More of History’s Worst by Adam Powell

1/16/2021

2000 Years of Idiocy from Nero to Trump

Multi-volume author, Adam Powell introduces us to his latest book, “More of History’s Worst”:
Idiocy is the best form of comedy, and there is an inexhaustible supply. MORE OF HISTORY’S WORST: 2000 Years of Idiocy from Nero to Trump celebrates the mad, bad, and just plain mediocre. Generals are more dangerous to their own side, monarchs too looney to be let out of the palace, and politicians who make you weep for democracy. There have been plenty of “best ofs,” but MORE OF HISTORY’S WORST deals with the biggest butchers and buffoons from the ancient world to the bloodstained twentieth century—from the king who thought he was made of glass to the exploding dog regiment. Funny and provocative, this is the stuff you never learned in class. Not so funny to many, the fact that the United States is now pitied in some other countries because of Trump rather than admired, his character (or lack of character) is exemplified in the many quotes President Trump has said.

I love history, I love trivia, unusual and little-known facts, and I love to laugh. This book has it all!
Most of what is in this book is downright funny, some of it is sad also. A little bit is somewhat gruesome, but not too bad.
There are quotes and quotable events, all the worst of so many categories beyond political and military misadventures. There really is something for everyone.
The worst sports and foods ever invented by human beings. Some of these staggers the imagination. I couldn’t invent most of this stuff. Could you?
I award 4.6 stars to “More of History’s Worst”.

You can buy this book:
https://rdrpublishers.com/historys-worst-2000-years-of-idiocy-by-adam-powell
https://www.amazon.com/Historys-Worst-2000-Years-Idiocy-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-history-s-worst

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/Adam0Powell
https://powelladam0.wixsite.com/historysworst
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-powell
https://www.facebook.com/adam.powell

Copyright © 2021 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction

36 Comments

Cleone L Reed link

1/18/2021 12:17:02 pm

Love your way with words in writing this review. I have loved working o this book.

Adam Powell link

1/18/2021 03:55:00 pm

Mark, I loved this review, it nailed what I was aiming at when I wrote the book.

Mark

1/18/2021 04:12:03 pm

I got a lot of laughs and chuckles from reading your book, as well as a few shivers and groans.
First question.
Please, tell us more about yourself. Perhaps something a little bit beyond your bio.

1/19/2021 03:31:22 pm

I long had aspirations to be a writer. Trouble is I imagined myself as a novelist. It took me years to realise that I had no talent for fiction. Writers have to discover their voice. Some find it quickly, I took years. I love humour, I love history and that is what I write now. Always been a real facts fan. I also like anecdotes to liven up my history classes, so I've collected a few in over 25 years of teaching.

1/19/2021 04:12:51 pm

As you have learned there are many ways to write. Maybe historical fiction would work for you, it would probably be pretty easy for you to inject humor into well-known events through bumbling characters.
New questions.
Are you in the writing business for love of writing or for money?
What inspired you to write this book?
Why did you choose this genre, or do you feel the genre chose you?

1/20/2021 09:00:37 am

I chose to write for love rather than money. Not that I wouldn't mind some of the latter, but I know how hard it is to make a living writing. I was inspired to write the book because, from a comic point of view, I find failure more interesting than success. The book ranges from likeable fools to the downright sinister. All of them are united in one thing - they failed in what they wanted to achieve. Comedy is therefore the right genre for me. You have a point that historical fiction would also work comedically. However, I'm a better writer of non-fiction than fiction so I'll have to leave that for someone else.

1/20/2021 09:27:23 am

We could all use a little more money.
It is tough to make a living from the pen alone. But by writing lots of books, thereby developing a backlist, and publishing wide some people do quite well. This book has an additional appeal for people in many countries, because so many are covered in your book. Collections of short stories are popular with lots of people.
New questions.
Who designed the cover of your book? Feel free to drop a link if appropriate.
Was it hard to come up with the title? What was the process?

