Lynne Gentry's Blog, page 7

Ever wanted to be on the cover a book?

Healer of Carthage

Everyone knows that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but let’s face it, covers sell books. They attract attention and spark curiosity.

I think HOWARD BOOKS/SIMON & SCHUSTER did a fabulous job on the cover for HEALER OF CARTHAGE. One of the key elements in the design is the beautiful cover model, who I have not had the pleasure of meeting.

The Beautiful Kelsey Martin

Today the cover model for HEALER OF CARTHAGE contacted me via Facebook. She was so excited to see her picture on the cover of a book on a bookstore shelf. I’m trying to be cool about this, but every time I see it on the shelf I can’t help but smile too, Kelsey!

Thanks, Kelsey Martin for bringing Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to life.

This cover has been chosen for a battle of the debut covers. If you think it is as beautiful as I do, pop over and cast your vote for HEALER OF CARTHAGE at this site: http://qwillery.blogspot.com/2014/03/...

Ever Waited in the Emergency Room?

When I was sixteen I was babysitting my 8-year-old sister. She was messing around on Mom’s sewing machine and ran the needle straight through her finger. I can’t believe I had the presence of mind to do this, but I undid the screw that held the needle in place, freed my sister’s hand with the needle still in it, and rushed to the Emergency Room.

Someone I loved desperately needed medical care. Lucky for both of us, we found a doctor willing and able to give it.

Modern as our world is today, there are many people around the globe who do not have access to basic medical care. Imagine waiting in an Emergency Room with no medical personnel or having no room to wait in at all.

A missionary friend of mine in Africa was telling me about the people they minister to who live out in the bush. One Sunday a girl limped to their church under a tree. She had a huge sore on the bottom of her foot and no way to care for it. All she needed was something as basic as peroxide and Neosporin. So the next week my friend came armed to help. She’d made up little packets containing empty medicine bottles of peroxide, clean cotton balls, little baggies of antibiotic cream, and fresh bandages.

In Rome, the poor did not have access to medical care. They were desperate. That’s why the sick flocked to Jesus. Healing is something we’re all desperate for.

Check out The ECHO Project. It’s a non-profit organization I helped found to provide some of the poorest people in the world with the healing touch of Jesus.

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone’s life. I’d love to hear how you’ve been the hands and feet of Jesus.

Launch Party Pics

This handsome man makes it possible for me to chase my dreams.

There are some moments that you want to tuck away and savor. Launching your first book is one of those moments. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me on this journey.

Signing, signing, signing,

Help! Time Travel author caught between two worlds.

My precious family.

My family.

Dear friends.

Friends drove all the way from East Texas to celebrate.

Wonderful writer friends.

Wonderful crit group.

And early readers who have talked up HEALER OF CARTHAGE to everyone they know.

Family Christian Bookstore Staff

The fine folks at Family Christian Bookstore in Cedar Hill, TX went above and beyond making sure the night was a one I’ll never forget.

So many people.

Launch Day

“I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One.” Rev. 1:8

 

Healer of Carthage releases March 4. Available for preorder NOW.

Today marks the celebration of a dream come true. A dream twelve years in the making.

HEALER OF CARTHAGE releases in bookstores and online.

 

What did it take to get this story from my head and into your hands? Hard work. Supportive family and friends. Good editors. Cover designers. Publicity and marketing teams. And strength from the Lord.

 

The threads of a writer’s life are woven into the stories they tell. Our characters carry bits and pieces of our joys and victories, along with our fears and failures. What amazes me is how God uses different people to tell different parts of His WHOLE story … the story of how much He loves us. In fact, God loves us so much He chose to live among us and become part of our story.

 

While all good stories come to an end, I know that the story of my life won’t be finished until God calls me home.

 

I’m excited about today. I’m thrilled God has used the experiences of my yesterdays. And I can’t wait to see what God does with my future.

 

Thanks to everyone who helped make this day a reality. To God be the glory.

You’re Invited

Healer of Carthage releases March 4. Available for preorder NOW.

HEALER OF CARTHAGE releases Tuesday, March 4.

Authors dream of their launch days. In my case, I’ve been dreaming of this day for 12 years. So many people have helped me along this journey. Writing friends, agents, editors, and so many of my family and friends. There not enough words to express my gratitude.

Every time I think of God plucking a little girl off the farm and asking her to write this incredible story, I drop to my knees and beg Him never to leave me. For I dare not take one single step without Him. To God be all glory and praise.

To celebrate what God has done, I’ll serve Roman Honey Sesame Cookies and sign books at Family Christian Bookstore, 707 US 67 #170, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 from 6:00-7:00 pm.

I’m thrilled for this incredible opportunity to thank everyone who helped make this dream come true.

