Helen Hollick - ON THE ACCOUNT, A New Jesamiah Acorne Sea Venture

Helen Hollick’s SEA WITCH VOYAGES series is a pirate-based adventure fantasy. A fine blend of Sharpe, Hornblower and Indiana Jones all stowed on one fine three-mast square rig

.

As one reviewer (the noted historical fiction author, Sharon Kay Penman) states so to the point:

"In the sexiest pirate contest, Captain Jesamiah Acorne gives Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow a run for his money."

I happen to know how much author Helen Hollick adores her handsome pirate; a charming rogue who is tough to dislike even by landlubbers.

So, in order to dig a little deeper into his psyche, I asked to be allowed onboard the Sea Witch to speak with Jesamiah Acorne himself - knowing full well he is prone to fib a little when it suits his cause. (Laugh from Helen… “A little? That’s an understatement!”)

*

Me (trying to keep my stomach from shaming me even though the Sea Witch lies at anchor):

“Jesamiah, in your fourth voyage, Ripples In The Sand, Tiola, the love of your life, must resort to her secret powers to save you both from doom and death. Is she still part of this new, fifth venture of yours, On The Account?”

Jesamiah (his fierce countenance suddenly softening):

“What? I’d sail without her? Never! Well, probably never. Assuming she wants to come with me, of course. I get the feeling she could cheerfully drown me sometimes (grin). I’d probably deserve it! Sometimes. I do have some doubts during my latest Voyage though (On The Account). Jealous doubts. Tiola’s a beautiful woman and I’m not too keen on her over-friendliness to someone who joins us aboard Sea Witch - that’s the other love of my life: my ship.”

Me: “Ah, yes, of course: Your beloved Sea Witch.” (If I let him, he’ll be giving me a lot of bilge talk. So, I quickly try to change the subject back to the purpose of my interview.)

“Now, you don’t have to answer this. But with the relentless sea and your even more unrelenting enemies, do you regret having given up your piratical ways? Now, don’t bristle! You know, at heart you are a bona fide pirate. One with some scruples, I admit. Still, you did prey on innocent merchant ships plying the Caribbean, cheating them out of making an honest living, sometimes having sent them to a watery grave.”

Jesamiah (scowling):

“No not me…. I wouldn’t do that….I might steal a few things, a hold full of rum kegs, gold and silver from the Spanish, some rum, hogsheads of tobacco… did I mention rum? Us seafaring Brethren of the Coast we got a bad name because of scoundrels like Blackbeard and Charles Vane. We’re just honest seafarers trying to make an honest living stealing things from those overladen merchants. Doing ‘em a favour really. They’re such poor sailors most of ‘em would never make it across the Atlantic. We help ‘em out by lightening their load.

“Did you know most pirates don’t want a fight? When we’re on a Chase we make a lot of noise, shouting, firing our cannons and pistols, waving our cutlasses and all that, but most of it is bluster. If the Prize surrenders peacefully, we liberate their cargo and sail off. No one gets hurt. Least of all us. I suppose not all pirates are like this though. There are a few vicious ones.

“A rich Moghul ship was plundered in the Araby sea a few years ago now. On its way to Mecca, carryin’ the Sultan’s family (or whatever he was called.) His wives, daughters, grandmother, mother, aunts… The men were brutally killed, the women, even the old and young were repeatedly violated. Those who weren’t slaughtered killed themselves as the Muslim women regard it as a sin to be touched in that way by a man who ain’t their ‘usband. I don’t ‘old with that sort of piracy. Men, sailors, aye, they know what to expect, know how to fight back, but women and children? No, I don’t ‘old with that…

“I guess those rich, fat merchants sitting on their rumps in their fancy ‘ouses don’t approve of any of us though. They ain’t got no sympathy for ordinary folk, specially not for the poor. Did you know these pompous asses even hang women and children for as a little as poachin’ a rabbit or stealing a loaf of bread? Black Africans are forced into slavery, a woman can be stripped naked and flogged in public for adultery (nothing happens to the men – so far as I knew its takes two to …. well, you know). It’s a tough life in the early eighteenth century. You take what you can, give nothing back.

“As it happens, I do return to piracy in On The Account. But for a very good reason – some Barbary pirate scumbags kidnapped my wife…”

Me: “That’s terrible. But for now, I must ask you to calm down, young man. I didn’t mean to offend. You see, none of your loyal followers want to have you meet an untimely death. Promise us you’ll not take undue chances, even now fighting for justice.”

