Thursday, April 8, 2010
Fallen Heroes and the Unlikely Hero
Captain Phil Harris
Next week, The Deadliest Catch starts its new season, April 13. Those who have followed this show for years got to know the men who they profile on the show. And in our own small ways, we like to think we know them well. And we miss them when they aren’t showing up on the television set.
These guys do an amazingly hard job, all for the sake of those who love crab and want to eat them. I don’t eat crab. No particular prejudice against them, just never developed the taste.
And the show is laced with profanities, stupid boy tricks and macho crap that can make a person nuts. But…it’s also a lot about tradition and family. The Hillstrand brothers share the captainship of the Time Bandit and family member step aboard. They buried their patriarch where they can salute him every time they return from a hard season.
The Northwestern has Sig Hansen and his brothers. And the Cornelia Marie had Phil Harris and his two sons, Josh and Jake. Phil passed away a few months ago, in the midst of filming. And he’s going to be missed. Not just by his family, though their claim is the most paramount one. But we’re gonna miss him.
He was a rough guy, didn’t get enough sleep, drank too much coffee, too many energy drinks, smoked wa-a-a-a-a-a-a-ay too much. We watched him two seasons ago struggle as a blood clot nearly killed him while fishing. (Or crabbing.) Saw him in the hospital, sneaking out for a smoke. He survived that and made it back to his boat. Until this season. He collapsed while unloading. I don’t know how the Discovery Channel is going to handle his death, midseason. But I know they consulted with his boys about how to do him justice.
He had sharp blue eyes and he loved his kids, loved having them on the boat with him. They drove him crazy, but you could see the love underneath all the yelling, cussing and slapping (brothers - they often smacked each other around. My DH, who has brothers, tells me this is normal for boys. My sis would hit me, but it wasn’t normal… But that’s my family dynamics!)
Captain Phil was a hero. And I think he’d be a fun hero to write about. He was covered with tattoos, had a body that looked worn and beaten and well used. And he had a sharp sense of humor, a phenomenal work ethic and a true sense of responsibility regarding what he owed his crew.
And I wonder about the women these men leave behind when they go out for weeks in the most dangerous fishing grounds there are… And their families, what is it like for them? Sig Hansen, of the Northwestern, has a pair of girls in his family. I somehow doubt he’ll want one of his girls taking up the call. His brother Edgar? Don’t know about his family. And there is another brother onboard, but he’s more camera shy.
The Hillstrands have a lot of family aboard. Jonathon and Andy swap captainship, one does king crab, the other opillio. They have another brother on board, Neal, and Jonathon’s son, Scott. I’m not sure, but he looks to be the one to keep up the family dynasty.
Two brothers, Keith and Monte Colburn work the Wizard, another boat the cameras often follow. The boats have changed over the years. I think the Northwestern is the only one that has been in from the beginning and that’s because Sig is part of the program.
Do these men do heroic things? Well, they don’t fight fires…unless the boat catches on fire. They don’t go out on rescue missions, except when they do. When a fellow fisherman is in trouble and they can get close. One year, Captain Jonathon, I think it was, saw a guy fall from another boat and they managed to save his life. They’ve kept cameramen from certain injury time and again. And when Captain Phil fell ill, the relief captain asked one of the camera guys to keep an eye on him.
They work hard, they play hard and they can be brutal to each other. But they care. A young man on the Northwestern lost his sister last year and they did everything possible to see him back to port so he could return to his family, to mourn. It was touching to see how these tough guys cared and showed it. And though the audio caught his sorrow, the cameras stayed away, asked by Sig to give the kid some room.
The men who go down to the sea in ships. The merchants, the fishermen, the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines…even the great yachtsmen (Go, Larry Ellison and congrats on bringing the America’s Cup to San Francisco! Whoop!) They work with a fickle thing. The sea. Which I love, but I know doesn’t even know I exist. It isn’t personal, it’s just doing what it does.
I’ll miss Captain Phil. And I wonder about his two sons. How will they pull together to keep the Cornelia Marie in the fleet? Neither seem old enough to take on the captainship, but circumstances may have left them little choice. Phil wasn’t ready to go, that I’m sure of. He had a lot more life to live, but it wasn’t meant to be. I understand he fell into a coma, but woke up enough to tell the cameramen to stay, this was part of the show.
The years haven’t been kind to the men. I see earlier shows and how much younger Sig looked! How worn he looks now…they all show the wear and tear of a tough job.
But they deserve a book, or a dozen. And I wonder, who will take up that banner? There is a NASCAR series out there. Firefighters, Navy Seals, Police… Who is going to take up the romance of the Alaskan Crab Fisherman?
Staring Captain Phil Harris…who I bet had a fascinating life…
We’ll miss you, Captain Phil!
These guys do an incredibly dangerous job, for cash. But it’s their everyday job. What everyday heroes have you read about? Seen cast as romance heroes and done a damned fine job of it? Delivery men? Personal trainers? Butchers?
And heroines? Our heroines often are simple working women. I have to admit, my heroes? Well, I sat down to count it out… Two pirate captains, one physician, one carpenter, one BDSM master, a mercenary, several simply independently wealthy. Heroines? Ah….a magical witch, a writer, a bookseller, a bartender, a mercenary… I’m lazy, I hate research. Though I gave Emily a side to earn money with, she crafts handbound books…
What about you? What professions do you most often write about? Read about? I enjoy reading the craftsie type mysteries to learn about assorted hobbies. Where do your heroes come from? Your heroines?
