What is it about writing Romans?

The Ermine Street Guard (Photo: Caroline Morton)

Over the years I’ve been asked in interviews why Rome fascinates me and how it led to me imagining Roma Nova. I reveal all…

What period of history particularly inspires or interests you? Why? Rome! It’s almost visceral. It’s gripped me since I walked on that […]

March 17th, 2025 | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Category: Alternate history, Alternative history, Historical logic, History, Roma Nova, Roman traditions, Romans, Women's history | Leave a comment

Are 'what if' stories coming into fashion?

A recent post in The Economist magazine congratulated Francis Spufford whose Cahokia Jazz won this year’s long-form class of the Sidewise Awards for Alternate History. The Economist went on to state: “The what-if genre of fiction is growing fast, with work of startling quality and originality. [Cahokia Jazz is] A noir thriller that takes […]

November 18th, 2024 | Tags: , , , , , , | Category: Alternate history, Alternative history, Books, EXSILIUM, Genres, Historical logic, INCEPTIO, JULIA PRIMA, Roma Nova | Leave a comment

Power grabs and dictators

A post from 2017 but updated for 2024 and again for 2025 as little seems to change…

The Death of Caesar, Vincenzo Camuccini, 1798 (public domain)

It’s March 2025 and here we are again. the war in Ukraine continues, the despot in the Kremlin is still trying to land grab like a gangster. […]

March 15th, 2024 | Tags: , , , , , , | Category: Books, France, Historical logic, History, Insights, INSURRECTIO, Research, Roman traditions | 4 comments
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