• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

This Story about Deadly Pirates Should be an Oxymoron

by Chautona Havig · 4 Comments

If not an oxymoron, there's definitely irony in the idea of a Christian fiction book about "deadly pirates." See why I wrote one. via @chautonahavig

I get my best ideas while driving, in the shower, or (and this is totally my favorite way), over Chinese food.

Way back in the dark ages when people actually went and sat down together in restaurants, a friend of mine and I met up at our local Chinese place, The Golden Dragon, and sat in their French blue vinyl booths (yes, I appreciate the irony of French blue with Victorian floral backs in a Chinese restaurant), Oriental music twanging in the background, and discussed what we’d write for Camp NaNoWriMo.

She was going to do a semi “finding yourself” and semi “romantic something… but not too much” story about a girl named Cassidy. I’d had an idea mulling for a while, but I didn’t know how it would work. So, I laid it out there.

“Is it even possible to do Christian fiction and…” I swallowed and prepared myself for a burst of laughter. “Deadly pirates?”

Without blinking an eye, she said, “Sure.”

I threw out the idea that might kill the whole thing. “What about if the pirate was bent on revenge? What if he never repented of that?” (remember here… I was just brainstorming at this point).

“Is there redemption anywhere?”

There would be, of course. I knew it. I just didn’t know how or where. I mean… redemption. Deadly pirates. Redemption… Deadly PIRATES!

One by one, we created and discarded ideas as the story took shape. I had a ship. The Vengeance. I had a protagonist—a twelve-year-old boy named Sebastian. Hey, we even came up with a plausible reason the boy’s dad was bent on revenge in the first place but…

This Story about Deadly Pirates Should be an Oxymoron

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

This Story about Deadly Pirates Should be an Oxymoron

Right?

What is “Christian” about vowing revenge on those who have wronged someone? After all, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Right? Right?

Confession, I have prayed a few times in my life (I so should not admit this) that I was willing to be the instrument of God’s vengeance. I’d do the dirty work for Him if He just gave the okay.

He never has. Thought you oughtta know.

That afternoon, we sat there and hashed out a ton of ideas. Originally, I’d planned to do twists on pirate tropes (and I have and will do some), but what I’d originally begun as kind of a farce—a mockery of all things pirate—became a deep story of pain, love, and redemption.

A legend formed… just a story that one man tells on the deck on becalmed evenings or when there’s a rare moment for a break. This sweet Catholic boatswain tells of the fleeing of a Jewish family from London during King Edward I’s reign after his “Edict of Expulsion” and during the time of the Spanish Inquisition, no less.

Weaving two stories together wouldn’t be easy—not to keep younger readers interested and also not be confusing. However, I imagined the sailors needing that sort of entertainment, and I wanted it to be more than a mention of, “Joe sang and Frank told a few jokes that night.” #becauseboring

The only way I could do all of it justice (hmm… interesting word there) was to have backstories for each person—motivations for who each one was and why they joined the ship. Why they were loyal to Nicolo Sorrano. And most of all, why they’d put their lives on the line for a mere pirate’s son.

Let me introduce you to a few.

Sebastian Sorrano~

Just twelve, Sebastian hates his life. He wants to live in a village, play with the other boys, learn how to draw and paint—anything but seek out Dutch, Spanish, French, and English ships and capture them before sinking them. It may have something to do with the fact that his father makes him dress up like a girl in case they’re captured. But mostly it’s the whole killing thing. Can you blame him?

Nicolo Sorrano~

Unlike the “Dread Pirate Roberts,” of The Princess Bride fame, Nicolo wouldn’t even bother to wait until morning to kill you if he thought he had reason to. He’s sailed the Mediterranean waters for ten years, driving away even the Barbary Corsairs at the mere mention of his name (he’s more like Mococco in the Gene Kelly and Judy Garland, The Pirate). Deadly pirates? You better believe it.

