Hello!

I'm a science geek and history junkie, which explains the slightly schizophrenic nature of my writing–my short stories are mostly SF and fantasy while my novels are all (so far) historical fiction. My most recent full-length novel is Selene of Alexandria a tale of ambition, power, love and redemption set in AD 412 Alexandria, Egypt.  Science and history also feed my passion for archaeology. My idea of a great vacation? "Cleaning dirt," hauling rocks and washing pottery. In the past I've worked as a lifeguard, paralegal, systems analyst, HR Executive, and college professor; but my hardest job, by far, is that of mother.

What will you find on this site?  

• More information about my life and writing in the Author section
• Complete interviews with some of SF and Historical Fiction's best known award-winning authors: Ursula K. Le Guin, James Morrow, Anita Diamant and Nancy Kress, among many.
• Articles on writing and research plus links to all my favorite writing sites.
• Historian's Notebook - My blog where I sort fact from fiction, post reviews and interviews, and comment on history in the news. Most recent Women's History Month post: "Where Are All the Strong Women?"
• Samples my short stories, novels, and historical essays (see Hypatia, the Lady Philosopher of Alexandria - a major character in my new book.)

What's New: Updated April 22, 2013

April 2012

• It's here! Over a year ago, I put out an ebook Hypatia: Her Life and Times which has been downloaded over 1100 times. The print version is now available here (or order through any online or private bookstore).Thanks to everyone who checked out the book. I hope you enjoyed it. With the print version, I"ve added a modest price to the ebook, but anyone who can't afford it, can contact me through this website and I'll send you a free PDF copy.  Enjoy!

March 2013

• Two posts this month to celebrate women: Where Are All the Strong Women? where I discuss the perception that capable women in historical fiction appear too "modern."
• It's Women's History Month! To celebrate, I've posted a review of a great book about two remarkable women journalists on my blog. Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland traveled around the world by themselves going in opposite directions in 1898. Check out their exciting story in Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman.

December 2012

• Happy Holidays! It's the 1st Annual Historical Blog Hop. Over 30+ blogs are sponsoring giveaways of fiction, non-fiction, gift cards and more. Passages to the Past blog is sponsoring the blog hop and has four grand prize packages of 15+ books. Stop by my own blog to participate in a give away of three books: The Twelve Rooms of the Nile by Enid Shomer, The Seven Wonders by Steven Saylor and The Raven's Seal by Andrei Baltakmens. Enjoy and good luck!
• As a holiday gift to my readers, check out the half-off coupon for Selene of Alexandria ebook at Smashwords only. Use coupon code VC53R until January 3. Enjoy!
• Back from a wonderful trip to New Zealand and--totally by coincidence!--have a guest post and giveaway by a New Zealand author. If like Dickens you'll like The Raven's Seal. Check out the post here.

November 2012

• Survived Sandy. We've got power and heat. The subways are now coming back. Thanks to eveyone who checked up on me and my family!

September 2012

• Guest post by Enid Shomer on her new novel The Twelve Rooms of the Nile on my blog. Stop by and comment for a chance to win one of two copies!

August 2012

• Proud Mama here! My daughter published her first ebook Twitter Who Volume 1: The First Doctor, a New Whovian's journey through Classic territory, 140 characters at a time. Available at Smashwords in all formats (pays the larger royalty); also at Amazon.

July 2012

• The Copperfield Review published my short story "The Reluctant Groom" in their summer edition. The first in a series based on my actual family stories. Enjoy!
• Newest blog post is a tribute to Dr. Sally Ride, fist American women in space, who died of pancreatic cancer. Another hero fallen.
• Smashwords is running a summer sale. Half off Selene and Hypatia is free!
• Book review and giveaway of Steven Saylor's The Seven Wonders posted on my blog. Check out this fun book and maybe win a copy!

June 2012

• Published a collection of five short stories: Time Again and Other Fantastic Stories is now avaibable at Smashwords in all ebook formats. Award-winning fiction at an affordable price!

May 2012

• Posted a review of The King's Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and her Sister Hortense, DuchessMazarin by Elizabeth C. Goldsmith. Stop by and read about these liberated ladies of the 17th Century.

