ShaneScribe Blog
The Waterways of Rome
Massive stone and brick channels called aqueducts supplied water to the inhabitants of Rome. At the time of Nero, nine aqueducts brought water down from the mountains, covering many miles till they reached the city of Rome, the water propelled by gravity...
Where Romans Lived
Sitting by the edge of the pool beneath the open ceiling, Maximus waited for his father. When he passed through the iron gate, the marble pillars, the decorative door—the memories had rushed through his mind. Now inside the villa atrium, it seemed...
Maximus Update
My latest novel, Maximus: The Quest for Greatness is due to release this fall. I’m excited to share it with you, but for now I’ll give you a couple teasers. Here is an excerpt from the book. The theme of Maximus is discovering the path to true greatness and...
The Purpose of Historical Fiction
“History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” ~David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize winning author. It’s vital that we study and understand history because it shapes who we are and who we will become. History shows the amazing...
Maximus Book Announcement
I'm thrilled to announce the coming release of my new historical novel, Maximus: The Quest for Greatness! Here's a sneak-peek of the cover. It's taken me four years to reach this moment, and I can't believe it's finally time. Here's the story of Maximus:...
Special Announcement
For the past four years I've been developing the story for my first historical novel set in 1st century Rome, and it's almost time to pull back the curtain. I've spent the last few years learning everything I could about the writing craft, gleaning wisdom...
Nero’s Persecutions Begin, 64 A.D. (by Bill Potter)
The apostles had been forewarned by Jesus that persecution and martyrdom would be in their future. For thirty-one years the persecutions had been haphazard and typically—but not exclusively—inspired by Jewish leaders in different areas of the Roman Empire. In A.D. 64, the first systematic slaughter of Christians began
Fierce Warrior
Caius jumped to his feet in an instant, the trumpet still ringing in his ears. Donning his chain-mail and girdle, he laced his sandals and seized his pilum and shield. He fastened his helmet as he ran to join the men. 2000 feet marched past him through the dust. Caius...
Battle on the River
Out of breath, Maximus entered the centurion's tent. His commander sat at a wooden desk, buried in a mountain of parchments. Maximus saluted. The centurion stood to his feet. "Reports of the enemy show they have gathered a large...
Around the World in 1,122 Days
Almost 500 years ago today on September 8th, 1522, 18 men became the first to complete the circumnavigation of the globe. Traversing the globe was a perilous and lengthy journey. It may have only taken Phileas Fogg 80 days to journey around the world in Jules...