I Was Writing, I Swear!

I sat down and started writing chapter 6 of my pirate story, but my eyes started to close. Now I can barely keep them open. I apologize, but I will attempt to get up early and write chapter 6.

Ahoy, mateys!

Proofreading Help

How do self-publishers go about getting their short stories proofread? I know I could ask friends, but if it's something I don't necessarily want anyone to read until it's published, how can I trust a proofreader not to steal my work? It's a scary thing.

I'm pretty good at proofreading, but I can sometimes see words that aren't there just because I know what it's supposed to say.

Pirate Fantasy, part 5

The office was immense. It was more like a library, with books lining three of the four walls. Directly across from the entry was a set of large french doors that opened to a patio and garden. Throughout the room was plush furniture for conversation or lounging.

"If you are quite finished examining my office you may have a seat, Mr. Lafitte!" Old Hopewell bellowed.

Edward tilted his head, hoping to express he was not impressed, as he slowly took a seat across from the massive mahogany desk. In a practiced French accent he said, "Merci, Monsieur Hopewell. It ees an interesting little home you have here on ziss island."

"You think my home little?"

"Forgive me. My English iz not so good. I find it... quaint?" He fluttered his hands at the room. "My own estate is quite large and can accommodate two of you own. But zen I have many people who work for me and live on my property. I am a very powerful man looking for an equally powerful family in zee Americas wiss whom I may combine resources."

"What can you offer me in exchange for my daughter's hand?"

What a pig! He was selling his daughter off with no care for her feelings? He cleared his throat. "I have many trading ships. I am zee most powerful trader in all of Europe, and soon to be zee Americas. Zere is no one comes close to my connections and operations."

Hopewell grinned at him and nodded, looking him up and down. There was actually a twinkle in the old man's eyes. Edward tried not to shudder at the fact this man would give his daughter over to an obvious pirate.

"You'll do nicely."

A woman's gasp came from across the room. She had been half hiding in the shadows of a bookshelf. She stepped into the light. "You cannot be serious, Chester!"

"Do not speak against me, woman! You of all people should not be surprised by my choice." He glared over at her and she shrank back, staring at the floor.

Edward maintained his persona and flashed an arrogant smirk at the old man. "We must keep our women in zere places, yes!" He laughed loudly.

Chester Hopewell stood and extended his hand to seal the deal. "I will have a marriage contract drawn up immediately. We can have the ceremony at your earliest convenience."

"Zat would be most appreciated." Edward shook the disgusting man's hand before turning to go. He was in shock. What sort of man would give his daughter to a pirate? For all he knew she could be sold into slavery or used among the men on the ship. He was not about to let anything like that ever happen to his midnight angel. Once she was his he would protect her with his life. For she would soon be his wife in truth.

Pirate Fantasy, part 4

Chester Hopewell sat back in his gloriously plush desk chair and puffed away on his cigar. He eyed the man who hoped to marry his daughter. "Why should I let you wed her?"

Douglas Redding, Esquire came from new money in America. Something to do with railroads or shipping or something. He was the youngest son in that family, though, and most likely did not stand to inherit much at all. Businesses usually fell upon the eldest sons. He had a weak chin and a lisp.

"Thir, I can athure you your daughter would not want for anything. I will treat her like a queen!" He smiled proudly.

"Why the hell should I care what you can do for that chit? Tell me what you can do for ME!"

Douglass shrank under the older man's intense glare. "Well, I-I-I'm not thure what you mean, thir. My family is quite rethpectable, revered in fact. It thertainly would not hurt your reputathion should our families align."

"Get out, you ninny!" He nodded to his butler. "Send in the next candidate, Collins."

"Right away, Sir." He led Mr. Redding away and announced the next potential groom. "Mr. Jebediah Crabbich."

Mr. Hopewell squinted at the skinny, smarmy old man as he daintily seated himself across from his desk. "And tell me why I should let you marry my daughter."

The older man snickered and licked his lips. "I own several thousand acres of certain medicinal plants, if you take my meaning."

Hopewell sat up straighter and raised his eyebrows. "I think I do." He smiled.

Outside the office, Edward paced in the hallway. He was next. Thankfully, his informant on the island had met with him late last night when they docked in the cove. The man had mentioned the husband interviews and that Hopewell was seeking someone to align his business with. Edward had the perfect proposition, not that he had any intent of making good on it.

Upon hearing that the man apparently had no love for his daughter, Edward decided a disguise was in order. After all, the man surely would not want his daughter to have a happy marriage to a nice gentleman. That idea held more merit when he viewed the trail of men who had left with their tails between their legs. Each one was more hideous than the last.

The butler led out the next man and pointed to Edward. He reached up and adjusted his eye patch, stroked a hand over his facial hair, adjusted his sword and pistol and followed the servant into the lion's den.

Pirate Fantasy, part 3

Edward forgot how to breathe as he gazed upon the girl in the window. She had golden hair that hung to her waist, full pouting lips and big sad eyes. He wanted nothing more in this moment than to make them shine with joy. Why was she so unhappy? Could she be a prisoner? He hadn't been made aware of such happenings here. He knew this island well, including every access point to the entire fortress. If she was being held against her will he would make it his personal mission to rescue her.

