Have I ever told you how much I loved Michelle Moran's novels? Well, obviously, I adored them! From Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen to Cleopatra's Daughter, every one of her books has a special place in my heart, and apparently, on my bookshelf. Her books made me fall in love with the historical fiction genre and left me deeply mesmerized with the ancient Egyptian culture. Her fourth book, Madame Tussaud, will be launched on 15th February, and I'm eagerly anticipating its release. Make sure you purchase a copy of Madame Tussaud when it comes out! It is available for pre-order at The Book Depository.
MADAME TUSSAUD: The Woman
When most people hear the name Madame Tussaud, the first thing that comes to mind are the eerily lifelike waxworks which crowd her museums throughout the world. But who was the woman behind the name, and what was she like in the flesh?Wax sculptor Marie Tussaud
Madame Tussaud’s story actually began in 18th century Paris. While most people know her from her famous museum in London, it was in France, on the humble Boulevard du Temple, where Marie first got her start as an apprentice in her uncle’s wax museum, the Salon de Cire. At the time, the Boulevard du Temple was crowded with exhibits of every kind. For just a few sous a passerby might attend the opera, watch a puppet show, or visit Henri Charles’ mystifying exhibition The Invisible Girl. The Boulevard was a difficult place to distinguish yourself as an artist, but as Marie’s talent grew for both sculpting and public relations, the Salon de Cire became one of the most popular attractions around. Suddenly, no one could compete with Marie or her uncle for ingenious publicity stunts, and when the royal family supposedly visited their museum, this only solidified what most showmen in Paris already knew — the Salon was an exhibition to watch out for.
Madame Tussauds, Washington DC
But as the Salon’s popularity grew, so did the unusual requests. Noblemen came asking for wax sculptures of their mistresses, women wanted models of their newborn infants, and – most importantly – the king’s sister herself wanted Marie to come to Versailles to be her wax tutor. While this was, in many ways, a dream come true for Marie, it was also a dangerous time to be associated with the royal family. Men like Robespierre, Marat, and Desmoulins were meeting at Marie’s house to discuss the future of the monarchy, and when the Revolution began, Marie found herself in a precarious position. Ultimately, she was given a choice by France’s new leaders: to preserve the famous victims of Madame Guillotine in wax, or be guillotined herself.
Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution is the story of Marie’s life during one of the most tumultuous times in human history. Her survival was nothing less than astonishing, and how she survived makes for what I hope is a compelling read.
Madame Tussaud
Michelle Moran was born in the San Fernando Valley, CA. She took an interest in writing from an early age, purchasing Writer's Market and submitting her stories and novellas to publishers from the time she was twelve. When she was accepted into Pomona College she took as many classes as possible in British Literature, particularly Milton, Chaucer, and the Bard. Not surprisingly, she majored in English while she was there. Following a summer in Israel where she worked as a volunteer archaeologist, she earned an MA from the Claremont Graduate University.
Michelle has traveled around the world, from Zimbabwe to India, and her experiences at archaeological sites were what inspired her to write historical fiction. She is the international bestselling author of Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Cleopatra's Daughter. Her fourth novel, Madame Tussaud, will be released on February 15, 2011. You can visit Michelle’s Blog: History Buff
One of my lucky readers will have the chance to win:
- A signed hardcover copy of Michelle's upcoming novel, Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution
- A pair of Marie Antoinette cupcake earrings!
Please leave a separate comment for each entry or it will only count as one comment! Remember to include your e-mail address or your entry will be disqualified!
Main entry (Mandatory): Tell me something you've learned after reading the guest post OR ask Michelle a question.
Extra entries (Optional):
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Rules and Regulations:
This giveaway is for entrants of all ages from all countries. Please get permission from your parents or guardians if you are under 13 years of age. The author is responsible for the mailing of the prizes. This giveaway will end on February 22nd, 2010 at 6 p.m. Malaysian time. The winner will be selected randomly by random.org, and he/she must respond with his/her name and complete mailing address within 48 hours of being notified via e-mail. Prize(s) not claimed will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected.
112 creative remarks:
Michelle, What inspired you to write about the French Revolution?
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I learned that noblemen wanted wax sculptures of their mistresses - the precursor of the blow up doll? heh
thank you
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I am Michelle's friend on facebook
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I joined the mailing list
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Which wax figure is your favourite?
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I'm already on mailig list
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I retweeted. I'm @Elysianfield
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I'm already friend on facebook
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I learned that Madame Tussaud was an apprentice in her uncle's wax shop.
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I am on Michelle's mailing list.
Tweeted @amandawk
Michelle is a friend on facebook.