Any heroes out there you think deserve their own romance book? Ever watch The Deadliest Catch and thought, “I’m never eating crab again…this is nuts!”
Next week, The Deadliest Catch starts its new season, April 13. Those who have followed this show for years got to know the men who they profile on the show. And in our own small ways, we like to think we know them well. And we miss them when they aren’t showing up on the television set.
These guys do an amazingly hard job, all for the sake of those who love crab and want to eat them. I don’t eat crab. No particular prejudice against them, just never developed the taste.
And the show is laced with profanities, stupid boy tricks and macho crap that can make a person nuts. But…it’s also a lot about tradition and family. The Hillstrand brothers share the captainship of the Time Bandit and family member step aboard. They buried their patriarch where they can salute him every time they return from a hard season.
The Northwestern has Sig Hansen and his brothers. And the Cornelia Marie had Phil Harris and his two sons, Josh and Jake. Phil passed away a few months ago, in the midst of filming. And he’s going to be missed. Not just by his family, though their claim is the most paramount one. But we’re gonna miss him.
He was a rough guy, didn’t get enough sleep, drank too much coffee, too many energy drinks, smoked wa-a-a-a-a-a-a-ay too much. We watched him two seasons ago struggle as a blood clot nearly killed him while fishing. (Or crabbing.) Saw him in the hospital, sneaking out for a smoke. He survived that and made it back to his boat. Until this season. He collapsed while unloading. I don’t know how the Discovery Channel is going to handle his death, midseason. But I know they consulted with his boys about how to do him justice.
He had sharp blue eyes and he loved his kids, loved having them on the boat with him. They drove him crazy, but you could see the love underneath all the yelling, cussing and slapping (brothers - they often smacked each other around. My DH, who has brothers, tells me this is normal for boys. My sis would hit me, but it wasn’t normal… But that’s my family dynamics!)
Captain Phil was a hero. And I think he’d be a fun hero to write about. He was covered with tattoos, had a body that looked worn and beaten and well used. And he had a sharp sense of humor, a phenomenal work ethic and a true sense of responsibility regarding what he owed his crew.
And I wonder about the women these men leave behind when they go out for weeks in the most dangerous fishing grounds there are… And their families, what is it like for them? Sig Hansen, of the Northwestern, has a pair of girls in his family. I somehow doubt he’ll want one of his girls taking up the call. His brother Edgar? Don’t know about his family. And there is another brother onboard, but he’s more camera shy.
The Hillstrands have a lot of family aboard. Jonathon and Andy swap captainship, one does king crab, the other opillio. They have another brother on board, Neal, and Jonathon’s son, Scott. I’m not sure, but he looks to be the one to keep up the family dynasty.
Two brothers, Keith and Monte Colburn work the Wizard, another boat the cameras often follow. The boats have changed over the years. I think the Northwestern is the only one that has been in from the beginning and that’s because Sig is part of the program.
Do these men do heroic things? Well, they don’t fight fires…unless the boat catches on fire. They don’t go out on rescue missions, except when they do. When a fellow fisherman is in trouble and they can get close. One year, Captain Jonathon, I think it was, saw a guy fall from another boat and they managed to save his life. They’ve kept cameramen from certain injury time and again. And when Captain Phil fell ill, the relief captain asked one of the camera guys to keep an eye on him.
They work hard, they play hard and they can be brutal to each other. But they care. A young man on the Northwestern lost his sister last year and they did everything possible to see him back to port so he could return to his family, to mourn. It was touching to see how these tough guys cared and showed it. And though the audio caught his sorrow, the cameras stayed away, asked by Sig to give the kid some room.
The men who go down to the sea in ships. The merchants, the fishermen, the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines…even the great yachtsmen (Go, Larry Ellison and congrats on bringing the America’s Cup to San Francisco! Whoop!) They work with a fickle thing. The sea. Which I love, but I know doesn’t even know I exist. It isn’t personal, it’s just doing what it does.I’ll miss Captain Phil. And I wonder about his two sons. How will they pull together to keep the Cornelia Marie in the fleet? Neither seem old enough to take on the captainship, but circumstances may have left them little choice. Phil wasn’t ready to go, that I’m sure of. He had a lot more life to live, but it wasn’t meant to be. I understand he fell into a coma, but woke up enough to tell the cameramen to stay, this was part of the show.
The years haven’t been kind to the men. I see earlier shows and how much younger Sig looked! How worn he looks now…they all show the wear and tear of a tough job.
But they deserve a book, or a dozen. And I wonder, who will take up that banner? There is a NASCAR series out there. Firefighters, Navy Seals, Police… Who is going to take up the romance of the Alaskan Crab Fisherman?
Staring Captain Phil Harris…who I bet had a fascinating life…
We’ll miss you, Captain Phil!
These guys do an incredibly dangerous job, for cash. But it’s their everyday job. What everyday heroes have you read about? Seen cast as romance heroes and done a damned fine job of it? Delivery men? Personal trainers? Butchers?
And heroines? Our heroines often are simple working women. I have to admit, my heroes? Well, I sat down to count it out… Two pirate captains, one physician, one carpenter, one BDSM master, a mercenary, several simply independently wealthy. Heroines? Ah….a magical witch, a writer, a bookseller, a bartender, a mercenary… I’m lazy, I hate research. Though I gave Emily a side to earn money with, she crafts handbound books…
What about you? What professions do you most often write about? Read about? I enjoy reading the craftsie type mysteries to learn about assorted hobbies. Where do your heroes come from? Your heroines?
Any heroes out there you think deserve their own romance book? Ever watch The Deadliest Catch and thought, “I’m never eating crab again…this is nuts!”
