Interview With Author Robert J Bruton
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Robert Bruton, American author of a three-book fictional series on legendary hero General Belisarius.
Robert was born in Detroit but left with his parents after the riots of 1968 drove them to Minnesota. He grew up and spent his childhood days playing ice hockey, collecting stamps, and running cross-country. Robert was active in politics at a young age, and he recalls playing the role of Jimmy Carter during a mock debate before the 1976 presidential election. His dad was the mayor of his town.
After graduating from high school, Robert went to a liberal arts school where he studied Greek and Roman history. He spent his junior year at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, where he studied philosophy and classical languages.
After graduating, Robert went to a major seminary where he began studies in Sacred Scripture and theology. After leaving the seminary, he became an intelligence officer with the CIA and developed a fascination with political intrigue. Robert got married and recently celebrated his thirtieth wedding anniversary. He served in several overseas assignments, including one country that was once part of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was there that he gained a love for the region’s hospitality and tradition of toasting.
He has traveled extensively throughout the countries that once constituted the Roman Empire and spent a great deal of time in Rome and Istanbul, where his three-part historical fiction series takes place.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Empire in Apocalypse
Two things: first, the story of Belisarius and Antonina is one of the great love stories of the Roman era, and today, when adultery is often justification for an immediate divorce, Belisarius’s unconditional love for his wife offers an inspirational challenge. Second, when I finished my Master’s thesis on the role of climate change in the decline of the Roman Empire, I wanted to find a way to show this story to people who are concerned about this issue in our times but wouldn’t make it through the first chapter of a history book. This novel tells the personal story of the impact from a man whose life ambitions were ruined by cold summers and the world’s first pandemic.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t think of any
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Count Belisarius
What are you working on now?
I am currently taking a break from writing additional books, and am focusing on promoting the three that are in the process of being published.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still discovering new methods and approaches, this being my first book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Even if it takes years and years to write and publish a book, it is well worth it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am thinking of writing a ficitional series set in the Mayan era.
Author Websites and Profiles
Robert J Bruton Amazon Profile
Robert J Bruton’s Social Media Links
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