linda collison's Sea of Words
charting a course from imagination to publication
My Life as an 18th-Century British Seaman:
How my ocean crossing aboard His Majesty’s Bark
Endeavour Replica became a historical fiction series
How my ocean crossing aboard His Majesty’s Bark
Endeavour Replica became a historical fiction series
Society of Southwest Author’s Forum November 20, 2011
Linda Collison talks about how her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work aboard the replica of Captain James Cook’s 18th-century tall ship led to the creation of her acclaimed first novel Star-Crossed (Knopf; 2006). Surgeon’s Mate;Book two of the Patricia MacPherson Nautical Adventure Series was published this year by Tucson’s own Fireship Press.
Collison will talk about her experience aboard Endeavour, how she researches maritime history and how she uses her past expertise as a critical care and ER nurse to lend authority to the story. She will share how she made the tempestuous crossing from freelance writer and guidebook author to historical novelist.
Don’t forget to call in your reservations to 546-9382 or e-mail ssabrunches@gmail.com by the Wednesday prior (in this case, November 16).
Franks and Franciscos
Here we are in Tucson, Arizona… Wish you were here!
Nothing like a hole-in-the-wall diner to cure a Sunday morning hang-over. Note the bullet hole in the window next to the table where we sat tucking into some of the best huevos rancheros in Tucson.
It’s a “mixed neighborhood” as they say. The hardscrabble side of town. Sure, there are plenty of trendy, up-scale places to dine in Tucson but I don’t want to blog about those. I’m not a food critic, a Yelper, I’m a novelist. I collect characters, settings and interesting little details and then sit back and watch what happens when you put them together.
Life is a novel, a rather messy one at times. Always a random fly buzzing around, a tired eyed waitress behind on her rent, a sinkful of dirty dishes, and a drive-by shooting when you least expect it. But what Frank serves up out of that greasy kitchen tastes sooo good, fills our bellies and cures our hang-overs. Now I’m ready to go back to The Page, to do the day’s work.
Except I don’t know what’s going to happen. Where’s this story going anyway? Outlines don’t mean shit some days.
Just get out and walk. Find some hole-in-the-wall restaurant, open your eyes, fill your belly. Listen to what Frank is saying to the waitress, and note the way she laughs but rolls her eyes. Smile at your partner across the table, that man you love. Remember this moment.
Bullet hole in the window next to our table.
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