Read an interview with Steven Neil, author of The Merest Loss #HistoricalFiction #VictorianHistoricalRomance @stevenneil12

Today I have an interview with Steven Neil! While you're here, have a look at his book – isn't the cover absolutely beautiful?!

The Merest Loss
By Steven Neil

A story of love and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of the English hunting shires and the streets of Victorian London and post-revolutionary Paris.

When Harriet Howard becomes Louis Napoleon’s mistress and financial backer and appears at his side in Paris in 1848, it is as if she has emerged from nowhere. How did the English daughter of a Norfolk boot-maker meet the future Emperor? Who is the mysterious Nicholas Sly and what is his hold over Harriet?

Can Harriet meet her obligations and return to her former life and the man she left behind? What is her involvement with British Government secret services? Can Harriet’s friend, jockey Tom Olliver, help her son Martin solve his own mystery: the identity of his father?

The central character is Harriet Howard and the action takes place between 1836 and 1873. The plot centres on Harriet’s relationships with Louis Napoleon and famous Grand National winning jockey, Jem Mason. The backdrop to the action includes significant characters from the age, including Lord Palmerston, Queen Victoria and the Duke of Grafton, as well as Emperor Napoleon III. The worlds of horse racing, hunting and government provide the scope for rural settings to contrast with the city scenes of London and Paris and for racing skulduggery to vie with political chicanery.

The Merest Loss is historical fiction with a twist. It’s pacy and exciting with captivating characters and a distinctive narrative voice.

Grab a copy HERE!

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview Questions.

Why did you choose to write your book in this era?

It happened by accident. Originally I was planning to write a 20th century Dick Francis style, horse racing thriller and I was researching famous jockeys, but then I came across a jockey called Jem Mason, who won the first Grand National at Liverpool in 1839. For a while he was the subject of my first draft, but then I found a line in his Wiki description, which said something like ‘also famous for his relationship with Harriet Howard, who ran away to live with him in London when she was fifteen and who also became Louis Napoleon’s mistress and financial backer’. I decided she was an even more interesting character and I set about writing a fictional account of her life. The result was The Merest Loss.

Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?

I did a lot of historical research on the internet and at the British Library, trying to make sure the historical timeline was correct and that the language and cultural references were appropriate to the age. I also read a lot of 19th century novels and books on the history of Britain and France in the 19th century. I’m a fan of Anthony Trollope in particular and his writing has influenced mine significantly, I think. It is not difficult to research the 19th century (it is close enough in time to today and printed media was well developed and readily available)but there was surprisingly little information about Harriet Howard, even though she almost became Empress of France. The good news is that this left plenty of gaps for me to generate my fictional account.

I came to appreciate the Victorian era. I warmed to Harriet Howard as I wrote about her. She was arguably a woman ahead of her time. I also had a strong connection with the character Jem Mason. I have great admiration for the skill and courage of the jump jockey. I share some of his characteristics and was able to empathise with him.

I was also fascinated by the idea of a romance where the two main characters are thwarted by their own temperaments; they are both unromantic, stubborn and uncompromising. How will it ever be possible for them to get together when they seem unable to resolve arguments, even though everyone around them can see they are well suited together?

The Merest Loss took three years from conception to publication: two years of research and one year of pure writing.

Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?

The Merest Loss is historical fiction but it is also a romance and a political commentary. Most of the novel is written from the point of view of the omniscient narrator, writing in the present tense, although this is interspersed with four strategic chapters, from the point of view of one of the characters, in the past tense. I like the idea of varying the presentation and I also make use of letters, newspaper articles and reviews to provide additional perspective.

If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why? 

Harriet Howard is the heroine of The Merest Loss. She is independent, wilful and brave. Jem Mason is the main love interest. He is taciturn and difficult, but also charismatic, Tom Olliver, friend to both Harriet and Jem, is loyal, tough and reliable. Louis Napoleon, future French Emperor, is arrogant, feckless and self-regarding. Why? You will have to read the book to find out!

What was the most challenging part about writing your book? 

Getting started was probably the most challenging part. I had a mental block about writing a novel. Here is the conversation with one of my creative writing tutors:

‘Me: I can only write short stories. I could never write a novel.

Her: But you can write a 2500 word short story?

Me: Yes.

