Posts about some of the research that went into writing particular parts of the book. Includes the blog series “Behind the Line”.
“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