Faith L. Justice, Author

Welcome!

 Love historical fiction? SF/Fantasy? Kiddie Lit?

I probably have a book you’d like. I’m a science geek and history junkie, which explains the slightly schizophrenic nature of my writing—my short stories are mostly science fiction and fantasy while my novels are all (so far) historical fiction. Throw in a non-fiction collection of essays on historical topics and an illustrated middle-grade chapter book set in 14C Japan (the first in my Adventurous Girls series) and I pretty much cover the gamut. Except for mysteries. I read ’em, but don’t write ’em. Click on the Books menu and see if anything strikes your fancy.

On this site I have additional content for readers and writers I hope you find useful: articles and posts on history and conducting historical research, book reviews, guest posts, interviews, and much more. Browse. Ask a question, make a suggestion, or leave a comment.  Writing is a lonely business and I love interacting with readers. If you want to contact me directly or learn more about me and my writing process check out the About page.

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My Newest Novel:

Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome

The Theodosain Women Book Two

As Rome reels under barbarian assaults, a young girl must step up.

After the Emperor’s unexpected death, ambitious men eye the Eastern Roman throne occupied by seven-year-old Theodosius II. His older sister Pulcheria faces a stark choice: she must find allies and take control of the Eastern court or doom the imperial children to a life of obscurity—or worse! Beloved by the people and respected by the Church, Pulcheria forges her own path to power. Can her piety and steely will protect her brother from military assassins, heretic bishops, scheming eunuchs and—most insidious of all—a beautiful, intelligent bride? Or will she lose all in the trying?

Dawn Empress tells Pulcheria’s little-known and remarkable story. Her accomplishments rival those of Elizabeth I and Catherine the Great as she sets the stage for the dawn of the Byzantine Empire.

Now available in hardback, trade paperback, eBook, and audiobook at all the usual online markets, independent bookstores or ask at your local library.

Learn more here.

Most Recent Presentation

“Cracking the Audiobook Market”

Enjoy this information-packed presentation on why and how to get into the audiobook market presented to the New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society. From author DIY to hiring a full service audio company and everything in between, I help authors decide what works for them based on their career goals and resources.

Download the slides (the tech gremlins changed my pretty font to an ugly one, but the information is all there): Cracking the Audiobook Market PDF

Download the resource guide: Cracking the Audiobook Market Resource Guide

I created a series of blog posts that expand this video presentation and the slides. Click for Part 1.

The Theodosian Women

Blog series starts here.

Fourteen women of the Theodosian dynasty loved, fought, and ruled through nearly two centuries and six generations during the Roman Empire’s most turbulent time: the fall of the West and the evolution of the East into the Byzantine Empire.

Some were saints (literally) and some were whores (figuratively). Some were foolish and some were brave. Some were pawns in men’s schemes, others took control of their own lives. Several ruled for a weak-minded husband or underaged son or brother. A bunch were named Eudoxia or Eudocia. I’ll try to help you keep them straight. The first post on the founding mother of the dynasty Aelia Flavia Flacilla, first wife to Theodosian I starts here.

This series of posts led up to a virtual presentation “Empresses and Power” at the New York City Chapter of the Historical Novel Society with James Conroyd Martin, author of Fortune’s Child. You can see the presentation here.

First Generation:

  • Aelia Flavia Flacilla, first wife to Theodosius I The Great (“Saint or sinner?”)
  • Galla, second wife to to Theodosius I (“Died young but left a legacy.”)

Second Generation:

  • Serena, Theodosius’ niece and adopted daughter (“Executed for treason.”)
  • Aelia Eudoxia, married Theodosius’ son Arcadius (“Jezebel of the East?”)
  • Galla Placidia, daughter of Galla and Theodosius (“Taken by the Goths in sack of Rome.” Also protagonist in Twilight Empress.)

Third Generation:

  • Maria, Serena’s daughter, married Theodosius’ son Honorius (“Married an Emperor. Died a virgin.”)
  • Thermantia, Serena’s daughter, married Theodosius’ son Honorius (“Married an Emperor. Divorced a virgin.”)
  • Aelia Pulcheria, Eudoxia and Arcadius’ daughter (“Took over the Empire at age fifteen.” Also the protagonist in Dawn Empress.)
  • Aelia Eudocia (aka Athenais), married Theodosius II, Arcadius and Eudoxias’ son (“Love story or political pawn?” Also the protagonist in Rebel Empress, coming in 2024.)
  • Justa Grata Honoria, Placidia’s daughter (“Attila the Hun invaded Rome for her hand.”)

Fourth/Fifth Generation (It’s complicated when cousins marry!):

  • Licinia Eudoxia, Eudocia and Theodosius II’s daughter, married Valentinian III, Placidia’s son (“Married the man who murdered her first husband.”)
  • Eudocia, the Younger, Eudoxia and Valentinian’s daughter (“Married a Vandal Prince. Mothered a Vandal King.”)
  • Placidia, the Younger, Eudoxia and Valentinian’s daughter, married Olybrius (“Taken by the Vandals in the sack of Rome.”)

Fifth/Sixth Generation:

  • Anicia Juliana, Placidia the Younger and Olybrius’ daughter (“Patron of the arts.”)