Jesamiah (laughs):

“I’m not that keen on an untimely death m’self! But what do you mean ‘young man’? That’s downright condescending, Madam. I am a Captain. And I’ll be six and twenty on my next birthday, Fourth December 1719. Presents accepted. Rum preferably.”

Me: “All right, Captain. Just leave your cutlass where it is. You’ve been very forthcoming with me.”

(I notice he fidgets, his eyes roam up the spars, then down to his furled sails, with a nod here and there to the motly crew standing by). I sigh, “The Sea Witch is dancing around her anchor rode like a cobbled horse, and your nose is twitching like a bloodhound’s on a fresh scent. I realize it’s time to let you go, Jesamiah Acorne, you inimitable handsome rogue. Godspeed, and may you sail straight into the hearts of those who love you.”

Jesamiah: “Thank ‘ee kindly ma’am. Yes, it’s time for you to leave.”

(Touches hat, gives a slight bow).

“I’ve got to set sail for my next adventure – or at least I have to supervise the Wench writing it. I’m a tad concerned as the sixth Voyage is to be called Gallows Wake…. “

(loosens uncomfortable cravat…. Walks off shouting orders to the crew to prepare to weigh anchor….)

* * *

He leaves me standing on his deck like an empty keg of rum and motions to a sailor who pushes me not too gently toward the entry port where a swinging rope ladder dangles. It hadn’t seemed that high when I clawed my way up just an hour ago. To gather up my courage, I take a last glance back at Jesamiah. He was making his way up to the wheel swaggering a bit as if to balance himself against the swell. I knew it was to show off his youth and his strength to this meddlin’ old gal. Somehow though, I feel I will meet up with him again; unless I broke my neck slithering down the slimy ladder into the waiting skiff.

“Goodspeed, Captain Jesamiah Acorne; may you be in time to save Tiola, and yourself.”

* * *

In case you missed the previous four books, they are:
Voyage One - SEA WITCH (also available for Kindle in Italian)
Voyage Two - PIRATE CODE
Voyage Three - BRING IT CLOSE
Voyage Four - RIPPLES IN THE SAND

Available NOW from Helen's Author Page on an Amazon near you: http://viewAuthor.at/HelenHollick

Also, read about "A Pirate and A Pony" on my other blog:
http://ingehborg.blogspot.com/

Website: www.helenhollick.net
Blog: www.ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com
Sea Witch Page: https://www.facebook.com/HelenHollick.SeaWitchVoyages/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HelenHollickAuthor
Twitter: @HelenHollick

1066 Turned Upside Down (e-book) https://1066turnedupsidedown.blogspot.co.uk/

Abu Simbel: Egypt’s Past Magnificence

In his colorful blog, Jefffrey Hagenmeier, an avid world traveler, brings us photographs and the story of the magnificent Abu Simbel temple complex (note the enormous size compared to the people in the foreground).

(photo: Jeffrey Hagenmeier)

To me, the story of the temple's reconstruction on higher ground is doubly significant as this wonder of ancient art was almost lost to the depths of Lake Nasser when the Egyptian Aswan Dam was constructed.

It makes me wonder whether the filling of the huge Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam catch basin will cause ancient treasures to be lost, or future lives to be enhanced,

(as speculated in The Nile Conspiracy, Book 5 of my Legends of the Winged Scarab series).

You can read Jeffrey Hagenmeier's entire article and see his great photos here:

http://wanderingtrader.com/travel-blog/egypt/temples-in-abu-simbel-facts/

My Review of AURELIA by Alison Morton

A Winner in the True Sense of the Word 

FIVE STARS

    Starting a series with Book 4 may not always be a good thing – except when the content is laid out by a writer like Alison Morton. No wonder, Aurelia, Book 4 of the Roma Nova Series, is a Finalist for the 2016 Historical Novel Society Indie Award.

    Furthermore, Aurelia is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree for excellence in writing. (“Honoree” having nothing to do with “honorable mention.” This is the real deal.)

     While there was plenty of action, the language flowed easily yet was intelligent; it didn’t need grisly detail or expletives to make you sit up a little straighter and hold your breath, wondering what was to come next. Toward the end, I actually became worried I might run out of pages before the story ended – I did not. But I was sorry to have come to the end of such an interesting speculative fiction premise.