Her: Well, can you write ten 2500 word short stories?

Me: Yes, I suppose so.

Her: Well, if you write thirty-six short stories on a linked theme, you have written a novel.’

So that is what I did. Writing doesn’t come naturally to me, but I kept going. 

Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?

Most of the content of The Merest Loss survived the editing process, but I experimented with different ways of narrating the story, including writing it in the first person from Harriet Howard’s viewpoint. Whilst there were attractions in this, I eventually opted for a mixed presentation, allowing different perspectives on Harriet’s character, but leaving the reader to make up their own mind. It would have been a very different novel in Harriet’s voice and I don’t think she would have been a very reliable narrator.

What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities? 

I have met some tremendously naturally gifted writers but that alone will not make you a published author. I genuinely believe that, however gifted, you need to learn the craft of writing. Invest in a creative writing course and learn about structure, plot, point of view, character, setting and dialogue before you start writing. When you have finished the first draft of your novel, understand that you have only just begun the process of writing a publishable novel. Even if all your friends and family tell you your novel is brilliant, invest in an independent development and copy editor before you even think about publication.

Personal Interview questions.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

My twitter page @stevenneil12 lists my interests as #Books #Horses #Theatre #Wine #Art #Music #Countryside That covers it pretty well. I’ve always been keen on equestrian sports and, whilst I don’t ride any more, I have an interest in three horses to go point-to-pointing (amateur steeplechasing) this season, so I’m hoping for some success on the racecourse.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

True story, when I was eight:

‘Auntie: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Me: I want to be like Grandad.

Auntie: But Grandad’s retired.

Me: Yes.’

I managed to semi-retire when I was 50 so that I could pursue other avenues. One of them turned out to be writing.

What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?

Sea Bass with lentils. Steak and chips.

What would be a perfect day?

A day in the sunshine watching county cricket or a day out horse racing in the countryside.

What is the best part of your day?

I enjoy all of my day. I’m fully retired and have no pressure to do anything, so if I’m not having a good time it’s my fault. Having said that, I do enjoy the little rituals of the day e.g. second cup of coffee around 11.00 am, preferably sitting in the garden, or a nice chilled glass of Chablis around 6.00 pm.

Either or!

Tea or coffee: Coffee

Hot or cold: Hot

Movie or book: Book

Morning person or Night owl: Morning person

City or country: Country

Social Media or book: Book

Paperback or ebook: Audiobook!

Steven Neil has a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the Open University and an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University. In his working life he has been a bookmaker’s clerk, management tutor, management consultant, bloodstock agent and racehorse breeder. He is married and lives in rural Northamptonshire.

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Read an interview with Marian L Thorpe, author of Empire’s Heir (Empire’s Legacy, Book VI) #HistoricalFantasy #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @marianlthorpe @maryanneyaryde

 

Empire’s Heir

(Empire’s Legacy, Book VI)

By Marian L Thorpe

Some games are played for mortal stakes.

Gwenna, heir to Ésparias, is summoned by the Empress of Casil to compete for the hand of her son. Offered power and influence far beyond what her own small land can give her, Gwenna’s strategy seems clear – except she loves someone else.

Nineteen years earlier, the Empress outplayed Cillian in diplomacy and intrigue. Alone, his only living daughter has little chance to counter the Empress's experience and skill. Aging and torn by grief and worry, Cillian insists on accompanying Gwenna to Casil.

Risking a charge of treason, faced with a choice he does not want to make, Cillian must convince Gwenna her future is more important than his – while Gwenna plans her moves to keep her father safe. Both are playing a dangerous game. Which one will concede – or sacrifice?

Publication Date: 30th August 2021

Publisher: Arboretum Press

Page Length: 438 Pages

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Grab a copy HERE!

This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview questions.

Why did you choose to write your book in this era?

That goes back to the first book of the series. I wanted to explore the effect of massive societal change, specifically the requirement of women to be part of the defence of their land, reflecting my own mother’s (and aunt’s) requirement to join the army in WWII in Britain. But I didn’t want to write a straight historical, plus I also wanted a non-heteronormative society, but one that just was – not something controversial. I’ve always thought one of the roles of speculative fiction is to ask questions about society but in a way that is slightly distanced from reality, to make ideas less threatening and perhaps open some eyes and minds, and that’s what I was hoping to do. So I set it in a iron-age world that looks a lot like Europe after the decline of Rome, but has some significant societal (and geographic) differences. My protagonist of that book (and the next two), Lena, chooses to learn to fight to defend her land, setting her on the journey that has become the Empire’s Legacy series.