1/21/2021 04:31:14 am

The cover was designed by Bob and Cleone Reed, my publishers at https://rdrpublishers.com
I liked the photos of some of the book's characters surrounding the title. The title itself was a joint effort with Bob and Cleone. It was originally just History's Worst, 2000 Years of Idiocy but we added More after I rewrote and expanded the original Kindle edition. We then came up with from Nero to Trump, which amused me.

1/21/2021 09:48:35 am

I like the angle, we are always seeing the best of this or the best of that. It's refreshing to see the worst of something. Just because it's different.
New questions.
Your book is available as an e-book and a paperback. Are you planning any other formats?
This is your second book on Amazon. What is the status of your next book and what is it about?
What other books and genres have you written?

Adam Powell

1/21/2021 10:36:21 am

I'm not planning another format, but does any actor want to do an audio book? Tom Hanks, perhaps. I wrote a more serious history book about World War 1 veterans in the UK. There hadn't been one, which surprised me, and it coincided nicely with the centenary of the war's end. I am planning to write a book about populism during the Great War (a big interest of mine). There are some parallels with the rise of populism in the 21st century.

1/21/2021 10:56:24 am

Audio book usage is growing explosively around the world! There are dozens of countries that use English as the official language, and more that teach English as a second language. Many of these people have only a smart phone to access the internet, so an audio book is the ideal consumable form, especially if the consumer wants to improve their usage of English.
Producing an audio book is not very cheap, at this time. It will get cheaper within a few years due to the use of AI voice actors, you will pay more for the use of Tom Hanks voice though.
Not log ago I had the pleasure of talking to a narrator during the interview with the author. Search "Green" in the search box below or use this copy and paste link: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/heir-to-a-prophecy-by-mercedes-rochelle-narrated-by-kevin-e-green
New questions.
Have you entered any writing contests?
Have you won awards of any kind for your writing?
You said you weren't going to write any novels. If you were to change your mind what genre do you think you would start with?

1/21/2021 01:48:27 pm

No awards I'm afraid. In terms fiction, they say poets are born and novelists are made but I think the same could be said of the latter. The ability to write good fiction is a gift. If I had that gift I wouldn't write historical fiction as I'd focus more on the history than the fiction. I'd prefer to write thrillers, they seem more interesting to construct.

1/21/2021 03:44:40 pm

You make a good point, thrillers are more interesting to construct. Construct is a key word. Every story is constructed, many start with a two word question. What if? What if a rookie cop made a decision going against what his lead said and the lead dies as a result? What if there was a conspiracy against the lead and he was marked for death at that crucial event? What happens next?
Almost every story has stakes that require a major transformation of the protagonist. Three-act play, four-act play. Create tension, give release; rinse and repeat building towards a climax.
There are many ways to write a story, good plotting helps to make it happen. You might be interested in some of the guest blogs elsewhere on my website about learning how to write. Thousands of blogs have been written about every stage of writing.
I think some novelists are born, but far more are made. I have learned enough over these few years that I think I could write a book. Would it be great? No. My third or fourth book might be pretty good. Am I going to take up writing? No, I enjoy what I am doing too much. Helping authors with proofreading and promotion is something I love doing.
New questions.
Every genre's fans have expectations about what they are going to want to read. Fans of cozy mysteries have a set of expectations that can differ greatly from the expectations of fans of hard-boiled murder mysteries.
What expectations do fans of that genre have in mind, when you think of thrillers?
I noticed that your book is in Kindle Unlimited. How is that working out for you?
Have you put both books in KU?

1/22/2021 07:50:25 am

Interesting point about expectations. I am a bit of a sucker for whodunnits, a genre that generally conforms to a predictable formula. But fans love them. The invention is in who is the culprit not the story arc. Agatha Christie was brilliant at this. Thrillers demand more invention in the plot construction as well as having a good deal more violence. I have been disappointed with Kindle sales, unlimited or not. Both my books are on KU. So I would welcome any tips.

