Magpie – The little sail maker Before Magpie became known as the little sail maker, he was a climbing boy in London. Climbing boys were the young apprentices of chimney sweeps. As early as age four to six, they were
Historical Backdrop – Dr. Leander Braden
Dr. Leander Braden The fictitious Dr. Leander Braden received his medical training at the University of Edinburgh and took to the sea after losing his wife and infant son. Although a physician, he was a rare commodity in the Royal
Historical Backdrop – Francis “Fly” Austin
Francis Austen (1774 – 1865) The novelist Jane Austen had two seafaring brothers, Francis and the younger Charles. Francis in particular had a most distinguished naval career. Many of the personal details I ascribed to the fictitious Fly are true
Exploring Kenwood House
September 2011 Kenwood House … This estate in Hampstead Heath, England, was the imagined setting of my Hartwood Hall in Second Summer of War. Here, Emily is the reluctant guest — prisoner — of the Duke and Duchess of Belmont and
Inspiration – Visit to the HMS Surprise
San Diego, California – October 2009 Visiting HMS Surprise, the frigate upon which the movie Master & Commander was filmed, starring Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey and Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin. It was this movie that formed the foundation of
Exploring HMS Victory
September 2011 – Portsmouth First pilgrimage to Portsmouth, England to explore HMS Victory in dry dock in September 2011. Under the leadership of Horatio Nelson, the British Royal Navy defeated the combined fleets of the French and Spanish navies at the Battle of Trafalgar in
Destination Portsmouth
Portsmouth, England – May 2015 The final scenes in Second Summer of War take place in Portsmouth, England, as do the opening scenes in my as yet untitled Book #3. My husband, Randy, and I stayed at The George (circa