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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Stephen D Owen discusses Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, where Boudica, driven by vengeance after Roman betrayal, rallies Iceni tribes and allies to challenge Roman rule in Britannia.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Stephen D Owen about his life and career, the inspiration behind his new book, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am Steve Owen. Pen name Stephen D Owen. I live in Bristol in the heart of the West Country. I have also lived in Bath and Frome in Somerset. As well as being a debut author and writer, I am an event and wedding photographer. I have had a passion for history and Roman Britain since childhood.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I first began to consider writing a book, or historic fiction novel, in 2006. Before that, I had written articles for the local media. I wished to express my passion for Roman Britain and the Iceni Revolt in a long-term project. This would become my novel series.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I wrote articles for the local press which helped me develop the discipline for writing. As I began my long-term project of writing a historic novel, I began to write every day. I revised the novel several times, which would eventually become Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
The novel, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, took approximately five years to complete from first idea to release. I am currently working on two further novels, Iceni Rising and Boudica’s Fate, which will complete a proposed trilogy.
What made you want to write Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice?
I have long had an interest in Boudica and the Iceni Revolt against Rome and wished to bring this dramatic story to life. I also wished to tell the story of Lindow Man, a peat bog body discovered at Lindow Moss, Wilmslow, Cheshire, England in 1984. Some experts believed Lindow Man was a druid priest, a sacrifice. I imagined he was a priest of the Iceni who would become one of my main characters.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice?
Staying focused, weaving the story of Boudica and the other characters within a framework of what may have happened. Creating a plot that flowed and recreating the time and place of Roman Britain, nearly 2000 years ago.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Boudica is the main Protagonist. What little we know of Boudica comes from Roman historians. Yet there was clearly a major uprising against Roman rule during early Roman Britain. Boudica inspired me because she was a woman righting the wrongs committed against her, her daughters and people by Roman imperialism. A second Protagonist is my druid character Arminius, who was inspired by the discovery of the peat bog body at Lindow Moss in 1984.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Catus Decianus is the main Antagonist. He was the Roman Procurator or chief fiscal officer of the province of Britannia. If we are to believe the accounts of Roman historians, he was clearly a man with few morals or scruples who held Boudica and the Iceni in contempt. He may well have been arrogant and corrupt whose harsh treatment of the Iceni triggered the Revolt. A natural opponent to Boudica.
What is the inciting incident of Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice?
The inciting incident that is the catalyst for the plot takes place in the opening chapter. The Roman Procurator Catus Decianus intends to annex the Iceni Kingdom and treats Boudica and her people as little more than slaves. Boudica is beaten by Roman soldiers, her daughters are raped, her people harshly treated. Boudica and the Iceni decide to rise up against Roman power rather than accept servitude. This triggers the revolt.
What is the main conflict of Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice?
The main conflict of the book is the clash of the time-honoured traditions of the Iceni and the druid priests, the worship of the Earth Goddess, which can be seen as the past, against the ruthless power and capitalism of Rome, which can be seen as the future. This triggers the Iceni Revolt and the war of Boudica against Roman power in Britain.
Did you plot Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
A combination of both. Creating a framework plot and writing freely on occasion. I began by plotting chapters, creating characters, then expanding upon chapters and scenes. As the novel progressed, characters would sometimes take me in unexpected directions which created new chapters and scenes.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice need?
I was supported with the editing process by my publisher, The Book Guild. This included a copy editing and proof-reading process. My book did not require any major changes or editing.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
If you wish to tell your story, remain focused and never give up the dream. Write every day. As soon as an idea for the story, plot and character comes to mind, put pen to paper or type a draft on your laptop/word processor.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I am working on two further books in the series or planned trilogy. Iceni Rising and Boudica’s Fate, which will tell the full story of the Iceni Revolt and the sacrifice of the druid priest.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment?
Was it worth the effort? Yes, it was worth the effort. I am proud to see my first novel in print. My story of Boudica and the Iceni is widely available for others to appreciate.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3X53zZj
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4m4IxF1
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3GCj4Cr
Website: www.stephendowen.co.uk
Facebook Stephen D Owen Author
Instagram stephen_d_owen
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