Guest Post with Michelle Moran + Giveaway!

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 18^th 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

Synopsis
Excerpt
Madame Tussaud Q&A

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):
+1 Join Michelle Moran's Mailing List
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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.

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You can also enter the Madame Tussaud giveaways on these blogs to increase your chances of winning!

• Alternative-Read.com
  
• Bookworm's Dinner
• The Clock Monkey
• The Eclectic Reader
• Peeking Between The Pages
• Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
• Violet Crush
• Walking On Sunshine
• Angel-on-a-move
• Fresh Fiction