Diane Youngblood

@dmyoungblood

Indie adult fantasy author. Disabled. Knitter. Wife. Doggie mama. Desert dweller. Former accountant, data and BI analyst. She/her. INTP. LGBTQ+ ally 🚫 GenAI

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Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jul 14

Day 14 of #FantasyIndiesJuly Lessons in my Oracle of Delphi series WIP? Hmm. That you can't trust anyone, especially gods or humans. #WritingCommunity

List of daily post prompts for indie fantasy authors for July. Today's is: Lessons in WIP

Hosts: @chesneyinfalt.bsky.social and @lvrussell.bsky.social

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jul 11

Day 11 of #FantasyIndiesJuly Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This is from around 66 CE. #WritingCommunity

"A few things have occurred," Hippon began. "The emperor has reorganized the Amphictyony, returning it to its ancestral order."

"What does that mean?" Damia asked.

"It means the presidency and most of the seats have been returned to Thessaly. As you may know from your histories, Thessaly had the majority of seats on the league in ancient times. The emperor wished to reinstate that distribution.

"Unfortunately, he has announced he will be sending veteran Roman soldiers to settle the Krisaean Plain--"

"He cannot do such a thing," Mykale protested. "That land is sacred to Apollo!"

Hippon held up a hand. "Believe me, I know, Pythia. Many of us tried to change his mind, but we were not successful. He sees the plain as rich and fertile for his veterans. Apparently there is not much of that available in Italy."

"And what of the Games?" Nikandros asked. "The hippodrome is always located on the plain. Will they build houses instead?"

"The boule will discuss it with the Romans when they arrive. With care and good negotiation, they should be able to satisfy the needs of the veterans as well as ours."

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jul 10

This book is a pure delight. And yes, it is inspiring me to do my own "Chronicle," since I just started backyard birdwatching 2 years ago. 🐦

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan, alongside The Backyard Bird Journal by Amy Tan

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jul 7

It's so beautiful! www.etsy.com/listing/1125...

Non-functional Replica of the Antikythera Mechanism – A Masterpiece of Ancient Technology
Scale: 1:2 (Half size of the original)

- This exquisite replica of the Antikythera Mechanism is a meticulously crafted, scaled-down reproduction of the original artifact, made with premium materials: wood, anodized aluminum in an elegant bronze finish, and gold-plated hypoallergenic metal. Every inscription on the replica is an exact copy of those found on the original mechanism, providing a highly accurate visual representation.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jul 4

Day 4 of #FantasyIndiesJuly Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This is from about 66 CE. #WritingCommunity

The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, and indeed the entire city itself, was in a frenzy of activity, preparing for the expected arrival of Nero Claudius, the Emperor of Rome, as part of his tour of Greece and participation in the Crown Games Circuit.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 30

Day 30 of #FantasyIndiesJune This month, I added 21,706 words to Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. I'm about halfway through, currently writing about 60 CE: word has reached Delphi about Boudicca's rebellion. This month, I read 10 books and DNF'd 1. Onward to July! 🎉 #WritingCommunity

List of daily post prompts for indie fantasy authors for June. Today's is: Monthly wrap up

Hosts: @chesneyinfalt.bsky.social and @lvrussell.bsky.social

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 27

Day 27 of #FantasyIndiesJune Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This is from about 37 CE. (Gaius Germanicus is aka Caligula.) #WritingCommunity

Later that year, a shocking thing happened at Olympia that rocked Delphi as word spread.

The governor of Achaea, Publius Memmius Regulus, had been ordered by Gaius Germanicus to remove the massive and famous statue of Zeus from Olympia, and take it to Rome. It was a massive undertaking, with a huge number of men working for weeks to perform the task.

"What if he asks for our statue of Apollo?" Pythia Thaleia asked Senior Priest Nicanor one day after offerings at the Temple of Apollo.

Nicanor grimly replied, "then we have no choice but to obey. But let us hope he is satisfied with the Zeus."

"They call him Jupiter there, in Rome. Which only means heaven and sky, so they cannot even address him properly. There is nothing I like about Romans. Nothing at all."

