NPC member Herman to debut novel at Aug. 26 Book Rap

Well-known nonfiction author and National Press Club member Eleanor Herman plans to debut her first novel, "Legacy of Kings: Blood of Gods and Royals," at a National Press Club Book Rap on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

The event includes an author discussion, questions-and-answers from the audience, and book signing. Tickets are $5 for Press Club members and $10 for the public. Click here to register.

The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit NPC Journalism Institute so no outside books or memorabilia is permitted. Books must be purchased through the Press Club. All sales are final and no refunds are issued.

Herman, the author of New York Times nonfiction bestsellers, decided to take her knowledge of history to the hottest genre in publishing -- young-adult fiction. Harlequin Teen, which is publishing it, is producing a series of web videos to generate buzz about her book. To see the first one, click here.

In the first installment of a planned four-part series, Herman writes about Alexander the Great at 16, a time when he is coming into manhood and eager for power. Little is known about him until he becomes the king of Macedonia at age 20. Herman extrapolates backwards to the teenage Alexander she imagines, weaving fantasy elements into the story she spins.

It was a “very magical world for people of the time, with gods and goddesses, water nymphs, and forest sprites,” Herman said in an email interview. “It’s really not all that fictional to blend some of this" into the story, she added.

Herman has been an active member of the NPC and its Book & Author Committee for 15 years. Larry Lipman, former NPC president and B&A member, will be interviewing Herman on the book, the history, and writing Young-Adult fiction. There will also be a brief PowerPoint presentation on ancient Greek sites associated with Alexander the Great, and a question and answer session.