Special Guest Interview with Gabriel Garcia, Author of Decimus: The Wolf Of Rome: (Tales from The Gathering)

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

216 BC, the formidable Carthaginian general Hannibal unleashed a terrifying wave of aggression against Rome following the catastrophic Battle of Cannae, a defeat that sent shockwaves through the Roman Republic. As the dust settled from the chaos of war, the arrival of Mago and Hasdrubal, Hannibal’s brothers commanding forces in Hispania, threatened to cement Rome's fate. Amidst the turmoil, Hannibal delivered a chilling ultimatum to the people of Rome: surrender

or face utter annihilation.

I'm pleased to welcome author Gabriel Garcia to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your latest book.

Decimus: The Wolf of Rome is an alternative historical fantasy set within The Gathering Universe and is the second book in the Tales from The Gathering spinoff series. The story follows Decimus Aquilla, a survivor of the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC, who must rescue his son, Justinian, from the Carthaginian king Hannibal, now the ruler of Rome, all the while forming a rebellion to fight back against the Carthaginians and retake their home. 

What is your preferred writing routine?

I am a night owl when it comes to my writing. I typically write between 9 and 11 pm, focusing on 20-30 minutes of writing per day.

What advice do you have for new writers?

Craft the story that speaks to you. Put it down on paper. Not every tale is destined for the spotlight; some are meant to be cherished privately. Share the narrative that matters to you with the world, and from there, dive into research, build connections, and promote your work whenever you can.

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?

So far, in-person events have been great. I've attended two major gatherings this year, and I have another one lined up next week on the 19th called Alpha & Omega Con. Additionally, I’m looking forward to two events in November: one at my local library and another at an indie book fair.

Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research.

While delving into the historical context of Decimus during the Second Punic Wars, I realized just how crucial this conflict was on a grand scale. If the Romans had truly lost and Carthage somehow emerged as the dominant power in the Mediterranean, the course of Western history would have changed dramatically. Much of Europe could have remained pagan, with Carthage, Sicily, and southern Italy potentially becoming the heart of the Renaissance. Major religions like Christianity and Islam might have followed very different paths in their expansion and trade, leading to a drastically altered development of future continents, such as the Americas.

What was the hardest scene you remember writing?

The most challenging scene I wrote was early in the book, when Decimus faces the loss of his wife, Flavia. It was difficult to capture, as it sets the emotional tone for the rest of the story. The moment was raw and authentic, creating an uncomfortable feeling that oddly felt poetic in its delivery.

What are you planning to write next?

I'm currently working on my first novel titled "The Taino Gladiator." This story follows a young high school senior and amateur boxer from 1990s New York who finds himself magically transported back to ancient Rome, just before the Gladiator rebellion led by Spartacus kicks off.

Gabriel Garcia

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About the Author

Gabriel Garcia is a vibrant storyteller and passionate historian who weaves tales across the realms of fantasy, speculative fiction, historical fiction, and science fiction. Growing up in the sun-soaked expanses of Southern California, Gabriel’s vivid imagination was ignited by his deep-seated love for history and the art of storytelling. Influenced by the literary prowess of masters like Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and Brian Jacques, he channels his creative spirit into crafting narratives that captivate and inspire. His literary adventure began with the release of his debut novel, The Gathering. This book was a labor of love, meticulously developed during his pursuit of a Master’s degree in History. That journey not only honed his writing skills but also deepened his appreciation for the intricate historical backdrops that enrich his stories. Building on this foundation, Gabriel has gone on to publish several more compelling books, each one exploring different facets of the human experience. Gabriel’s creativity doesn’t stop with writing novels. He also hosts the engaging podcast "Tales From The Wandering Scribe," available on YouTube. Here, he connects with fellow writers and creatives, diving into meaningful conversations about their unique journeys and inspiring stories. His podcast is more than just a platform for writers; it’s an exploration of fascinating historical topics alongside historians and passionate hobbyists. Gabriel invites listeners to embark on a thrilling journey through history’s many layers, creating a dynamic space for anyone curious about the past. Join him on this remarkable adventure, and discover the exciting paths that lie ahead in the wondrous worlds of literature and history!  Find out more at https://wonderingscribe.com/ and find Gabriel on Bluesky, and Instagram