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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
my website www.lindacollison.com