ONE OF THE FRINGE BENEFITS OF BEING AN AUTHOR: THE LECTURE CIRCUIT

As a teacher of Forensic Science, and consequently, a writer of my mystery series, Annie Tillery Mysteries, I have been able to develop a lecture series based on my favorite topics in forensic science.

My favorite is Art, Not Art, which deals with art crime, forgeries, authentication of art pieces, and famous cases through the ages.

• ART, NOT ART – This program explains how art pieces are scientifically authenticated, using examples from the art world, and delving into the world of art fraud. Famous cases of art theft, such as the Nazi atrocities regarding art works during WWII are described.

In this lecture I devote a good amount of time to The Monuments Men and how they rescued much of the art confiscated by the Nazis. This amazing rescue operation ends up as the back story in my second mystery, Girl with Pencil, Drawing.

I continue to add new information to the lecture as the world of art is a never ending source of mystery, deception, thievery, and treachery.