He has two goals in life—three if he can manage it. First, keep Sebastian alive. Second, stay far away from the feared El Cazador. And wherever possible, be the Robin Hood of vengeance—taking from those who took from others and sealing their fates. He has no use for God, religion, or anything connected to either.

Nicolo has his reasons, of course, and they’re rooted in love, pain, and grief.

Jaime~

This sweet young man isn’t that much older than Sebastian, but he’s as dedicated to the boy as Nicolo. However, he is even more dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. He might be under orders not to “share that vile nonsense” with Sebastian, I suspect somehow his stories will get that old story across just fine.

You know, I made a mistake publishing the first one when I did.

I wanted to have something fun for my birthday one year, so I went ahead and published it (I think it was for my birthday!). But I knew my publicist wasn’t keen on me working on my youth stories and should have realized she’d steer me from them in the future. Don’t get me wrong, she was right about what she told me and when. I really should have stuck with my original plan not to release the first until the third was done and the fourth in progress.

It’s been a few years now. Sigh. These need to be DONE. I miss Sebastian and his friends. I want to tell their stories. Instead, I only have a few thousand words (under twenty) into book two. I have all the series plotted out, but plotted doesn’t do anyone but me any good.

Want to know something else? There’s a certain amount of guilt involved with this book. See, I have lots of series. Spin-offs? “I have twenty! I have whozits and whatzits galore.” (Isn’t that the song in some Disney movie? Some kid sang it at an audition once, and I’ve never been able to get that line out of my head. I just can’t place it).

How can I write about vengeful pirates when I have Seaside, Madeline, Agency Files, and even other youth books like Tales of the Ashdowne to write? When I have CASSIE to write?

I’ll confess, though. I want to write about deadly pirates that have now moved to the Caribbean.

You know, like most of my “youth fiction,” these books tell a story most adults enjoy. Some of the plot points are going to go over younger kids’ heads. I don’t care. When I was a kid, I loved rereading something a few years later and going, “Ooooh!” I want that for my books, too.

If you’ve not given Legends of the Vengeance: The First Adventure, a try, it’s free through Tuesday, May 12. If you already have it, please delete and redownload. I changed the formatting so I could get rid of all those italics for the story sections. It’ll be so much easier to read now.

deadly pirates

And as for that oxymoron thing?

Well… maybe it should be. But then isn’t that what we are? Oxymorons? We’re dirty rotten sinners who, because of the blood of Jesus, appear pure and spotless before a holy and almighty God. If that’s not an oxymoron, I don’t know what is. And if my little pirate story can show that paradox in some small way, well… praise the Lord for that, too.

Share213
Pin
Post
Email
215Shares
Share
Pin
Post
Email
215Shares

Filed Under: Writing

Previous Post: « Can You Really Make Christian Fiction and True Crime Mesh?
Next Post: When Evil Pretends to Be Good, Terrible Things Happen »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Vickie says

    May 14, 2020 at 9:10 pm

    I’m so glad you’re working on this! I came here looking for book two. For me. Guess I should introduce my son to these books.

    Reply
  2. Emma says

    May 8, 2020 at 4:13 pm

    Please take time for yourself someday and write the next book! I want to read these books to my boys but not till the series is done. Please! (and I don’t normally like pirate stories–the whole violent thing, you know)

    Reply
  3. Bonny Rambarran says

    May 8, 2020 at 9:26 am

    Not read this book – – -but I downloaded it — sounds REALLY good – one an adult will enjoy as much as a child!!

    Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    May 8, 2020 at 9:10 am

    Loved this book! Waiting eagerly for the rest… And the “hoosits and whatiz galore” is from the Little Mermaid.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
byChautona Havig

 Oh, wow.  When I read the synopsis for House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick, I knew this was going to be a fabulous book.  Forget all the endorsements and starred reviews, listen in to hear just how awesome this book is!  

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

When Margaret described the story within House of Honor, I not only learned a lot of art history, but I got a taste of Italy (sadly, without pasta and gelato… sniff). I can’t wait to see what she coes up with next.

