What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a story exploring the life and times of one of the Roman Republic’s most interesting and overlooked figures: Quintus Sertorius. He lived a few decades before the rise of Caesar, and so his life and career get overshadowed somewhat, and few people know about him. What’s more, this second book in the series places the (fictional) main character – Sertorius’ friend and subordinate Caro – right into the heart of Rome during one of its most tumultuous, backstabby periods. Writing all the intrigue, snobbery, and social upheaval was a challenge I really enjoyed, especially doing it through the eyes of a man who is a complete outsider to it.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
For the main character, Caro, it would have to be “Sinnerman” by Nina Simone. He is a man running toward something and away from something at the same time, and whose past follows close behind, no matter where he goes. He’s pulled back and forth, and even when he has a moment to stop, something else grabs at his destiny. For Quintus Sertorius, it’d be “Man of the World” by Fleetwood Mac. He is a man who has everything the world offers—talent, victories, loyalty, and a cause—but none of it quite resolves what he actually wants: to live in a world that deserves him. He’s a person very good at something he never entirely chose, and barely recognized by those around him for it.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
The books that first captured my imagination as a child were The Hobbit and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. I’m also a huge sci-fi fan. It might surprise you, but since I started writing historical fiction, I’ve tended to avoid the genre, especially those focusing on Rome! I do still dive into non-fiction, though. Getting caught up in a 600–700-page academic tome about some obscure bit of history has derailed many of my 52 Books in 52 Weeks attempts.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Too many to name, but I’ve been meaning to finish off The Black Library’s “Horus Heresy” series, and I’m also fascinated by the Malazan Chronicles after reading Gardens of the Moon a few weeks ago, but I really want to dedicate some time to getting to grips with it. I’m also due for my yearly read of Dune at some point!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
You might think it would be a battle scene, or a particular sequence of political backstabbing, but I think the best scenes in the book are when Caro encounters Cornelia Octavia, a Roman noblewoman who completely stumps him. Where he’s blunt, she’s sharp, and where he’s clueless, she’s clever. In historical fiction, especially those with a military lens, I find that women can often be an afterthought, and it was great fun to introduce this intelligent, independent, witty persona into the mix and see how she disrupted things.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My only habit is to try to write something every single day, even if it’s only a word or two. I do rely quite heavily on (the healthiest I can find) energy drinks to keep me going, though, since I can’t stand coffee or tea. I have a specific recycling bin in my room to put the crushed cans, since my usual bin was overflowing!
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Stephen Crane’s poem “A Man Said to the Universe.” I read it when I was ten or eleven, and it has stuck with me ever since: A man said to the universe, “Sir, I exist!” “However,” replied the universe, “The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation.” It reminds me that the universe owes me little and that the impact I want to make in the world must be made with effort, not by waiting for things to happen.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I think that Roman politics, especially just before Caesar rises to become dictator, is very easily and foolishly turned into a “good guys” vs. “bad guys” dichotomy. People love Caesar and his faction because they are charismatic, populist, conquering generals. The civil war in my book is between two sides who both think they are right, and in the process, fail to provide for the poorest in society. Innocent people on all sides are hurt by the powermongering of those above them, and that’s as true today as it was more than 2,000 years ago.
A. D. Hamilton is the author of the new book The Shattered City (The Iberian Chronicles Book 2)
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