Ask the Author: Gordon Doherty
Answered Questions (4)
Gordon Doherty
In short: yes, it is historically accurate.
'Granum' was the Latin word used to refer to grain or crop of any kind. This translates broadly into English as 'corn'. Prior to 1492, the term was used in common parlance as a catch-all to refer to whichever crop was a local staple, be that wheat, barley, oats or whatever.
Then, of course, Columbus 'discovered' America and maize crop was found soon after. Maize, being the new world staple, was referred to as the local 'corn'. Over time, the term gradually became the de-facto name for maize crop.
Thereafter arose the common misconception that 'corn was discovered in the Americas'. So when you see an English-language book set in Roman times using the word 'corn', it's perfectly valid.
'Granum' was the Latin word used to refer to grain or crop of any kind. This translates broadly into English as 'corn'. Prior to 1492, the term was used in common parlance as a catch-all to refer to whichever crop was a local staple, be that wheat, barley, oats or whatever.
Then, of course, Columbus 'discovered' America and maize crop was found soon after. Maize, being the new world staple, was referred to as the local 'corn'. Over time, the term gradually became the de-facto name for maize crop.
Thereafter arose the common misconception that 'corn was discovered in the Americas'. So when you see an English-language book set in Roman times using the word 'corn', it's perfectly valid.
Gordon Doherty
A brand new series - set in the last throes of the Bronze Age, marching with the hardy ranks of the Hittites!
You can read all about it here:
https://davidsbookblurg.wordpress.com...
You can read all about it here:
https://davidsbookblurg.wordpress.com...
Gordon Doherty
Hi Dimitrios,
I think Principate-era Rome still holds the widest appeal (for readers and writers) and as such is the most 'box-office' time-period to write about. Later Rome is making a breakthrough of sorts though. Yet Byzantium does seem to remain relatively untapped - perhaps it's the complexity of their society, the blend of cultures and the all-pervading state faith that puts writers off? Hopefully we'll see more Byzzie works in the future - I'll certainly be returning to that era at some point!
And here's a selection of Late(r) Roman & Byzantine books:
-The Last Legion, Manfredi
-Empire of Dragons, Manfredi
-War at the Edge of the World, Ian Ross
-The Janus Eagle - The Shattered Frontier, Francis Hagan
-Siege of Rome, David Pilling
-Constantinople: The Last Great Siege 1453, Crowley
-First Crusader: Byzantium's Holy Wars, Regan
Hope that helps! Happy reading,
Gordon
I think Principate-era Rome still holds the widest appeal (for readers and writers) and as such is the most 'box-office' time-period to write about. Later Rome is making a breakthrough of sorts though. Yet Byzantium does seem to remain relatively untapped - perhaps it's the complexity of their society, the blend of cultures and the all-pervading state faith that puts writers off? Hopefully we'll see more Byzzie works in the future - I'll certainly be returning to that era at some point!
And here's a selection of Late(r) Roman & Byzantine books:
-The Last Legion, Manfredi
-Empire of Dragons, Manfredi
-War at the Edge of the World, Ian Ross
-The Janus Eagle - The Shattered Frontier, Francis Hagan
-Siege of Rome, David Pilling
-Constantinople: The Last Great Siege 1453, Crowley
-First Crusader: Byzantium's Holy Wars, Regan
Hope that helps! Happy reading,
Gordon
Gordon Doherty
For me, planning all but removes this kind of thing. A few weeks up front scribbling down ideas and diagrams is time well spent. Then, armed with a good story arc and chapter plan with a simple list of scene ingredients (setting, timeline, antagonist, twist etc) the words should flow nicely.
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