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while you were researching this era? 

I’d been immersed in it for nearly forty years, as an interest and hobby, but relatively recent DNA and other research that shows the extent of trade and migration and global connections between Europe and India and even China has been enlightening, and a welcome challenge to what I was taught in school. 

Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb? 

Half of one of the chapters – the first half of Chapter 53 – was inspired by Leonard Cohen & Sharon Robinson’s haunting song, Alexandra Leaving.

If you had to describe your protagonist, in three words, what would those three words be? 

The book has two protagonists, but I’ll choose Gwenna: young, confused and determined.

What are you currently working on? 

Research for the next two books in the series, Empress & Soldier, which is a side story which eventually intersects with the last third of Empire’s Exile, and Empire’s Passing (working title) which will be the final book in the story of Lena and her family, and will return to Lena as the primary narrator and protagonist.

Personal Interview questions.

What do you like to do when you are not writing? 

In the summer, I bike, and read – and I used to go to a lot of films, prior to the pandemic. In the cooler months, it’s the same, except I substitute walking for biking. And regardless of season, there are birds to watch.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

Three things: a teacher, a scientist, and a writer. I managed all three. 

What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating? 

Chicken wings, sweet corn and green beans. What would I rather be eating? Well, that’s pretty good….but pizza. Always pizza.

Either or!

Tea or coffee: Coffee

Hot or cold: Cold

Movie or book: Book

Morning person or Night owl: Morning

City or country: Country

Social Media or book: Book 

Paperback or ebook: Paperback

 

Essays, poetry, short stories, peer-reviewed scientific papers, curriculum documents, technical guides, grant applications, press releases – if it has words, it’s likely Marian L Thorpe has written it, somewhere along the line. But nothing has given her more satisfaction than her novels. Combining her love of landscape and history, set in a world reminiscent of Europe after the decline of Rome, her books arise from a lifetime of reading and walking and wondering ‘what if?’ Pre-pandemic, Marian divided her time between Canada and the UK, and hopes she may again, but until then, she resides in a small, very bookish, city in Canada, with her husband Brian and Pye-Cat.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE!

Check out a spotlight of Over the Hedge by Paulette Mahurin! #HistoricalFiction #WW2 #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @MahurinPaulette @maryanneyarde

 

Over the Hedge

By Paulette Mahurin

During one of the darkest times in history, at the height of the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1943, members of the Dutch resistance began a mission to rescue Jewish children from the deportation center in Amsterdam. Heading the mission were Walter Süskind, a German Jew living in the Netherlands, Henriëtte Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, principal of a Christian college. As Nazis rounded up Jewish families at gunpoint, the three discreetly moved children from the deportation center to the daycare across the street and over the backyard hedge to the college next door. From the college, the children were transported to live with Dutch families. Working against irate orders from Hitler to rid the Netherlands of all Jews and increasing Nazi hostilities on the Resistance, the trio worked tirelessly to overcome barriers. Ingenious plans were implemented to remove children’s names from the registry of captured Jews. To sneak them out of the college undetected past guards patrolling the deportation center. To meld them in with their new families to avoid detection. Based on actual events, Over the Hedge is the story of how against escalating Nazi brutality when millions of Jews were disposed of in camps, Walter Süskind, Henriëtte Pimentel, and Johan van Hulst worked heroically with the Dutch resistance to save Jewish children. But it is not just a story of their courageous endeavors. It is a story of the resilience of the human spirit. Of friendship and selfless love. The love that continues on in the hearts of over six hundred Dutch Jewish children.

Publication Date: July 31, 2021

Publisher: Independently Published

Page Length: 176 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grab a copy HERE!

You can also read this book for free on #KindleUnlimited!

Paulette Mahurin is an international bestselling literary fiction and historical fiction novelist. She lives with her husband Terry and two dogs, Max and Bella, in Ventura County, California. She grew up in West Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she received a Master’s Degree in Science. 

