Imperial Mothers

I read through to chapter 18 and wondered if you are uploading any more? You started off well and as I read through, I realised you'd kept up momentum and it was an exciting read all the way through. I liked the characters of Livia and Julia...especially Julia. It all felt authentic and convincing.. I'm now worried for Julia and her children.
Cherry G. "Sister: One Woman's Journey through the Trojan War"

David, by far the best story I have witnessed on the site. Elegantly written with provocative prose. A cutting -edge story line. Superb character representation. A good view on politics behind closed doors. Backed! Well done and the very best of luck for publishing

Kind regards
Ariel

I thought this would be completely lost on me, but the believable dialogue, wonderful character descriptions, well thought out plot, made it superior to the films I have seen, and accessible. I am impressed by the fact there is so much information at the same time us giving us a good read. Totally new subject for me and totally engrossed.
Backed
Christina
From Under the Bed

A superb prologue establishes characters, theme, overview and foreshadowing of the intelligent and incredibly complex plotting to follow, Roman politics at its best! You write such vivid descriptions of people's faces, especially Augustus' ears! Livia's sense of being trapped plausibly explains the Roman continuity of plotting and betrayal. Your knowledge of all things Roman is very impressive! The desire for and the assignment of the consul position(s) and the status of governmental policy being subject to the opening and closing of Julia's legs is not only a key phrase in that chapter, but also representative of typical power plays everywhere. Maybe we learned it from the Romans and thus your story pays them tribute. A very intricate story of greed, fear, family and the agendas of the ambitious, in one of the most romantic eras of all time. Very well done. Shelved of course, with more than a little literary envy.

Imperial Mothers

What a complicate way to govern. As an author you delved into history and took the reader right along with you. No half measure here. The importance of blood lines, the cattiness of the court.
There were a couple of places that I have to read twice but that may be due to my lack of knowledge of this time period. Good luck and on my shelf. C.P

I rather like prologues and yours is no exception. I then read chpt.1 and 18. Without a doubt you can sustain your fine writing and the story continues, well told with intelligent dialogue and narrative which not only entertains but teaches too.
You have brought an interesting period in history to life with your eye for detail and obvious research. This is an engrossing read which I will have much pleasure in reading more fully. Meanwhile, backed. Margaret.

I am grateful for your support and long (but well thought out) comments on Twin Fates. I always welcome anyone who has the courage to tell me what they truly think and are unafraid to share their thoughts and opinions. I must apologize for my poor response time. I valued your opinion and am honored to return a read.
I enjoyed the setting of your novel. I'm always a fan of retired civilizations and enjoy reading about the time periods they take place in. You do a fine job making your dialogue sound read and true to the characters. You did a fine job with your opening description. Oh, and I noticed we each share a character by the name of Livia. Kind of funny to see the name among another's writing, but cool at the same time. Your writing is fine by any standards. I think you did a great job getting into the political side of the story (an area I hope to improve on myself).
I've no problem backing suck excellent work, and again, thank you for supporting Twin Fates.
~Richard

Hi David

I'm a big fan of the Roman empire and your novel makes it come alive. It's a hard trick to pull off, but you manage it - it feels authentic and yet doesn't overwhelm the reader with unnecessary background detail, keeping the narrative well-rooted in the characters and their drives. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

excellent evocation of the political intrigues of the early Roman empire, reminiscent of Robert Graves' I, Claudius

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze Mirror

You brought history alive. Well done.

I came to this wondering if there was a need for another novel about the Julio-Claudians since both Graves and Massie have told their tales so well, not to mention Suetonius and Tacitus. Well, it's all here but not in a join-the-dots rehash. From what I've read of recent non-fiction accounts, the current historical view of Julia is less the sex-mad matron and more the political conspirator and that's what you've brought to it in her affair with Iullus. Poor old Tiberius tho' - no revisionism on his behalf from you! He's every bit as bad as Suetonius would have him in this account. Even his love for Vipsania is blackened - you do know that of all the Romans who divorced their wives he is the only one on record as regretting it? I know you do! But it's elegant writing and, taking it as an historical novel, refreshingly unsentimental about its subject matter. I appreciated Julia taking it out on the slave. A touch of over-explanation here and there; for instance, I could have done without Iullus conveniently recalling his family history in post-coital bliss. Such things are clearly a shout-out to the reader rather than a convincing manifestation of character. That sort of exposition pulls me out of the flow of the story, which on the whole is excellent, even for someone like me who knows what happened. Best wishes for this, Harriet

Hello Harriet,

Thank you so much for your comment and critique. Some of the later chapters are not quite edited to perfection yet and are the current focus of my attention. I tend to write in layers, beginning with everything I want said, and then begin stripping it away to what is necessary and what is implied.

