Sic Parvis Magna
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.
Sic Parvis Magna Draft 3 Update
A quick update of Draft 3 of Sic Parvis Magna—the origin story of the future Sir Francis Drake, and Book 1 in my Adventures of Francis Drake historical fiction series. Read below for more information about the book and for the link for more information.
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.
Sic Parvis Magna: Read the Two Opening Chapters
Read the two opening chapters of Sic Parvis Magna, from the Drake family's flight from Tavistock to Francis's first sailing lessons in the Plymouth Sound.
Learn More about the Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna
Sic Parvis Magna is a historical fiction novel set in the early years of Francis Drake, an ship's boy during the perilous world of Tudor-era seafaring. Against a backdrop of religious upheaval and maritime danger, young Drake must navigate stormy seas, moral dilemmas, and ruthless enemies to find his place in a world on the brink of transformation. Richly detailed, complex characters and a coming-of-age arc that mirrors England's rise as a naval power, this is a gripping tale for fans of high-seas adventures.
Who and What's Real in the Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna
Read about some of the research that went into the creation of the historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna, from the people that fill the pages of the book to the places where it is set.
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.
Sic Parvis Magna—Good News (Chapter 2)
Chapter two closes with a letter from Francis's parents and the promise of a sea passage to join them in Gillingham.
Sic Parvis Magna—Sailing in Plymouth Sound (Chapter 2)
A sailing lesson aboard the Badger gives Francis his first experience of something he does not have to run from.
Sic Parvis Magna—Life at Plymouth (Chapter 2)
As the Drakes seek new livelihoods, Francis adjusts to Plymouth and asks questions about what divided his old home.