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90 comments:
Hmmm... I don't think I write about a specific profession. My first story and my current are set in the Regency so they don't really have professions. Well, my current heroine is a mistress. So that's kind of a profession.
Even my one go at contemporary I didn't choose any good professions. Heroine worked in a bar and my hero was an angel.
I haven't watched Deadliest Catch and I don't eat that much seafood. But I do think it's insane that in this day and age, it's ridiculous that these men would have to risk their lives for people to get this food. Then again, I'm not a big crab eater, so maybe I'm a little biased.
Wow -- that was amazing! I've never watched the show before, but now I feel like I have. What a great tribute. I've always enjoyed crab, but now it'll have so much more meaning to me, knowing what they go through to provide it.
I think of these men as the unsung heroes. Their lives are certainly dangerous, as well as dramatic, and they deserve their own books.
And my heroes have been British nobility (Regencies) and a privateer and detective and a chef, so far. Not sure who's next!
Yeah, but I think the people who are in this profession are in it because they prefer to work for themselves, make pretty good money at it (if they find a nice strike of crab), and enjoy the thrill and occasional danger of it. If you didn't enjoy danger, you'd never get on a boat. I'm sure family tradition contributes plenty, but every so often there is a person who doesn't like the water and becomes an accountant. So I'm not going to feel bad they risked their lives to get me crab--anymore I'm going to feel bad that a fireman rushed into a building to save someone. In the end, I know your ass does it because you rather enjoy the thrill of it.
I generally read about lords and ladies, which is a sort of celebrity job. I read about Dark Hunters, which I'm pretty sure don't technically exist, no matter how convincing Kenyon plays it. Contemporary wise, I read more about blue-collar men if I can help it: cowboys, carpenters, et al. I don't like white collars. It's an automatic Beta in my book. However, CEOs and stuff are pretty popular (and "alpha"), but I don't like them either--mainly because I don't like business majors. They're a weird BOA. I do like professors and musicians though...but there are less books about them, I think.
I do enjoy Kleypas's contemporary men--and they were CEO types...but you didn't have to see him in his office, so it was okay. And Hardy was such a rough neck that even in business wear, you knew he was a moment away from throwing the first punch.
My heroes--so far--don't have major professions, which is only one of the many issues with them. Lucifer is, well, the devil, so that's his profession. Adam is a farmer and inventor (very science minded at times). Ben...Ben I never really pinpointed what he did for a living. Which is ironic because if you ask me what the profession is of the guy who inspired Ben, I couldn't tell you. I think engineer, but that is a term that covers just about anything. I mean, I could go around saying I was a book engineer, you know?
Hell, I think you might be right about the thrill seeker part of things. I just wonder how many people think "I'll just give this a try", and then they get sucked in by the money and can't get out.
I would like more cowboy heroes! And I had to laugh about Lucifer BEING his profession. LOL Not much worry about job security there!
Book engineer -- I like that!
This is a wonderful tribute to these guys. I've caught some episodes and always end up shaking my head thinking, "These guys are nuts." But they do love doing it. Many of them come back season after season. I've seen some where a guy falls overboard and they don't find him. It affects every boat in the water. Those are painful episodes.
I have no plans to write about Alaskan Crab Fishermen, but I do have an upcoming hero who Captains his own charter boat out of Ocracoke Island. Takes it our for tours, parties, deep sea fishing.
I also tend to write about more blue-collar type characters. But unlike Hellie, I have nothing against the Business Majors. Since I ARE ONE! LOL!
Now English Majors can be annoying...
First hero was a chef but I couldn't make that book work. Current hero is a professional baseball player turned HS coach. Next hero is either the boat captain or the cop, haven't made up my mind. But small town cop, no RS in my future. :)
I do have a PI and a hero who looks like a bike messenger who actually owns the company on the far back burners. All in all, no professors or politicians (could you really redeem a politician?!?!) or bankers (insert same question here) in my future stories.
We're only annoying because we're right.
You're something alright....but right is not the word that comes to mind.
Marnee - I know the regencies I have read I felt were better when they gave the hero something to do. Even if they just...well...were actual working dukes! Actually did the stuff Dukes were supposed to do...House of Lords, or taking care of their estates...
Give a guy something to do! Yup, a few of my heros were wealthy guys, but...one ran a philathropric company. One was a bit of a local venture capitalist.
I think Phil and the guys could carry a book... Romance in the old fashioned way would not work...women just aren't a part of this industry. But it could be done. They had a couple of wives on some of the early seasons...and a daughter, if I recall. So, why not a stowaway woman?
Donna - These guys, they do if for the money, sure. But I think it also takes a certain breed of man to take the risk. And be willing to work so hard, even if it is for a limited amount of time.
It's very traditional. A lot of these guys started on their father's or uncle's boats...
I'm always up for a bit of privateer...
I swear, I think a lot of these guys...going crabbing is a chance to play pirate, grown-up style.
Don't make me have to to start listing the things I've been right about. We don't have the blog space. Plus I need to enter these folders.
Hellie - It's interesting...the young guy who lost his sister last season and had to fly home during the season... He came to Alaska after seeing the show, thinking... "I can do this!"
And a lot of guys do this and most end up crashing and burning. But he was determined. Comes from a family of girls...and after several seasons, he hung with it. Won the respect of the Northwestern crew. And is now the primary money earner for his family.
That sort of determination and drive is very alpha. Yet, he had so much to learn and still more to learn.
He'd make a great hero.
Book-engineer! Really sounds like a profession for a steampunk hero...