The reason I did not, as it were, rehabilitate Tiberius is because there is sufficient evidence from all the historians as to the nature of his personality. I don't deny he was an effective administrator, of moderate temperment, and actually did much good for Rome on the whole, but I also cannot overlook the inner circle of people who were also affected by his personal corruption. Since history makes much of the men, and little of the women except where they can show them in the light of either evil temptress or angelic saint, I found little need to rehabilitate the road most traveled. Also my focus in my novels are specifically the women, and what types of lives they led, and what types of power (however subtle) the held, and in what ways they could actually see their own ambitions come to fruition in a world dominated by men.

I hope that offers some answer as to my treatment of Tiberius. You don't know how happy I am that you read so far into my story. We all know here the first chapter is the most read and rarely anything beyond. The references you made were clear into the twenties. I'm honored you felt my story worthy enough to continue :)

David

Back in Robert Graves territory. Excellent.
Usually I do not like preludes but yours is a genuine teaser that draws us in. The story is propelled along by plenty of dialogue and action, with sparse explanations, which is how it should be; in my mind anyway. It's a book I would buy, so of course I'll back it.
Just one thing that bothers me: 'Barely twenty-nine ...' Wasn't that rather old in those days?

Thank you so much for the kind compliments. I know the Julio-Claudian story line is a road well traveled, however, I believe the women of the time period were much maligned, so wanted to write something which focuses on them as intelligent ambitious people. It seems the only time women made the history annals is when they could be called a slut, sorceress, basically the downfall of man (Eve, Cleopatra, Livia, Anne Boleyn, etc).

To answer your question about Julia, yes, twenty-nine was quite old for that time period, however, this was Julia's 3rd marriage. She was married to Marcellus at 16, widowed by 18, Married Agrippa at probably 19 or 20, and was widowed a second time around 27 or 28.

Thanks again
David :)

Back in Robert Graves territory. Excellent.
Usually I do not like preludes but yours is a genuine teaser that draws us in. The story is propelled along by plenty of dialogue and action, with sparse explanations, which is how it should be; in my mind anyway. It's a book I would buy, so of course I'll back it.
Just one thing that bothers me: 'Barely twenty-nine ...' Wasn't that rather old in those days?

I came to this wondering if there was a need for another novel about the Julio-Claudians since both Graves and Massie have told their tales so well, not to mention Suetonius and Tacitus. Well, it's all here but not in a join-the-dots rehash. From what I've read of recent non-fiction accounts, the current historical view of Julia is less the sex-mad matron and more the political conspirator and that's what you've brought to it in her affair with Iullus. Poor old Tiberius tho' - no revisionism on his behalf from you! He's every bit as bad as Suetonius would have him in this account. Even his love for Vipsania is blackened - you do know that of all the Romans who divorced their wives he is the only one on record as regretting it? I know you do! But it's elegant writing and, taking it as an historical novel, refreshingly unsentimental about its subject matter. I appreciated Julia taking it out on the slave. A touch of over-explanation here and there; for instance, I could have done without Iullus conveniently recalling his family history in post-coital bliss. Such things are clearly a shout-out to the reader rather than a convincing manifestation of character. That sort of exposition pulls me out of the flow of the story, which on the whole is excellent, even for someone like me who knows what happened. Best wishes for this, Harriet

A learned insight into Roman daily life as well as the politics of the time. I'm familiar with the characters as historical figures but you bring them to life and convey the personal tension between them very well. Historical novels with this amount of detail can be very dry but you've managed to create a pleasantly easy read. Reo.

You've populated your enthralling historical with interesting and well fleshed out characters. Fresh dialogue that evokes the era. Lovely descriptions. Compelling narrative. Smooth, tailored writing. A delight to read. Backed.

Well researched, superb characterization, professionally written...and a great read, to boot.

