News Archives - M.A. Guglielmo

Witch City Rift

M.A. Guglielmo — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 21:54:40 +0000

My new story is out in the world!

“Witch City Rift” is a more snarky than scary short-story prequel to my upcoming Riftworld series. In a near-future world where alien monster portals have become tourist destinations, Salem, Massachusetts has embraced the trend with open arms (or tentacles, in some cases). This little e-book is exclusively for my newsletter subscribers, so click the link below to sign up and download it!

“Witch City Rift” is a short-story prequel to my upcoming monster rom-com series. It features post-apocalyptic Duck Boats, a jaded bisexual con artist, and a marine biologist just trying to enjoy a honeymoon with his sexy sea monster wife.

Get Your Free Copy Here!

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Big News…My Debut Novel is Coming Soon!

M.A. Guglielmo — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 01:44:21 +0000

I can’t keep it in any longer, so here it is: I’m thrilled to announce that my debut novel has been acquired by Tule Publishing Group and will be coming out this summer!

Here’s the press release:

Tule Publishing Group is excited to announce the acquisition of a sparkling paranormal fantasy by debut author and neurosurgeon, Maria Guglielmo. Based on Middle Eastern mythology and legend, the story features a reluctant sorcerer, a shopping-obsessed jinn, fallen angels Harut and Marut and a looming war between worlds.

Stay tuned for the cover reveal in the next few weeks, and bear with me as I gush all over my Facebook and Twitter accounts. Pinterest, you’re next!

I’d also like to throw in a plug for Writers for Diversity, a great FB community of writers, and the host of the pitch event that landed me a contract!

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Iranian Horror Movie Plays at Sundance

M.A. Guglielmo — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 18:20:25 +0000

Under the Shadow

Sounds super spooky. Who wants to see it with me?

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Novel update 12/6/14

M.A. Guglielmo — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 18:55:30 +0000

After a fun break where I took a stab at writing a paranormal romance for Nanowrimo, I’m back editing drafts and looking forward to a January writing class to do more workshopping. Also, this blog now has a FaceBook page.

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Kohl Rimmed Eyes…

M.A. Guglielmo — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 18:19:30 +0000

A popular cosmetic, eye medicine and protective ward against the evil eye, kohl (كحل in Arabic) has been in use since 3100 BC. It was used by by Egyptians of noble rank to cover the upper eyelid, while green malachite was used for the lower. Its use spread throughout the Middle East and South Asia, along with North Africa.

Literary references to kohl abound, and sections in 1001Arabian Nights describe feminine beauty with terms such as “kohl-dark eyes” which set off long hair, a slender waist, and of course “heavy buttocks”.

Male heroes in the Arabian Nights are no stranger to eye makeup either. Several noble princes in the tales are described as being smeared with kohl as infants. This practice continues throughout the world today, to protect the infant from the Evil Eye. Although the use of traditional kohl on infant’s eyes today is not recommended, there’s some evidence that ancient kohl preparations may have had some anti-microbial effects against conjunctivitis.

Kohl is prepared in North Africa traditionally by grinding galena (lead sulfide) and adding various botanical products. Although this traditional preparation is believed to be superior to modern cosmetics versions, the use of galena has raised concerns about lead poisoning. The photo above shows a small quantity of traditional kohl I purchased at a roadside shop. It came wrapped in a small piece of newspaper secured by a rag strip:

Given the lead concerns, I think I’ll stick to less exotic cosmetics, like this:

But I have doubts that the latest mass produced eyeshadow offers the same protection against the Evil Eye as my newspaper wrapped treasure.

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Desert Animals Part 1: What Does the Fox Say?

M.A. Guglielmo — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 18:14:44 +0000

Below is a picture of a Fennec fox, the smallest of the fox family and a common predator found in the Northern Sahara. This animal was captured by local children and is being shown off to tourists for tips. The children lure the animals with dried fish and pieces of meat, then keep them on leashes and hold them like lap dogs.

In the desert camps, our guide explained that wild Fennecs will sometimes come into the tents when it was quiet and accept a few scraps of food before slinking away, much like feral cats.

Fennecs are small nocturnal members of the canid family known for their ability to survive in high heat, scarce water environments. Large birds of prey can attack them, but they are also hunted by humans for their fur, and increasingly, the exotic pet trade. Their large ears are used to locate their prey: insects, rodents and rabbits.

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