Man, the mysteries I've read? Candlemaker, shop keeper, rare book collector/expert. Archeologist, pet groomer, pet sitter, gardener...
I think that is one of the reasons I keep going back to mysteries, they vary more in regard to what a person does for a living.
Don’t make me have to to start listing the things I’ve been right about. We don’t have the blog space.
EVERYTHING. How's that? :) Doesn't take up much room and it's very efficient!
Chance, I totally agree on this requiring a certain kind of man, because it does involve huge risk, not to mention the kind of effort that ages a man. It probably IS a chance to be a grown-up pirate! (My hero calls himself a privateer even though he's a pirate, only because he has government sanction! LOL)
Oh, I hadn't heard about Captain Phil, though I remember the episode with the blood clot and how sad and scary that was. My hubs loves this show, loves the rough, hard work that they're doing around the clock. I just finished a romance on a ranch, and it was amazing the amount of work that went into it (and, I'm sure, the amount of research required!) Of course, not much could make me give up my 9-5 job in an office chair, but . . .
I guess law enforcement is the career path I keep coming back to. Current hero is a cop, last hero was an FBI agent, hero before that was CIA. Uh, yeah, there's a pattern there. Even the two heroes who weren't cops were private security (body guards). Holy crap, I've never, ever, written a single man who wasn't in some version of law enforcement or protection! Hmmm, maybe I should start branching out *g*
As for heroines, I have one who went from selling houses to selling arms on the black market, one bomb maker, one U.N. election monitor, and one pilot. Oh, and there was a reporter in there, so I guess I have written at least one heroine with a fairly normal job. LOL! Geez, when I list it all out like this, there are some disturbingly obvious patterns coming to light!
Bo'sun - well, the hero of It's A Wonderful Life was a banker... So, sure! Maverick banker, who actually thinks of his custumer's money as his customer's money!
What a concept!
And if you start with a local politician, I think it would work. Not sure once they go beyond state county level if it's possible. I'd like to think it is...
Look forward to hearing about the new book with a charter boat captain as a hero! I love the sea...
Sigh.
Well, there is right and there is 'how is that working for you?' right.
Right isn't a lot of comfort in a time of need...
One thing about the captains on "The Deadliest Catch"...they are always right. Period. Even when they are wrong, they are right because if everyone had just stayed with the idea that they were right, no one would have been hurt or pissed.
It reminds me sometimes of Mel Brooks in "The History of the World" ... It's good ta be the king!
Since you've never figured out believing you're right and being right is two different things, I imagine that list would be pretty damn long.
I realize I didn't include my heroine's professions. Lessee, Celi started as a secretary and morphed into a PR rep. Emma is a HS English teacher and Anna of my short erotic romance story was a librarian.
For future books, I have Bridgit (heroine to the cop) who is pretty much a professional misfit. But she might be a hairdresser by the time her book comes around. Julianne (heroine for the boat captain) is a lawyer, Julie (heroine to the bike messenger), and I'm not sure about the one with the PI. That's a weird chick lit type thing with para elements and I can't even remember her name. Toni, I think.
Hal - Law enforcement is a very heroic field, so not surprising you are finding heroes there.
Would be fascinating to get you on the couch and dive into your brain as to when did you find such a connection to law enforcement types...
I think I was sea struck at an early age! LOL!
Donna - When I write pirate, I write full on pirate. Never really bought the whole privateer stuff. I know it's a historical fact, but I want my heroes to be doing it for cash, not country.
I'm funny that way! ;)
Wow, left an entire chunk out of a sentence there. LOL! You'll have to excuse me as construction here in our offices starts Monday so it's a madhouse around here.
Julie is...I'm not sure. Her story revolves around her always being a bridesmaid, but that can't really be a profession, huh? I can't remember what she does. Hell, I probably don't even know yet. LOL!
Hal - That's more than a pattern, hon. LOL! But if it's working, don't change a thing!
Bo'sun - I have to say, I'm liking the idea of a bike messenger as hero... There's a pirate vibe in that...
I'm pretty sure I don't want to know, Chance *g* There are some things left better to the subconscience!
Chance - Yeah, he flies through the streets and sidewalks and people in a busy downtown Pittsburgh. In fact, he practically runs the heroine over, which is how they meet. That's Blake. He's a sweetie.
I'm pretty sure Privateers were also doing it for the cash. LOL! They just took the papers to save their necks!
I don't just believe I'm right. You've ADMITTED I was right...so that makes all the difference.
You're right, Donna: EVERYTHING is far more efficient!
I like the IAWL reference. Jimmy Stewart was an easy beta to fall in love with. (Though I think he had some alpha quirks about wanting to leave town and not fall in love...and on and on.) But essentially beta. What a good man.
My "privateer" is definitely doing it for the cash, but he's trying to impress the heroine, so that's when he calls himself a privateer rather than a pirate. LOL
Yeah, but privateers ain't honest pirates...they be hidin' behind the papers! ARRRRR!
I'd probably have a pirate with fake papers, from each country, stashed in his cabin to pull out when needed to save his skin...
There be a fair amount of stealth and tricker in the crab industry. Sig was sitting on a rich bio mass of crab and turned his lights out...looking to keep it a bit secret. His boat was still on the radar of those around him, but it was a bit of a trick...hoping they could mine the lot before anyone else figured out they were sitting on a gold mine.
And the practical jokes are stellar! Especially the ones they play on other boats...
Me telling you you're right to sooth your ego is not quite the same thing. *poke poke poke*
Don't you have some folders to do?