Congratulations.

Wendy Bertsch
(Once More...From the Beginning)

Raised, on films of the Roman Empire, Spartacus, Ben Herr and more latterly Gladiator and Troy. I found this an incredibly good read. You manage to write in sarcasm and wit that is not usual in these types of stories. I felt I was part of what was going on, an eve’s dropper to thoughts and minds. Although this is a work of fiction I expect a lot of research went into this and you have achieved a very agreeable read. I hope this does well for you good luck

Wilma1

Knowing Liam Riley – please take a moment to take a look.

A well worn path takes a new twist. My kind of novel, the research is obvious, the talent there for all to see.

Backed with pleasure. Lizzie Scott

David: I think this is a winner. I've read all of Coleen McCullough's books and love the time period. Very well written - I hope this goes far! And please take a look at The President's Wife is on Prozac by Jayne Lind.

I like this book although I am lost in ancient Rome as I was at school with history. I am backing this as I like the way it is written and the detail that goes with the story.
Take a look at mine Three Stayed Home, an historic story about WW2 which is in need of a lot of help. JohnJ

Imperial mothers
Backed with pleasure
Eveleen
(Turning a new leaf)

Dear David
This book passed me by the first time but not this time...Your book cover and the title put together shouted read me. I found your long pitch to be one of the best on site CONGRATS. I have not read it all but I will carry on reading and comment further on as I would like to get this book of yours backed to assist it on the climb to the top.
Backed for sure my me. ..I would really appreciate it if your would look at my book, COMMENT , and back it. If not that is OK also
The VERY best of luck with your book

Denise
The Letter

This could be the comapnion piece to Spartacus, Sand and blood, well woven story around historical figures that everyone knows or do they? You take them and put them on a new road and giving them new fire with mega soap opera meets Shakespeare machinations.classic

Hi David,

Imperial Mothers is set on the eve of the period that I'm exploring, the long 12th century. That's one reason I'm attracted to it. Another is its subject: powerful women. I am very interested in how you feel your way into their feeling and think your way into their thoughts. As you'll find should you care to look at my book, understanding women is a subject close to my heart.

I've only read a little bit so far, and already I like the way the scene is slowly being set with the tension steadily ratcheting up one notch at a time. I have the sense of witnessing the very early stages of a major bloodbath. I'm not able to dive right into it now, but will after the ED closes tonight. So I'm backing Imperial Mothers on the expectation of a very good read.

I do have a technical question, though. Are you planning to include a genealogy? I think this would really help, especially in the depths of the book when a character returns to the story after a long absence. And also a map showing all the places referred to. I know these can't be included on authonomy so perhaps you've already got these anyway. Just a thought.

In the meantime, all the best.

Anjuli

Thank you Anjuli. As promised last night, here are the answers to your questions. I get asked alot how I am able to write about the thoughts and feelings of women. The answer is simple. If I were writing about women right now, I could not do it. If I were writing about 15th or 16th Century Europe, I still could not because of the stereotype frail feminine charms women were expected to maintain for the egos of men. But Rome was different. Women were EXPECTED to behave as men and men were expected to behave without emotion. So it's very easy to imagine a society where emotion is kept in check at all times, even between husband and wife, and from there allow them to struggle between instinctive desires such as pro-creation, sadness at the loss of loved ones, desire for success for their sons, and maintaining the family image against the public persona of a society which must at all times think with its head rather than its heart. It probably sounds more complicated than it is, but that's how I do it.

In regards to a genealogy, yes, there will be family trees for this novel. My first novel, which was released in 2008 covers these same characters as children. I did not include a family tree in that one because they were so young and not really yet marrying, but I did include a timeline of Roman history from 36BC (the birth of Antonia), to 9BC (the death of Antonia's husband and the end of my first book). In addition to the family tree, I will most likely continue also with a timeline from 9BC to 4AD.

Thanks again for reading.
David :)

This is a brilliant novel, why is it still here, it should be published...... A very deserved backing
Helen
The Last Dream

Hi David,

Imperial Mothers is set on the eve of the period that I'm exploring, the long 12th century. That's one reason I'm attracted to it. Another is its subject: powerful women. I am very interested in how you feel your way into their feeling and think your way into their thoughts. As you'll find should you care to look at my book, understanding women is a subject close to my heart.