Hope you’ll stop by. If you can’t make the party, you don’t have to miss out on the story.

Order your copy of HEALER OF CARTHAGE today.

An Herb a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Healer of Carthage releases March 4. Available for preorder NOW.

My new book, Healer of Carthage, follows the adventure of a 21st century doctor dropped into a 3rd century plague.

On my quest to discover ways to stop the virus threatening to destroy the Roman Empire, I became fascinated with ancient medicine.

Roman doctors were itinerant craftsmen who learned their craft through apprenticeship and observation. Although they could mend broken bones, reduce dislocations, cauterize wounds, perform various surgical operations, engage in phlebotomy, and turn herbs into powerful remedies, many considered physicians bloodletting quacks.

So many people mixed up their own home remedies.

Here are just a few of their favorite curealls (often mixed with wine or sweet beer, bone dust, and the droppings of animals):

Mandrake Root
Public Domain

Rosemary was used an antiseptic

Caraway seeds for flatulence

Mandrake root as an anesthetic

Garlic for disinfecting

Mint for digestion and coughs

Borage to combat fevers, rheumatisim, and depression

Artichokes for an aphrodisiac

Cabbage to prevent cancer

Pomegranates to kill worms

Anise for the bite of a scorpion.

What do you think of this prescription for inflammation of the eye?

1 part myrrh, 1 “Great Protector’s seed, 1 oxide of copper, l citron pips, l northern cypress flowers, l antimony, l gazelle droppings, l oryx offal, l white oil. Place in water, let it stand overnight, strain through a cloth and paint it on the eye four days with a goose feather. Physicians please take notice!

(From Ancient Occupations-Physicians)

Need a Love Potion?

Ancient love potion

With Valentines’ Day right around the corner, I’ve been searching for a new and exciting way to create the perfect romantic evening. But I know my man so well I know beef, chocolate, and an action movie must be on the agenda. If you know the predictability of life-long love, then this post may not be for you.

My ancient love potion offerings are for all those romantics out there who may have their eye on someone who doesn’t necessarily return their affections. If that is your predicament, you may need a Roman love potion.

Aphrodite, by Boticelli
Public Domain. Courtesy of Wikipedia

The term potion comes from the Latin word potio, meaning to drink. Primitive Roman potions were able to induce sleep, cause paralysis, poison the body, or cloud the brain. Women of ancient Rome brewed up concoctions that were so strong they were said to be dangerous.

Here’s a few of the secrets from the ancients to help you spice things up:

1. Romans believed in the power of grapes. They loved their wine and would often add herbal aphrodisiacs and mood enhancers like oleander, cyclamen, and ground mandrake root. As with all narcotics, there was always a risk of severe harm or death from an accidental overdoses, so they thought it best to have an extra lover on the side.

2. If ingesting unstable herbs sounds too risky, why not try tying the udder of a hyena around your left arm? Or you could stuff a small leather pouch with dried calf’s brain, hair from a wolf’s tail, a few snake bones, and the feather of a screech owl for more amorous results. Warning: the wearing of this amulet could cause odors not conducive to an enchanted evening.

3. If neither of these approaches work try eating an abundance of eggs and tomatoes (not mixed together). Eggs are associated with procreation. And tomatoes just make you feel frisky. In fact, the Puritans believed tomatoes so powerful at inciting amorous ideas that they banned them for over 200 years.

4. As a last ditch effort, go with ancient Roman philosopher Pliny’s mix of garlic and coriander dissolved in wine. Of course, you may not want to breathe on your loved one for a day or two after partaking, so you might want to be prepared to miss out on the desired effects.

Or you could just buy one of my historical romance novels and call it a night.

So do you have a tried and true love potion?

Epidemics

HEALER OF CARTHAGE is the story of a 21st century doctor dropped into a 3rd century plague.

Why would an acting coach and drama director want to write about deadly epidemics? Click on the word Epidemics to discover the connection.

EPIDEMICS

HEALER OF CARTHAGE is on sale for a limited time only. PREorder your copy today.

Interview with a Roman Hunk

In preparation for the release of Healer of Carthage, the first book in THE CARTHAGE CHRONICLES series, I invite you to time travel. Come away with me and meet some of the cast of this against-all-odds, adventure story.

Sample Roman toga, but this guy doesn’t do Cyprian justice.

Today, I’m proud to introduce Cyprianus Thascius, a wealthy Roman lawyer who had no idea how one little decision would change his life.

Here he comes now. He’s the one with the chiseled features of an aristocrat and a form-fitting toga draped over his shoulder. That’s about all I can tell you about his body because he seems to have a woman slung over his shoulder and it’s all he can do to keep her from clawing his eyes out.