Donna - Don't encourage her. Really. And you have a little brown spot there on your nose...
Hels - I'm not that big of fan of IAWL, but I did know that was a banker with a heart to reference...
I don't think I even realized he didn't want to fall in love and wanted to leave town. Funny, my dad had plans to travel, to not settle down...then he met my mom.
One of the last things he said to her addressed that... "and that made all the difference..."
Sigh.
When I write pirate, I write full on pirate. Never really bought the whole privateer stuff. I know it’s a historical fact, but I want my heroes to be doing it for cash, not country.
Why? That's one of the most interesting aspects of historical men: the concept of HONOR (which could be tied to patriotism/country.) Not that pirates don't have their own codes of honor, but I am curious why you wouldn't write about a privateer who was patriotic? I figure it's more a personal reason rather than anything to do with pirates.
My “privateer” is definitely doing it for the cash, but he’s trying to impress the heroine, so that’s when he calls himself a privateer rather than a pirate.
Nice, Donna! Very, very nice!
It's an interesting distinction, Hels. Not sure why I ended up with that prejudice against the privater...
I guess I want my pirates to be honorable because that is simply the men they are, not some country code. I seem to have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to linking pirating with patriotism???
Just seems like an excuse to do what they want to do anyway. So why not just skip any hint of hypocrasy and just call it pirating...?
My pirates have honor, but it's a personal thing with them, and most went to the sea to get away from the oppression of their country. Even escaped the Royal Navy to get away from the tyranny of the officers.
I'm sure I could do some time on the couch with the idea...but don't wanna.
Donna - AHA! So, in reality he's just using the label of privateer ta get what he wants...the girl! That be a pirate!
Donna – Don’t encourage her. Really. And you have a little brown spot there on your nose…
LOL -- seems like everything I'm trying today is backfiring! Can't wait to see what land mines are waiting in my WIP. LOL
Thanks, Hal, and Chance -- exactly! He's a crafty fella. He's pretty much reinventing himself because he was not very heroic in the prior book, and he knows it. LOL
Riggghhhhht. And your heroine is nothing like you.
Wow, imagine my surprise to pull up the ship here and find Captain Phil staring back at me. Then I thought this has to be Chance's blog and immediately remembered it's Friday!
If anyone can make those rough and tumble guys romantic it would be you Chance! It seems to be right up your alley.
I think I've seen a total of about 10 minutes of that show (and that's being generous). My husband and son, however, watch it all the time! I remember the day he died. The DH was at the computer and looked at me with this awful look on his face asking where my son was. I really thought he read that a classmate or friend or someone had been killed. He shook his head and whispered to me Phil Harris died, fully expecting me to gasp instead of say who? He gently broke the news and they reminisced about favorite episodes and talked about the one where he almost died last year. I was naturally the wet blanket pointing out that he probably got a year longer than he should have considering the lifestyle he chose.
What about American privateers? Were we oppressive too?
I guess I want my pirates to be honorable because that is simply the men they are, not some country code.
I think honor has to be anchored to something. I don't believe it exists for existence's sake. I think it's human nature to put things on pedestals.
I was naturally the wet blanket pointing out that he probably got a year longer than he should have considering the lifestyle he chose.
*ROTFLMAO* I was sorta thinking that when Chance kept going on about his smoking and eating habits!
Well, I think the privateer thing is a thinly veiled code of 'doing whatever under an excuse of patriotism' ... Yeah, my pinko CA rising to the surface.
I'm not the greatest with American history of privateers...we used them for the Civil War era?
You don't think honor can exist with an anchor? I got to think about this. ... Reminds me too much of me Mum going on about how morality can't be taught in school without religion as the basis.
Sorry, I just don't buy that. Honor can come from more than love of country... And morality isn't only a product of religion...
Lots of athiestic moral people in the world and honorable people who do what they do because it feels right to who they decide to be...
Am I stirring up a hornet's nest? Ah, well. It's Friday!
Oh, yeah...Irish. The day I heard Phil died I was just so sad. And seeing the commercials for this coming season just fill me with a mellow sort of melancholy.
Phil was one of the good guys. I seldom saw him actually get nasty or mean. And to watch him with those sons of his...so proud, so frustrated, so darned pushing himself for them...
Yeah, he was lucky to survive the year he got and to make it back out on his boat. I'm sure I'll totally get sobby when they reach that episode where we lose him. And I do mean 'we'.
I dreamt about him the night I heard he was gone. Just sitting on a porch step, talking about how life just turned out this way. And we watched the other captains stroll away, and he had to turn another way...
He was a hero. And I cannot imagine what his sons will do without him.
As for my hero and heroine I'm so focused on their hangups, psychoses (?) and emotional roadblocks that I haven't really put too much thought into their professions yet. I do try to make them something I know something about (I'm lazy too - less research). My hero is some kind of white collar worker and heroine, I'm thinking a lawyer. With my heroine I tried to give her a high stress, demanding career that she got into because she was pushed by her parents and she really just wants to stay home and have kids. So her profession kind works into her personality. My hero not so much.
The next hero I'm getting a little outrageous with, but again that's because I want him to be opposite of what eveyone thinks he is. So he has to be extremely wealthy but kind of seem like a bum. And his heroine is a kindergarten teacher.
Wow, I guess I have given this some thought. LOL
I imagine some did it under the veneer of looking good. But I imagine some also did it because they sincerely believed in their country too. I don't think it's odd to be patriotic, even in this day and age. But I think it was a more "natural" feeling historically. We want to belong to something: to a cause, to a country, or both. I'm sure your pirates belong to their own island, belong to their own cause--so basically they've just got their own country that hasn't been named. Are you saying they aren't patriotic then?
