Blinded by Conviction Read the latest short story published by Jackson E. Graham |
|
|
I am honored to have a second short story published online by Kingdom Pen. Once again, thank you for your ingenious articles and helpful insight! |
|
|
Research Sail! While writing "Blinded by Conviction", I didn’t have the opportunity to ride a tall ship. To fill this lack of knowledge, I read many books on ships,the Golden Age of Piracy, and consulted my grandpa—who is a hobby mariner. When offered the chance to sail aboard one, I jumped! Grays Harbor Historical Seaport owns two magnificent vessels—the Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftain. These two ships travel together and often stage mock battles, demonstrating combat tactics at sea to the tourists who are on board. The crews of these beautiful vessels are volunteer-based with a mission of historical sailing education. On board the Lady Washington, tourists are greeted by a crew dressed in 18th century period garb. |
|
Tours provide an in-depth look at each vessel, introducing you to the ship you will journey on for a couple hours. While at sail, tourists get to witness the crew go about their duties, and even help when given the chance! The lively crew, serious Captain, flapping sheets, and blast of the deck cannon's black powder brings sailing lore to life. The trip is not without hazards, however. Rigging sometimes flops in the wind, the boom swings, and wooden rings in the sails called “widow makers” could seriously injure those on board. The crew are careful to make sure passengers escape these perils, letting them know where the safety boundaries are. To conclude the voyage, the crew loudly sings a sea shanty to those present, battling the batting wind to make their voices heard. |
|
|
Impressive! Fiercely, the wind billowed against the sails of the Hawaiian Chieftain, driving into the sheets with its might. Underneath the howling of the wind, was a stillness hovering over the waters, except for the crashing of waves spraying against the ship’s hull. The book descriptions I'd read paled in comparison. | | |
|
|
Get the Latest Updates on my Writing! |
|
|
Please Share! Thanks for taking the time to enjoy this experience with me. Please share it with others - especially those young adults you know. Simply forward or use the "Share Via" links BELOW for Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Visit my website and subscribe to receive periodic updates on my writing and publishing activity. Look for my first novel - Summer of 2017! | | |
|
|
All photos/videos Credit: D.A. Graham |
|
|
BIG thanks to Grandpa Ryser for making the AWESOME research sailing trip possible! Love you! |
|
|
|
|
