Let's talk about pirates!

Happy New Year for those who celebrated!

We've talked a lot about what to look for during editing over the past couple of weeks, so I thought to bring in the New Year, let's talk about... pirates! Before I get into some details, if you're looking for more, SIU ALOT ALOT is a writer's resource; where reference and research mingle. Book 1, coming soon! And explores pirates as well as a couple other time periods, tidbits, and writing topics with examples. Okay, enough of the shameless plug, let's get down to it and start it off with two very famous female pirates!

A quick note though before we get into the nitty gritty so to speak, please double check your facts you include in your story if you go off the beaten path of things. I realize you are more than likely following this blog because you're writing fiction, and there is way more freedom when creating your characters and their worlds, but do know, if you're writing in a specific time period, your readers chose that book/period because they really enjoy it and they know a lot of facts. And though you're writing fiction, you should stay close to some of the details that are well known... but you still have a lot of blank pages to create your own spin on it. :)    Anne Bonny and Mary Read, if you have chosen them to base your heroine characters on, you should do more research than I'm touching on in this blog post.

Books based on strong females; well, these two fill the bill to a 't'. The more accurate details to layer in your story the more your reader will not only recognize, but also appreciate your knowledge of your characters and time period. But, do know though, when enough is enough; don't bog your story too far down with history details that it reads as a lesson or essay ;)

Anne and Mary were female buccaneers who led/turned into living a full pirate life. Though a short period of time, they sailed with Captain 'Calico' Rackam in the Caribbean, and fought beside their shipmates. At first Mary was dressed as a male pirate. Jack was in love with Anne Bonny and if I'm not mistaken, didn't trust her friend for a period of time. But, and again, if I'm not mistaken, it was in the course of a heated argument, Mary's disguise was uncovered.

In early 1700's, Calico Jack and his crew were captured, brought to trail and sentenced to death. At the time of the sentencing, both Anne and Mary were pregnant. The court allowed their sentence to be deferred until after the birth of their children. Mary Read died in prison. Anne Bonny gave birth and was set free. It is rumored though that her father was very important and of great wealth and paid a handsome fee for her safe return home.

Male pirate tidbits perhaps to base your hero's story on..the entire crew democratically elected a pirate's captain, but this was not a lifelong title. Captains could be removed during a voyage simply for not performing at the level that was expected of them or for over-stepping their bounds of authority. A pirate captain had absolute command when pursuing a vessel or in military engagement, otherwise he was treated as an additional member of the crew.

Bodies of people needed some type of structure and since pirates were at best, outlaws, they did not follow a government. But that did not mean they were unruly. They wanted leadership by example, not by status and hierarchy. So, before each setting off for a new voyage or when electing a new captain, compacts were drawn up. Basically, these were guidelines on how the ship will function. And under these agreements were allocations of authority, distribution of plunder, rations and discipline enforcement.


Booty aka treasures... A pewter charger or plate was a large platter that was placed under a dinner plate and used usually only at formal meals. The charger, more than likely, wasn't normally used aboard a ship, making us think it was stolen and put in their treasures collection as well as other expensive pewter tableware.


A few tidbits are below, to round out this post on pirates, so you should have a little of this and that to at least jot down bones for an outline, and let your muse fill in the rest as you go along! Again, if you're looking for longer/more details, be sure to pick up a copy of SIU when it's available, it has lots more info than what I'm posting here!

Braids and ribbons were used to adorn various elements of pirate clothing, but were also used to braid a pirate beard or hair. Black Beard was famous for tying black braids to his beard and hair and infamous for sticking lighted matches under his hat on either side of his face to terrify his enemies.


Gold hoop earrings were a sign of wealth but also, many pirates believed that if they wore the earrings it would ease seasickness because they put pressure on the earlobes.

The material for clothing used for a captain when on land/shore usually were more flamboyant and pricey. Taffeta, velvet, silk, damask, and feathers, especially those of exotic nature were favored, to name a few. Also, because a pirate usually didn't bat a lash towards rules, especially of any government; they did not abide by the Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws. And their colors of fabric varied greatly from crimson, deep blue, purple, violet; essentially any colors that were set aside and only to be worn by the Upper Classes.

Hope this helps :)  Happy Writing!