The privateers I'm thinking of are for Revolutionary War and War of 1812, but I do believe there were some Civil War ones too.
No, I just think it works better it's anchored to something. *shrugs*
So he has to be extremely wealthy but kind of seem like a bum.
So like a video game designer? Grown men who play video games all day make me insane.
I'm with Chance on this one. I think men are honorable without it having to be for country. In fact, I think patriotism comes from honor, not the other way around.
But, I also agree with Hellie that privateers having that added ingredient of flying the flag of a certain nation adds more to the story. In fact, when the privateer still makes his own rules and doesn't jump when his country demands, that adds great conflict and layers to the story. And to the man!
Donna - Bob and weave, girly. Bob and weave. LOL! (Should that be weeve? My head is starting to hurt again.)
I was sorta thinking that when Chance kept going on about his smoking and eating habits!
Yeah, I did the whole mom thing... this is why we don't smoke, work at stressful jobs and curse like a sailor all day long!!! To which the DH deadpans - or fish! It was sort of a funny conversation cause I kept putting in my two cents and then ending it with... not that I'm not sad that that poor man is dead. His poor family must be devastated... although what did they expect him living the way he did. It just went on and on from there. Me trying to comfort and failing miserably cause I just couldn't keep my opinions to myself. Finally, my daughter looks at me and says...mom I don't think you really care that he's dead!
The more I think about it Chance, it would make a pretty interesting story. The more we talked about him the more I wanted to see/read/hear about his wife!
Irish - That's my biker messenger! He started the company and it grew and now he can sit back and enjoy life. But he still loves the adrenaline rush of tearing through the streets and dodging the cabs and buses, so he still rides. Julie assumes he's *just* a bike messenger. And he doesn't bother to correct her.
I'm sure you're right, especially if I were writing real historical that privateers would have a place. And yes, my pirates consider Tortuga their country and the pirate republics is more a reality than myth...
I think it's funny...we called them privateers during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, the Brits called them pirates. Nothing ever changes!
I'm not anti-patriotic. I'm just inherently suspicious of how loosely the term is used as a justification for just about everything. And used as a club to beat at those who carry their love of country in a different fashion. Like all labels, it is subject to abuse and misuse.
In fact, I think patriotism comes from honor, not the other way around.
I can agree with this. This makes sense. But when Chance tried to say it, it sounded like she didn't think true patriotism existed.
Whatever. I'm done being gangbanged for the day. Have a good one!
So like a video game designer? Grown men who play video games all day make me insane
OMG, Hellie, that is exactly what I was thinking about this morning. I'll just make him someone who invents one of those insane games that grosses millions!
Finally, my daughter looks at me and says…mom I don’t think you really care that he’s dead!
Poor Irish! We know you care! But I'm with you: I'd be a little hard pressed to be sympathetic.
But I agreed with you! LOL! I'd never even thought about those two topics before and how they connected. Almost a chicken and an egg sort of thing.
And I think in many ways, honor is not as prevalent today as it once was. Or not deemed as important maybe? Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of men and women with honor, but you don't hear the word thrown about like it was centuries ago.
Ah, were we picking on Hel? Come on back, have a Hel Banger and stop feeling sorry fer yerself. We was just discussing things!
Irish - I really would like to see how the wives and kids at home handle these trips. But I think that might be were the guys draw the line at how far the cameras can go. Doesn't mean I don't want to know. I never saw a Mrs. Phil anywhere. Seen Sig's wife at the end of season. (A knock out.) And Andy Hillstrand with his young family. But not sure how many of the rest of the guys have the whole wife at home thing.
It would be a hard life...
Ter - I LOVE those types of heroes. Guys that do what they want when they want because they enjoy it, not to make the buck. They are very attractive - kind of their own man thing going on. The fact that they can buy and sell almost anyone around them is also extremely sexy! LOL
I'm just finishing up "lead me On" by Victoria Dahl and the hero owns a demolishion company, but for more than half the book, the heroine just thinks he works for the company! So that can work!
The guys who play video games all day? Trust me, they are really working their asses off. The good ones. That industry just eats hours of your life. A really greedy taskmaster. And if you own one? Still spending all your time pleading for more money from the money men to keep things going, or meeting with the Japanese about packaging or trying to keep the Chinese from pirating your product...
So glad my DH didn't go into that aspect of things!
Yeah - I'm looking forward to this boat captain out of that bay name that I'm not even going to try to remember because it's one of those east coast indian names that I'd pronounce wrong from the get go... Man, I need some caffeine!
I'm off on the quest for caffeine!
Irish - That story was way down on the list, but it may have just moved up. Total Romantic Comedy with a lot of physical humor. Runaway carriages (contemp though) and silly things happen to the heroine. I'll definitely get your input when it happens!
I need to write faster. Bah!
LOL! It's pronounced just like it's spelled. Ocracoke - like the veggie and the drink. And it's a real place at the bottom of the Outer Banks. Black Beard was taken down just off the island's coast, so it's a huge pirate area.
It's just this great little village on a small three mile stretch. You can practically see from one side to the other all the way down and the only way to get on or off the island is by ferry.
I like both ideas, Ter. The Ocracoke island thing sounds interesting as does the bike messenger. I know in my head, but sometimes have a hard time convincing myself, that it's really all about the characters not the setting. At least it is for me. If you would have told me I'd love a story about a football player, a golfer, a guy in a circus, etc. etc., I would have told you you're nuts. The setting just adds that little extra something when the characters are already interesting. IMO, anyway.