Nicanor said nothing, but privately he could not disagree.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 21

Day 20 of #FantasyIndiesJune (catchup) Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This is from around 38 CE. #WritingCommunity

After Apollophanes had once again left, closing the door behind him, Nicanor's gaze met and held that of Panope, and he spoke as quietly as he could. "I thought he might suspect something, and I was right. I believe we alleviated the suspicion for now, but we must be extremely careful from now on."

Panope nodded. "I understand, and fully agree. It would ruin us both if we were found out."

"Thank the gods we are not in Rome, and you are not a Vestal Priestess," he breathed.

"Why?"

He was surprised she did not know. As he told her, he toyed with his wine cup and kept his gaze averted. "The priestesses are sworn to remain chaste while they serve. If one should break her vow, she is buried alive, and the man is publicly flogged."

Panope almost choked on her mouthful of wine. "That is barbaric."

Nicanor nodded once. "They believe the prosperity and health of Rome herself depends on the Vestals. So, if one fails in her vows, the city would also fail."

"What madness." Panope shook her head. "That would be like Delphi believing you and I are responsible for the city's future."

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 17

We have a grackle nest in our olive tree and so far two babies have come down from the nest. Every time we go outside it sounds like The Birds. The parents call every grackle in the area to help defend the babies. It's crazy. Today there was one of the 2 babies in the bougainvillea.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 16

Was going through some old photos and found a bunch from my old Etsy jewelry store. I miss making pretty things. This was called "Loki in Chains" after I saw Thor 2. Surprised that it never sold. Ah, good times.

A necklace, earring, and bracelet set made of antiqued gold fittings and chain, and emerald green Swarovski crystals.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 13

Day 13 of #FantasyIndiesJune Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This scene takes place around 26 BCE. #WritingCommunity

As Iris ate, she broke off small pieces of bread and gave them to Chara, who took them gently but gobbled them up quickly, tail wagging.

"I see you continue to spoil her," Thaleia said as she arrived. Taking the other couch, she smiled at Iris.

"Bah. She is a good dog. She deserves to be spoiled." Now Iris gave Chara a small bit of fig, which also was received with alacrity.

Iris frowned; which Chara was this? Number two or three? After a moment, she shrugged and continued eating and feeding Chara small bits from her plate.

It did not matter how many Charas there were. All that mattered was that there was one here, now.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 13

Just about threw my Kindle across the room last night on this one. A quick DNF at about 10%. Mind you, this is not non-fiction. It's historical fiction. At no time did ancient Rome refer to years like this. Just an absolute egregious error. 🤦‍♀️

Aemilia stood and grabbed Nasica by the arm. "Will Scipio be in any danger?"

"Not likely," he admitted. "But that is not the issue. The boy is difficult—hard to manage. He has always done as he pleases. Even when disciplined, even whipped for his insolence and defiance, he remains unchanged. He follows his own will."

His voice tinged with frustration, he continued. "He does not care for me. Just a year ago, when I was visiting with Paullus, and we were speaking of the numerous offices I have held, he openly told me that my decision to run for the censorship in 184 BC was foolish. He said my rival, Cato, was clearly the better candidate for the job."

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 12

This areca palm was half this big when I first put it here in my office. It's a monster now! At least 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Just massive. And I love it! 🌱

A very large and healthy areca palm in front of a bright sunshiney window

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Jun 6

Day 6 of #FantasyIndiesJune Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This partial scene is from about 23 BCE. #WritingCommunity

"It seems to me," Herophile began, "this is the beginning of a contest between the Senate and Augustus for authority over the Provinces."

Aegon nodded, internally pleased at the Pythian Priestess's intelligent analysis. "I agree with you."

"Which means," Soranus said thoughtfully, "Augustus is about to grasp additional power."

"Indeed." Aegon smiled. "I am certain we will have the confirmation of that in the next installment from Rome."

"Would you care to place a wager on that?" one of the other priests asked, making Aegon laugh.

