by Nick Brown
When you start a book do you know where the story will end by writing with an outline or do you use free writing and let the characters lead you along?
I tend more towards the former. I usually create a basic table which outlines what the protagonists and antagonists are doing at various times. I started this method while working on ‘The Imperial Banner’ and it’s served me well. This way you can keep track of the timeline and have a good grasp on cause and effect. Having said that, I have changed certain elements, often while deep into the story. But basically, I am a planner; and I don’t start until I know I’ve got a compelling tale with a strong end.
Where do you take your inspiration for character names and personalities? Are certain elements based upon people you know?
Over the years, I have used many sources for such details. Character names tend to come from the historical lists. One exception is Indavara, which I invented. I think it’s cool but my cousin Matthew always tells me it makes him sound like a princess! As for personalities, it’s important to set up main characters that are very different. This can clearly be seen with Cassius, Indavara and Simo and it’s that inherent contrast that creates a lot of tension, humour and camaraderie. Have I ever used people I know for character elements? Absolutely! And I also use people in the public eye. Here is one ridiculous example: the appearance of ‘Slab’ from ‘The Earthly Gods’ is based on Dutch football manager, Dick Advocaat! Centurion Eborius from ‘The Far Shore’ is based on French tennis player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. What can I say? I watch a lot of sport – and inspiration often comes from unlikely sources!
Do you try to visit the locations in the name of research?
I wish! Unfortunately, I’ve never had the time or money to do that. This is where Google Maps comes in handy – you can go to any spot and just have a look at the landscape, vegetation etc. I also remember watching a great BBC documentary on Saudi Arabia – it was actually more to do with geography but great for helping me describe the desert and mountains. Other than that, historical texts are of course essential.
Which of the seven books is your favourite, and why?
Good question but it is a bit like asking a parent, who is your favourite child? As the seventh one is only now being published, I don’t have much perspective on that particular story. All of them have elements that turned out well and perhaps some small things that I might do differently given the chance. I am very fond of ‘The Far Shore’ – the series really hit its stride around there and it has a strong structure with the
initial mystery, then the sea voyage, then the final action sequences. I also think that the rogue centurion, Carnifex, might be the best bad guy in the series.
Which character outside of the main trio is your favourite, and why?
Abascantius is quite fun to write because he perhaps represents the reality of imperial agents, being a crafty, underhand swine. Obviously, the bad guys are interesting too, whether it be the incestuous twins from ‘The Emperor’s Silver’ or the Palmyran swordsman, Azaf, from ‘The Siege.’ Over the seven books, the heroes have encountered numerous ‘secondary’ characters. A couple that spring to mind are Zaara-Kitar, the Arabian money lender from ‘The Black Stone’ and the aforementioned Eborius – the alcoholic centurion from ‘The Far Shore’ who ultimately redeems himself.
Which was the most difficult book to write and why?
Actually book 7 was not easy because I was having to fit it in around freelancing projects. But I was able to devote more time to it towards the end and that was a great help. Other than that, book 2 was always going to be difficult because of the time pressure. ‘The Siege’ had taken about five years and suddenly I had fifteen months to produce a sequel that included a major new character and took the series in a different direction. My editor remarked that ‘there’s no danger of second-novel syndrome here’ and I must say I felt proud – especially as I was working full time throughout.
From start to finish, how long does it take to write each book?
It depends on the book! I suppose the average – without interruptions – would be about nine months. This includes research, drafting and editing. Publishers usually ask that the manuscript be delivered around a year ahead of the publication date.
In a packed genre, what makes your books different from all the rest?
It’s true that there is a lot of Roman fiction out there, though I’m told it’s less popular than it was. There are a number of Roman military tales and a number of Roman mystery tales and I suppose Cassius’s adventures combine elements of each. Over the years, readers have said that the characters and their relationships are strengths of the series – who am I to argue!
You write many different genres (historical, sci-fi, fantasy, etc), which do you enjoy writing most?
Fantasy and sci-fi is enjoyable because you have almost complete freedom. However, I do enjoy historical research and trying to understand the people and events of a certain era. Even in these three disparate genres, certain fundamentals always apply: character and story remain paramount.
What was it like, writing the final book of the series?
It was definitely a challenge because it really had to deliver as the climax to the series. Regular readers will note that it’s a bit of a ‘greatest hits’ package, with familiar elements like Indavara’s ‘daredevil scene’, a ‘duel’, and Cassius using his brainpower to ‘crack the case’. There’s also that usual mix of mystery, adventure and action. As with book 6, I brought back some characters from earlier instalments. Hopefully Prefect Venator and Gutha add a lot to the story. It was important to give Abascantius a last appearance and I also wanted Amarante to be more than a ‘damsel in distress’. Writing strong female parts is not easy when you set stories in the ancient world.
I must admit I did feel a bit emotional writing the last few chapters. These characters have been with me for fourteen years and through seven books. Having said that, it’s been great to wrap up the series – hopefully in a way that readers will enjoy. At times it’s been hard to keep going but all the supportive comments I’ve received since 2016 have really given me a boost.
Will there be more ‘Agent of Rome’ books?
Never say never!
Many thanks to the readers who submitted these questions: Ivan Richards, Paul Marshall, Tim Goyette, Rich Mainville Jr., Andrew Hall, Neil Harrison, John MacLachlan & Tessa Wyatt.
ONE ADVENTURE ENDS.
ANOTHER BEGINS …
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