Paul Jariabek
Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—The Heretic
I'm thrilled to share this early glimpse into my historical fiction novel. Please keep in mind that while this chapter is nearly complete, it may still include minor typos or be changed slightly before release. Your early interest means a great deal—thank you for taking this journey with me. If you enjoyed the read, please consider subscribing to my updates and posting about this on your social media.
Sic Parvis Magna Sample Chapter—Going On Delivery
In the opening scene of Sic Parvis Magna, young Francis Drake leaves his family's farm on an ordinary errand and walks into a Tavistock darkening with rumor, alarm bells, and the first signs of the Western Rebellion. The boy will run. The man will cross oceans, challenge the power of Spain, and alter the course of English history.
The Last Song - Historical Flash Fiction
In the opulent and treacherous court of Henry VIII, a low-born musician Mark Smeaton strums a defiant, treasonous melody...
Historical Fiction Announcements
Stay informed with the latest announcements about Paul Jariabek's historical fiction. This section's posts are about new book releases and website content to upcoming appearances, signings, contests, and special events, to keep you up to date. Never miss a moment in this historical adventure!
1555 Philip and Mary Shillings
Few artifacts capture the complex political and religious landscape of 16th-century England as vividly as the Philip and Mary shilling. Issued during the reign of Mary I of England and her husband, Philip II of Spain, these coins are a reminder of religious upheaval and intense power struggles that marked Francis Drake's passage into adulthood.
Who Was Francis Drake? The Legend Behind Sic Parvis Magna
Discover the real Francis Drake behind the legend — a man of daring voyages, ruthless ambition, and moral complexity. This in-depth historical fiction profile explores Drake's rise from humble beginnings to privateer, circumnavigator, and Spanish nemesis. His life inspires the adventures in my historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna, where Tudor politics, personal ambition, and the harsh realities of the Age of Discovery collide. Dive into Drake's world of high-seas adventure, betrayal, and shifting loyalties that helped shape England's naval empire.
Classic McKenzie River Dory Drift Boat For Sale
This classic Wooden McKenzie River Fishing Drift Boat (River Dory) For Sale. The Thinker's Whim was hand-built 2008 to Robert Fletcher's plans for a classic McKenzie River Drift Boat and guaranteed to catch fish (and looks) in style!
Villain Sketch: Pirate Captain Guy Alfonse Guichenot
Discover the historical fiction villain Captain Guichenot from Sic Parvis Magna. This behind-the-scenes character sketch reveals how the ruthless 16th-century privateer was originally crafted to challenge Francis Drake, embodying the brutal world of early modern piracy. Explore the creative process, historical details, and psychology that shaped this dark figure from the novel.
Sic Parvis Magna Meaning: Francis Drake's Motto Explained
In this post, I look at how the phrase became linked to Drake, what it suggests about his rise, and why it became the title of my Tudor-era historical fiction novel.
Historical Fiction Villain Sketch of James Reynard
Historical fiction thrives on complex characters shaped by real events. In this exclusive character sketch from Sic Parvis Magna, explore the troubled past of James Reynard—a fictional villain born amid the brutal upheavals of Tudor England. Inspired by history, Reynard's personal tragedy, betrayal, and violent path offer a gripping portrait of survival, ambition, and revenge in a world torn by religious and political turmoil.
AI-Generated Illustrations for Historical Fiction: A Visual Experiment
In this visual experiment, I explore how AI-generated illustrations can support the worldbuilding of historical fiction. Using prompts inspired by 16th-century sailing, piracy, and Sir Francis Drake, I tested how well an image generation model interprets historical themes. The results range from surreal abstractions to surprisingly accurate graphics. While hardly final covers, the images offer inspiration and serve as creative aids for artists.
Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna Update: 80k words!
I am pleased to announce that the manuscript of the historical novel Sic Parvis Magna, the start-of-series of the Adventures of Francis Drake just crossed 80k words.