Leonide (Lennie) Martin: Award winning author, retired California State University professor, former Family Nurse Practitioner, Research Member Maya Exploration Center.

Dr. Martin writes narrative nonfiction and historical fiction. Her nonfiction is genealogical research on the Acadian (Nova Scotia) roots of her South Louisiana Vial-Martin family that has lived for 7 generations in "upriver" parishes - 30 miles north of New Orleans along the Mississippi River. The quest led back 14 generations to original French settlers in the 1600s who created a unique culture. The founder of her lineage was an early governor of Acadia and nobleman from Champagne, near Paris. After 6 generations creating rich farmlands from marshes, the Acadians were forcefully expelled by British conquerors in 1755; scattered across Europe and Atlantic British colonies who received them with hostility. This exile of politically neutral Acadians is not considered violation of international law and ethnic cleansing. After years in exile, many Acadians journeyed to Louisiana and joined French settlements. Martin's ancestors went to the "Acadian Coast" and became landowners and professional leaders. They intermarried with French and Spanish Creoles, lived through the Louisiana Purchase, statehood, Civil War, and 2 World Wars; eventually forgetting their Acadian roots. The quest for these roots showed transition to mainly Creole heritage. Colorful personalities, political and educational leaders, curious events including a family feud, and the process of reconnecting estranged branches are highlighted in this book.

Dr. Martin’s historical fiction books portray ancient Maya culture and civilization through stories about both actual historical Mayans and fictional characters. She studied Maya culture and history from both scientific and indigenous viewpoints, lived five years in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, and apprenticed with Maya Elder Hunbatz Men, becoming a Solar Initiate and Maya Fire Women. Other indigenous teachers in Guatemala included Maya Priestess-Daykeeper Aum Rak Sapper and Maya elder Tata Pedro. The ancient Mayas created the most highly advanced civilization in the Western hemisphere, and Martin’s work is dedicated to their wisdom, spirituality, scientific, and cultural accomplishments through compelling historical novels.

Martin’s interest in ancient Mayan women led to writing the Mayan Queens’ series called The Mists of Palenque. This 4-book series—each book stands alone—tells the stories of powerful women who shaped the destinies of their people as rulers themselves, or wives of rulers. These remarkable Mayan women are unknown to most readers. Using extensive research and field study, Martin aspires to depict ancient Palenque authentically and make these amazing Mayan Queens accessible to a wide readership.

Dr. Martin lives with her husband David and white cat in California's Temecula Valley wine country, where she enjoys reading, gardening, nature walks, tap dancing, classical music, and wine tasting.

Blog: http://leonidemartinblog.wordpress.com/
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