About me: In writing Star-Crossed I wanted to explore the reality behind a romantic myth; that of girls and women who dressed as men and went to sea in the age of sail. This was a popular theme back in the 18th century, in the form of ballads (the equivalent of today’s downloadable hit singles.) In researching my novel I wanted to find out the real reasons women did it -- and how they got away with it. And how prevalent the practice was.
I started by dressing as a man myself (nothing unusual in the 21st century) and going to sea, working aboard the HM Bark Endeavour, a replica of Captain Cook’s 18th century ship, on its three-week crossing from Vancouver to Hawaii in 1999. My husband Bob, accompanied me (not to be out-adventured by his wife!) We were part of a crew of 54. Fourteen of whom were experienced in 18th century sailing; the rest of us had to learn on the fly. On that leg of the voyage there were eight women among the crew; we ranged in age from 19 to 64.
Each and every one of us was expected to stand our watch, to take our turn at the helm, to heave and haul on sheets and halyards, and to climb aloft to make and furl sail in any sort of weather. It was hard work, and scary at times, and I found that if a middle-aged woman like myself could “pull her weight” aboard ship with the men, then surely an 18th century girl could do it. Especially if her life depended on it.
After three weeks at sea, living the 18th century sailor’s life, I stepped off that awesome ship, carrying with me the deep curiosity to research the “myth” of women aboard ship in the age of sail.
For the next four years I read everything I could find, I talked with historians and visited museums in America, England, France, Spain and the Caribbean. Seven years after my Endeavour experience, Star-Crossed was published. It is fiction, yes; but it’s the most realistic fiction I could imagine.
Check out what the Old Salt has to say: http://www.oldsaltblog.com/
Kirkus Reviews calls "STAR-CROSSED" a "well-researched, riveting adventure."
"STAR-CROSSED"has been selected by the New York Public Library to be among its "BOOKS FOR THE TEEN AGE -- 2007!"
Renaissance Learning has designated Star-Crossed an AR book.
"STAR-CROSSED" (Knopf;2006, ISBN 0375833633)is now available in mass market paperback (Laurel Leaf ISBN 0553494848) for $6.99 from Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, and fine bookstores everywhere.
in progress...
ANDROMEDA: Book II of Star-Crossed
by
Linda Collison
copyright May 9, 2007
Concept:
Patricia MacPherson, posing as surgeon’s mate Patrick MacPherson, is discovered to be female, expelled from the Royal Navy, and separated from her floating home, the frigate Richmond. In New York she continues her disguise and takes up with a family of colonial smugglers, still hoping to be reunited with Brian Dalton.
Stop by my blog http://www.lscollison-star-crossed.blogspot.com/
and
Read Collison's bio and buzz. (Her book-in-progress will take you to other oceans and times Patricia never dreamed of...)
Who I'd like to meet:
f="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=7114730">Talk Like a Pirate – The Five As
http://www.sistersundersail.org/01/forGirls.html
Sailing on the Brig Unicorn
Hi lady, yeah I am still in school, full time working full time and just feling like I am going around doing whatever has gone with out me for the longest. I am still writing, still making changes and tinkering. Roy is good, ready for a weekend of caming for fathers day. Micah is getting so big, working on the potty and just being a big boy! Hope all is well for you and Bob, are you enjoy'n your summer? Take care and I will talk to you soon. Keep intouch! Christina
Hi Linda... Okay, I'm not normally a bug person, but I love the way this little fellow is greeting the morning! You just know he's booming in his Mantis way "GOOD MORNIN' WORLD! I'M CATCHIN' ME SOME NUMMY BUGS TODAY!"... Hope you have that sort of day too (ummm..but without the bugs part). HUGS xoxo ; )))
I am excited to inform you about my new book---"HANDBOOK FOR IMMIGRANTS: U.S. Lawyers, Visas & Resources". This book is a combination of travel guide, immigration handbook, and desk reference for travel and/or immigration purposes. You can visit my web site (WWW.RICHARDQUAN.COM) for more info. Please share this news among your friends.
In Sept 1998 My wife and I toured the Endeavor before joining the crew of the Stephen Taber in Rockland. I have been a bit busy with the Timberwind ever since, but I would like to sail aboard her some day! Capt. Bob
Robert Farmer: ‘SEEING RED‘ & ‘IN A DREAM’ - BEST MALE SOLO ARTIST…2007 & 2008 International Online Magazine…………..check it out here!!http://www.iommagazine.com/IOMAs/fame.html ....
quite possibly one of the best albums your likely to hear outside of a major label's A&R department!
Hi, Linda, I don't get to MS very often, so when I saw you on-line I decided to write you. Long time, honey... Are you working on a new book yet? I'm collaborating with Chase Von on a book of celebrity interviews; combining my OLD interviews with Clint Eastwood, Jane Russell and others with his NEW interviews with current up-and-comers, like actresses Jenny McShane and Darcy Donavan, musicians like MT Robison, etc. It's called "Dream Reachers," and we are in final days of deadline. It will go to the printer within a week and then comes the galley proofing. You know the routine. I'll let you know when it's out. This is my fourth book... my first nonfiction. It has been a lot of fun, working with Hollywoodites and entertainers on an international level. Hope you are well. I enjoyed looking over your Space.
