Bermuda Privateer Author William Westbrook, a Conversation: We knew we liked William “Bill” Westbrook, author of “The Bermuda Privateer” when he told us how he knocked on James Michener’s door to talk to him… and the author let him in.
Here’s a the story in his words: “Once I posed as a real estate agent to discover where James Michener was living so I could ask for advice. He was writing another of his massive books – “Chesapeake” – and living somewhere near St. Michaels, Maryland.
“So I sailed up the bay from my home in Virginia and, to make a long story short, found his house and met him. He was wonderfully gracious as he looked over the few pitiful things I had written and, to my astonishment, suggested I get serious about writing a novel.
“I said I didn’t have the confidence to write anything longer than a :60 TV spot. I was afraid my novel would be lousy. He thought a moment and said lousy novels mucked up bookstores so best not to add to the muck. I wasn’t offended; I understood.”
It seems that after a career in advertising, published children’s books, a couple on Virginia, and one on Cuba, Bill got serious. It was following the memorial service of a colleague that “left a hole in his life.” He started with a word on the top of a page, wondered how to keep his friend alive, and then began.
“I love naval historical fiction, so I made him a naval captain… then I made him a privateer because he would never had made it as a naval guy; he was creative, intuitive, daring, a rule-breaker.
“I also wanted to write the story in a modern voice. I didn’t want to write a book I’d already read. I wanted it to reflect a modern storyteller’s voice, so I brought people and concepts in to the book that are more modern. Strong female characters, for example, independent, capable women who weren’t afraid of anyone or anybody. The second in command is a very robust woman who didn’t take $*!* from any one. I wanted her to be prominent, not his love interest. Another one was his love interest.”
Westbrook will move full-time to Irvington, VA, in the spring. To read more about “The Bermuda Privateer” author click here . Meet the author at the Mariners' Museum at 3 p.m. October 21.
To order the book, click here.
The second novel in the series is in the editing phase. Stay tuned.
