Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After retiring from a university career, during which I authored a number of textbooks and many articles, I felt drawn to write fiction. I’ve always loved historical fiction and have been a devoted reader since childhood. Since retiring, I’ve written 5 historical fiction books. All are published as both ebooks and paperbacks, between 2006 and 2019.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is “The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque.”
I wanted to write a series about ancient Mayan queens, since their culture fascinates me. I lived in Yucatan, Mexico studying them and visiting ancient ruins. Women had important roles, some as rulers or “warrior queens.” These real historic women were the most powerful in the Americas during their time, but almost no one knows about them. The dynasty of the famous Mayan city Palenque had particular emphasis on women rulers and queens. This inspired me to create a fiction series based on their lives. The four books of the “Mists of Palenque” series are about them. This book about K’inuuw Mat is the last in the series. Each book stands alone and tells a complete story of one queen. I was eager to write this book, so the series could be finished and I could bring everything to closure.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write at my computer in the office which I share with my husband. It’s also our TV room and has a high-end audio system. When he’s at his nearby computer, or watching TV or listening to music, you might think I’d get distracted. But, I don’t—I’ve got an uncanny ability to concentrate. When I’m in the world of my novels, the outer world just disappears. Sometimes this annoys my husband, or my cats who rub against my legs trying to get attention. I can leave writing to feed cats, or respond to an urgent question, but I’m immediately immersed again when I return. When traveling, I bring my tablet and can write most anywhere, even with waves lapping on white beaches of Mexico.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Historical fiction was always my favorite to read while growing up. I continue reading this genre and like reading mysteries, especially in archeological settings. As a teen I read lots of Western and space adventures. I read widely and admire many authors. Two in particular influenced my writing. Mary Renault, British born author who moved to the South African Cape, wrote a brilliant historical fiction series set in ancient Greece: The Last of the Wine, The King Must Die, The Bull From the Sea, and others. Her stories transported me to Mycenaean Greece, Crete, and the Aegean Sea region and immersed me in Greek legends and characters. Marion Zimmer-Bradley, American author of historical fantasy, captured my imagination (as well as a large international following) with her amazing novels based on Arthurian legends including Mists of Avalon, The Forest House, Lady of Avalon, and Priestess of Avalon. Her books integrated mythology, mysticism, and history into powerful stories with strong women and Goddess-based spirituality. She was particularly influential through her examples of inter-dimensional plot structures, and the interplay between the everyday world and spiritual domains. I owe both of these women a huge debt of gratitude.
What are you working on now?
I’m an admirer of historical mysteries, such as Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series set in early 1900’s Egyptian archeological digs. Now I’m thinking about trying my hand at similar mysteries in the Maya regions in the 1920’s. During this time women had major breakthroughs and opportunities for adventures. It was rampant with juicy archeological happenings such as tomb robbery and artifacts pilfering. My protagonists would be young women cutting loose and exploring different worlds, with an older female archeologist mentor. Writing mysteries (not involving murders) is branching into a new genre for me, and I’ve got lots to learn. I’m still in the conceptual and information gathering phase, and not yet writing the stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Mostly I connect with readers through Facebook, Twitter, and my website and blog. I’ve done virtual book tours, where blogger hosts post interviews, book excerpts, reviews, and guest posts by authors. Often I’ll use book promotion websites such as Awesome Gang’s complex to reach additional potential readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what fascinates you, something for which you feel passion. Writers need the “juice” to drive a sustained effort in bringing forth a novel. Learn everything you can about your topic, setting, and time period. Write to satisfy yourself and meet high standards. Always use a good editor!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
History is interpretation. It all depends on your point of view. Perspective colors your understanding of events, so try to be aware of your blind spots.
What are you reading now?
“The Sea Archer (Heaven and Earth Series)” about two very different contemporary people who cross paths in Kauai, only to experience peculiar dreams, and an unbelievable proclamation that they could be the direct descendants of Poseidon and Apollo. Interesting time slip weaving Greek gods/goddesses into the lives and destinies of the pair.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Making choices among several options for my next writing project is up soon. Several ideas are percolating in my mind, everything from narrative non-fiction to mysteries. Stay tuned to seen what develops!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita for their philosophic depth and cosmic worldview.
Shakespeare plays for their endless entertaining plots and characters.
The Popol Vuh for its poetry and cleverness in telling the Maya creation myth.
Author Websites and Profiles
Leonide Martin Website
Leonide Martin Amazon Profile
Leonide Martin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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Twitter Account