1/22/2021 09:40:51 am

Dame Agatha was a genius in this genre. Her books have stood the test of time and many of the stories have been produced in other formats.
Figuring out whodunnit is not my strong point. My guesses are usually wrong. But I sure enjoy the process.
You have hit upon the biggest problem for authors. Promotion and marketing is the biggest nut for authors to crack. Since Amazon has pretty much destroyed the traditional publishing industry, a million new books are published every year. That is great news for so many authors, that is terrible news for so many authors. Now, getting your book noticed is the most difficult task. Many thousands of blogs have been written about this topic. There are several excellent guest blogs on my website and I have links to many great blogs on my Highly regarded blogs page. You can cruise both of those sections or 'search' for promotion or marketing. Another resource is the over 100 interviews I have done with authors. Promotion is something we discuss in nearly every interview.
On my Twitter page, I have lists of people who provide services to authors including reviewers and promoters. Check their requirements carefully before approaching them.
New questions.
Have you ever gone through the query process, seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers or did you go straight to indie publishing or self-publishing, and why?
Once you decided to not self-publish, was it hard to find a publisher?
How did you pick your publisher or did they pick you?

1/22/2021 02:59:20 pm

You are right about how Amazon totally dominates the market. Whether we like or not you have to work through Amazon to sell your books. Most writers are not naturally marketers (I include myself here) but you have to start learning how to distinguish yours from the competition. I never sought an agent but just sent off 3 chapters plus a synopsis to lots of publishers. After hitting a brick wall in the UK I tried the US where Bob and Cleone Reed took up my book. For the military history book I deliberately timed it, as I said. I got lucky and received an offer from the first publisher I sent it to (who are specialists in the field).

1/22/2021 03:30:01 pm

Amazon is the 1,000 pound gorilla in the room. The trad publishers still ignore it and treat indie authors as second class citizens for the most part. It's no wonder that the industry has shrunk so much.
Just as we have all heard that it is unwise to put all of your eggs into one basket, the principle also tells the author to sell on as many platforms and forms of their story as possible.
Most writers are not business oriented in the beginning, they spend so much time writing the book that they are not willing to trade the creative hat for a business hat. This is to their detriment.
Truly, the story is merely a product, the author is the brand. I am sure you have noticed how large manufacturers keep bringing out new and improved versions of their products. Are the products really improved? Maybe. Probably not substantially. These campaigns keep the product in the customers' view and more sales follow.
Besides selling wide, it's to the author's long-term advantage to sell as many different forms of the book as possible. Many authors start with the ebook and paperback. They move on to audio books, and some stories translate well into graphic novels. Other possibilities include plays, streaming, movies and serials. Don't forget large-print editions and coffee table illustrated editions. These are all licensing possibilities, including translations.
Bid ideas! How to pay for it? That is an important issue. Crowdfunding has been the province of graphic novelists and other artists for a long time. More and more authors are waking up to the possibility for funding the spread of their story. Here is one extreme example of the possibilities: https://kriswrites.com/2020/07/22/business-musings-the-kickstarted-game-changer-part-two/
Since your book covers so many different countries and cultures, new and old, sales in different countries with or without translation could be good.
New questions.
Is using Twitter and other social media part of your marketing strategy?
Did you use ads on Amazon or other platforms such as Facebook or Bookbub?

1/22/2021 04:33:03 pm

Not thought about different countries to be honest, except US and UK. I think you have to be adaptable in today's market. I use Twitter and Facebook as a way of reaching people. It has to be done on a daily basis though and demands a big time commitment. Bookhub? I need to explore.

1/22/2021 05:15:46 pm

I recommend to writers they devote at least one hour every two weeks to promotion and marketing. Laying out a plan is the first step, because there are so many different paths to travel.
Ads on Bookbub, Facebook, and Amazon can be complicated. It would be wise to do some research before jumping in.
Being flexible and adaptable are good attributes. There are many ways to promote a story.
More authors have resorted to Facebook-Live type of events to connect with readers. Once virus restrictions are lifted events like book fairs and flea markets will resume, also signing and reading in bookstores.
Pursuing the local-author angle can still be worked. Seeking publicity through local newspapers, radio stations, or cable access. Some colleges and larger high schools have radio or TV clubs. There is also guest lecturing at schools, colleges, and in your case historical societies.
Another idea is to buy some counter-top holders for displaying your books in restaurants, museums, antique shops; anywhere people gather together and shop.
New questions.
Do you subscribe to any author newsletters?
There are so many ways to put out a newsletter. Do you have a newsletter you send out to fans? Why or why not?
If you do have a newsletter, which mailing service do you use? Is it the same one you started with or not? Why?