Thank you, Alison Morton, for the enjoyable hours I spent reading Aurelia.

* * *

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/AURELIA-Roma-Nova-Book-4

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/@alison_morton

Website: http://alison-morton.com/

Find out Roma Nova news and book progress before everybody else, and take part in giveaways by signing up for Alison's free monthly email newsletter.

Deliciously “Subtle” - My Review of The Subtlest Soul

 I have to admit I picked up Virginia Cox’ The Subtlest Soul out of curiosity

(and perhaps a little envy).

We had both been shortlisted for the HNS 2014 Indie Award for Best Historical Fiction. So, I wondered, what made Dr. Cox’ book stand out for the judges among the many great submissions (all of which are worth reading).

https://historicalnovelsociety.org/2014-hns-indie-award-shortlist-finalists-and-winners/

Now I know.

While other reviewers here already told some of the plot, I am going to talk about the language: Delicious – and subtle, as the word was used during the Renaissance, the age that produced Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante and ah, let’s not forget the Borgias and Machiavelli.

Subtle then meant to be clever, insinuating, shrewd, artful, tricky and, last but not least, devious. That perfectly fits the handsome young narrator (hence, the title). Of low birth, he compensates by being a bit vain and “subtly” squirms his way into the graces of the powerful but murderous elite. While some of his actions stem from revenge against the murderer of his family, it appears he becomes accustomed to favors bestowed upon him – even though his duplicity leads him into more treachery and great danger.

But it is the language used for young Matteo de Fermo to tell his story. His words burble along like a tranquil brook. Then, before you know it, you are in the midst of the most horrendous battles, ghastly murders, and lusty whoring. Young Matteo talks about it all seemingly devoid of remorse over his actions. The “subtlety” of Ms. Cox’ language made me chuckle quite a few times – how very Machiavellian!

No wonder, “The Subtlest Soul” was the winner. Deservedly, the book also received the hard-to-come-by B.R.A.G. Medallion.

Congratulations to Dr. Virginia Cox for an outstanding novel.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Subtlest-Soul-Virginia-Cox

A Heavenly Man

 Since I showcased the versatility of one of my fellow writers in my previous post, I thought I'd give you a taste of my own "other" writings which have nothing to do with my historical fiction novel, nor its archaeological thriller/action-adventure sequels.

This one is short, and it's different.

Check it out and enjoy the short-lived dreams/delusions of a spinster

http://www.amazon.com/Inter-Galactica

Christoph Fischer Rocks

 This writer isn't afraid to think (and write) outside the box - 

 or better said, outside his usual genre.

Christoph Fischer tells us about this newest venture:

I’ve recently contributed two short stories to Punk Rocker, the much anticipated sequel to “L.A. Punk Rocker” by top author Brenda Perlin’s best-selling punk anthology.

I'm so proud that my stories have been chosen for this.” LA Punk Rocker” was one of my favourite reading pleasures last year and brought back a lot of livid memories of those exciting times.

Many people were surprised when I told them about my involvement in the new project. You – a punk? Never!  You are always so ‘clean cut’…

Well, maybe now I am (I couldn’t possibly comment). Back then, I was young and rebellious.

Nena for example was part of a New Wave of German artists that changed the music landscape of my youth. Visage, The Clash, The Cure, P.I.L. – they were the air that we breathed.

Outrageous and provocative hair and fashion, uncompromising attitudes and a hunger to live… I’m glad I was able to witness it all, even if I wasn’t the Full Monty…

Punk Rocker is a collection of short stories from those who were there, in the early days of Punk and New Wave. Hard core musical anarchists who saw it all, heard it all, did it all - and survived to tell their stories.

Along with Brenda and the West Coast punks, Punk Rocker features rebels, writers, commentators and street kids from all over America – talking about the music, the fashion, the attitude, the passion, the lifestyle and, of course, the bands who made it all happen.

Meet people who discovered punk’s new dawn – and those who were there for its sunset, in the ramshackle mausoleum of the Chelsea Hotel.

Backstage, in the clubs, in the gigs, in hotel rooms with the band, on the streets –Brenda was there. She saw it all. And so did her friends.