"No," he replied. "I am not one to wager, unfortunately."

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 31

Day 31 of #FantasyIndiesMaytober This month I added 15,192 words to my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. I've read 10 books this month, none of which were indie. Onward to June! 🎉 #WritingCommunity

List of daily post prompts for indie fantasy authors for May. Today's is: Monthly wrap-up

Hosts: @chesneyinfalt.bsky.social and @lvrussell.bsky.social

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 30

Day 30 of #FantasyIndiesMaytober Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. #WritingCommunity

31 BCE, Heraios/October

This month, two popular annual festivals occurred: the Heraia, in honor of Hera, Queen of the Gods; and the Epikleidia, to honor Demeter.

The Heraia included a procession of maidens and married women dressed in finery, and youths and men dressed in polished armor. At the end of the procession, the armor was dedicated to Hera at her temple, then the sacrifices and feast took place.

The Epikleidia also consisted of a procession, sacrifices, and feast.

And so, the entire polis and Sanctuary was taken up with celebrating when Philon, Senior Priest of Apollo, received word regarding the Roman civil war taking place on Greece's west coast. He quickly sent a message to Aegon, Kynthia, and others to gather at the House of the Priests of Apollo for an evening meal and discussion.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 24

Day 23 of #FantasyIndiesMaytober (catchup) Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. Here, Strabo visits Delphi in about 29 BCE. #WritingCommunity

Pythia Kynthia and Senior Priest of Apollo Aegon watched from the temple terrace as the man entered the temenos, leaning on a cane and walking slowly, but under his own power.

"He appears ancient," Aegon said. "In Rome, he is simply called Strabo. Strabon, to us Greeks."

"At least eighty years," Kynthia agreed. "Do you know of him?"

"I have been told he is a geographer, one who studies Earth and nature, and apparently he has traveled extensively throughout Italy and Asia."

Kynthia studied the man with greater interest as he slowly made his way toward the temple. "I wonder if he has written any books."

Aegon laughed. "You are insatiable with your books. I have never known anyone to read as much as you."

Kynthia knew her cheeks flushed. "Many Pythiai have been well-read. I am not unusual."

Aegon's grin faded. "I meant no disrespect, Pythia. I find it—you—endearing."

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 22

Happy little Oso Easy Rose - Italian Ice. 🌱

A potted rose bush with blush-colored and white, yellow, and peach blooms.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 16

Day 16 of #FantasyIndiesMaytober Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This is from around 42 BCE. #WritingCommunity

When the Winter Solstice arrived, and with it the Poseideia, Kynthia attended the celebrations with Pythia Agapia. But when the women gathered the next night for the procession to the Korykian Cave and the Dionysian rites, Kynthia slipped out of the House of the Pythia with her head fully covered in her warmest himation. She wished to remain unseen, especially by Agapia, for this was the first time she'd participated in the rites since prior to her taking her Pythian vows.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 12

Oh Bailey 😍

On a brown leather recliner, a black, white, and tan Pomeranian is laying on his back with his eyes on the camera. He is incredibly hairy. In the background is a mess of bookcase filled with stuff, and a cabinet filled with books.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 12

I am *finally* reading this! 😍

Polis: A New History of the Ancient Greek City-State from the Early Iron Age to the End of Antiquity by John Ma

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 9

Day 9 of #FantasyIndiesMaytober Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. Here, Pythia Kynthia and Senior Priest of Apollo Davos have a conversation. From about 42 BCE. #WritingCommunity

"May we discuss other matters?" she asked.

"Of course."

"l am troubled by the lack of consultations for Oracular Day. Not just now that I am Pythia, for Agapia also expressed concern. There were several times she prepared to sit the sacred tripod, only to have no one show up with questions of the god." She stopped fiddling with her cup and held his gaze. "How much longer will a Pythian priestess be required at the Sanctuary of Apollo? Has the Oracle been silenced, perhaps forever?"

Davos shared her unease; he had recently discussed the situation with the other Priests of Apollo. No one knew what to do.

"Have you tried asking Apollo about this?" he asked.

