Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write historical maritime fiction based on my lifelong love of sailing and the sea. I hold a USCG captain’s license and am active as a commercial and recreational sailor. I live in upstate New York, and imagine the world of trade aboard tall ships through my alter ego Captain Jane Thorn. Book One of the “Destiny” series was published in late 2018 with the next two books scheduled for publication through SisterShip Press in 2019.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Destiny’s Gold was published in late 2018. Here are my answers to some interview questions I was asked recently!
Why write about the merchant marine instead of pirates? Surely they are more fun!
Aaargh! A pirate lives by his sword, but a trading captain has to live by her wits. That’s much more fun, I think! Captain Jane has to figure out how to get what she wants without pulling a weapon on anyone, in general. Not that she won’t channel her inner pirate if needed!
What makes historical fiction set in the 19th century so special?
The first half of the 19th century was a time of upheaval and change all over the world. In many ways, the rapid developments in technology and the political turmoil would be familiar to today’s readers. For Americans, the country was still growing and defending its territory while trying not to get involved in European affairs. Within, issues of slavery, expansion, and the role of government were hot buttons that everyone had to work around. Captain Jane is akin to today’s millennials, figuring out what she thinks about things and acting on her principles.
How important is research to you when writing a book?
Research is everything! I want to bring the reader into Jane’s world and make it feel familiar. The problems people were solving in Jane’s day laid the foundation for the world we live in today. Have you ever thought about how long it would actually take to raise the anchor on a 200 ton ship? Longer than you might imagine!
How realistic are your books?
Captain Jane and the Destiny are as realistic as I can make them. All of the events and places I reference are real, as are many of the people she encounters. Every now and then, I take liberties with time frames, but I strive to give the reader a realistic sense of the world in 1820.
Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
Oh, my characters pretty much do what they want to do. They are constantly surprising me! I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. In general, I know what the central storyline will be, but how things play out is always a mystery until it happens. I find myself saying, “Oh really?!” a lot when I am writing.
How much of yourself do you put into your books?
I confess, Captain Jane is my alter-ego. She pretty much does what I think I would do in most situations, although sometimes I have to shake my head at how obtuse she can be. That’s probably when she is being most like me.
Who would play Captain Jane in the movie?
If I could wave a magic wand, it would be a young Loreena McKennitt.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Like most writers, I suspect, I do a lot of it in my head when I am dealing with insomnia…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hands down, the most important influence has been Henry Dana Jr., Two Years Before the Mast. And of course, all of the marvelous sailing stories I read growing up.
What are you working on now?
Books Two and Three of the Captain Jane Thorn series are in the editing and writing phases, so they are next!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My publisher takes a broad-brushstrokes approach and has me doing many different things. They do stress that my personal author website is the most important platform.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn your craft by reading!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell.
What are you reading now?
I’ve got several review copies of maritime-related books that I am working through.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Good question! Either more in the Captain Jane Thorn series, or perhaps a new series. I do like the series format since it gives you time and space to really develop your characters and have them do interesting things.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Sherlock Holmes, hands down!
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