Читать книгу Tillamook Passage - Brian MD Ratty - Страница 4

WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION IS A REWARDING ENTERPRISE for anyone who loves history. Once the general story line is set and a rough outline has been written, the leg work begins. For the first of many research trips, my wife Tess and I visited the Tillamook County Library in search of information on the coastal Indians of Pacific Northwest. We were pleasantly surprised by this modern library and the many valuable research documents it had to offer. It was here that one of the librarians told us of an out-of-print book which contained rare information on the rituals, ceremonies and culture of the Tillamook Indian nation. Soon, an old, dog-eared copy of this book was found in a local bookstore, and it proved to be invaluable.

The first part of my story is about tall ships and sailors. Being only a fair-weather power boater myself, I needed much guidance regarding sailing terms and the lifestyles of the jack-tars of the seventeenth century. For help, I turned to my old friend, David White, who is a world renowned sailor in his own right. David was one of the first to sail solo around the world, and became one of the founders of a world famous sailing competition. I thank him deeply for the time and effort he gave to each of my chapters.

Many thanks to Scott McBride who, over the past two years as the manuscript took form, read my story and provided enthusiastic support. His questions were always thought provoking, and his positive input encouraging.

During our extensive research trips, we often were joined by family and friends. On one such trip to the Garibaldi Maritime Museum, I am grateful to my cousin Lori Olson, for pointing out the work of a fine maritime artist. Visiting this artist’s website, I found the perfect image for the cover of my book. This artist is Gordon Miller. For more information on his outstanding work, go to www.gordonmiller.ca. He is a fine artist of the tall ships of yesterday.

My story editor, Judith Myers, has helped me with all three of my novels. She has a magic touch with our language and is a joy to work with. One way or another, her changes and suggestions always made the read much better. Judy is one of my biggest fans and has given me new insights into the power of the written word.

My appreciation also goes to Gary Adams, an award winning writer and author of the new book, Felicity. As a friend and fellow writer, his input and insight was invaluable.

To Commander Rick Jacobson, who keeps me ‘real,’ and his brave wife, Gayle, and to all my other family and friends for their kindness, support and good wishes… I thank you all.

Tess has always been the first to read my story before it goes to edit. Over the months-turned-to years of my writing, we’ve had long and spirited conversations about my storyline, the characters and the pace of the plot. Her constructive feedback kept me focused, and her heartfelt enthusiasm kept me hopeful. As always, I am grateful for her non-stop encouragement and unwavering support.

Having expressed my gratitude to all those who helped me with this project, it is still my name on the title page, and I am responsible and accountable for every word.

Many Thanks to the Staff, Volunteers and Historians at:

Alsea Bay Interpretive Center

Burrows House Museum

Cape Mears State Park, Octopus Tree

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Clatsop County Historical Society

Fort Stevens State Park and Museum

Garibaldi Maritime Museum

Lewis & Clark National Historical Park at Fort Clatsop

Oregon Coast History Center

Seaside Library

Seaside Historical Society Museum

Siuslaw Pioneer Museum

Tillamook County Library

Tillamook County Pioneer Museum

Umpqua Discovery Center