Shakespeare’s Conspirator by Steve Weitzenkorn

Title: Shakespeare’s Conspirator
Series: The Woman, The Writer, The Clues
Author: Steve Weitzenkorn
Genre: Historical Fiction

“Will, say it. You can be blunt.”
“I’m searching for the right words so I don’t offend you.”
Emilia took another sip of ale. “I’ll be more offended if you don’t tell me.”
Will still hesitated and spoke as if he chose his words carefully. “There are certain barriers that aren’t coming down. That means if you want your play performed, you’ll need to make a reluctant choice.”
“Will, what are you saying?”
Will shifted in his chair, grimacing as if struggling to broach his idea with her. “Emilia, I’ll be plain. I doubt men’s attitudes toward women will change. They’re deeply implanted. So—and this was the mad thought that occurred to me—why not use a man’s name as the author? Then your script would receive due consideration.”
Emilia recoiled at the artifice. “You’re suggesting I use a male alias like Emil Bassano or some other contrived appellation?”
“It could work.”
“It might, but if every woman did, we’d never be recognized for notable work. Our genders should not matter.”
Will shrunk back in his seat, looking pained. “Everything you say is true, bringing me to the point I wished to make earlier, which would solve those practical problems but create other risks.”
Emilia planted her elbows on the table. “And that is?”
“To get Burbage’s true reaction, what if, with your assent, I showed him your script without any name on it? If he responds favorably, then we’ll discuss our next moves.”

Book Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zkQNx3
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/shakespeare-s-conspirator-the-woman-the-writer-the-clues-by-steve-weitzenkorn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26028399-shakespeare-s-conspirator

I write historical fiction that challenges assumptions and provides fresh insights into the events of prior centuries, legendary figures, and people overlooked in the sweep of time. My first novel, Shakespeare’s Conspirator, has been optioned by a celebrity-owned production company in LA. It imagines the life of Emilia Bassano Lanyer, a real woman who may have written several plays attributed to Shakespeare. I’ve also written a prequel and sequel that delves in to the Shakespeare authorship mystery. With any luck, all may be coming to a screen near you.

My writing journey began as I was winding down my career as an organizational behavior consultant and co-authored a book on teamwork and leadership. As an avid reader, I became intrigued by curious fact patterns inconsistent with commonly-held beliefs, that I, like many others, assumed were true. When I realized the logic of those assumptions did not always hold up to close scrutiny, and experts had dug trenches around their own theories, I launched into my own research. Fascinating stories emerged and my imagination took over.

Since most people don’t read academic material, I reasoned that a compelling way to convey the evidence and challenge beliefs was to depict real and fictional characters dropping the bread crumbs, or following them, in reality-based historical fiction. In my novels, characters uncover and discuss clues through intriguing plots that track with historical chronologies—allowing readers to form their own conclusions.

My most recent published novel delves into the Spanish Inquisition, the trauma it created, and the life-changing decisions it triggered. Two other historical novels are in the pipeline. In one, the protagonist discovers her family’s hidden past while alternate chapters track her ancestor’s journey over hundreds of years.

I have also co-authored two non-fiction books: The Catalyst Effect: 12 Skills to Boost Your Impact and Elevate Team Performance and Find-Fulfill-Flourish about discovering one’s purpose.

I have a dry sense of humor along with a Ph.D. in Human Learning and Organizational Behavior. I’ve been honored with the William C. Byham Award for Innovation and Excellence in Training Technology and the Henkel Award for Global HR Excellence. I have served on the boards of nonprofit organizations and as president of two. I enjoy mentoring, teaching, presenting, volunteering, and learning in any way possible.

Author Links

Website: https://shakespearesconspirator.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShakespearesConspirator
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakespearesconspirator/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steve-Weitzenkorn/author/B01C7UET2A
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4864138.Steve_Weitzenkorn

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