My Latest Novel.

Well, I have said in previous posts that I am writing a novel. So, I thought I'd post about it. 

The title of it is "Overboard."

Now, this is not a totally amazingly-well written-get it published-top seller. As a matter of fact, it is poorly written, needs TONS of editing, probably will never ever be on a shelf-novel. 
But, it is my story. This is written for my brothers and sisters, and cousins. The characters in this novel are based off of real people in my life, and this novel is dedicated to my immediate family and close friends. 

Here's the link: Overboard.


Here's the synopsis:
 It is the year 1794, and Michael York is on his way to America. He boards the ship just like any other fifteen year old boy would do, and makes himself as comfortable as a cabin boy could make himself... but when the ship's cook is found dead in the cockpit, stabbed through the heart with a blade, the ship's crew and passengers suddenly all become suspects. Michael and Anna, the captain's daughter, are swept into the waves of a smuggling ring when Anna is nearly kidnapped by the most malicious smuggler in England. Two clues turn up, but only after the mysterious disappearance of Captain Nathan Taylor. In a tangle of lies, and only a few truths, Michael and Anna, alongside many friends--and enemies--strive to find the hope the whole ship is looking for.

Please note this, though. While there are a couple murders and some (very) minimal violence/struggles... this is NOT a graphic novel, as I truly cannot stand much graphic violence...especially when it comes to prolonged suffering/torture. I dont like to read  graphic details, much less writing graphic details. 

Here is a small exerpt from it. This is one of my favorite scenes so far. 

“Okay, so do you want me to show you how to slide the banisters or don’t you?” She asked, changing the subject.

“Yeah, let’s go!” When they reached the steps, Anna once again demonstrated. Placing her palms firmly against the polished wood, she picked up her heals and swung forward. She slid down swiftly, using only her arm strength to hold her weight. Coming to a smooth stop, she rested her feet, toes first, on the bottom step. “Now you try it!” She called as she twirled around.

Clumsily, Michael tried to copy her movements. He jolted down the balustrade as a ball would topple down a rocky hill. Before he had reached the bottom, he had had to stop twice to push off again before he finally reached the last step. Anna giggled. Michael’s hands had been rubbed raw from the slide, and he blew on them gently to ease the burning sting on his palms.

“Try again,” Anna urged him. “But this time, use your palms only. Don’t curl your fingers around the railing. Just use your arms to hold your weight.”

“Okay.” Michael was a bit reluctant. Truth be told, his hands told him they did not want to be skinned like that again. He ascended up the steep treads once again. When he reached to top, he called, “Okay, watch out!” This time, he swung himself forward before placing his hands on the rail.

“Michael! Don’t--!”

Too late. Michael missed the rails and hit the hard steps, and all but bounced down them. Michael groaned as he came to a sharp halt at the last step. “Are you okay!?” Anna bent over him.

“Yeah. I think so—maybe.” He groaned again.

“That was a dumb thing to do,” She reprimanded, bluntly.”

“Mmph.” Michael made no attempt to answer her. Just then the captain stuck his head through the doorway. “What the heck do you to think you are doing down here?”

“Well,” Anna was all giggles now. “I was trying to show Michael how to slide the banisters…but he… he…” She had to stop to catch her breath; she was laughing so hard. “He missed.”

Captain Taylor chuckled, “Well, what say we don’t try that anymore today, huh Michael? But, Anna, where did you learn to slide the banisters?”

“Dylan. He showed me how one day when we went to see the Ocean Tanner when it came to Bristol—you know, Uncle Edward’s ship? Well, we got to tour it, and when nobody was around, he showed me how you taught him when he was little”

Captain Taylor grinned. “I remember that. As a matter of fact, he did the same thing you tried to do, Michael, and sprained his wrist because of it.” The captain told the children that it was almost dinner time, and then nodded, turned, and left to finish unfinished business.

This is the scene directly before Captain Taylor goes "missing".  This is probably my most humorous scenes in my novel.  Now, I say most humorous "Scene".. there are many humorous parts in my novel, but this is one of the few whole scenes.

Here is the link to my novel. Please feel free to read it! And check back often. As I have said before, I am CONSTANTLY adding new pieces and such. 

Here is a list of my characters, and a bit about them. 

Abigail Taylor:  Captain Taylor's wife, and Anna's mother. Mrs. Taylor is a gentle, lovely middle-aged woman who loves her three daughters with all her heart. She strives to be a "
"Proverbs 31" woman.
 
 Anna Taylor: Daughter of Captain and Mrs. Taylor. Anna is my FMC (Female Main Character) and personally, one of my favorite people in my novel. Anna is much like me, to be honest. She is always up for an adventure, but she also enjoys typical "girl things" from time to time, and more frequently as she grows older.  

Billy Frasier: One of the ships crew. Suspect in the murder case, who has claimed to have "gone straight".

Blake Zimmerson: Billy's nephew on his wife's side. fifteen year old Blake has a lot to hold against his uncle. 

Captain Nathan Taylor: Captain of the Eloise which is his ship. He is a man of his word and he looks forward to a life in America.

Fairly Frasier: Billy's 10 year old son. Isabelle's younger brother.

Gerald Heather: A very evil man. The most notoriously malicious smuggler in England and America. 

 Isabelle Frasier: Billy's daughter, and a friend of Anna Taylor. She may have something new to add to the case.

Leyla and Loissa Taylor: The eight-year-old Taylor twins. Leyla tends to be more reserved (calmer/gentler) than Loissa, but both are certainly their father's children... meaning, they are just like their father and older sister. 

Mark Wilson: The second mate. A secretive, interesting man, but shows genuine interest in Michael and Anna.

 Pete: The cook


Zim: His given name is Edquis Zimmerson, but has gone by Zim since his Childhood. He tends to stay out of everyone's way until he is needed, then he is certainly a help to the Captain. 




Well.... that sums it up I think. Hope you enjoy it!