Joyce DiPastena's Blog, page 90

Book Blog Tour for "Illuminations of the Heart": Final Reminder!

Here's a final reminder that we're coming up fast on the end of my book blog tour for Illuminations of the Heart. The blog tour dates, with corresponding links, are posted in my left sidebar. For EACH comment you leave on the reviews posted, you will be entered for a chance to win one of four prizes: 3 $10 gift certificates (one each for Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and DeseretBook.com) to be applied towards purchasing a copy of Illuminations of the Heart, or an autographed copy of...

Medieval Word of the Day

Wall-walk: the walking space behind the fortifications (crenels and merlons) on the battlements; also known as the allure
Can you find the tiny soldiers standing on the wall-walk in this picture?



Check out today's blog review of Illuminations of the Heart at Why Not? Because I Said So! and LDS Women's Book Review. In addition to the contest being offered by my book blog tour...leave a comment on each book review on the tour and be entered to win one of three gift certificates for Amazon.com...

Marguerite Makes a Book: Book Review

Over on my Medieval Research with Joyce blog, I have been discussing some of the source books I used to research the subject of illuminated manuscripts for my medieval romance, Illuminations of the Heart. But there was one book I forgot to mention until tonight, and I thought some of you JDP NEWS readers might be interested in it, too.

The books I cited previously on my research blog told me much about the art of medieval illumination. But this JEWEL of a children's picture book shows, as...

Medieval Word of the Day

Postern: a hidden door in a castle's curtain wall.
Read an interview with Siri, the heroine of Illuminations of the Heart, by on The Writers Block. Leave a comment to win one of four prizes, including an autographed copy of Illuminations!

Medieval Word of the Day

Bestiary: a collection of drawings or paintings of animals, real or imagined, accompanied by their physical and allegorical descriptions.



Above are two examples of scenes you might find in a medieval illuminated bestiary.
Check out today's blog review of Illuminations of the Heart at Taffy's Candy. Leave a comment to win one of four prizes, including an autographed copy of Illuminations! You can read an interview with me there, too.

Medieval Word of the Day

Profession: the act of taking special vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, signifying a man or woman's commitment to give up a secular life for one dedicated to God.
Check out today's blog review of Illuminations of the Heart at Lu Ann's Book Review. Leave a comment to win one of four prizes, including an autographed copy of Illuminations!

Medieval Word of the Day

Here are some geographical territorial terms for you from Illuminations of the Heart. Click on the link below to see a map of where in France these areas are located.
Angevin: one who hales from the Anjou region of France; the birthplace of King Henry II of England
Aquitaine: A region of southwest France that was ruled by Henry II of England in the Middle Ages
Poitou: a region of west-central France, ruled by Henry II of England in the Middle AgesPoitevin: a resident of PoitouPoitiers: the...

The Sweetest Romance Authors Group is Expanding!

The Sweetest Romance Authors is adding new and exciting features! We now have our very own blog. This is your chance to learn more about our books and about ourselves as people and authors. We would love to have you visit us and become a follower on our site!
Here's a description of The Sweetest Romance Authors as listed on their blog:
"We are the Sweetest Romance Authors. We enjoy the kind of gentle, tender romances our mothers and grandmothers grew up with. Before you think "boring!", think...

Medieval Word of the Day

Lapis lazuli: a stone mined in Persia and Afghanistan, from which a blue pigment was extracted and used in painting medieval illuminated manuscripts
Click here to see what lapis lazuli looks like

Medieval Word of the Day

Chemise: a woman's loose undergarment
Check out today's blog review of Illuminations of the Heart , along with an interview by the author (that would be me :-) ) at TWO locations today: Random-Ish by Nichole and LDS Writers Blogck. Leave a comment on EACH blog and be entered TWICE for a chance to win one of four prizes, including an autographed copy of Illuminations!