Romance set in Ancient Rome - blogging with the author of Maximus

Today I'm excited to host fellow The Wild Rose Press author Christine Elaine Black on her first guest blog appearance. Her historical fiction romance Maximus released this past Wednesday, and it sounds absolutely fascinating to me! She's answered a few questions for us, and you can find the blurb at the end of the interview.

Kathryn: Thanks for being here Christine! I'm a big fan of historical romance, and I love the idea of a setting in ancient Rome. Where did you come up with the idea for this story?

Christine: The idea for Maximus came from my love of reading ancient historical fiction. I've always been fascinated by the time period but never found many romance novels set in ancient times that deal mainly with the relationship of the main characters. I decided to change that.

Kathryn: It does seem like a fascinating time period, one which I admittedly don't know a whole lot about. What books have made an impact on you as a reader and a writer?

Christine: Strangely the books to impact me the most are not especially romantic. Pauline Gedge writes Egyptian historical fiction in such a way that I'm transported to her world and care about her characters within moments of starting the journey. Jack Whyte wrote a series of novels about the origins of Excalibur and Merlin. He writes with a mastery and skill that leaves me in awe.

Kathryn: The research part of writing accurate historical fiction seems overwhelming to me, but I'd like to try it some day. It sounds like your reading preferences have helped quite a bit with the research involved for Maximus.

Christine: Yes, I've read many ancient stories and studied ancient cultures. It feels natural for me to write about the Roman world. They play a huge role in our daily lives if we stop to think about it. Roman numerals, calendar months, Latin words morphed into English, the forum, the senate, etc. I love the phrase 'All roads lead to Rome'. At one time it was true! I never get tired of reading and writing ancient stories.

Kathryn: Wow, I never really thought about that but it's certainly true! So who gave you the most support throughout this journey?

Christine: I've received support from many quarters, including online writing groups, but my family have given me their unfailing support to pursue my writing. Happily my daughter is a budding writer.

Kathryn: It's so important to have family behind you, since writing tends to become all-consuming, at least in my experience. That's great that your daughter wants to follow in your footsteps. I bet everyone was so excited when you received your contract. Can you tell us about that day?

Christine: I was so ready to receive my contract when it came. I'd been tweaking the book for months before sending in the finalized version and then it became a reality when I opened an email from my editor saying she wanted to request a contract and shortly after it arrived. It's a special moment of validation for a writer to have that elusive agreement.

Kathryn: It's one of the best feelings in the world - I will never forget my day (Dec. 16, 2011 lol). Are you interested in trying any other genres?

Christine: I have written other genres. Maximus is a trequel and book II was accepted by The Wild Rose Press and will be published in 2013. Yay!! I've dallied into the world of contemporary romance, 18th century romance, and I've also written a Y/A fantasy/medieval adventure for my daughter. They're on my future submissions list.

Kathryn: Wow, that's exciting to have book II under contract already! I can't wait to read both. Sounds like you are a very diverse writer...can you tell us a few things about yourself outside of writing?

Christine: Outside of writing is my love for musical theatre. My daughter performs in youth theatre and I love to help costume the cast and assist backstage during the run of the shows. Music and a sense of humor are important in my daily life.

Kathryn: Nice! I agree, a sense of humor is an absolute necessity in life. Thanks for sharing with us, Christine. Enjoy the blurb for Maximus below:

Carissa Valeria distrusts the handsome soldier who rescues her reckless son from plunging to an early death. Recalling the man's heartless treatment of her from years ago, she itches to even the score, but her son hails the rescuer as a hero. When he becomes her neighbor, her son's friendship with the soldier threatens to uncover old secrets and place her family and her heart in danger.

Exiled to the countryside by the Roman emperor, Maximus Octavius is confounded by the brittle countenance of the woman he's willing to befriend. She's afraid, and he's determined to find out why. But helping Carissa and her son means confronting the guilt of his long-forgotten past and stirring the silenced passion in his heart.

Can Maximus win Carissa before fear and revenge tear them apart forever?

Show More

 

Show Less

Buy Link Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Maximus-ebook/dp/B00AEFFXNK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1354138659&sr=1-1&keywords=maximus

Buy Link TWRP:  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=176_138&products_id=5049