Her first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction 2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress, made it to the bestseller lists for literary fiction and historical fiction on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, was released in 2017 to rave reviews. Her sixth book, A Different Kind of Angel, was released in the summer of 2018 also to rave reviews. Her last four books: Irma’s Endgame, The Old Gilt Clock, Where Irises Never Grow, and Over the Hedge all made it to bestselling lists on Amazon. Her new release, Over the Hedge, was #1 in Hot New Release Amazon U.K. it’s second day out.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Pinterest • BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

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Read an excerpt from Clockwork Igni (Angelbound Origins, #9) by Christina Bauer #Fantasy #YoungAdult #YA @CB_Bauer @XpressoTours

Clockwork Igni

(Angelbound Origins, #9)

By Christina Bauer

As Queen of Antrum, I rule an underground realm of demon hunters who love finding new caves. Hey, it’s boring down here; I’m glad they all have a hobby. Per usual, I try to act interested about their latest discovery, but all I hear is blah blah blah new cavern blah blah blah Forbidden Tombs blah blah blah massive bronze pyramids blah blah blah creepy ticking sounds. It’s a little odd, but I’m not worried.

My bad.

Suddenly, the Forbidden Tombs burst through the ground in my home realm of Purgatory. Bronze pyramids smash through abandoned buildings and highways, making rush hour a nightmare. Even worse, the metal structures attract tiny lightning bolts called igni, which are my very special supernatural buddies. Within minutes, every last igni gets stolen away.

Now. I’m. Pissed.

Whoever hides inside those pyramids? Time to dust off your mummies and shine up your sarcophagi. Because my husband, Lincoln, and I are breaking in and kicking ass.

Publication date: September 21st 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult 

Angelbound Origins

In which Myla Lewis kicks ass and takes names. Nuff said.

1. Angelbound
2. Scala
3. Acca
4. Thrax
5. The Dark Lands
6. The Brutal Time
7. Armageddon
8. Quasi Redux
9. Clockwork Igni

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EXCERPT

MAXON
NINE YEARS OLD

I’ve got plans, people. 

And I’ll make them happen. It all starts by wearing armor to breakfast.

Mom eyes me closely. “You’re wearing your father’s old leathers.”

“G gave them to me.” That’s G as in Grandmother Octavia. She’s Dad’s mother and way awesome. “It’s comfy.”

“Planning anything else in that outfit?”

I bob my brows. “I don’t know. Am I?”

Of course, I’m scheming here. I want to start holding demon patrol-style inspections with my crew. I’ve tried straight-on asking, but that always gets a fast no from my parents. This morning, I’m mixing it up. I figure having the visual of me in Dad’s leathers would help connect the dots.

Mom’s words echo through me. 

Planning anything else in that outfit?

It’s a good question, too. My parents know that when I sneak off to do battle stuff, I always bring along a few magical charms. So they rigged the house with detection wards. If I hide anything supernatural in my pocket, then my parents see the hidden stuff as glowing with purple light.

“Let’s see.” Mom eyes me carefully. “You’re clean. No charms.” She winks. “But I can still tell you’re up to something, my very young and evil genius.”

I get the evil genius thing a lot. It’s because I’m a supernatural being called the Scala Heir. Magic makes me bigger and smarter than anyone else my age. It doesn’t suck.

Mom resets her coffee mug on the table with a thunk. “What is it?”

And there it is. I’ve gotten Mom’s interest. Time to tell the truth. She’s as softened up as she’ll get. “I found a new place for my crew to run safety inspections.”

Thrax warriors lead demon patrols on the Earth’s surface. I want to lead a patrol team so badly, it’s an ache inside my soul. But my parents hate the idea. So I’ve been pushing for inspections instead. Demon patrols are basically the human’s navy SEALS; inspectors are more like mall cops. Still, I’ll take it.

Mom nods slowly. She isn’t saying no yet. Good. “Who’s we?” she asks. 

“My regular thrax crew. Ty, Uther, Raj, and Zee.” These are kids I’ve known since I was little. Good guys. 

Mom tilts her head. She’s still considering. Then she sighs. “We’ve discussed this before. No safety inspections until you’re sixteen. That’s the thrax way.”

“I can handle it.” I mix up some oats and water in a bowl. “Here, I’ll show you.” 

