Inspired by real places

I’ve had readers ask me where in the world I come up with some of my ideas. Research, research, research.

For example, in RETURN TO EXILE, there’s a scene where Maggie and Barek are running from the soldiers and they duck inside the Tophet. What was the Tophet?

Well, archaeologists aren’t sure. Historians have argued about it for years. Some believed this mound was a place of religious sacrifice. Some believe thousands of babies were slaughtered here to appease pagan gods. Others believe the Tophet was the sacred burial site of children lost to a massive epidemic.

This is one of those times I’d like to be able to slip back in time and investigate the mystery for myself.

A facebook friend who visited the site has graciously granted me the use of his pictures.

Aren’t they fascinating? What do you think happened in this place?