Ask the Author: Brook Allen
Answered Questions (8)
Brook Allen
After all of this research for Antonius: Son of Rome, it would be amazing to "visit" Republican Rome for just a day. However, I would want to be invisible. Women didn't often have it easy in those days, so just showing up cold-turkey wouldn't even be safe. I'd also want to be certain I could return.
Brook Allen
I am currently reading Godwine, Kingmaker by Mercedes Rochelle, an author friend. I'm pretty serendipitous about my reading habits, but typically, it's historical. I'm not really a bit fan of historical romance, however.
Brook Allen
I walk away for awhile. Sometimes that's all it takes. I'll be out on my bike, in the woods with my dogs, in the shower---then BOOM! Some idea hits like a bolt from above and I know exactly what to do. I'll also add that sometimes it takes more than one person to brainstorm a book. I attribute some really excellent ideas to other writer friends and my editor.
Brook Allen
I think it's creating your own "brand" and learning to believe in yourself when sometimes other people might not buy into your ideas. As an indie author, that's a powerful feeling.
Brook Allen
Don't wait as long to BECOME an author as I did! Get down to business NOW. Find books to read about how to create novels and build worlds and characters. Attend conferences and find an excellent free-lance editor with whom you have good rapport. Don't limit yourself to seeking traditional publication. Independent authorship is an incredible ride!
Brook Allen
Besides preparing Son of Rome for publication, I'm working on revisions in the #2 book in the Antonius trilogy, which will be entitled Second In Command. It will cover Antony's life beginning his career with Caesar through his biggest victory.
Brook Allen
Oh, constantly. Writing is my escape and where I feel BEST about myself. Quite often I hike through the woods or ride my bike. Whenever I'm active--not just sitting around-- is when I get some of my best ideas.
Brook Allen
Back when I was a Sophomore in High School, we had to read Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. I was blown away by the story. From that moment on, I read anything I could get my hands on, regarding 1st Century BC Rome. Somewhere along the way, I read Margaret George's Memoirs of Cleopatra. Then I re-read it. And then I read it once more.
I know I wanted to write on this period. I just had to figure out WHAT or WHO to write about. Back in 2005, I decided on Marcus Antonius-- Marc Antony. So many people have written on Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Cicero, Augustus... Antony has been rather neglected. He's controversial, to be sure. But he had the military background, and adventurous spirit, and was a gregarious sort of guy. I've enjoyed getting to know him!!!
I know I wanted to write on this period. I just had to figure out WHAT or WHO to write about. Back in 2005, I decided on Marcus Antonius-- Marc Antony. So many people have written on Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Cicero, Augustus... Antony has been rather neglected. He's controversial, to be sure. But he had the military background, and adventurous spirit, and was a gregarious sort of guy. I've enjoyed getting to know him!!!
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