If you want to know how I fit into the picture – I won’t tell you here. Read the book ;-)

PUNK ROCKER has just been released on Amazon

US https://www.amazon.com/Punk-Rocker-Mark-Barry-ebook/dp/B01FCBBC6W
UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Punk-Rocker-Mark-Barry-ebook/dp/B01FCBBC6W

This is an interview with Christoph about Punk Rocker:

How did you get involved in the PUNK ROCKER project?

I’m a huge fan of Brenda Perlin’s writing, and downloaded L.A. Punk Rocker as soon as it was released. The book unexpectedly stirred a lot of forgotten memories and latent emotions in me.

This was still going on when I saw her call for entries to the sequel a few months ago. I couldn’t help myself and composed two stories. I am over the moon that they were selected for the anthology.

Without giving too much away, tell us about your short story for the anthology.

One is about my admiration for punks, rockers and all who dared to be different and speak up. The other one is about a wicked night I had in my student days, also in the company of Punks. They are true stories.

Can you explain what Punk means to you? Do you have any more memories you would like to share with us?

Punk is a lifestyle and an attitude that manifests itself outwardly in fashion and music and inwardly in a powerful mental state against the establishment and outdated conventions. I drifted towards the political end of the spectrum rather the nihilistic one. Every generation needed their rebels and the punks were ours. I loved them.

What are your favorite Punk Acts, Albums and Songs?

The Cure, P.I.L., Billy Idol and – if I may count her in – Cindy Lauper.

Why type of fiction do you normally write? Tell us about the concept behind your books?

I write mostly historical fiction, (sometimes heavy) contemporary dramas and a few thrillers. I’m interested in deeper subjects, such as Alzheimer's, mental health, wars, displacement and identity. 

Tell us about one of your main characters. What makes them special?

Zacharias Nielsen is an 18year old idealist who leaves the safety of his family in Denmark to fight for the radical left in the Finnish Civil War of 1918. He’s special because he leaves material wealth behind to fight for a better future for all, rather than his own betterment.

Who would you cast to play him in a movie? Josh Hutchinson (since Ewan McGregor outgrew the age for the role)

Are you like any of the characters (and how so)?

I’m a bit like all of my characters, I guess. When I try to understand them and their actions, some kind of projection can probably not be helped. Even when they do things I don’t do, they do it like I would be doing it if I did.

What do you do when you don’t write?

Walk my dogs, cycle, do yoga, watch comedy TV and read.

What makes you laugh?

Silly comedy programmes, adolescent humour.

Who would you like to invite for dinner?

Brenda Perlin, Billy Idol and some of the long lost friends from my stories.

What would your friends say are your best and your oddest quality?

Best: Thoughtfulness.
Oddest: My taste in music.

What would you chose as those qualities?

Best: Loyalty
Oddest: My sleeping pattern

Who are your favourite authors?

Lionel Shriver, Christos Tsiolkas, Khaled Hosseini, Brett Easton Ellis, Paulette Mahurin, P.C. Zick, Murielle Cyr, Brenda Perlin, John Dolan, Tony Gilbert, Ian Hutson, Richard Yates, Anne Tyler…

What is your favourite book?
Shantaram

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

“Lights of Polaris” by Melodie Ramone – e-book. It‘s brilliant!

What are you working on now? 

I’m working on a silly murder mystery set in the UK countryside. I’m also involved in a charity project for a No-Kill Shelter: The Santa Paula Animal Rescue Centre.

My novel: “African August” will be part of a box set in aid of the shelter. The story revolves around a young banker and his adventures in Uganda. It is based on some of my travel experiences on the continent.

CHRISTOPH FISCHER - Short Biography:

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small town in West Wales. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. The Luck of The Weissensteiners was published in November 2012; Sebastian in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013 – which completes his Three Nations Trilogy.

Time to Let Go, his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and Conditions, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel Conditioned was published in October 2015. His medical thriller The Healer was released in January 2015 and his second thriller The Gamblers in June 2015.

He published two more historical novels In Search of a Revolution in March 2015 and Ludwika in December 2015.

Christoph has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

* * *

Thank you, Christoph, for this great interview and for giving us a glimpse into your next project; or should I say, projects. Since I have known you (originally as a long-suffering reviewer of my own books) you have come out swinging - and winning - establishing yourself as a prolific writer of historical fiction (when you are not punk rocking).

