Alysa Salzberg's blog

Two days ago, I shared the cover of my novel Wolves and Brioches , which will be available in paperback and Kindle format on December 1.  Now, here's a look at the back cover of the paperback version -- but first, here's what Wolves and Brioches is about: ~~ Paris, 1765. When Odette de l’Estoile breaks into her uncle’s library, she meets an elegantly dressed wolf sitting in an armchair and reading a book. They quickly become best friends.   Louis is no ordinary wolf, as you might have guessed. But unlike the rest of his family, he doesn’t take joy in tricking anyone and he doesn’t particularly cherish his ancestors’ exploits involving three pigs or a girl in a red cape.   Odette doesn’t have an easy life with her family, either. Powerful magicians, the de l’Estoiles generally sneer at her, since she’s only half magic, not to mention entirely forbidden from learning any spells.   Still, the two friends find plenty to enjoy in Paris, including theater-going, soirées w...

A few years ago, I announced that I was working on another novel. Now, it's nearly here! I'm celebrating the news with a first look at the cover, created by talented and endlessly patient artist Luisa G . Unlike Hearts at Dawn , not to mention most of the posts on this blog, Wolves and Brioches doesn't take place during the 1870-1871, Siege of Paris, but rather a little more than a hundred years before that. This time, our story is set in 1764-1767.  This novel also has a more lighthearted tone than Hearts at Dawn .  But there are still some similarities. It's also a historical fantasy tale, and it involves unconventional characters finding themselves, and each other.  Also on the menu are friendship, magic, and mouthwatering pastries. Wolves and Brioches will be published in paperback and Kindle formats on December 1. The Kindle version will be available for pre-order a few days before that. I'll be back soon to reveal more -- including just what Wolves and Brioc...

  Last Thursday, April 3, my family and I got dressed in historically-inspired formal wear and headed off to The Buckland Club’s Siege of Paris dinner.   The dinner was over a year in the making, and I’m still so proud, honored, and amazed to say that I’ve been involved from nearly the start of it.   In March 2024, I was contacted by Andrew Morris, Chairman of The Buckland Club , a club that meets twice every year in Birmingham, England, for unusual themed dinners. Named for Frank Buckland, a 19 th  century British naturalist who famously ate countless different kinds of animals, their motto is Semper in ventrem aliquid novi. (Always something new in the stomach.).   Andrew explained that the theme of the Club’s spring 2025 dinner would be the Siege of Paris, and he wanted to know if I’d like to be its sponsor.   The role wasn’t a financial one (much to my relief - my love of the Siege of Paris is boundless, but alas, my budget is not), but rather mor...