Pirate Anthology: Rose Biggin

The Black Beacon Book of Pirates is sure to shiver your timbers when it's published on Friday the 21st of June. The Kindle version is already available for pre-order at just $1.99 instead of $3.99 and you can add the anthology to your Goodreads "want to read" list today. In the meantime, to get you in the mood for a spot of swashbuckling, we’re interviewing the contributing authors.

Hi Rose,

Why pirates?

I sometimes like to think stories were invented so they could be told about pirates. At so many stages of innovation in the history of narrative, there’s a pirate ship somewhere - anchored just outside the text or sailing through it. We could say every story about pirates is also a story about stories.

Are there any pirate legends set where you live?

What, London? I expect so, aye. Probably. I should look into it.

If you were a pirate, what's the first thing you'd do?

Head directly to the galley and make a start on the potatoes. It’ll take longer then anyone expects, and whatever adventures await will feel better if we know we’ve at least gotten them going. Plus it’s a good place to get your allies. Did you know Treasure Island’s original title was The Sea Cook?

Have you ever found treasure?

Materialism will be your downfall, friend.

What do you do when you're not dreaming up tall tales?

When I’m not writing fiction or gigging, I’m most likely on another art project. I am currently co-writing a libretto for a new alt. Opera for cinema screen, premiering in July.

Where can readers contact you to tell you their timbers have been suitably shivered?

Contact me or you can find more through my website; do get in touch, I’m always looking for more collaborations and projects and conversations! I’m also still on a certain sinking ship, as @rosebiggin

Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8076902.Rose_Biggin

Pirate Anthology: Edward Lodi

The Black Beacon Book of Pirates is sure to shiver your timbers when it's published on Friday the 21st of June. The Kindle version is already available for pre-order at just $1.99 instead of $3.99 and you can add the anthology to your Goodreads "want to read" list today. In the meantime, to get you in the mood for a spot of swashbuckling, we’re interviewing the contributing authors.

Hi Edward,

Why pirates?

Why not pirates? I was born, grew up, and live in Massachusetts, along the coast of which, beginning in the early 17th century, any number of pirates practiced their profession (sorry for the alliteration). Dixie Bull was the first, and many followed. My story, “Dungeon Rock,” was inspired by the historical Thomas Veale, although I had my pick of a least a dozen other notorious buccaneers.

Are there any pirate legends set where you live?

The story of the Wydah is probably the best known. The pirate flag ship was wrecked off the coast of Wellfleet on Cape Cod in 1717. Its wreckage was discovered in 1984. Since then more than 180,000 artifacts have been recovered.

If you were a pirate, what's the first thing you'd do?

If I was a pirate, the first thing I’d do is try to escape. Many crew members of pirate ships were innocent men captured by pirates and forced to choose between piracy and death. Philip Ashton was a young fisherman from Marblehead, Massachusetts. In 1722 he was captured off the coast of Nova Scotia by pirates led by Edward Low but refused to join them. He was beaten, threatened, and otherwise ill treated for nearly a year before he was able to escape onto a desert island off the coast of Honduras. He remained a castaway for 16 months before being rescued.

Have you ever found treasure?

Alas, I’ve never found treasure, though not for lack of trying when I was green and tender.

What do you do when you're not dreaming up tall tales?

Not much of anything. I lead a dull life compared to when I rove the seven seas in my imagination. Oops. My wife just reminded me that I’m happily married. Yes dear, I’ll put it in writing.

Where can readers contact you to tell you their timbers have been suitably shivered?

I can be found at edwardlodi@hotmail.com.

Goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/275844.Edward_Lodi