I'm a follower.
I am so glad that you chose Madame Tussaud to write about here. She sounds so intelligent and talented.
I would really love to read and learn more about her.
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I joined Michelle Moran's mailing list.
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I am a fan of Michelle Moran on Facebook.
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I am a Google Friend Connect Follower of this blog.
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I learned that even the King's sister wanted Madame Tussaud to be her ax tutor!
Thanks for the post and the giveaway!
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I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Entre_Libros/status/31541798895616000
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I added Michelle as a friend on Facebook (Sharli de Entre Libros)
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I'm a follower via GFC
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Michelle,
How do you pick the historical figures about which you write?
Also, I am such a fan of your work! I recommend you all the time!
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Would love to win this book!
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I subscribed to Michelle's mailing list for an extra chance to win this book.
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I tweeted this article for another chance to win this book.
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I "friended" Michelle on Facebook for another chance to win this book.
I follow the Bookaholics blog via GFC for yet another chance to win this book.
Added one of your buttons to my blog sidebar: http://blogentrelibros.blogspot.com/
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Hey Michelle, I am a HUGE fan of yours and have devoured all your books.According to your bio, you have travelled to India. Can I ask which historical sites you visited there?
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Sounds great! How much research did you have to do for this novel? Did you have to research multiple things?
Vivien
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The French Revolution is a very interesting time period.Do you think the was an era you would have wanted to live in?
Stephanie
thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
+1 GFC follower
Stephanie
thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
Would you like to have a wax model made of yourself?
Rachel
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I was unaware that the Royals visited Madame Tussaud and her uncle's museum. How fascinating!
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Thank you!
Allison Macias
I followed you!
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Thank you!
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I entered Michelle Moran's mailing list!
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Thank you!
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Michele, Have you started working on a new book yet and if so can you disclose the topic?
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+1 I am a follower.
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+1 I am a friend of Michele's on Facebook
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+1 I have joined Michelle's mailing list.
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Michelle, why do you enjoy writing about history?
+1
Joined Michelle's mailing list!
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+ 1 for adding Michelle as a friend on Facebook.
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+ 1 -now a follower of Bookaholics!
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+1 Tweeted about contest
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Michelle, who inspired you to write about the French Revolution?
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I had no idea that Madame Tussaud was so politically involved in France during her time! I only ever associated her with the wax museums and took her for an artist only. How wrong I was! I cannot wait to read this!
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I joined Michelle's mailing list.
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I learned that Madame Tussaud's survival was nothing less than astonishing..
I love to read this book!
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I Tweeted about this post.
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I Added Michelle as a friend on Facebook.
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Main Entry: I didn't know that Madame was an apprentice at her uncle's wax museum, sounds like a wonderful book!
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+1 Added Michelle as a Facebook Friend!
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+1 Follower via GFC , it didn't seem to be working.
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I'd like to know which of the wax figures in Madame Tussaud's museum(s) is the author's favorite...And her least favorite!
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Michelle, what's your favorite time period to write about?
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I am a gfc follower
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I tweeted using the button.
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I hope i win!
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I learned that Madame Tussaud was involved in the political conflict that led to the French Revolution. Did not know that!
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+1 I tweeted about this post (http://twitter.com/#!/DexandLu)
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Before I saw this book I had never heard of Madame Tussaud so this post was all new to me, especially that the Royals visited their museum.
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I would have never guessed that nobles wanted wax copies of themselves or loved ones. Seems a bit creepy :)
Thanks so much for the giveaway,
Jules
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I signed up for Michelle's mailing list.
Jules
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Added Michelle as a friend on FB @mooncatfarms
Thanks,
Jules
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I'm a GFC follower & email subscriber :)
Jules
onebookshy at yahoo dot com
such a cool book! great post. i like the images of the wax tussuad. i'm curious about the "ingenious publicity stunts". can michelle possibly reveal an example of one?
thanks,
vvb32 at yahoo.com
i already follow your sweet blog;-D
vvb32 at yahoo.com
i just joined michelle's mailing list.
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Ok I think my first entry did not go through so hopefully I still can join this giveaway!!! I had a question for Michelle. In her opinion why does she think Madame Tussuad's popularity for her wax work still have it's appeal to the public.
Thanks for considering me! Wishes for much continued success!
Margaret (goodreads)
singitm@hotmail.com
Uh oh, I'm 24 hours late. =(
Anyway, this book sounds really fantastic. Many people know about the Madame Tussaud museums but not many know about the actual Madame Tussaud. Michelle did well in writing this book as it raises awareness about Madame Tussaud the person. =)
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