I've only read a little bit so far, and already I like the way the scene is slowly being set with the tension steadily ratcheting up one notch at a time. I have the sense of witnessing the very early stages of a major bloodbath. I'm not able to dive right into it now, but will after the ED closes tonight. So I'm backing Imperial Mothers on the expectation of a very good read.

I do have a technical question, though. Are you planning to include a genealogy? I think this would really help, especially in the depths of the book when a character returns to the story after a long absence. And also a map showing all the places referred to. I know these can't be included on authonomy so perhaps you've already got these anyway. Just a thought.

In the meantime, all the best.

Anjuli

I am loving this so far. So amazingly detailed that it's obvious hours of research have gone into this, and your passion for the time period is also evident. I suppose you have to be passionate about a period of history to be able to write about it as convincingly as this. Absolutely wonderful.

Hi David
I love a good fiction book that is based on historical fact and this fits the bill. I'm not Roman history expert, but you seem tohave done your research and have got the tone of the language just right with an element of intrigue. You've developed some really strong characters as well. Great job.
DP Walker
Five Dares

Demanding topic you’ve picked.
You’ve got a good narrator’s voice and I enjoyed it (though at time a little lengthy).
Your dialogue’s crisp, easy to follow and advances the story.
Maybe you could spread out some of the backstory, it would help pick up the pace, get the reader more involved and build up your characters. Just my 0.02 worth.
You’ve got my vote.
Maybe you could take a look at TO KILL A DEAD MAN. Backing and comments will be appreciated.

A gripping beginning to be sure, with the brave and wise Julia ascertaining the situation. You have the perfect voice here; your prose just goes along smoothly and with just the right mix of detail, characterization, and of course, the building of the plot. This reminded me of the HBO series Rome, and how it was the women pulling the strings behind the powerful men. Very intriguing story, excellent writing.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

Dear David Orcutt,

Imperial Mothers is quite the serious undertaking, which in itself is impressive. As a big fan of I, Claudius, I salute you and back your marvelous work.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

Excellent read!

Hi David a fine piece of writing and very compelling. An enjoyable read throughout and seamless characterisation.

Backed with pleasure

Richard

You are fantastic, David. :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my 2 memoir books?
God bless you. Love, Susie :)

Of course, your challenge here will be to be distinct from "I, Claudius." You're obviously very knowledgeable about this period, and your writing is quite good, complementary to the subject matter. There are a few punctuation issues, but really very minor. This is a good effort; happy to back it for you.
CraigD
The Job

The detailed descriptions of the characters' appearances is what initially struck me, but then I realized everything I've read here is described with care and attention. It doesn't take long to realize top quality historical fiction when one has begun reading it, and this is a prime example. Backed with pleasure.

Amy
Love Match

This is amazingly researched, from high Roman politics, through religious ritual to small details of clothing. And if you have made up the small details, then I take my hat off to you, as they come across as entirely convincing. But this isn't just a book of facts strung together, it is also a well written story with convincing characters and intrigue. The descriptions are often beautiful, even when describing blood and gore, and I particularly liked the sacrifice scene in chapter 23 (though I spent some of it worrying whether Agrippina would prove to be the sacrifice). Ben

Backed
Splinker
B.D.S.T.

Dear David, I love that were able to do the dialogue of 2,000 years ago & the history - it must have been an arduous task - but it worked. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch,which was very well done. Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book to help it advance - this will help yours & mine move up on the charts. :) Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every "backing" you do moves your book & the other person's book closer to the top. :)

As a huge fan of the series 'Rome' this was right up my street. I found myself getting completely lost in all of the history, the scheming, the customs and the impeccable research. Your prose is superb and I am trying to find a flaw in the four chapters I read and I couldn't. Congratulations oon one of the best pieces of historical fiction on the site.
Backed
Carl
The Time Hunters

hi
I've read to end of chap7.
This a formidable richly textured novel.
With so many characters a skim is not an option
I found it rivetting, reminding me constantly, especially Livia, of the I claudius by robert Graves.
Barbatus Sulla was new to me, as is the distinction between pederast and catamite. I didn't know there was one. We live and learn.
In light of your profile, i'll watchlist.
Well done and good luck
Micheal O'Durcain
Murder on the Menu

This is impressive. The amount of historic detail you put into the book was positively enthralling. This even included details of everyday life, which is often underestimated when studying ancient history. Such an example was when you mentioned the usage of watered-down wine. The Romans never drank wine straight. The dialogue was also very realistic in representing the attitude of Augustus, and his typical Roman behavior. One of the key concepts to writing historic fiction is to present the reader with realistic portrayals of the characters. But you've clearly mastered this :}. good job!

