J. Clifton Slater,
My Three Rules of Writing
1. It must be History before it is Story
2. It must be Science before it is Fiction
3. Movement and plot shall be choreographed
I am a military brat and a USMC veteran (1968-1971). Until I transitioned to writing full time, I worked in advertising & marketing.
After six years of night school, I graduated from the University of Maryland in 1987. My hobbies include Martial Arts and gaming on my X-Box 360 (favorites include Elder Scrolls, Fallout and other RPGs). I live with my wife and three rescue dogs.
Why do my novels have so many locations and foreign names?
My life has been a journey of flow-through-people with books as the only constant. I moved from Springfield Massachusetts to Tacoma Washington; Dover Delaware to Rome Italy; Greenville South Carolina to Morocco; Cape Canaveral Florida to the Panama Canal Zone; Charleston South Carolina to the Republic of Vietnam; College Park Maryland to Las Vegas Nevada. Most people remember friends from elementary school. I can't remember the three elementary schools I attended. But, I do remember reading books.
Who gave me the push to write?
After my wife found piles of paperback books in a spare bedroom, she said, “Write your own novel”. She may have been facetious, but this was the beginning of my 14 year quest to find a story.
Why Historical Fiction for the Clay Warrior Stories and A Legion Archer series?
Beyond my love of Science Fiction, I am fascinated by history. There are few book set in the Roman Republic before the Roman Empire. Prior to the Punic Wars, Rome and the Legion had 200 years of history. I've researched this ancient world where making steel and clay bricks were the height of technology. Hopefully, you'll enjoy the stories.
Why Galactic Council Realm and Call Sign Warlock are Science Fiction series?
Other than history, I love space operas and science fiction. So, when I set out to write my first series, it had to be Science Fiction. An article in Forbes magazine triggered my start. The article told of a mineral, Erbium, used to coat fiber optic cables. I began a story about a mining operation on a small planet. It had a marvelous geo-synced transportation system to collect the ore. As I wrote, my mind began to ask questions. Where does the Erbium go? Who smelts it? Who is the end user? The answers to these question grew until the Galactic Council Realm began to form.
I write military adventures both future and ancient.
Historical Adventure:
A Legion Archer series follows Cornelius Scipio, who would become one of Rome's greatest generals, and Jace Kasia, an archer who saves him. When Hannibal Barca invaded, he began the 2nd Punic War and almost brought an end to the Roman Republic. Hard times require men of courage and daring. Thankfully, Cornelius and Jace have both of those. Welcome to 218 B.C.
Clay Warrior Stories series follows the exploits of Alerio Sisera. He's a young swordsmen who climbs the ranks of the Roman Legion. During the 1st Punic War, the Legions were seasonal, not the full-time Imperials Legions and they were messy.. Welcome to 264 B.C.
Exciting Science Fictions:
The Galactic Council Realm series
The Call Sign Warlock series
And Fantasy:
The Terror & Talons series
If you have comments on any of my books, please e-mail me. I'd love to hear from you.
J. Clifton Slater / GalacticCouncilRealm@gmail.com.
For blogs on ancient Rome, to see the progress on my books, or to sign up for my monthly Author Report go to
www.JCliftonSlater.com
Until we meet in person or chat online, I wish you faith, courage, and enthusiasm.