Me: Excuse me, Cyprian.

Cyprian: Are you speaking to me, pleb?

Me: Twenty-first century people aren’t usually so easily classified. Unless you count the differences between upper class and middle class and then there’s—

Cyprian: As you can see, I’m a bit indisposed at the moment. (He clamps his brawny arm around the woman’s flailing legs.) Rescuing this hellcat is taking more time and energy than anticipated.

Me: Well, obviously you have a big heart.

Cyprian: Why must a headache be the reward for my generosity? (He tightens his grip.) She screeches like one of those foul parrots Aspasius keeps caged in his palace.

Me: Trust me. This risky undertaking is so going to be worth it. But you won’t appreciate the spoils of your venture until you get her cleaned up. That’s how these stories work.

Cyprian: She is untamed and reckless, not the least bit civilized.

Me: Makes her even more irresistible doesn’t it? (I can’t help but smile at the doubt crossing his face.)

Cyprian: Maybe in your imagination. Never in mine.

Me: We shall see. I brought you into this world. I can take you out. (I can see that he understands my meaning.) By the way, your name is a bit unusual so I think I’ll end by giving them a little pronunciation help. In my mind, Cyprian is pronounced Sip-re-un.

Cyprian: Obviously you are not Roman.

Healer of Carthage releases March 4. Available for preorder NOW.

Chasing Down Dr. Hastings

Eshort #1 is available for purchase NOW.

The prequel to my first book in The Carthage Chronicles series released yesterday. A PERFECT FIT is the story of how my heroine’s parents met. For 99 cents you can get an early taste of the adventures this series has in store.

The release of the first book, HEALER OF CARTHAGE, is only six weeks out (March 4). I’ve decided to introduce you to some of the characters. This will be no easy task. Some of them are not too happy about the unexpected collision of past and future.

Healer of Carthage releases March 4. Available for preorder NOW.

Today, I’m going to attempt to catch up with my heroine, Dr. Lisbeth Hastings. Lisbeth is a driven, young professional with her life as a doctor all planned out. However, that was before her tragic mistake. I won’t say too much about the mistake (after all I do want you to preorder the book – see BUY NOW buttons on home page of my website) but I will say the mistake altered her plans and thrust her into a world stranger than anything her archeologist father ever dug up in one of his forgotten caves.

You’d think the threat of medical malpractice would have humbled her a bit, but … well … I’ll let you be the judge of her emotional and mental current state.

Frigidarium, cold pool. Roman baths in Bath, England.

Oh, there she is. Lisbeth’s the one being drug to the baths of a third century villa where her captor has ordered the slave chalk scrubbed from her body.

Be warned … she’s ticked.

Me: Excuse me, Dr. Hastings. Could I speak to you for a minute?

Lisbeth: In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a little busy. Hey, what is this place?

Me: It’s a bathroom.

Lisbeth: You call this a bathroom? It’s bigger than my entire apartment back in Dallas.

Me: Nothing is too good for the wealthy Roman, Cyprian.

Lisbeth: Roman?

Me: Calm down. I’m sure you’ll come to appreciate every amenity I dropped into this story.

Lisbeth: I don’t want to appreciate anything. I want you to get me out of this nightmare.

Me: Well, I can’t. I put you into the third century for a reason.

(Lisbeth has crossed her arms and is tapping her foot. She seems a bit too snarky, but I can see how unexpected time travel could have a tendency to make someone a tad defensive. Besides, if I sent Lisbeth home before she met the handsome hero what kind of love story would this be?)

I take a deep breath and continue.

Me: Maybe I went overboard a bit with the floor-to-ceiling murals, cascading water, and exquisite tile mosaics, but I actually toured the ruins of a Roman bath in England and thought the Romans masters of luxury. In fact, I think you’d find their medical knowledge equally as impressive. Frankly, Lisbeth, I’m jealous.

Lisbeth: Jealous?

Me: You’re going to wear some of the most beautiful gowns, have the most amazing adventures, and meet the most incredible hunk, and—

Lisbeth: You’re obviously not the one stuck in the past, half drowned, stripped to your birthday suit, and staring at woman coming at you with a metal claw.

Me: (Looking quickly over my shoulder, I sigh with relief.) Oh, that’s not a claw. The Roman’s call that a strigil.

Roman strigil. Photograph by Matthias Kabel

Lisbeth: A what?

Me: An exfoliation tool. First a slave slathers you with oil, then scrapes the blade over your skin … Lisbeth … Lisbeth … wait. I can explain.

(As she tries to bolt past me, I really have no choice but to push her into the tub. I’ll try to take up this interview once she’s dry, but I don’t have high hopes. Lisbeth Hastings seldom cooperates…with anyone.)