Mom’s the Great Scala. I’m the Scala Heir. While Mom wields igni, I control lightning. Raising my arms, I tap into flow of electricity that constantly moves inside me. Then I zap my breakfast with a trio of mini lightning bolts. The oatmeal goes from a cold to a steaming-hot. Turning, I look to Mom. “See? I’m ready for anything.”

And I am.

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

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Read an interview with Tammy Pasterick, author of Beneath the Veil of Smoke and Ash #HistoricalFiction #PittsburghHistory #PennsylvaniaHistory #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @TammyPasterick @maryanneyarde

Beneath the Veil of Smoke and Ash

By Tammy Pasterick

It’s Pittsburgh, 1910—the golden age of steel in the land of opportunity. Eastern European immigrants Janos and Karina Kovac should be prospering, but their American dream is fading faster than the colors on the sun-drenched flag of their adopted country. Janos is exhausted from a decade of twelve-hour shifts, seven days per week, at the local mill. Karina, meanwhile, thinks she has found an escape from their run-down ethnic neighborhood in the modern home of a mill manager—until she discovers she is expected to perform the duties of both housekeeper and mistress. Though she resents her employer’s advances, they are more tolerable than being groped by drunks at the town’s boarding house.

When Janos witnesses a gruesome accident at his furnace on the same day Karina learns she will lose her job, the Kovac family begins to unravel. Janos learns there are people at the mill who pose a greater risk to his life than the work itself, while Karina—panicked by the thought of returning to work at the boarding house—becomes unhinged and wreaks a path of destruction so wide that her children are swept up in the storm. In the aftermath, Janos must rebuild his shattered family—with the help of an unlikely ally.

Impeccably researched and deeply human, Beneath the Veil of Smoke and Ash delivers a timeless message about mental illness while paying tribute to the sacrifices America's immigrant ancestors made.

Publication Date: 21st September 2021
Publisher: She Writes Press
Page Length: 371 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU • Barnes and Noble • iBooks • Bookshop.org • Books-A-Million • IndieBound.org

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview questions.

Why did you choose to write your book in this era?

This book is the result of a genealogy project that took on a life of its own. I researched the lives of my great-grandparents who immigrated to America at the turn of the twentieth century from Slovakia and Lithuania. I was so in awe of the challenges they faced that I wanted to recreate their world for today’s readers. I hope the story gives people a greater appreciation for the bravery of immigrants—both past and present.  

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while you were researching this era?

I was shocked by the number of accidents and deaths in the steel and coal mining industries at the turn of the twentieth century. Many corporations considered immigrant workers expendable and did not make health and safety a priority.

Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?

There are several very dramatic chapters in the book that take place in a coal mine, and readers will want to know what happens to a mule named Gus.

If you had to describe your protagonist, in three words, what would those three words be?

Sad, exhausted, misunderstood.

What are you currently working on?

I’m mostly working on publicity and marketing for Beneath the Veil of Smoke and Ash, but ideas for my second novel are floating around in my head. It’s a drama about a German family set during World War II, but I can’t find the time to get any words on paper.

Personal Interview questions.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I have a wide variety of hobbies, but my favorites are reading, traveling, skiing, and photography. I’ve never been much of a sports fanatic, but nothing brings me more joy than watching my kids play soccer and baseball.  

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a world traveler, but I knew no one would pay me to do that. I considered becoming a history professor, a psychologist, and a lawyer, but ended up studying labor relations and German. My detour into writing has been a pleasant surprise!

What’s your favourite food?

Chocolate.

Either or!

Tea or coffee: Tea

Hot or cold: Cold

Movie or book: Book

Morning person or Night owl: Morning person

City or country: Country

Social Media or book: Book

Paperback or ebook: Paperback

A native of Western Pennsylvania, Tammy Pasterick grew up in a family of steelworkers, coal miners, and Eastern European immigrants. She began her career as an investigator with the National Labor Relations Board and later worked as a paralegal and German teacher. She holds degrees in labor and industrial relations from Penn State University and German language and literature from the University of Delaware. She currently lives on Maryland's Eastern Shore with her husband, two children, and chocolate Labrador retriever.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

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Read an interview with Nick Macklin, author of Bloody Dominions (The Conquest Trilogy, Book 1) #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @NMacklinAuthor @maryanneyarde

 

Bloody Dominions

(The Conquest Trilogy, Book 1)

By Nick Macklin

Journey with those at the heart of the conflict as Caesar embarks on the tumultuous conquest of Gaul 58-51 BC. Book One 58-56 BC.