I like the idea and in tjhe prologue, the sour grapes was a good idea. The final paragraph is your hook so it´s very important to extract as much drama from it as possible. More of how they were standing, sitting, looking: Shorten sentences and separate phrases to gain more emphasis?

As you start the story proper, of course it´s necessary for the reader to know how old characters are and their relationships but can you do this more subtly and elegantly? Worth working on as it´s chap 1

Best of luck, have backed

Rosalind
Good For Him

I like the idea and in tjhe prologue, the sour grapes was a good idea. The final paragraph is your hook so it´s very important to extract as much drama from it as possible. More of how they were standing, sitting, looking: Shorten sentences and separate phrases to gain more emphasis?

As you start the story proper, of course it´s necessary for the reader to know how old characters are and their relationships but can you do this more subtly and elegantly? Worth working on as it´s chap 1

An excellent portrayal of the political and familial intrigues of post republican Rome. While the opening chapters introduces numerous characters, each and there ambitions are clearly stated. No surprise to see McCullough prominent among the author's faves as the style is very reminiscent of hers. Healthy dose of tension when the centurions turn up in the prologue. Then we are taken back to an earlier time when Julia's circumstances were less unfortunate, though the seeds of her future troubles are already taking root in the devious Livia's mind. The dialogues and descriptions all come off as authentic and frankly i'm struggling to find any nits to pick at. Graves has covered this ground before but this is a fresh and welcome take on the era.
John O'Brien - Other Face

It's always difficult to write a good period piece accurately and you have done so well. Your strong use of imagery and character development makes this a joy to read. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Really well written. Interesting characters and story and the details all feel very authentic. Happy to back it.
regards
mood

Hi David, Have read some of this and I think the dialogue is your strong point. It is believable and helps put the reader in that time and place (although they spoke Latin). Best of luck with it. Gerry

Complex politics, with multiple familial and political relationships played out within a small social ruling circle. Interesting, but difficult for a lay reader to keep track, without a background knowledge of the history of the times. Generally we get a broad over-view of these times, with little of the intimate detail you have here. Immense and painstaking research and a genuine feel for the era is evident. In one way this is positive, but does detract from the broad dramatic effect of events.
phil 'Eland Dances'

David im hooked! This is a masterpiece of fiction and i love the characters of Livia and Julia you have created something so amazing here! Backed with high anticipation of success for you!

I have spent this afternoon reading several chapters of this remarkable attempt. It's a brave man who takes up where so many have been before - from Graves to Thornton Wilder - and where there are so many film and TV visual models to interfere with the imagination of your readers. You bring it off very well, partly by basing it around the womenfolk, but also by staying close to the sensations of things - cloth, stone, handles, smells. This feels and smells rather like Ancient Rome might have done! But I wonder if there is not some way to simplify the plot line, to concentrate only upon key moments; at the moment it feels rather like one of those immense Russian novels where you spend the first 10 chapters being introduced to the cast! Can you become more CLASSICAL, to choose one word. Do you actually need all this back-story and political information? And local detail. That is the editing question that comes into my mind, imaging what might be done to make something impressive into something .... I don't want to say stunning...something bigger yet. DB ALL THESE ARE MEMORIES OF MY VOYAGE
A ver

I read through to chapter 18 and wondered if you are uploading any more? You started off well and as I read through, I realised you'd kept up momentum and it was an exciting read all the way through. I liked the characters of Livia and Julia...especially Julia. It all felt authentic and convincing.. I'm now worried for Julia and her children.
Cherry G. "Sister: One Woman's Journey through the Trojan War"

This is an amazing story. I like the early dialogue driven build of character. I thought I might stumble with the plot and the characters (names) but the writing flowed beautifully not like the wine (but that could just be sour grapes – on my behalf).
This is very well written and I wish you all the best with it.