I'm off to find my long underwear. We scored some first baseline tickets to The White Sox game tonight and I don't think it's supposed to get above 50 degrees!!! I must be nuts!
I love baseball season, but even I wouldn't sit out there in that weather. LOL! We have a minor league team here and kiddo and I love to hit the ballpark. Have a great time!
And I'm with you on the characters. What they do is secondary for me, but then they usually come to me fully formed and let me know what they do. So it's not really up to me anyway. :)
Okracoke...ok. Think of deep fried okra in a coca cola base... You must take me there when I visit.
I think the setting is so important to the whole deal. The history channel tried a lobsterman version of The Deadliest Catch and it just didn't work the same. The guys were there, with all the stupid guy stuff...but no Bering Sea and the weather, the waves, the danger...
Is this bike messenger going to convince his love interest to take up the bicycle as a physical activity? I could see that, especially if she is one of the cycle challenged who can't seem to balance on a bike to save their life!
Yeah, this is definitely going under the "Things Mom Does Not To Be A Party Poop" column.
My daughter started giving me the "jeez, mom, it's not that cold out" attitude this morning and the DH set her down. He said hey, let her complain if she wants. She's gonna freeze her butt off and she's doing it just to spend quality family time with YOU. So zip it!
Not much could get me out into weaher like that. Honestly! The tits won't take it! Nor the toes!
I know what you mean, Chance! I have that thing where my toes and fingers get numb when they get too cold and it freaks me out. I'm always afraid they're gonna fall off or something! They got me out to a Notre Dame football game a year and a half ago and the whole focus of the trip was keeping mom warm! We got a heat seat, those little heat packets to put in your gloves and boots and I think I had about 4 layers on. It was freaking cold! But I have to admit we have awesome memories.
I used to think that it didn't matter whether I went with them or not. The 3 of them seem to get into stuff I just don't - camping, water parks, baseball games, etc. - but when I tell them I'm going with they get so excited I've learned to make the effort and do whatever it takes. My DH's attitude is rubbing off on me - it only took 20 years! LOL
I used to send the DH on things by himself but I'm trying, too. I cannot jog with him, so he runs with an old friend from work. But...I try to do other things with him.
An amazing blog, Chance. I love watching The Deadliest Catch. And Phil was a favorite. He'll definitely be missed.
I don't have too many books under my belt, so my heroes are few. One is a lord of some sort, can't remember what his title is at the moment. One was an ambassador for the king. One was a priest in the temple of Jerusalem (I say was because he isn't a priest at the end). One is a frontier minister that discovers not all is black and white. One (my favorite at the moment) is a survivor of Andersonville and currently a Pinkerton Agent.
A very moving blog.
That's Renee! Glad to finally have someone who knows the show well! I really liked Phil and am just really going to miss him...
Your heroes sound really interesting. I especially like the minister discovering not all is black and white. And a survivor of Andersonville that becomes a Pinkerton? Wow!
I think it’s funny…we called them privateers during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812, the Brits called them pirates. Nothing ever changes!
That's how it ALWAYS was. Depends on whose side of the war you were on what your title was; and it depends if your side won the war if you got to keep your neck.
And generally, even the countries that supported their privateers gave them up once alliances changed between countries. And they all became pirates, to everyone!
Peace breaks out and Tortuga is raised!
I love the Irish stories with her family. I just want to go, "Awwww."
Just because you don't have a ship, doesn't mean you're not a pirate. Though I think most pirates would be offended to be lumped in a category where backstabbing behavior is taking place.
Well, Barbarossa probably wouldn't care. He doesn't seem to mind the notion he's changed his mind.
I have to "Awwwww" at Irish's stories too. And I STILL say we need to clone Mr. Irish. Seriously.
Since I have no one to send kiddo off with, I go to movies and a few places I'd rather not. But thankfully, we both like mostly the same things. She adores anything to do with history so we love Williamsburg.
And I'm considering a trip to DC in the next couple months so we can do the Smithsonian. She would be beside herself excited in that place. And I haven't been in more than 20 years!
Chance - No problem. I'd love to go back down there.
Okay. Went to the 2 Nerdy Ladies in History site. Hysterical. And since we're talking about honorable men; and what honor meant to men in other centuries, you have to read this:
"1803. Colonel Montgomery and captain Macnamara quarrelled and fought a duel at Primrose-hill, because their dogs quarrelled and fought in Hyde-park. Captain Macnamara received colonel Montgomery's ball in the hip, and colonel Montgomery received captain Macnamara's ball in the heart. This exchange of shots being according to the laws of duelling and projectiles, Colonel Montgomery died on the spot. Captain Macnamara was tried at the Old Bailey, and, as a man of honour, was acquitted by a jury of men of honour. The laws of England and the laws of christianity only bind honourable men; men of honour govern each other by the superior power of sword and pistol. The humble suicide is buried with ignominy in a cross road, and a finger-post marks his grave for public scorn; the proud and daring duellist reposes in a christian grave beneath marble, proud and daring as himself."
This is the WEIRD crap I'm talking about. Honor is such a big deal and it was always anchored to something else...and just bizarre.
But I'm going to hope this is one story out of a group of normally honorable men. Who don't get excited about quarrelling dogs and DUEL in the middle of a park. WTF.
The Smithsonian is so freaking awesome!! Of course, all the historical places around: Archives, the monuments, et al...it's all great stuff. D.C. is a wonderful place to visit.
I'd like to go to Philadelphia too, for the historical touristy stuff.