As Caesar’s campaign begins, tests of courage and belief will confront the three protagonists, shaping them as individuals and challenging their views of the world and each other:

Atticus – an impetuous but naturally gifted soldier, whose grandfather served with distinction in the legions;

Allerix – a Chieftain of the Aduatuci, who finds himself fighting both for and against Caesar; and

Epona – a fierce warrior and Allerixs’ adopted sister.

Experiencing the brutalities of conflict and the repercussions of both victory and defeat, Atticus, Allerix and Epona will cross paths repeatedly, their destinies bound together across time, the vast and hostile territories of Gaul and the barriers of fate that have defined them as enemies. In a twist of fate, Atticus and Allerix discover that they share a bond, a secret that nobody could ever foresee…

Publication Date: 28th June 2021

Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Page Length: 368 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grab a copy HERE!

This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview questions.

Why did you choose to write your book in this era?

I always wanted to set the novel against the backdrop of a significant period in Roman history. Ideally, something offering the potential for meaningful character and plot development that hadn’t already received exhaustive coverage. I eventually settled on Caesars tumultuous occupation of Gaul. Spanning 8 years, the prolonged clash of cultures offered ample opportunity for the kind of dual perspective from which I was hoping to tell the story, whilst the violent conflict provided a wealth of material to explore the changing fortunes of war and its impact at a personal level. The switching of allegiances, nations fighting for and against Rome also provided the potential for some intriguing plot lines. As my research unfolded, I was struck by just how heavily the Roman psyche was influenced during this period by the scare they had received 50 years earlier when invading Germanic tribes defeated their legions. Seeing references to the veterans of that war watching their sons and grandsons enlist for a similar campaign, I began to think about the potential for developing that link, on both sides of the conflict. And so, the idea for the Conquest Trilogy was born.

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while you were researching this era?

The issue that had the biggest impact on me whilst completing my research was the sheer scale of the suffering created by Caesar’s incursion. I’m not entirely sure it was a surprise, but my reading until then had typically focused on stories surrounding individual battles and/or aspects of the campaign, I just hadn’t thought about the magnitude of the conquest in its entirety. I know that the tribes of Gaul weren’t living a life of peace and tranquility before Caesar’s arrival, raids and battles between nations would have been customary and the impact of war was something most individuals would have experienced to a greater or lesser extent. However, the scale of the Roman invasion and the effectiveness of their legions changed the dynamic significantly. Even allowing for the politically motivated inflation of enemy casualty numbers, and Caesar was as much a politician as he was a general, the conquest was exceptionally brutal, with untold numbers killed, maimed or enslaved, including huge numbers of civilians. It is one of the reasons that I wanted to dedicate the book to the memory of those whose lives feature in its pages.

Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?

A running theme throughout the Trilogy will be the ‘difficult’ relationship Atticus has with his legions Legate, Lucius Minicius Aquila. The animosity between the two begins when Aquila’s hesitancy to act forces the hand of his junior officers who send Atticus on a lone foray to turn the tide of battle. His success draws attention to the inactivity of a chastened Aquila, whose attempts to punish Atticus are thwarted by Caesar in a very public display of recognition. Determined to make life difficult for the young legionary, things become more complicated for Aquila when Atticus saves his life in battle. Unfortunately for Atticus, Aquila has no desire to honour his debt nor have it outstanding for any length of time. He would far rather the obligation simply cease to exist, que lots of attempts to place Atticus in jeopardy. As a character I drew inspiration for Aquila from an actual legion commander, Lucius Minicius Basilus, who lived through events in Gaul and the subsequent civil war where he supported Caesar.  Basilus later joined the conspiracy to kill Caesar, angered at what he considered to be insufficient reward for his earlier support. He was eventually killed by his own slaves in 43 BC, who were driven to this desperate action by his cruel and violent treatment. His literary incarnation Aquila, shares these same tendencies but not necessarily the same fate!!

If you had to describe your protagonist, in three words, what would those three words be? 

