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 Book:
Becoming the Twilight Empress
A Theodosain Women Prequel Novella
In a tumultuous time of violence, betrayal, and ruthless evil, can one charismatic young woman survive the bloodshed?
Ravenna, A.D. 408. Placidia is watching her family fall apart. When her emperor brother accuses their powerful foster father of treason, the naive imperial princess tries to reason with her sibling to no avail. And after her foster father is lured out of sanctuary and brutally executed, she flees the toxic court to avoid a forced marriage… but to dubious safety.
Can she rise above an empire descending into chaos? If you like tenacious heroines, vivid settings, and nail-biting drama, then you’ll love Faith L. Justice’s captivating coming-of-age adventure.
Now available in hardback, trade paperback, eBook, and coming soon in audiobook at all the usual online markets, independent bookstores or ask at your local library.
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
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.”)