Posts about some of the research that went into writing particular parts of the book. Includes the blog series “Behind the Line”.
“When satisfied, they affixed the smoking cords to their linstocks and then inserted the long staves into special slots in the gun carriage. There, the slowmatches waited, ready to touch off the explosions that would launch the heavy iron cannonballs towards their targets.” – The … Continue readingBehind the Line – A Linstock for Firing Cannon
In this coconuts post, there isn’t a ‘line’ I can quote yet as this research topic is taken from the next Emma Sharpe adventure, which is status=in progress. This time Emma and Jack begin their adventure cast away on a deserted island. Their first challenge? … Continue readingBehind the Line – Are There (enough) Coconuts?
“Emma watched a long, slender, brown snake curl its way higher into the neighbouring tree. It seemed to be in as much of a hurry to get away from her as she was from it. Then a foul odour reached her nose.” – The Day … Continue readingBehind the Line – The Snake
“That’s when Johnny Boy started talkin’ about ’eadin’ over to Madagascar an’ making a deal with the natives. ’E wanted to use our treasure to build a fort an’ ’ave a proper stronghold fer pirates like us.” – The Day the Pirates Went Mad, Chapter … Continue readingBehind the Line – Why John Bowen
“Now Jack,” said Captain Garrett. “Have a look through the ship’s slops. I want ye to find Emma some clothing suitable for working aboard the New Adventure. I think ye two are almost of a size? And get her something to eat. No doubt, she … Continue readingBehind the Line – Ship’s Slops
“As if in dark celebration of the turn of the century, a fever descended upon the inhabitants of Conway House on Lady Day, the first day of the New Year.” – The Day the Pirates Went Mad, Chapter 2: Conway House, pg 7. In historical … Continue readingBehind the Line – Two Calendars
“We sure scared them off!” Jack laughed. “I’ll miss the oranges and bananas, though.” “Me too,” replied Emma, “but we do have barrels and barrels of apples.” – The Day the Pirates Went Mad, Chapter 7: Encounter at Sea, pg 62. One of the inspirations … Continue readingBehind the Line – Barrels of Apples
As they closed the gap, angling to fire their cannons, they hoisted a black flag depicting a skull over crossed bones atop an hourglass, all in white. “Pirates!” declared Captain Garrett. “As if we needed the confirmation.” – The Day the Pirates Went Mad, Chapter … Continue readingBehind the Line – A Black Flag
“My compliments, Mr. Bellows!” declared the sandy-haired man, his voice cultured and smooth. “Ye have seen to our supplies most efficiently. Will we be down the Avon in time to catch the evening tide?” – The Day the Pirates Went Mad, Chapter 3: Decision Made, … Continue readingBehind the Line – Down the Avon