Serpents and Sharks Bonus Features
The Inspiration for Jerome and Pascal LeGrande
Brothers Jerome and Pascal LeGrand are inspired by the Jean and Pierre Laffite, who might have been born in Burgundy, France (near where I imagine Pavalonia is), who "stole" Galveston Island from Louis Aury, and who really did own a ship named Dos Hermanos. If you enjoy stories about the Laffites (and the legend they created for themselves), I highly recommend the book The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf by William C. Davis.
Hypothermia and Drowning
If you're questioning whether it really is possible to get hypothermia in the Gulf of Mexico, I recommend reading this article by Randall Boone, which discusses the dangers of hypothermia in the Gulf. This article from Sea Grant Minnesota outlines how long it takes to get hypothermia in certain water temperatures and also describes hypothermia symptoms and treatment. I also think everyone should be familiar with the signs of drowning that are described well in this Slate article "Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning." Drowning in real life doesn't look like actors pretending to drown on TV.
The Inspiration for Jerome and Pascal LeGrande
Brothers Jerome and Pascal LeGrand are inspired by the Jean and Pierre Laffite, who might have been born in Burgundy, France (near where I imagine Pavalonia is), who "stole" Galveston Island from Louis Aury, and who really did own a ship named Dos Hermanos. If you enjoy stories about the Laffites (and the legend they created for themselves), I highly recommend the book The Pirates Laffite: The Treacherous World of the Corsairs of the Gulf by William C. Davis.
Hypothermia and Drowning
If you're questioning whether it really is possible to get hypothermia in the Gulf of Mexico, I recommend reading this article by Randall Boone, which discusses the dangers of hypothermia in the Gulf. This article from Sea Grant Minnesota outlines how long it takes to get hypothermia in certain water temperatures and also describes hypothermia symptoms and treatment. I also think everyone should be familiar with the signs of drowning that are described well in this Slate article "Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning." Drowning in real life doesn't look like actors pretending to drown on TV.
Inkwells and Jail Cells Bonus Features
Boston’s Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail in Boston is essentially a touring route that leads one by a number of important historical sites. You can find out more about the Freedom Train here.
Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Several jokes in Inkwells and Jail Cells hinge on characters’ knowledge (or in Rob’s case, lack of knowledge) of Longfellow’s famous poem. Click here to read Longfellow's poem. However, Liam would want you to know that the poem isn’t an entirely accurate account of Revere’s actual ride. If you’re interested in reading a more factual account of Revere’s ride, click here.
If you’d like to find out more about how research influenced this book, click here.
If you’re interested in some of my Revolutionary War book, movie, and music inspirations and recommendations, click here.
Boston’s Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail in Boston is essentially a touring route that leads one by a number of important historical sites. You can find out more about the Freedom Train here.
Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Several jokes in Inkwells and Jail Cells hinge on characters’ knowledge (or in Rob’s case, lack of knowledge) of Longfellow’s famous poem. Click here to read Longfellow's poem. However, Liam would want you to know that the poem isn’t an entirely accurate account of Revere’s actual ride. If you’re interested in reading a more factual account of Revere’s ride, click here.
If you’d like to find out more about how research influenced this book, click here.
If you’re interested in some of my Revolutionary War book, movie, and music inspirations and recommendations, click here.
Portals and Poison Bonus Features
Here are some maps I drew that may help as you read the book or be fun to look at after you’ve finished it:
Map of Pavalonia
Map of Maroyden Castle
At the end of Gold Bars and Tin Stars, Rob reads a Wikipedia article about Pavalonia. If you’re interested in learning more about Pavalonia, as well as enjoying a few Easter eggs from Portals and Poison, you can read the article here.
Creating a fictional European country is actually quite fun. Click here to read more about how I created Pavalonia.
My sister and I visited France both for fun and to do research for this book. Click here to view my photos of that visit and see some of the inspiration for Pavalonia.
If you’re interested in some of my World War II book, movie, and music recommendations, click here to read more.
Here are some maps I drew that may help as you read the book or be fun to look at after you’ve finished it:
Map of Pavalonia
Map of Maroyden Castle
At the end of Gold Bars and Tin Stars, Rob reads a Wikipedia article about Pavalonia. If you’re interested in learning more about Pavalonia, as well as enjoying a few Easter eggs from Portals and Poison, you can read the article here.
Creating a fictional European country is actually quite fun. Click here to read more about how I created Pavalonia.
My sister and I visited France both for fun and to do research for this book. Click here to view my photos of that visit and see some of the inspiration for Pavalonia.
If you’re interested in some of my World War II book, movie, and music recommendations, click here to read more.
Gold Bars and Tin Stars Bonus Features
While the towns of Serendipity and Richfield, Arizona, are complete fiction, they are loosely based on two towns I visited: Goldfield Ghost Town and Tombstone. Both are fun places to visit with a variety of gunfight shows to choose from.
Learn more about the Superstition Mountains
In the book, Rob and Jill visit Enchanted Rock, and while I’m bending distances a little to make it a quick day trip from Houston (Rob’s sports car and Formula-One-style driving skills allow me to do that), it’s a lovely place to visit when the weather isn’t too hot.
While I don't know of any stagecoach rides through the desert, you can get some great views of Tonto National Forest, the general vicinity where Serendipity and Richfield are supposed to be, if you explore the area on horseback or in the back of a Jeep:
While the towns of Serendipity and Richfield, Arizona, are complete fiction, they are loosely based on two towns I visited: Goldfield Ghost Town and Tombstone. Both are fun places to visit with a variety of gunfight shows to choose from.
Learn more about the Superstition Mountains
In the book, Rob and Jill visit Enchanted Rock, and while I’m bending distances a little to make it a quick day trip from Houston (Rob’s sports car and Formula-One-style driving skills allow me to do that), it’s a lovely place to visit when the weather isn’t too hot.
While I don't know of any stagecoach rides through the desert, you can get some great views of Tonto National Forest, the general vicinity where Serendipity and Richfield are supposed to be, if you explore the area on horseback or in the back of a Jeep:
Quivers and Quills Bonus Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the Nottingham Castle website
Visit the Sherwood Forest website
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the Nottingham Castle website
Visit the Sherwood Forest website
The Carpenter & the Queen Bonus Features
Find out more about Canadian Lakes Castle
The castle Claire visits in Michigan actually exists in a quiet neighborhood. If you drive up there in the summer, keep an eye out for wedding parties.
Find out more about Burg Eltz
In the novella, this is Claire's favorite castle, and if you ever visit Burg Eltz, you'll see why. Yes, Neuschwanstein gets all the publicity and delivers some shock and awe, but Burg Eltz is a hidden gem that feels real--because it is! People have been living in it for centuries. Don't miss it the next time you're in Germany!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out more about Canadian Lakes Castle
The castle Claire visits in Michigan actually exists in a quiet neighborhood. If you drive up there in the summer, keep an eye out for wedding parties.
Find out more about Burg Eltz
In the novella, this is Claire's favorite castle, and if you ever visit Burg Eltz, you'll see why. Yes, Neuschwanstein gets all the publicity and delivers some shock and awe, but Burg Eltz is a hidden gem that feels real--because it is! People have been living in it for centuries. Don't miss it the next time you're in Germany!
Frequently Asked Questions