April 2012

• The Copperfield Review published my review of Charles Dickens' Little Dorritt. You can read it here.
• Another wonderful review for Selene from The Atheist's Quill. I've pleased both Christians and atheists with my book, so I must have done something right!
• Did a stupid thing while on vacation--fell and broke my wrist! In a cast till the end of May, so typing is restricted. [sigh]

March 2012

• Published an ebook Hypatia: Her Life and Times. A labor of love: a collection of all my Hypatia material. Available in all digital formats at Smashwords.com. Check it out and enjoy!
• Posted a new piece on Hypatia in honor or Women's History Month: "Hypatia of Alexandria: The Primary Sources." Stop by and find out who's talking trash about our favorite Lady Philosopher.
• I had a good response to the ebook special last week, so I'm extending the 50% off coupon through the end of March. Please use coupon code YL63B at checkout at Smashwords.com and enjoy!
• It's "Read an eBook Week" March 3-10 and there are lots of specials on several sites. Selene is half off at Smashwords.com (all ereader formats.) Stop by and use promotion code REW50 by March 10.
• It's Women's History Month! Lots of great/nortorious/interesting women on my blog. Check out biographies and essays about:
• Hypatia, Lady Philosopher of Alexandria
• Marie and Hortense Mancini, runaway brides of the 17th Century.
• Jeanne Baret, botanist, explorer, and first woman to circumnavigate the world
• Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia
• Cleopatra of Egypt
• Catherine de Medici, Queen of France
• Norma Wallace, The Last Madam of New Orleans

February 2012

• A guest post by Glynis Ridley and giveaway of her book The Discovery of Jeanne Baret on my blog. Stop by and read about the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, a remarkable and little known botanist/explorer. Comment on the post and earn a chance to win a copy of the book (open through March.)

December 2011

• New post on my blog: a review of Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie. Check out this book about a powerful woman.

November 2011

• Finally got a new post up at my blog. Stop by and see if Hypatia was a "great" mathematician or "merely" a geometry teacher.

October 2011

• Wonderful news! Selene was selected at the "Featured Author" pick by the Historical Fictionistas reading group on Goodreads.com. Members will be reading and discussing the book from October 15 - November 15. Thanks everyone!

September 2011

• Another great review of Selene at Col Reads. Thanks so much, Colleen!
• Sorry about the slump in September. I've been working on a rewrite and took a vacation, so slim pickins this month!

August 2011

• Finished a first draft of my WIP--first century Roman with fictional characters this time: war, love, earthquakes and gladiators! Now for more research and rewriting.
• Posted a review of Noah's Wife by T. K. Thorne on my blog. Not your traditional Bible story!
• Selene earned a Finalist in the Global eBook Awards! I couldn't make it to the awards in California but was there in spirit. Congrats to the winners!

July 2011

• SusieBookworm also gave Selene a great review. Thanks!
• Posted a new "History in the News" report on my blog. Check out the Bible stories, recovered artifacts, archaeological tech and much more.
• The Book Garden blog gave Selene another great review. Thanks!
• Back in March, I spoke at our local library about Hypatia for Women's History Month and taped the presentation. My crack video editor Hannah Rothman cut it down into three short Youtube videos which I've posted. Check them out and feel free to leave me comments. Thanks and please remember the camera adds ten pounds...and there was only one camera!
• What inspired me to write Selene of Alexandria?
• The characters of Selene and Hypatia and the plot of the book.
• What are the main themes of the story?

June 2011

• Selene of Alexandria cover is featured in this post about "What's Great About This Ebook Cover?" at Bookcover Coaching and Business Branding. What a nice surprise! A much deserved shout out to Todd Engle who designed my beautiful cover. You can contact him at www.engelcreative.com.
• Giveaway of Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome by Steven Saylor. Drop by my blog and win a free book (closes June 30.)
• Off to the Historical Novel Society Conference in San Diego to pitch Twilight Empress! (Update: both an agent and an editor are interested!)
• Giveaway of Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor on my blog. Drop by and win a free book (closes June 22.)
• In honor of Women's History Month in March, I talked at my local library about Hypatia and my book. I've posted three short videos from that talk where I discuss the plot, the inspiration, and the main themes of Selene.
• The Owl Bookmark Blog also interviewed me about the inspiration for the Selene and my writing process.
• Another great review for Selene on the Owl Bookmark Blog. Thanks, Siobian!
• A book review of Alexandria (Marcus Didius Falco #19) by Lindsey Davis and giveaway up on my blog. Good luck!