"What you lookin' at?"

Edward barely heard Cookie, but spoke, still mesmerized. "An angel in white."

"Ya don't say? Might I take a gander at such a vision? I've ne'er seen an angel meself."

Reluctantly he passed his glass to his friend and pointed. "See that light in the distance there?"

"O'ho! She is indeed a beauty. So sad, though."

"I think she may be a prisoner."

"Or perhaps she's Hopewell's daughter. I'd be miserable too, were he my da."

Edward chuckled. "Either way, we need to get her out of there."

Cookie nodded. "I agree. Fire is about to erupt. We don't want the little lady caught in the crossfire. 'Sides, she might be mighty grateful, if ye catch me meaning."

"I do, indeed." Her gratitude would be most welcome, especially if she afforded him a thank you kiss. "I need to tell Captain."

"You do that," Cookie smiled knowingly as the boy walked away. He was the only other one on board who knew of the captain's illness, but had sworn loyalty to Edward. He knew the rest of the crew would do the same when they found out he had been their leader all this time.

Pirate Fantasy, part 2

Edward stared out at the waves, letting the lull of the water calm him. Being on the ocean was home to him. He had never felt like he belonged anywhere until he was taken aboard this ship. That was nearly ten years ago. He knew this ship like it was his own. Someday it would be.

"What ye be doin' out here, boyo?" Old Jim croaked. "Dreaming again?"

"Drinking again, Jim?"

"Always!" He laughed and tottered off.

Poor Jim. He hadn't been the same since his wife died last year. He had been out on a job when she passed. Fortunately their three sons were there taking care of her. Jim had provided for his family the best way he knew how, even if he had missed out on raising his children.

Edward knew he would never have a family of his own. He could never give up this life and he would not want to abandon his family. A ship was no place to raise children.

After one last gaze out at the waves he walked around the deck, inspecting rigging and making sure everyone was doing their jobs. He had come a long way since his thankless job as cabin boy.

"Evenin', Eddie!"

"Evenin' Cookie. Out for a smoke?"

"That and some fresh air, mate. It's hotter than Hades down below, especially in the kitchen."

"That it is. It's calm enough to sleep on deck tonight, if you prefer."

"I might indeed."

"And I just might join you." With a pat on his back from Cookie, Edward finished up his rounds, before heading down below to the Captain's quarters. He rapped quietly before stepping inside. He walked over to the bed and looked down at his mentor.

"Ah, Edward my boy, you're here."

"And where else would I be, Sir?"

"Oh, I don't know. Out looking for mermaids, perhaps? You're a fine looking lad. They would not be able to resist you." He laughed until he started wheezing.

Edward quickly helped him sit up. "Here now." He grabbed a mug off the table and made him drink.

"What would I have done without you these last few years? You are literally my right hand." He waved his stump of an arm in the air then let it drop to stare at the wall.

This strange behavior was happening with more frequency. Edward had secretly been making all decisions for years, ever since their ship had been bombed by an enemy of The Crown. The Captain had been severely injured and had never fully recovered. He made an appearance to the crew every now and then, but usually it was to tell them all that Edward was in charge when he wasn't around. That hadn't been a problem, as he was well liked by all. He just didn't want to make all the decisions alone. Sadly, his captain could no longer help him.

After seeing to his captain's comfort Edward went back to his favorite spot on deck, staring out at the waves. A point of light caught his eye and he glanced up. It looked like a window. He pulled out his spyglass.

Gazing out of that window was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen!

Pirate Fantasy

Carina stared out the window of her parents' island estate, at the vast expanse of dark blue. The sun had set nearly an hour ago, but under the moonlight she could make out the white tips of the chopping waves. How she longed to sail away from here. She didn't even care where she went. Anywhere was better than this prison.
She slapped her hand against the stone wall. No matter how much plaster was slathered over it, the imposing weight of what was beneath radiated through.

"Miss Hopewell, I have your dinner."

She turned to see Frannie or Fanny. Or was it Federica? It seemed like her mother hired a new lady's maid every other month. What had been the problem with Anna? Was it that she had been too nice? Carina still longed for her first maid, Beth. They had been close in age and she had sorely needed a friend when she had first come home from boarding school. She heaved out a sigh. There was no point dwelling on the past. It had been two years.

Now her life was this tower cell awaiting an arranged marriage.

"Thank you, um--"

"Francesca, Miss."

"Yes, thank you, Francesca." Carina sat down to dine on roast beef and asparagus in a rich cream sauce. One would suppose when one lived on an island there would be an abundance of seafood. Of course, since it was her favorite, her parents would never serve it. God forbid, they allow their daughter a modicum of pleasure. She chewed the beef slowly, while longing for branzino.

"Will there be anything else, Miss?"

"No, thank you. Good night." She watched her maid leave then set down her fork. She got up and went back to the window. She let the waves calm her worried mind.

Out in the distance, still out of sight, a small ship with black sails crept around the far side of the island.