An Interview with Gabriel Garcia

Growing up in Southern California, I’ve always had a wild imagination, thanks to my love for history and storytelling.

Some of my favorite authors, such as Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and Brian Jacques, have greatly inspired my writing. This passion for history and knack for spinning myths and fantasies pushed me to write my first novel, The Gathering, while I was chasing my MA in history. Since then, I’ve rolled out two more books, and there’s a fourth one on the way!

I also host the podcast Tales From The Wandering Scribe on YouTube. I sit down with other authors to chat about their journeys and discuss their amazing works. Additionally, I delve into fascinating historical topics alongside some great historians and fellow history enthusiasts.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

This book has its roots in my high school years, a time when I was beginning to explore my passions for history and storytelling. Originally, I envisioned it as a young adult adventure inspired by my interests in martial arts and Asian cinema. However, I set it aside for several years and didn’t return to the narrative until 2026. By then, I had gained a deeper understanding of the historical context in which my story unfolded and developed my voice as an author. Since then, I’ve rewritten much of the manuscript from scratch and transformed it into a trilogy.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The current title of my book, The Seven Blades of Nobunaga, is the third and final title it has undergone. Initially, the book was titled The Failed Quest, but it was later changed to The Wolves of Nobunaga, which became the official title for a time. However, after the release of my fourth book, Decimus: The Wolf of Rome, I realized that readers might confuse the two and assume they were connected. This led me to settle on the current title, aiming for clarity and distinction.

Describe your dream book cover.

The Rurouni Kenshin films have deeply inspired my vision for the cover of my dream book. I’ve developed a strong appreciation for these Japanese films, as they resonate with my personal history and my journey as an author. I envision the cover to be cinematic, featuring the main character prominently in the foreground, surrounded by side characters, love interests, and, of course, the antagonist.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

That’s a tough question. I wouldn’t lean toward songs with lyrics; instead, I find myself drawn to scores. In that sense, any score from the film The Last Samurai, the Kenshin series, or tracks by Two Steps from Hell would be my favorites. However, if I had to pick one song to include in the book, I would go with Shattered by Trading Yesterday.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

At the moment, I’m diving into Of Mountains and Seas by fellow indie author Emily Renk Hawthorne. I usually avoid reading while I’m in the middle of writing, as I want to make sure I don’t inadvertently draw from the creativity of my fellow authors.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

In addition to being an author and YouTuber, I’ve gained diverse experience throughout my career. During and after my graduate studies, I worked as a tutor at a local high school. Before that, I spent my undergraduate years in the food service industry and even served as a museum docent in my community, focusing on prehistory.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Troost, holds a special place in my memories. Back in October, we were tasked with writing our own Halloween short stories for the school paper. At the time, I was a devoted reader but had never tried my hand at writing. To get a feel for the genre, I delved into a few Goosebumps books and ended up crafting my own Goosebumps-inspired tale. When we handed in our stories, Mrs. Troost read each one aloud, and I still remember her expressing how impressed she was with mine. That moment often comes to mind as I reflect on my journey. As I grew older, I didn’t pursue writing seriously, but my reading interests expanded significantly. I found myself captivated by authors such as the late Brian Jacques, as well as by the historical dramas of Valerio Manfredi, Bernard Cornwell, Jack Whyte, and Conn Iggulden. These writers, among many others, have left a lasting impact on my style. It wasn’t until graduate school in 2020 that I truly immersed myself in this passion, uncovering layers of creativity I never knew I had.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My favorite spot for writing is my bedroom, where I’ve set up a cozy little workspace on my computer. I typically find my inspiration in the evenings and enjoy diving into my writing then.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

My best piece of advice is to embrace your unique voice and tell the story that stirs your heart. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of writing for the market — many authors hear this advice and feel pressured to conform. But remember, true magic happens when you write from your own passion and inspiration. So, dig deep, explore your creativity, and let your authentic story shine. It’s your journey — make it yours!

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

What I truly hope resonates with readers once they finish this book is the feeling of being thoroughly entertained. I want them to experience a sense of adventure, fall in love with the characters, and eagerly wish to see more of their stories unfold.

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Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.