I am going to have to cheat here as I have three protagonists, so if you will excuse the indulgence I will offer 9 words, three for each:

Atticus: - Headstrong, brave, conflicted

Allerix: - Honourable, thoughtful, courageous

Epona: - Strong-minded, intuitive, fearless

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on Book 2 of the Conquest Trilogy, ‘Battle Scars’, which covers the period 56-53 BC. Against the backdrop of Caesars continuing invasion of Gaul, Atticus finds himself facing the challenges of leadership and a dangerous mission on the borders of the Empire, whilst Epona and Allerix fight for survival with Ambiorix as he leads the resistance to Rome’s incursion. Along the way Epona meets up with Aquila, Allerix and Atticus cross swords, again, and we are introduced to some new characters, including Titus Pollo, Lucius Vorenus and Vercingetorix. 

Personal Interview questions.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I enjoy running, well, after I’ve been out, not necessarily whilst in the middle of a run, walking and have always been a keen traveler, although for obvious reasons more recently that passion has been confined to planning future trips. I also enjoy reading, watching sport and baking.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to join the Royal Air Force and in particular the Military Police. I’m sure the motivation had a lot to do with the idea of having a dog to accompany me on patrol but unfortunately my eyesight wasn’t good enough and it wasn’t to be. I still haven’t got the dog yet either but that is a plan I will realise at some point. 

What’s your favourite food?

Am I allowed to say Crisps, as part of a balanced diet obviously!! My favourite meal would probably be some form of roast, although I am also partial to most things Italian. 

Either or!

Tea or coffee: Tea

Hot or cold: Hot

Movie or book: Both

Morning person or Night owl: Night Owl

City or country: City

Social Media or book: Book

Paperback or ebook: Paperback

A history graduate, Nick enjoyed developing the skills that would stand him in good stead during the extensive research he conducted prior to writing his novel. Whilst the ancient world unfortunately didn’t feature to any extent in his history degree, (the result of failing miserably to secure the A level grades that would have permitted greater choice) he maintained a lifelong and profound interest in ancient history and especially the Roman Empire, continuing to read avidly as he embarked on a career in HR. Over the next 30 years or so Nick occupied a variety of Senior/Director roles, most recently in the NHS. Unsurprisingly, writing in these roles was largely confined to the prosaic demands of Board papers but Nick never lost the long-harboured belief, motivated by the works of writers such as Robert Fabbri, Robyn Young, Anthony Riches, Simon Scarrow, Matthew Harffy and Giles Kristian, that he too had a story to tell. When he was presented with a window of opportunity c3 years ago he took the decision to place his career on hold and see if he could convert that belief into reality. 

Nick always knew that he wanted to set the novel against the backdrop of a significant event/period in Roman history. Looking to narrow that down to something offering the potential for meaningful character and plot development, but that hadn’t already received exhaustive coverage, he settled on Caesars tumultuous occupation of Gaul. Spanning 8 years, the prolonged clash of cultures offered ample opportunity for the kind of dual perspective from which he was hoping to tell the story, whilst the violent conflict provided a wealth of exciting material to explore the changing fortunes of war and its impact at a personal level. The switching of allegiances, nations fighting for and against Rome also provided the potential for some intriguing plot lines. As his research unfolded, he was also struck by just how heavily the Roman psyche during this period was influenced by the scare they had received 50 years earlier when Germanic tribes invaded their territories and defeated their legions. Seeing references to the veterans of that war watching their sons and grandsons enlist for a similar campaign, he started to think about developing that link on both sides of the conflict. And so, the idea for the Conquest Trilogy was born.

In Bloody Dominions Nick has sought to produce a novel in which unfolding events are experienced and described from the perspective of protagonists on both sides of Caesar’s incursion into Gaul.  Conscious that the role of women in Roman fiction, Boudica aside, is largely confined to spouse, prostitute or slave, Nick wanted to ensure that one of his lead characters was female and a prominent member of the warrior clan of her tribe. The novel is driven by these characters but the framework against which their stories unfold is historically accurate, featuring actual participants in Caesar’s campaign and drawing on real events as they occurred. As such Nick is genuinely excited about his characters and the story they have to tell.

Nick lives in Exeter with his two daughters and is currently juggling work as an Independent HR Consultant with writing the second novel in the Conquest Trilogy, Battle Scars.

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