Kynthia frowned. "Me? No. Have you?"

"No, I have not." He pursed his lips, thinking. "Perhaps that is a good idea. I will plan for a consultation on the very first Oracular Day of the coming year."

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· May 2

Day 2 of #FantasyIndiesMaytober Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This dates to about 44 BCE. (Yes, I see the typo in the Pythia's name: too lazy to fix it right now.) #WritingCommunity

Also recently, several copies of Marcus Tullius Cicero's two-book discussion of divination, De Divinatione, were received and distributed. As per prior arrangement, Pythia Agapia was entitled to a copy, and as soon as she closed the door to the House of the Pythia, she carried the precious scrolls to her favorite couch in the courtyard and began reading.

She had not been the Pythia at the time of Cicero's visit almost thirty years earlier, but she had read Pythia Argiea's account of it and followed his career with interest.

Now, she was more than a little bit interested in his writings, in particular this latest, of which she had heard a summary. Cicero wrote it as a a dialogue between himself and his brother Quintus, which followed the format of the famous ancient Greek philosopher Plato. Agapia knew only that Quintus defended divination and oracles, while Marcus attacked it. And so, she had very much wished to read this work.

But within a short period of time—perhaps only hours—she was angry, frustrated, and disappointed.

How dare he accuse the Pythia as ambiguous, temporary, and politically motivated! The Oracle had been politically neutral since its very beginning.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Apr 30

Day 30 of #FantasyIndiesApril This month, I started the first draft of Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP, which now has 14K words. Total word count for the series is now 747,838 words. And I read 9 books, 7 of which were research for the WIP. Onward to May! 🎉 #WritingCommunity

List of daily post prompts for indie fantasy authors for April. Today's is: Monthly wrap-up

Hosts: @chesneyinfalt.bsky.social and @lvrussell.bsky.social

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Apr 30

😍 Duck babies!!! 😍

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Apr 25

Day 25 of #FantasyIndiesApril Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This takes place around 46 BCE. Senior Priest of Apollo Davos gathers a group once a month or so to relate recent news of the world. #WritingCommunity

"Has anyone heard any rumors of Romans having magi?" a priest asked.

They all agreed no one had.

"I heard they do not even have an oracle," a Thriai priestess said. "Not even for pebble and lot divination."

"They have something called the Sibylline Books," Davos said. "They consult these scrolls when serious omens and portents occur, for which they wish to interpret."

"They do not even have haruspices?" another priest asked. "The Etruscans have divined from entrails for centuries."

"I do not believe so, no," Davos said. "Many of their generals and consuls are trained to interpret the of birds, and I have read of their use of a Keeper of the Chickens, who brings several of the birds along on battles. The priest tosses seed on the ground, and if the chickens eat it, it is considered favorable for battle."

Agapia shook her head. "I have never heard of such a thing."

"Romans are a strange people," the priestess said.

Most everyone nodded in agreement.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Apr 22

So far the most interesting I learned about was the kynodesme, which was a cord that Greek athletes used to tie their penises up to keep them from flopping around during contests. (Pic from Wikipedia)

Picture of a classical Greek athlete wearing the kynodesme (attributed to the Triptolemos painter, dating from about 480 BC). The cord wraps around the body and is tied around the penis. Image from a vase painting.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Apr 21

Day 21 of #FantasyIndiesApril Sure, go ahead! Ask me anything about my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. 😀 #WritingCommunity

List of daily post prompts for indie fantasy authors for April. Today's is: Have others ask anything about your WIP(s)

Hosts: @chesneyinfalt.bsky.social and @lvrussell.bsky.social

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Apr 18

First bloom on our new starblast chiffon hibiscus - this is going to be one gorgeous addition to our garden. 🌱

One white blossom with red streaks on a green hibiscus in a red pot on a messy patio.

Diane Youngblood@dmyoungblood· Apr 18

Day 18 of #FantasyIndiesApril Another unedited snippet from Book 8 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. This is from the Pythian Games of the year 50 BCE. #WritingCommunity