It was a joy to learn about ancient Mesopotamia. The life and times of this period were unexpected; we owe a great deal to this civilization, from writing and schools to law and literature.
Ellen Rachlin – 25 August 2026
The Back Flap
A high priestess dethroned. A rebel with a dangerous plan. One empire hanging by a thread.
When Enheduanna is named High Priestess of Ur, her connection to the gods makes her a target. Lugalanne’s coup strips her of robes, power, and home, casting her into the perilous underworld. There, amid forests of shadows and treacherous trials, she discovers that divine favor alone won’t save her—only cunning, courage, and a willingness to embrace the ruthlessness of her enemies can restore her.
Drawing on history and myth, Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands follows the world’s first named author as she fights to reclaim her voice and her destiny. Political intrigue, betrayal, and divine tests collide as Enheduanna must decide whether to forgive, to fight, or to harness the power that could shake the foundations of an empire.
About the book
What is the book about?
The story is about Enheduanna’s life as a high priestess, struggling to maintain her position as the most important regional leader in ancient Sumer. Her challenge is to remain in power while fending off rebels who don’t recognize the ruling Akkadian dynasty founded by her father, Sargon the Great. She receives little support from her brothers who succeeded her father as the kings of Akkad. Her father has passed away but Enheduanna inherited his enemies. Sumer is a conquered land.
When did you start writing the book?
I began about seven years ago. The first stage was research. It was a time period and place that I knew very little about. And while there are many scholars whose research and dedication amaze me, it is far less known than other ancient worlds that followed it. Mythology and legends often had to fill in where factual details are scant.
How long did it take you to write it?
I wrote over the course of about a year and a half. However, the editing and rewriting happened over the following two and a half years.
Where did you get the idea from?
I read translations of the work attributed to Enheduanna. They are deeply personal, particularly The Lady of All the Divine Powers, or Ninmešarra. In this hymn, Enheduanna is in exile and pleading to the god Inanna to reinstate her. It’s desperate and persuasive. I couldn’t stop imagining her story.
When I learned that she was the world’s first named author, this further intrigued me. Her authorship is disputed. But if she didn’t write these works, I concluded that she must have been powerful and memorable enough to have inspired them.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I struggled with the opening chapters. I found that I could not tell Enheduanna’s story without telling Sargon the Great’s story. He was the world’s first emperor and his conquests became the seed of Enheduanna’s troubles. Her enemies were the progeny of her father’s enemies. So I made the difficult choice to begin the novel with his rise to power. He is a fascinating historical figure and I enjoyed imagining his life. But it may strike some readers as strange not to one hundred percent focus on Enheduanna.
What came easily?
I can’t say that anything came easily, but I loved the research. It was a joy to learn about ancient Mesopotamia. The life and times of this period were unexpected; we owe a great deal to this civilization, from writing and schools to law and literature.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
A mixture of both. Most are documented historical figures such as Enheduanna and Sargon the Great. Others appear only in literature and several are purely fictitious but must have existed in some form such as high priests and warriors.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
There are so many writers who have influenced me. Probably most of the books I’ve enjoyed have shaped my writing style. The writing that has stayed with me over the years has inevitably shaped my writing style. The details in the best writing styles I pay attention to the most include nuances about the scene, the characters’ thoughts, and the way that their environment interacts with them are what I pay attention to. The writing that stays with me comes from the authors’ who are brilliant at this.
Do you have a target reader?
My target reader includes fans of mythology, ancient worlds, feminist reimaginings, and fantasy-infused historical fiction.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My writing process is to write consistently every day while I’m developing new work. Even when the conditions aren’t ideal, I write anyway, then revisit those sections sooner than I might otherwise. I also like to get feedback from other writers.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I have a clear idea of plot, and at a high level, my characters’ beginning and ending points. However, I discover my characters’ paths as I learn who they are.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Both. Editing is never done, so I begin as soon as possible.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No, but I’m in a writing group and the participating writers are careful readers. I’m grateful to them for their insights and comments.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No music. I have a difficult time enough concentrating, and when I do, it’s 100%.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, but after a short while I switched to submitting directly to publishers. The publishing process is long and getting an agent seemed like a longshot. Securing a publisher is difficult enough!
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I was fortunate to find the right home for Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands with Histria Books. They have published a lot of historical fiction, in general, and a lot of ancient historical fiction, in particular. That’s why I knew they were the right fit for my novel.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Histria Books designed my cover. There’s been a great reception to it. A friend who is a wonderful artist designed an alternative cover which was also gorgeous, but Histria knew that what they had in mind would work better in support of the book. Of course, they were right.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’m winging it in the sense that I’m trying everything and leaning into what seems to work. Social media has been fun, but I sense that attending events and advertising are the most direct way to support sales. Time will tell if that’s correct.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I think that a book’s success is dependent on the author’s own efforts to get the word out. It’s a time consuming process and one shouldn’t publish unless they are prepared to be all in to support it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Buffalo, NY
Where do you live now?
New York City
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a literary fiction novel but want to get back to historical fiction after that.
End of Interview:
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