Dear Reader …
Since you’ve picked up one or both
of my Ancient Egypt books, you must be as fascinated with the ancient world as
I am. And if you didn’t guess, Egypt is one of my favorites! My visit in 2008
is still so vividly etched in my mind. It is my hope that my descriptions of
1330 B.C. Egypt and of the historical characters bring ancient Egypt alive for
you.
Piecing together the life of Tutankhamen for both Tutankhamen Speaks and Sons of the Sphinx led me on my own exciting journey through ancient Egypt. One of the more interesting finds on this journey gave me the title and storyline for Sons of the Sphinx. In between the paws of the Sphinx stands an ancient stele, a stone on which text or pictures were carved. This particular granite stele is 12 feet tall and weighs around 15 tons. Known as The Dream Stele, it tells the story of Thutmose IV’s dream he had after falling asleep at the Sphinx. Thutmose IV, Tutankhamen’s great-grandfather, thereafter was known as a Son of the Sphinx. That title passed on down to his descendants. I didn’t know the significance this would play in writing until several years after my visit to Egypt. I still kick myself when I remember that I was right there beside the Sphinx and didn’t take a closer look! In the picture, you can see the stele, the darker slab of granite right between his paws.
(Photo by Cheryl Carpinello, May 8, 2008)
One interesting tidbit about
writing Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks: I worked on the
opening of Sons for about nine months
and got nowhere. I couldn’t figure out what the problem was. Then one day as I
was sitting with pen poised (literally) above my writing tablet, I heard a
faint voice in my head. “You’re not going to be able to start this story until
you write mine.” I pondered for a moment, and replied, “You’re right. I need to
write yours first.” And so, I wrote Tutankhamen
Speaks. When it was finished, I had no problem starting Rosa’s thrilling
adventure back to 1330 BC Egypt.
I hope you enjoy my Ancient Tales & Legends!
Love,
Cheryl Carpinello
About the Author
Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and traveling.
“In 2008, my husband and I spent three weeks traveling around Egypt via train and visiting all those magnificent archeological sites. Since we returned home, Egypt has never been far from my thoughts. I truly believe that I left part of my soul in that ancient land. To satisfy my longing to return, I wrote Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks.” Visit her on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Books
From over 3000 years ago comes the voice of the Boy King.
Scrolls found buried in the basement of the Egyptian Museum. Transcribed in an ancient hand. Record the words of King Tut for all to read.
Tutankhamen answers all of the lingering questions, including the big one.
Discover the real story behind this famous pharaoh. Transport yourself back to an Ancient Egypt filled with mystery, magic, and danger!
You can pick up your copy of TUTANKHAMEN SPEAKS at Amazon.
A grandmother’s gift usually bring happiness. Rosa’s gift: a very different story. Hearing the dead alienated her from classmates. Not good for a 15-year-old.
Many times very insistent, the dead cared little for her surroundings. They even bothered her in class. Dates? Forget that.
Then one day, he shows up in her room. An old dead guy. A really old famous dead guy. In living human form!
Thrilling story of battling good and evil in an ancient world.
You can pick up your copy of SONS OF THE SPHINX at Amazon.
No comments:
Post a Comment