1/23/2021 08:52:54 am

All good advice. I have a guest lecture coming up in the fall and I did one before lockdown. Things are obviously on hold at the moment. My wife, who is a children's author, visited schools before Covid-19 restrictions. Author's newsletters, yes I'd like to explore this. How would this be more beneficial than Twitter? How would I build up my audience to make a newsletter worthwhile? Love to know.

1/22/2021 05:04:57 pm

I am glad I connected the two of you. Interesting reading your messages to each other.

1/22/2021 05:16:40 pm

Glad you are enjoying this, I am also.

1/23/2021 09:26:25 am

All of the topics I have mentioned have been blogged about extensively. Put the topic in the search box below and you will get some results.
Twitter is good for many reasons. Many authors hope to sell a few books, authors are readers too. One of the primary reasons is to make connections with like-minded people. Through these connections information and how-to practices can be shared. The writing community is very friendly and eager to help. I treasure the friendships I have built on Twitter.
New questions.
In your experience, which marketing avenues have been the most rewarding or profitable?
There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?
Have you thought about trying to get your book into libraries?

1/23/2021 12:19:45 pm

One thing about Twitter is that you have to frequently use it. Does that mean your 1 hour per 2 weeks marketing should be in bite-sizes?
I did find that book signings sold quite a few copies. Old-fashioned but so what. I will be doing some library donations post-Covid. I'm still a fan of them and hope they don't die off. The most unethical? Not sure, perhaps celebrities' books that are ghost written.

1/23/2021 01:21:22 pm

I was speaking beyond Twitter about marketing and promoting books. I was referring back to my reply where I asked you about newsletters.
Marketing and promotion will take up as much room as you give it. My previous list was not exhaustive, merely suggestive of some possible activities.
Book signings are a great way to sell books, one at a time.
You are right, to find and establish relationships with other authors on Twitter it will take a certain amount of daily time. I am on Twitter a lot, I try to limit my time to ten to fifteen minutes of each hour in a major part of my day.
New questions.
For reading fun or pleasure, what is your favorite genre?
Do you have a favorite book by another author or just favorite authors?
Did you have a favorite book as a child?

1/24/2021 05:13:36 am

For fun? still probably fiction rather than non-fiction, but I do love reading history. I have a few favourite books but not one particular author: Catch-22, The Tin Drum, 100 Years of Solitude, The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien. As a child? that's a long time ago. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe probably. Later on in class, Of Mice and Men was a favourite. The book that got me into history was AJP Taylor's 1914-1945.

1/24/2021 09:52:44 am

We both love history, but science fiction has been my number one choice throughout my life. Fantasy has run in second place. I particularly enjoy stories about time travel and dragons. I read several of McCaffrey's books about Pern in the 80s.
I read Catch-22 while I was in high school. I learned a lot about cynicism from reading that book.
C. S. Lewis' very famous book, TLTWATW. I read all of them to my children. They still love them and so do I. Lewis was a very prolific writer, Screwtape Letters made me laugh a lot. His science fiction trilogy was a wonderful treat. Out of The Silent Planet and the other two were an excellent read.
New questions.
Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired at the end of a good writing session?
Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?
How does a writer ensure the reader will connect with the characters?

1/24/2021 12:36:26 pm

It can energize certainly but also enervate as well. A bit like any mental work that's worthwhile. I try and connect via humour. I did do a few dry runs with my students. Some of the material worked so I included it. I find it difficult asking friends and family because they might be being kind, telling you they like it. Often I go with gut instinct. Hopefully, readers agree with what I think is funny.

