Research
Memento Mori in Tudor England: Death, Faith, and Drake
Death haunted Tudor England. Explore how memento mori, Francis Drake's dangerous voyages, and religious fear shape the conflict in my historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna.
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.
Researching Francis Drake's Ship the Tiger
What kind of ship did Francis Drake first sail on? In this behind-the-scenes post about the research that went into writing Sic Parvis Magna, I explore the real historical vessels—like the Gresham Ship, and the Newport Ship—that helped shape my portrayal of Drake's early years at sea on a armed merchantman the Tiger. From piracy to trade this post is a deep dive into the ships that helped to forge a legend.
Young Francis Drake: From Tavistock Farm Boy to Pirate
This is not a full biography of Francis Drake. It is a historical fiction character study of young Francis Drake: the boy from Tavistock, shaped by rebellion, exile, Protestant conviction, maritime ambition, and the example of the Hawkins family.