman who ruined a beautiful part of the country. It’s true if you visit Palmyra, Syria today you will find massive structures that are now rubble, and she did bring her army against Rome which caused temples and buildings to be destroyed. I have even heard some history accounts say she killed her own husband to become Queen and rule. Another account says in the end she turns on those close to her just to save herself.
Is there another side? We have to read between the lines and try to figure out what may have really happened. Russ Wallace did, he asked himself many questions to get into the mind and thoughts of what inspired her. Based off of true historical accounts we know she did become Queen and she was a powerful warrior who fought alongside her troops. We also know she lost, because we've all heard of Rome but not Zenobia.
I believe her motivation wasn't about power as much as it was about justice. There are many events in Zenobia – Birth of a Legend, the historical fiction novel Russ Wallace wrote, that show her experiencing injustice.
In beginning of the novel, we learn how she should have been put to death at birth just because she was a girl. She was raised pretending to be a boy. You can only imagine this experience would teach her life is not fair. You have two choices when you face the cruelty of life, you either become a victim or you become an advocate to fight against injustice.  Zenobia decided to fight.
When her true identity was revealed the tribe decides to spare her life because she shows great potential to be a leader and is skilled in archery.
Most historians agree she was extremely smart. She spoke many languages and surrounded herself with scholars. What would inspire a woman in the 3rd century to be educated and trained like a man? Wallace answers those questions by writing her as having a strong personality. She was curious as a girl and in her travels she saw many things she wanted to change.
As she grows up, most women of her time get married off as trading leverage but not her, instead she was trained as a warrior, became proficient in archery, and educated in Egypt. One of her professors, Longinus, was known in Alexandria, Egypt as a great thinker. His influence plays a major part in her life and in the future it’s documented that he becomes her top adviser.
A highly intelligent woman, who is as skilled as a man, what would lead her to a life of war and bloodshed? Wallace answers this in book two, Zenobia – Challenging a Legend. Which will soon be released and we can read what motivates her into action. Most of book two will take place in Alexandria, Egypt where she is focusing on her education. Until some highly affluence men challenge her and she has to battle against injustice. Not all of what Wallace portrays may have actually happened, but many of the influencing factors are realistic.
We may not know all the facts but we can think about what would motivate us to battle against the greatest empire. Is money and power really a great motivator to do something so completely dangerous? I think not, our hearts would need to be fully behind such a daring act. She was a great leader in her time and I believe the love for her people made her stand up against the injustices. She didn't want to live in fear. She wanted the same world we all dream about; a place where everyone is equal and your thoughts and ideas matter.
Today our world is experiencing so much sadness and injustice, especially in Zenobia’s home country of Syria. A novel that not only entertains and educates us, but motivates us into action is just what we need.
I think it’s time for everyone to learn about this great historical figure. Book one will take you on an adventures through the Syrian Desert, Ancient Tadmor (which is Palmyra, Syria today), the Great Pyramids of Giza, and Alexandria, Egypt. You'll experience the excitement of lion attacks, archery, horse races, and education with the greatest philosophers.
Wallace dedicated his first book to, “For oppressed girls and women everywhere. Hang on to your dreams and know that a better world is coming.” I think this book series is not only for strong women everywhere but TO THOSE WHO BATTLE FOR JUSTICE. 

Book Club Questions for Zenobia - Birth of a Legend

Zenobia – Birth of a Legend book club questions:

Did you feel you were experiencing the 3rd century?

Were the scenes visual? What was your favorite location? Syrian Desert, Tadmor, or Alexandria, Egypt?

What about the plot? At what point did you find yourself being pulled into Zenobia’s story?

How realistic was the characterization? Would you want to meet any of the characters? If so, which ones?

Did the actions of the characters seem plausible? Why? Why not?

How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?

Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?

What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel?

Who would you recommend this book to? YA, Adult, male, female etc…





 *Attention Book clubs! The author Russ Wallace would be willing to visit your book club for a question and answer session about his first book in the Zenobia series. Outside of Arizona? No worries, a Skype session can be arranged. Please email for more information at geodepress@gmail.com.Zenobia – Birth of a Legend is available at www.geodepress.com, amazon.com, smashwords.com, and Arizona bookstores and libraries. 

Thinking Thursday - Zenobia Questions Justice

In Zenobia – Birth of a Legend, chapter eleven, on her visit to the Temple of the Sun she confronts a Priest with a burning question.
     When they descended to the temple’s main level, the same priest who had unlocked the tower access for them met them again. Zelina gave him a donation. Zenobia tugged at her mother’s robe and said, “Ask him, Mother.”     “Ask him what, dear?”     “You know. What we talked about this morning.” The issue had been churning in the back of her mind since their visit to the judicial building, and now she wanted an answer. Hadn’t her mother said that perhaps the priests would know? She had discerned that the question would be better received coming from an adult.      “O.” she turned to the priest and asked, “My daughter and I were wondering, does the sun god care about the injustice in the world?”     The priest was surprised and just looked at them while he pondered the import of their question. He decided that questions like this had the potential to be dangerous. Finally, he replied in a condescending tone, “It is not for women and girls to concern themselves with such matters. That is the business of the priests.”     Instantly, the fire of curiosity in Zenobia flared up into indignation. “Justice is the business of all of us! And if the gods care about us, they should care about justice!”     “Zenobia!” Her mother saw what was coming and tried to interrupt her, but she was like a hungry leopard running down its prey.      “But if they do not care about us, then they do not deserve our worship, nor our…,” the rest of her words were muffled by her mother’s hand clamped firmly over her mouth!…..This mollified the priest only a little. He said, “It seems you have more than enough to occupy you in taming your little wildcat. Leave questions of theology to the experts!” He turned sharply and walked briskly away. He intended to speak to Odenathus about this effrontery.      Zenobia looked at her mother, who had crossed her arms and was glaring at her daughter with her sternest expression.      “Mistake?” Zenobia asked rhetorically.     “All this from a girl who only two hours ago told me, ‘don’t worry, Mother, I’m careful!’ Let’s get out of here before we get stoned.”

The quest for justice is an inspiration through-out Zenobia’s life.



"Injustice anywhere is a threat to Justice everywhere." Martin Luther King Jr.