The Centurion's Embrace - Proposal
Follow The Project - The Centurion's Embrace
I’ve posted a basic proposal for this new writing project below. I’ve withheld some details to avoid spoiling some of the possible twists. The proposal isn’t meant for a publisher or an agent at this time. IT IS MEANT FOR YOU!
As a part of this series, I will share experiences along the journey including sneak peeks of chapters.
Check out the proposal below! Please leave a comment or question.
Working Title: The Centurion's Embrace
Genre: Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+ Romance, Christian Fiction (Cross-over potential)
Logline: In 1st century Judea, a Roman Centurion's forbidden love for his Jewish servant, coupled with his father's hidden past and his own burgeoning faith, forces him to confront Roman hypocrisy and the nascent Christian community's prejudices.
Synopsis:
Gaius, a seasoned Roman Centurion, arrives in Judea, hardened by years of service but secretly yearning for a deeper connection. He finds himself drawn to Tobias, his intelligent and dignified Jewish servant, whose quiet strength and unwavering faith intrigue him. Their shared intellectual discussions blossom into a profound bond that transcends the master-servant dynamic, igniting a forbidden love that threatens to shatter their worlds.
As their feelings deepen, Gaius and Tobias find themselves caught in a web of conflicting loyalties. The rigid social hierarchy of Roman society condemns the equality of their relationship, while the Jewish community grapples with the implications of such a love within their religious laws. Adding further complexity, Tobias is drawn to the nascent Christian community, whose message of love and equality resonates with him, yet also challenges his growing feelings for Gaius.
Adding to the tension, a military rival discovers a dark secret about Gaius's family. This revelation creates immense pressure to Gaius’s already precarious situation.
As their love is tested by betrayal, societal pressure, and the internal conflicts of faith and desire, Gaius and Tobias find solace in the concept of agape love, a selfless and unconditional love that just might transcend all of the boundaries.
When the rival seeks to leverage their relationship and threatens to disclose the family secret, Gaius is forced to stand trial before a Roman tribunal. Facing potential execution, Gaius makes a defiant declaration of his love and emerging faith, challenging Roman hypocrisy while also prompting the early Christian community to confront its own prejudices.
Target Audience: Romance readers, readers of historical fiction, particularly those interested in Roman history, early Christianity, and LGBTQ+ themes. The novel's exploration of faith and love could also appeal to some readers of Christian fiction.
Key Selling Points:
* Unique Premise: A forbidden love story between a Roman Centurion and his servant, set against the backdrop of early Christianity, interwoven with a family secret, offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden historical period.
* Compelling Characters: Gaius and Tobias are complex and nuanced characters whose internal struggles and emotional journey will resonate with readers.
* Rich Historical Detail: The novel will be meticulously researched to bring 1st century Judea and the early Christian community to life.
* Exploration of Themes: The story delves into universal themes of love, faith, duty, social justice, and family secrets, offering thought-provoking insights into the human condition.
* Cross-over Potential: The novel's themes and setting have the potential to appeal to a broad readership, including historical fiction fans, romance readers, and those interested in Christian perspectives on love and acceptance.