1/24/2021 12:49:25 pm

Your students served in the position of beta readers. They helped you winnow through the material. Beta readers are an important part of the process for any author, after the first draft or three is complete.
The first draft is just getting the material out of your head. So many writers get bogged down in this phase. They try to write the perfect first draft and that is not possible. All of the editing will derail the original inspiration and writer's block is just around the corner. The first draft is supposed to be a steaming pile, it has only one purpose and that is to get the story out of your head.
If friends and family cannot be depended upon to give constructive criticism then other people must be located. I have a list of beta readers on my Twitter page, among the other lists.
It helps to give the beta readers a list of questions you would like answered about your book.
New questions.
What was your goal in writing this book? Did you achieve it?
Has your life turned out differently than expected or planned?
Have you ever done NaNoWriMo?

1/24/2021 05:25:41 pm

My goal was to share a lot of funny info I've collected over the years. I also felt there was nothing quite like it on the market. I think I achieved my goal. Being a writer has been a lot of fun, though more marketing and selling your books than I expected. Isn't NaNoWriMo more for novelists? One other question, would you advise a new writer to get an agent or not?

1/24/2021 07:34:31 pm

You did achieve your goal. It's funny and I love to laugh!
Unless you are a top tier writer, you can expect to handle your own marketing and book promoting. You either do it yourself or pay someone else to do it for you. There are companies out there that specialize in promoting books. It boils down to either time or money.
NaNoWriMo is for anyone who wants to try and finish 50k words of a first draft, less than 2k words a day. That is the challenge. A lot of writers form or join support groups to be part of a group for fun and encouragement.
I would advise against getting an agent. The traditional publishing model is shrinking down to almost nothing. Publishers are folding left and right all the time. Their profit margins are so thin, they rarely take chances on a new author. If they don't think they can make any money the answer is no from them.
There are lots of small publishers and hybrid publishers out there. You don't need an agent for them. Getting an agent means you are giving more of your money away. They don't get paid until you sign a contract, then they get a percentage of your sales, after you have paid back any advance from the publisher.
So many self-publish successfully, even though the first time is hard, like anything the first time. It gets easier after that.
If you self-publish you keep all the profits and, more importantly, control of your intellectual property rights.
New questions.
What is your writing routine when you sit down to write?
Do you write in a straight line or do you write whatever the muse provides for you at a given moment?
Do you ever experience writer’s block and what do you do if you get stuck?

1/25/2021 02:34:32 am

I have to teach as well as write, so time is frustratingly limited for me. I try and write during my time off, so summer is productive. When I sit down to write I try and find a quiet space. I prefer writing in the morning. If I get an idea when I am not writing, I jot it down for later. For non-fiction I think writer's block does not happen as often. If I'm facing difficulties I tend to research more. Sometimes I go back and rewrite/ edit previous pages.

1/25/2021 09:34:01 am

Most authors struggle with finding enough time to write. That is a very common complaint.
Some writers need quiet and others need the buzz of humanity in the vicinity. There is an app for that! You can select from different kinds of office-type noise to play in the background.
I can read in most any kind of noisy situation, but when I am proofreading I need quiet.
Here is a tip for writing a novel to avoid writer's block. Stop a writing session in the middle of a chapter, not at the end. When you restart you will know how to finish the chapter and will probably be able to move into the next chapter easily.
Last questions.
Now that your book is published, is there anything about it you would like to change?
What is the one thing you hope readers will remember from your book?
What else are you writing these days?

1/25/2021 09:46:37 am

Is there anything I would like to change? I could certainly add a few more rogues I've come across. There's no shortage of them in history. I would like to add a chapter on 'worst political speeches'. There are some truly awful ones that have had disastrous (or comical) results.
Hopefully, readers will agree with Einstein's (attributed) quote after reading my book: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the ’universe!"
Currently I am researching a book about populism during World War 1.

1/25/2021 10:23:25 am

More rogues and weirdness? I see a sequel in the making, if you wish. Worst speeches sounds like a good category, maybe worst interviews also.
I have another promotion starting tomorrow, so I must bring our chat to a close. I want to thank you for being such a good guest. I have enjoyed our conversation.
I wish you success on your next book and I hope you keep writing.

1/26/2021 04:44:10 am

Mark, I've loved communicating with you. I've learnt a lot about publishing and marketing and will definitely be following you online.

More of History’s Worst by Adam Powell

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