May 2011

• Posted a new essay on Alexandria--at my blog. Check out "Alexandria: The Early Years."

April 2011

• I seem to be on a Cleopatra kick lately. Check out my review of Antony and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough on my blog.
• Posted a  review  of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff's Cleopatra: A Life on my blog.
• What's happening to Libya's archaeological treasures during the conflict, pickled bog brain, Agatha Christie and much more in my latest "History in the News" post.
• Book review and giveaway on my blog: Outlaw by Angus Donald, a dark Robin Hood. Giveaway open in the US only (sorry!) until April 6.

March 2011

• Another good review for Selene. This one from Catholic Fiction. Thanks!
• EVENT: Cortelyou Library asked me to read from Selene to celebrate Women's History Month, Saturday, March 26. Details here.
• Melanie McDonald interview and giveaway up on my blog. See what she has to say about her new book Eromenos.
• In honor of the "leap ahead" to daylight savings time, take a look at my short story "Time Again" about an old man who tries to get his hour back. What would you do with the extra time?
• Posted a review of two books on Hypatia at my blog:
• Took a trip to Washington D. C. to meet Professor Maria Dzielska, author of Hypatia of Alexandria, one of my most important sources for Selene. Lovely lady and most gratifying trip! Read my review of her book on my blog.
• Posted an update on Egypt's endangered archaeological sites on my blog.

February 2011

• Posted a book review of Latro in the Mist by Gene Wolfe on my blog. A literary historical fantasy!
• Special update on my "History in the News" blog posts: What's Happening to Egypt's Treasures during the current unrest.

January 2011 - Happy New Year, Everyone!

• Posted a book review of Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda on my blog. Recommended biography. Pssst...she didn't poison her children!
• Posted a new "History in the News: Cleopatra's Needle, New Human Cousins and Bog Bodies" on my blog. Plus a follow up on Turkey's troubles and Italy's woes from earlier posts.
• Posted a book review of Khan: Empire of Silver by Conn Iggulden on my blog. Fourth in a series on the Great Khans Genhis and Kublai. Reccomended for those who love adventure, battles and blood.

December 2010

• The anniversry give away is closed. Congratulations to the winners!
• One year anniversary give away! I'm giving away five copies of Selene in an international giveaway. Drop by my blog and enter!
• Posted a new "History in the News: Italy's Woes, Roman Recycling and Forensic Genetics" on my blog. Find out how Pompeii is faring (not so good!), how glass was recycled 1700 years ago, and if the "lost legion" wound up in China.
• The book trailer is finally done and published! Thanks to Hannah Rothman for producing the trailer and Morgan Stehr for the gorgeous original music. Check it out here and leave a comment.

November 2010

• I'm back with a brand new computer and all the headaches of reinstalling software, transferring files and learning a new operating system. Oh, and I have another cat to add to the menagerie. Ever try to type one-handed with a cat in your arms?
• Posted a new review/analysis on Little Dorritt, a classic by Charles Dickens, on my blog. A must read for all Dickens fans or anyone who wants a meaty story with surprisingly modern themes. So little has changed in 150 years!
• A "highly recommended review" of Selene came in from The Copperfield Review, a journal of history and fiction. Thanks!
• Another great review and a give away of Selene from Historical Tapestry. What a great roll!

October 2010

• Things were a bit slow for me in October due to family issues. I'm afraid I'm in the "sandwich" generation and got squeezed by both my parent and offspring this month. On top of which, I was computerless for the entire month. November should pick up!
• A wonderful five-star review for Selene from Lacuna: A Journal of Historical Fiction. Thanks so much!

September 2010

• My third round up of "History in the News: Turkey’s Troubles, Looted Artifacts, and Climate Change is up on my blog.
• Posted a review of Roma: The Novel of Ancient Rome by Steven Saylor on my blog. I liked it better than Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome its sequel, but both are fine books.

August 2010

• Just Jennifer Reading gave Selene a great review.
• The Kindle edition of Selene is now available at Amazon.com.
• Posted a review of Imperium by Robert Harris at my blog--thumbs up for the first installment in the Harris' trilogy on the life and times of Marcus Tullius Circero, one of Republican Rome's greatest politicians and orators.
• "History in the News: Pyrocalstic Clouds, Dead Dogs and Ads on the Coliseum" is my second round up of history in the news on my blog.
• .Posted a review of Empire: The Novel of Imperial Rome by Steven Saylor at my blog.

