Featured Character: Basteta-Tiye

Basteta-Tiye brings to Egyptian role play here at Pan Historia a long standing interest in ancient Egyptian culture and history, as well as a fine hand with graphics design. Long associated with the novel Qenbet, she has honed a flair for helping members of that novel find a place within its halls and its storyplay. She believes in building a world from the ground up, and creates within her tales a sense of the day to day, as well as that of a larger, even political, picture. We're honored to have her among our featured characters for this issue.

Q: Why did you join Pan Historia, and what do you like about it here?

A: I joined Pan right at the very beginning along with many other members of Ancient Sites. Qenbet started at AS in 2000 so we have quite a history to maintain. Pan Historia has many of the best features that I liked at AS (role-play, IM, home pages,) but much better service. The site is evolving along with the users and you can support Pan as little or as much as you wish (or can.)

Q: What brings you to a fascination with ancient Egypt, both as a culture and for storyplay?

A: How much room do I have? Seems like I have been in love with Egypt for all of my life, I had the ad for the Treasures of Tutankhamen on my bedroom wall for three years before the exhibit arrived in Los Angeles. One of the most important guidelines we have in Qenbet is that you must stay historically accurate with your writing so I can combine my personal research with my storylines.

Q: Tell the readership something about your character, Basteta-Tiye?

A: She has evolved from a young noblewoman and priestess into a world leader as the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh while I took on more and more duties behind the scenes. Her backstory reflects much of what was happening historically with a mixed parentage and dynamic social changes allowing women more power for a time. (See my profile)

Q: I notice that you perform organizational work for your novel, Qenbet. Any hints for the reader on how to build up a successful novel?

A: Start with a well thought-out plan and a direction in which to travel. Novels based on historical figures, movies or popular books are much simpler since there is a "map" already laid out for you. If you are starting from scratch you need a story arc (and outline) to guide the storyplay along. A good arc allows you the flexibility to adapt along the way but still gives your writers plenty to do.

Q: Are there other times and regions in history that greatly interest you?

A: Minoan Crete, Tudor and Elizabethan England, the Jurassic Period are a few. I would love to get a Babylon 5 novel off the ground but need some finacial support from a couple of other members.

Q: On a more personal level, what do you consider to be one of your greatest accomplishments, either on or off line?

A: Graduating college was extremely important and becomes more so each year. Getting up this morning.

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