International Exhibit Showcasing the Three Kingdoms Era

“The Three Kingdoms era can fairly be said to have been one of the most dramatic periods in Chinese history. The Battle of the Red Cliff, 1,800 years ago, marked the commencement of a new era, in which China was divided into three kingdoms. Stories of the Three Kingdoms are still told today….

The more than 100 artifacts shown in this exhibition…depict a comprehensive picture of the history and culture of the Three Kingdoms era. The artifacts include bronzes, decorated tiles, paintings and calligraphy, seals, ceramics, lacquerware, gold and copper vessels, wood-carvings, and modern handicrafts with the Three Kingdoms theme. The earliest pieces date from the Eastern Han dynasty, the most recent from the twentieth century; they thus cover a time span of nearly two millennia. The exhibition focuses on three main themes: the official histories of the era, the period as depicted in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and the continuing influence of the Three Kingdoms era in modern times. It is anticipated that, by presenting the era from different angles and on different levels, and by adopting wide-ranging approaches, it should be possible to present a comprehensive picture of military affairs, technology, the economy, daily life, art, religion, etc. in the Three Kingdoms era, as well as the influence that the history of the Three Kingdoms has exerted on later generations. In studying the ebb and flow of the power struggle among the Three Kingdoms hegemonies, and the planning that the generals and strategists undertook in their effort to secure control over the whole of China, we can see how each battle and each stratagem influenced the course of political events. The ups and downs of this conflict, with all its fascinating details, are deeply imprinted on our consciousness. The countless [non-fiction] books that have been written about the Three Kingdoms era, as well as the many movies, computer games, etc. of recent times, have succeeded in maintaining a high level of interest in this period, not only among people in Taiwan and China, and ethnic Chinese in other parts of the world, but also among our neighbors in Japan. When the Great Romance of the Three Kingdoms exhibition toured Japan in 2008, it attracted more than one million visitors, setting a new record for the largest number of visitors ever to a China-themed exhibition in Japan.”

Yeah, and that’s just Japan. Think of all the Asians who live throughout the world (not to mention those ROTK fans who aren’t Asian), and I’d say my novel has good reader base. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is the Ming Dynasty novel upon which my historical fantasy is based. Oh, how I wish I could see this exhibit! For pictures and the complete article, please go to the Taiwanese National Museum of History special exhibition, Legends of Heroes: The Heritage of the Three Kingdoms Era, or select this link.

Back to revamping the opening. Again.

The Latest From Nathan

Yup, Nathan Bransford’s done it again. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you obviously haven’t read his site today. There’s a new contest up and you have until tomorrow afternoon at four to enter.

Sigh. It’s allergy season. Medicine has failed. Again. I want to go poke holes in my head and not think about this right now. LOL

Addendum: I’m so sorry! The deadline is THURSDAY June 3rd.

Pitch Purgatory

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worked on this thing, but here’s my current pitch for the upcoming Crested Butte Writer’s Conference. Any suggestions?

I’ve created a land where ghosts are guides and heroes are traitors, where Liu Jie fights to free his country from the Imperial Chancellor’s civil war, but when the Chancellor captures Jie’s brother, how can Jie choose between sacrificing his family or his country?

Giveaway at Evening Fades

To celebrate her book’s arrival, TK Richardson will give away all sorts of wonderful goodies this weekend. Make sure to check out the blog and get a pick at Return the Heart while you’re at it!

Contests, Publishing Links and Auctions of Interest

Here’s a site with lots of contests for you romance writers. Just so you know, some of the links are dysfunctional.

The magazines listed at this site are open to submissions from new or experienced fantasy writers, and offer payment for publication.

Here’s an altruistic and unique way to get writing help: bid on a writing mentor in this online auction for diabetes research. Author Brenda Novak has an auction for Diabetes every May. Her son has the disease and as of today, she has raised over $770,000 this year. Make a bid, find a mentor, help save lives.

Here are just some of the auction items:

NYTimes bestselling authors Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, and Mary Buckham once again offer their Extravaganza for readers and writers alike. From autographed books, to critiques, to packages for writing organizations, these ladies never let us down!

NYTimes bestselling author Susan Mallery offers a double whammy critique (one from her and one from her editor Tara Parsons of HQN) along with a book dedicated to you in 2011!

NYTimes bestselling author Susan Andersen is donating a weekend stay in her wonderful cabin in the Cascade Mountains! What a wonderful romantic or family getaway!

NYTimes bestselling author Allison Brennan is donating some of her late grandmother’s collectible porcelain dolls to the cause! Thank you, Allison!

Bestselling and Award Winning Author Anna DeStefano

One of Anna’s loves is shopping, and finding treasures at great prices—so she can share them with friends. Especially purses.

Okay, I was going to make this a blog award page, too, but that would make the post WAY too long, so I’ll put that off until later this week. Until then, zai jian!