Historical Fiction
Box Hauling in Naval Historical Fiction: A Dangerous Sailing Maneuver
A behind-the-scenes research note on the sailing maneuver known as box hauling, and how it shaped a scene in the historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna. Inspired by the exciting club hauling scene from Pirates of the Caribbean, I attempt to work out if a sixteenth-century galleon could plausibly execute the maneuver.
An Advance Reader Opportunity Is Coming for Sic Parvis Magna
An advance reader campaign is coming for Sic Parvis Magna, my historical fiction novel about the young Francis Drake. Up to 100 selected readers will receive a digital advance copy before publication.
Printable Reading Notes
Download printable reading notes, journal pages, and study sheets for readers who want to capture quotes, characters, themes, and reflections from historical fiction and classic literature.
Downloadable Reading Notes Page
A new reader resource page is available with downloadable reading notes, journal pages, and study sheets for tracking quotes, characters, themes, questions, and reflections.
Why does Rebecca say she refuses to sell herself for coin in The Blade of Milan?
"I don't have two grossi to my name, and I refuse to sell myself for coin ever again."
Book Review: Eight Pointed Cross by Marthese Fenech
In this historical fiction book review of Eight Pointed Cross by Marthese Fenech, I look at a sixteenth-century Malta caught between the Ottoman world and the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Saint John. The novel follows ordinary families living under corsair raids, social inequality, and competing religious powers. It stands out as a memorable work of historical fiction because of how it explores power, survival, and moral complexity.
What does "The world is a bigger place than the stews" mean in The Blade of Milan?
"The world is a bigger place than the stews. It would be a shame to die here."
Book Review: Poinsettia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowski
Jennifer Wizbowski's Poinsettia Girl is a historical fiction novel set in 18th-century Venice, inspired by the real singer and composer Agata de la Pietà. If you enjoy historical fiction and want a quiet and thoughtful book, you'll enjoy this story about resilience and finding your voice.
The Blade of Milan by Warren Basla: A Historical Fiction Review
Warren Basla's The Blade of Milan is a gritty medieval historical fiction novel set in 13th-century Milan, following Rebecca Guarna from exploitation to becoming an assassin.
Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey: The Last Knight of a Dead Age
My upcoming historical fiction short story, A Fool's Errand, is set in the summer of 1544. As the English cannons thundered against the walls of Montreuil-sur-Mer, the drama and death of the external conflict masked the head-on collision of two visions of duty and honor---between the romantic chivalry and the harsh realities of a Tudor war. The principal tragic antagonist of the story is the brilliant and volatile Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, whose virtues, twisted by pride and circumstance, nearly destroyed him and catalyzed another man's awakening.
Sic Parvis Magna Update and Tudor War Story News (Sept 2025)
The September 2025 edition of the Historical Fiction Newsletter shares updates on my Tudor-era projects, including progress on the Adventures of Francis Drake novel Sic Parvis Magna and the launch of a new short story, A Fool's Errand, set during the Siege of Montreuil. You'll also find a historical fiction book recommendation about the epic Siege of Malta.
Historical Fiction Newsletters
Read the latest historical fiction newsletters from Paul Jariabek, including writing updates, Tudor-era research notes, new story announcements, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes news from the world of Sic Parvis Magna.