July 2010

• Ninth great review of Selene at Editing TLC. Any agents or publishers out there?
• "Why I Love Strong Women" - guest blog at Historical Tapestry, drop by and leave a comment!
• "History in the News: Bones, Poison and Treasure" inaugurates my monthly round up of history and archaeology in the news. Check out ten great stories and links back to the original articles.

June 2010:

• Agora: the "Reel" vs. the "Real" Hypatia - a three-part series on the history behind the movie starring Rachel Weisz as Hypatia, on my blog Historian's Notebook.
• "Move Over Tudor Women - the Theodosians are Here!"  - guest blog post on Just Jennifer Reading explores my fascination with the 5th Century.
• Another good review of Selene at History and Women.
• And they just keep coming...good review at Scandalous Books.
• Selene give away at Just Jennifer Reading until 6/30/10 - one paperback and one PDF copy.
• Historical Novel Review gave Selene another thumbs up! June seems to be the month.
• Posted Part II of my article on doing historical research, "The Devil's in the Historical Details" at my blog.

May 2010:

• Selene of Alexandria ebook edition is now available in all formats, including Kindle, Nook and Epub for the iPad.
• The Historical Novel Society review of Selene came in - it's a winner!
• New post on Historian's Notebook: "Burning Books: What Really Happened to the Great Library of Alexandria".
• Guest blog post on Scandalous Women about Hypatia, Lady Philosopher of Alexandria.
• Posted Part I of my article on doing historical research: "The Devil's in the Historical Details" at my blog.
• Another good review of Selene at Novel Addictions.

Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy your stay and feel free to contact me.

Selene of Alexandria

Available in print at Booklocker, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords or any online bookstore.

Now available in all ebook formats including Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader and Epub for iPad

Download Press Kit for Selene

Finalist for the Global eBook Award

August, 2011

What others are saying about Selene of Alexandria:

"Readers will be captivated. Fans of Gillian Bradshaw’s classic The Beacon at Alexandria may especially enjoy Selene and find a promising new historical novelist who shares the same gift for wonderfully researched, vividly evoked, good old-fashioned storytelling." --Historical Novel Society

"Selene of Alexandria is pure fiction magic...I couldn't put this book down. I love the way Justice mixed historic facts with her fictional character's lives, dreams, loves, and aspirations...Selene of Alexandria made me laugh and cry, hope and despair." --Story Circle Book Review

"I am enthralled with the work of this author… [She writes] with beauty, brilliance, and brutal honesty. Run to the bookstore and buy this for yourself." --BookPleasures.com Review:

Selene of Alexandria has received high praise from a number of reviewers and deserves every word of it. This book is outstanding, not just for a first novel, but for any novel. --Lacuna: A Journal of Historical Fiction

Selene of Alexandria does what historical fiction does best—weave historical fact, real-life historical figures, and attention to detail with page-turning, plot-driven fiction...Justice gives you all the tools you need to follow the story, and she expertly brings you along for the ride. --The Copperfield Review

GoodReads.com reviews

LibraryThing.com reviews

Amazon reviews

Companion Non-fiction Book:

Hypatia: Her Life and Times

Hypatia of Alexandria. Who was she? A brilliant young mathematician and scientist, murdered by a religious mob? An aging academic taken out by a rival political party? A sorceress who kept the Prefect and people of Alexandria in thrall through satanic wiles? Did she discover that the earth circled the sun a thousand years before Copernicus or was she merely a gifted geometry teacher? Discover the answers to these questions and more through this collection of essays on the life and times of Hypatia, Lady Philosopher of Alexandria.

Download in all digital formats.

Available in print.

New Collection of Shorts:

Time Again and Other Fantastic Stories

What would you do with an extra hour of life? Kiss a girl? Eat ice cream? Grafitti your workplace? Find out how one man uses his bonus hour in the award-winning story "Time Again." Then check out how a young woman deals with a "transforming" experience, business consultant Alice overhauls Wonderland, a fierce mother takes on the devil who wants to marry her daughter and more. Includes a bonus interview with acclaimed fantasy author Ursula K. Le Guin.

Download in all digital formats.