BLOG: A Message from Brook!

1brookallen
Aug 13
3 min read

My Dear Readers,

I thought that instead of posting a book recommendation this week, I'd simply write to all of you, simply to update you on my latest news. Summer has finally come to an end and I'm officially retired from thirty-six years in public education. The time flew and I found myself amazed at how busy I've been both with books and personal life.

***Retirement--leaving my classroom behind.***

Retirement means more time to write, to share about my work publicly, and to attend conferences, book festivals, et cetera, et cetera!

Both teaching and writing can really be stressful at times and cause one to need a break. This summer brought much excitement, relaxation, and joy. Celebrating my retirement and our 35th anniversary, my husband and I took flight for a few weeks to visit Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. It was one of the top three odysseys I've taken in my life, and totally his idea. I am so thankful we had that time away to refresh and (for me) to nurture new book ideas!

***With my main man at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.***

Right after returning from Europe, I attended the Historical Novel Society conference in Las Vegas, NV. I had the privilege of meeting with some of the finest historical writers in the world, hear their stories, their advice, and suggestions for crafting better books--more intriguing books. Highlights included a Brazilian steakhouse dinner with my cherished friend and mentor, NYT international best-selling author, Margaret George. I was able to read at one of the COLD READS sessions, and was accompanied by two literary agents who gave their critiques for the pages I read aloud. Two of my masterclasses were with NYT bestselling author of the LOST APOTHECARY, Sarah Penner, and Heather Webb. I also got to sit in sessions led by Kate Quinn and our keynote speaker Fiona Davis. It was a spectacular weekend, spent in Caesar's Palace, of all places!

***With Sarah Penner at HNS Las Vegas.***

***How many authors get to pose with their characters? Here I am with Gaius Octavian Caesar Augustus!***

***Hanging out with Margaret George at the HNS book-signing.***

***Here I am, serving as reader for the COLD READS session this year. It was an honor and I loved every minute!***

Now I'm officially starting "retired life" and with it a new challenge.

While at the conference, I was persuaded to switch book projects. I had been working on another American story--a multiple POV novel about a pioneer woman on the Oregon Trail. For now, I've set that work aside to begin a completely different adventure.

My next novel will be a dual-timeline piece, taking place in late 1st century BC Rome and the present day. For those of you who read my Antonius Trilogy, you will probably love this one, because it will pick up pretty much where my last book (Soldier of Fate) left off. And if you've not finished the Antonius Trilogy, I encourage you to do so, as some of the same characters will be in my next book.

Please, allow me to thank each of you for following me, supporting me, and continuing your interest in my writing. I promise to offer yet more thrilling historical fiction from various authors focusing on different time periods. Isn't it fun to dive into a novel and find yourself immersed in a story you haven't heard of before? I will also try to post reviews I've done about books I myself have read this year. There's one in particular I intend to share later this month or next, as it is launching in September. If you love the history of Egypt and are as fascinated with the finds of King Tutankhamun as I am, then you'll want to follow my upcoming posts carefully.

And if you're new to my blog and haven't read my books yet, I'm including links below so that you're able to find them and read them while I'm working on my new project. In the meantime, enjoy Indian Summer and--

READ ON!!!

BROOK'S BOOKS!

AMAZON

(This title is also on Kindle Unlimited)