I was honored to be chosen to read from my novel Gaius Trebonius: With Caesar in Gaul at my alma mater’s Word for Word Graduate reading series on June, 26. Dean Paul Witcover hosted the event, in which six recent Southern New Hampshire University graduates read from recent works. That’s me in the bottom left corner!

              The writers present – Geoff Campbell (MA), Kori Elise Chamberlin (BA), Miranda Denler (MFA), Katherine Hancock (BA), and Abigailrose Helwig (MA) – were phenomenal! Along with your humble obedient, we all gave excerpts from our work and took part in a short Q&A.

              My excerpt starts at 37:15 at the YouTube video here, and ends at 44:58. The Q&A starts at 54:28. I give a shout out to a grandmaster of speculative fiction, Jack Vance, who’s been a tremendous influence. Also mentioned Jack McDevitt, Bernard Cornwell, and George MacDonald Fraser as authors I’ve enjoyed and learned from over the years.

              This was the first reading I’ve given on my Roman historical fiction novel. The reactions from the audience were terrific – lots of LOLs in the chat, and great comments about the setting, pace, and characterization. My biography got a few grins as well.

              During the Q&A, we were all asked several questions about our writing processes. I noted that my characters, especially the protagonist Gaius Trebonius, did not always act the way I thought they would. I found myself suprised again and again by their turn of phrase or actions.

              Very grateful to Prof. Witcover, SNHU, and my fellow writers for this opportunity! #SNHU #MFA Word for Word #historical fiction #Roman history