I have this vision of a dueling field set up at the dogpark... A line of ambulences...the humane society ready to take away the orphaned dogs...
Weird shit.
Ah, now. Philadelphia, Boston...love to go back to DC with time to spend. And Mystic Seaport...
We took the kids to DC last year, Ter, and they loved it. I thought they'd get bored with everything but they didn't. Although, they did keep pointing out spots where National Treasure was filmed - that may have something to do with it. LOL
They really liked the tour of Mount Vernon and the National Archives. I'm bummed we didn't get time to visit Ford's Theater. I know that would have knocked their socks off. There's just something about being in a place where someone famous has been and it's still the same as it was then. I'd really love to take them to Monticello.
Yeah, Hellie, those honor stories from way back when can get pretty bizarre! I mean where do you draw the line between honorable and just plain old psychotic!
It's like dueling because someone sniffed when you added cinnamon to your coffee...
Duel in the Starbucks parking lot!
Sorry I had to duck out -- looks like it's been a great discussion! I went to the doctor because my eardrums were acting like tuning forks. LOL Seriously, I couldn't talk or talk on the phone without this reverb sound. The doctor said it's from allergies, and my eardrums are about as big as my head right now. LOL
I would love to go to Williamsburg. I read the 2 Nerdy History Girls blog and love when they post stuff from their trips there. I'm not far from Boston, and it always amazes me how 19th century it is sometimes. And of course Concord and Lexington aren't far, and on Patriot's Day they re-enact all the Revolutionary War stuff (think it's April 19th) -- I haven't been before -- maybe this year I will.
Great blog, Chance! I haven't watched the Deadliest Catch, but your blog really had me thinking about character professions. One thing I hadn't thought about that dawned on me just now was how much I seem to have my characters make a big change in their profession at the end. That change seems like part and parcel of their whole character arc. (Although, with one book complete and one in progress, I guess there isn't enough to say there is a pattern! LOL)
But, I think I could see it becoming a trend. It seems like a profession, as you eloquently described in your blog, is such a huge part of who that character is or what they want or think they want. Meeting the hero or heroine either confirms that belief or totally changes their priorities.
In my first, my heroine is a guardian angel, but she has a love/hate relationship with her profession. She thinks it's her "calling" but it gives her panic attacks. So no, she doesn't enjoy it and the hero understands (regency duke and former soldier). I ended it with her being a teacher rather than out in the "field." The hero also has a similar future.
In my current (eternal WIP!), I think almost the opposite for the heroine is occuring. A reunion story (of sorts), the hero and heroine are married and she doesn't have a profession and in some ways spends her days adrift (or antique hunting and renovating their old house) while the hero travels the world (a photo journalist). But, in the end, a change in profession happens for both, and this couple too (like my first) wind up working together. (Kind of an odd ending where they both wind up as ghosts actually!)
I guess I like to write a bit of a recurring fantasy that the hero can rescue the heroine by, not so much by taking care of her, but by helping her change her priorities and his own. I hadn't thought of it this way until this topic of "professions" came up. :)
I have a lot to say on this subject, Chance.
But all I'll say in public is ... people who have diffficult, dangerous jobs? People who are truly heroic?
Its Never about the Money.
Melissa - I do that, too. How one character helps the other figure out what they already know.
I love a guardian angel with panic attacks! What if I'm too late!? And the idea of having no particular profession...yup.
I also enjoy stories where one of them has a rotten attitude about their job because of socialtal stuff and comes to realize they can be proud of what they do.
I mean...really. Professions have a geat deal to do with who a person is. If they have the right one, or the wrong one. How they interact with the world... It isn't what defines them, but so much is centered around that decision and what is done with it.
Watching the guys on The Deadliest Catch makes me wonder about them...and as I said before...really wonder about the women in their lives.
Donna - Living in CA doesn't leave much of a chance to dicker about with American History. Sure. I've been to Sutter's Fort and the site of the gold find on the American River. And the Mexican influences are everywhere...but how I reveled in seeing the USS Constitution still floating in Boston Harbor. And though I didn't see much of DC when it comes to archives, etc...it was awesome to be there.
Still want to revisit Boston and see Philadelphia...one day!
Julie - Yeah, but they always act like it's about the money... Like that is a safer reason for doing what they do.
At heart, these guys likely don't fit in, have issues with authority and just love being out in their boats. I remember seeing a clip of the Hillstrand brothers on vacation...in Baja California, fishing!
How one character helps the other figure out what they already know.
Exactly! That's basically what I think I write, but hadn't thought of it that way. Like my characters, I need someone who points out the obvious in 100 ways or so until I accept it! LOL
I'm good at seeing things like that. The romance? Eh.
Crew, I'm hitting the road to my Mom's. Will stop and check in when I can... Thank you for taking this trip with me today. I will miss Phil on the show...he really grew on me as time went on. I love seeing dad and son interactions... And I'm sure the fleet will miss him.
I love Deadliest Catch! I never really thought I would, but it has become one of the shows I always watch. I love when the marathons come on.
Cap'n Phil is one of my favourites along with Sig. I am seriously going to miss Phil.
I tend to write male characters with really macho type jobs. Fireman, policeman, security, investigator, construction. The fireman job really relates back to my experience. My husband and I are volunteer firefighters, so I know alot about the profession, the struggles, the realities. I tend to think that a man is more manly if he is doing a manly job - does that makes sense?
I also like a female character who is in transition. There may be some upheaval in her life that requires a change. She may find herself in a job or situation that requires her to do something unconventional.
Great post!
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