Follow Christoph Fischer to the sites listed below, but for sure, do read his always interesting and inginformative website and blog.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/
Blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer
Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

Princess Nefret Speaks Out on the #AtoZChallenge

Today, April 13th, is "K-Day" for the

 Helen Hollick #HNSIndie #A2ZChallenge

 about fascinating characters from select Historical Novels.

 On this K-Day (for Khamsin),

it is my Princess Nefret's turn to speak up.

She is King Aha's Royal Daughter and Heiress,

burdened with a sinner's Ba,

an old soul "that has yet to live through many other storms"

(i.e., the sequels of the Legends of the Winged Scarab).

Read Nefret's Interview with Helen Hollick here: 

www.ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com

Amazon-US

Amazon-UK

And Once Again Available on Smashwords and its Affiliates
Smashwords

Apple-iTunes

KHAMSIN-Kobo

Barnes&Noble

Best A to Z Award Goes to Helen Hollick

 Sharing her April A to Z Challenge with us,

 Helen Hollick

 tirelessly and selflessly gave

 #HNSIndie Historical Fiction Characters 

 a voice on her blog throughout April.

We, their authors, therefore present this 
Best A to Z Challenge Award
to Mistress Hollick with our thanks.

http://www.ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com

Historical A to Z Challenge by Helen Hollick

 Every day, all during April,

 Helen Hollick
 presents a Historical A to Z Book Challenge on her Blog.
 Look for our Tweets #HSNIndie 

 You will meet Characters from Historical Novel Society Editor's Choices,

speaking to you in their own voices,

telling you about their historical lives

as they step out from the best Historical Fiction novels.

And just to put in a little plug for my own
Khamsin,
from which King Aha's Royal Daughter Nefret tells us a thing or two.

Look for her on April 13th.

www.ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com

Also, check out Helen Hollick's books on Amazon US:

http://www.amazon.com/Helen-Hollick/e/B000APLJJQ/

LIKE her on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/HelenHollickAuthor/

Follow her on Twitter: @HelenHollick

April  1  -  Alison Morton: Aurelia (Roma Nova Series)

April  2  -  Lucienne Boyce: Bloodie Bones

April 3   -  Sunday Break - No Challenge - 

                 Conformist or Rebel 

                Jeffrey Manton asks: Which Characters do we Admire? What makes a Rebel?

April  4  -  Man in the Canary Waistcoat by Susan Grossey

April  5  -  Dubh-Linn by James L. Nelson

April  6  -  The Evergreen in red and white by Steven Kay

April  7  -  Fortune's Fool

April  8  -  Gift For The Magus  - Linda Proud

April  9  -   The Love Letter of John Henry Holliday - Mary Fancher

April 10 -   Sunday Break -No Challenge - 

                    But a Fascinating Article by Prof. Nigel Henbest about Halley's Comet

April 11 -   In Liberty's Wake - Alexandra Norland

April 12 -   Jacobites' Apprentice - David Ebsworth

April 13  -  It's my turn: Khamsin's Royal Daughter and Heiress, NEFRET, speaks out.

April 14  -  Luck Bringer - Nick Brown

April 15  -  Murder at Cirey - Cheryl Sawyer

April 16 -   A Newfound Land - Anna Belfrage

April 17 -  Sunday Break - No Challenge - 

                   Enjoy an Interesting Article by Anna Belfrage

April 18 -  Out Of Time - Loretta Livingstone

April 19 -  Pirate Code - (Helen Hollick's Jesamiah Acorne, Pirate Extraordinaire...In his own words)

April 20 - To Be A Queen - Annie Whitehead

April 21 -  The Spirit Room - Marshel Paul

April 22 -  Sower Of The Seeds of Dreams - Bill Page

April 23 -  Tristan & Iseult - Jane Dixon Smith

April 24 -  Sunday Break - No Challenge

                   Alison Morton (An Interesting Reminder about History...)

April 25 -  A Just And Upright Man - John Lynch
April 26 -  Victoria Blake - Far Away
April 27 -  When Sorrows Come - Maria Dziedzan
April 28 -  The FlaX Flower - Amanda Maclean
April 29 -  Sail Upon the Land - Josa Young
April 30 -  OZgur Sahin - The Wrath of Brotherhood

What a great Challenge. Thank you Helen Hollick.

Catch Up on the Alphabet and Meet all these exciting Characters! 

www.ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com