Good afternoon and a happy Friday to everyone out there today! Hope you’re out of the path of the storms coming through.
One of the questions people ask is where an author gets an idea. And it is difficult to answer sometimes.
But let me see if I can tell you about Master of the Fleet.
For several years, I was a member of the SCA–Society for Creative Anachronism. It was fun recreating life from the middle ages, learning new skills, learning about how people lived during those times.
And music! As a musician, I loved learning songs and compositions from this time period. As part of a recorder consort, we got plenty of practice on music from different countries, some of which have come down into more modern times.
I remember playing the song Flow Gently Sweet Afton for my father, only to hear him say his mother had sung the song to him when he was young.
So what has this to do with Master of the Fleet?
One song most people know from around the Middle Ages–though it may be a little later–is Greensleeves. If you’re not familiar with the lyrics, you can find them online. The theme of the song is about a man who has gifted his love with everything imaginable, from jewels to fine linens, only to be cast aside.
Now, my writer’s mind began to wonder what would have happened if things had gone a bit differently.
And then my SCA mind began to create a scene, albeit the scene would have been part of a play put on for the delight of the guests at a feast.
So, putting the two together, I created the sketch for the feast–an argument breaking out between a man and woman, which gets out of hand, and ending with drawn blades.
In the sketch, this would have ended with him binding her to him as a sworn servant.
In the story, which is set in an alternate timeline where magic is real, Master of the Fleet, it goes far beyond that.
How far?
Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?
To read Master of the Fleet, go over to Smashwords this weekend. The ebook is on sale for only $0.99. The ebook is available in several different formats to fit your reader.
Prefer Amazon!
It’s available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover!
So, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful, magical weekend.
And Don’t Forget…
…to Share the Romance…
How about an excerpt?
“My good man, were you planning a human
sacrifice on the high table? Who are you and what is
the meaning of this?” the baron demanded.
A large man, with dark hair turning gray at the
temples, and neatly trimmed beard, his presence
commanded the attention of the room.
“Your Excellency, I am Lord Sir Richard
LeMarnier, from Côte d’Or. The lady and I have
traveled for more than a week to attend the festival
here in her homeland. At least she claims it as such.
After courting her for over a year and asking for her
hand in marriage, I dance on her leash while she toys
with my affections. Though she hasn’t refused my
offer, she has yet to accept it.”
“What do you do?”
“I am in shipping, Your Excellency, with access
to goods up and down the coast and from overseas. I
have brought her gifts from every part of the world,
given her everything she’s asked for, and more. She’s
been blessed with everything within my power to
give.”
“We’ll agree you’re a generous man. Why are
you here?”
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