 House of Honor by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Two Italian sons, one woman, linked by a masterpiece painting, are put to a test of loyalty and honor.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Orazio Bordoni, the wayward son of a construction magnate, living a reckless life like that of his artistic hero Caravaggio. He finds himself befriended by Nicolo Giotto, the devoted son of a powerful Sicilian mafia clan, who wants to uphold the honor of his family.

As the dark underbelly of the art world and the Vatican expose their true character, Orazio finds himself in a world where his loyalty is tested, honor is at stake, and the boundaries between life, love, and art blur. He and Nicolo discover just how far they’re willing to push those boundaries, even if it means sacrificing everything.

House of Honor is a pivotal story that weaves the threads of history, the ruthless allure of the mafia, the enigmatic power of the Vatican, and the timeless brilliance of Caravaggio.

Learn more about Margaret on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple
  • Castbox
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
Episode 438: A Chat with Margaret Philbrick
June 14, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 437: A Chat with Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
June 9, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 436: A Chat with Suzanne Woods Fisher
June 7, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 435: A Chat with Rachel Keith
June 3, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 434: A Chat with Lynn U. Watson
May 31, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 433: A Chat with Megan Soja
May 26, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 432: A Chat with Crystal Caudill
May 24, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 431: A Chat with Heidi Gray McGill
May 19, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 430: A Chat with Amanda Cabot
May 17, 2025
Chautona Havig
Episode 429: A Chat with J. A. Webb
May 12, 2025
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Featured Books

Be My Inspiration

Be My Inspiration

Pointed Suspicion

Pointed Suspicion

Courting Miss Darling

Courting Miss Darling

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • So, There Was That Time I Forgot What I Knew…
  • “Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say” Ain’t No Lie
  • Why Romance Is a Hairy Proposition (or is that proposal?)

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Keith can’t help but wonder: will his first assi Keith can’t help but wonder: will his first assignment with The Agency be his last?

One missing man. One new agent. One chance to keep the (uncertain) client alive
The prequel novel to The Agency Files, Induction is Keith Auger's interview and... well.. induction into The Agency. Listen FREE on YouTube to the audiobook narrated by @ChristaDelSorbo .
Listen to each chapter separately for ease of finding where you are OR the whole book in one video (after Sept 30, 2024).
Also available from most audiobook retailers!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2AIQHYt1g3cWoBPneeilsa

#ChristianRomanticSuspense
#ChristFic
#Audiobooks
#ChristianAudiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
What makes an office manager go "rogue" and get al What makes an office manager go "rogue" and get all "agent-ified?" Danger to their best agent's girlfriend, that's what. She doens't know what she's doing (the girlfriend knows more!), and she's terrified they're one blink away from certain death, but if sheer force of will can keep Erika alive, well... they've got a fighting chance.
Book 5 of the Agency file is available FREE, chapter by chapter on YouTube AND... after 2/28/25 also available in one full-length video.  Listen in individual chapters to keep easy track of where you are or in one long chunk so you don't have to keep moving to the next. Whichever works best for you!
PLEASE consider subscribing to Christa's YouTube channel. We'd both appreciate it.  https://bit.ly/ChristaDelsorbo
#ChristianAudiobooks
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, including The Last Gasp--a mystery set in 1920s Hollywood and with a Cinderella twist.
You can listen FREE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
Check out the other books she has on there... also free! https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos
OR
You can also get The Last Gasp and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianMystery
#HistoricalMystery
#FairyTaleRetelling
The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of The fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo has narrated many of my books, and now she's on the first book (after the prequel, Induction) of The Agency Files.
When Erika is ripped from her bed (literally) by strangers claiming to be doing it for "her own safety," she's not convinced. Can you blame her? Listen in to learn more. One chapter a day throughout the month and the whole book will be uploaded as one video at the end. So listen FREE daily (or to each chapter so you can find your place easily), or all at once on a long car ride or decluttering binge (oh, wait. Is that just me?).
Check out the other books she has on her channel... also free! AND, please subscribe and make her day (it's a lot of work!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hnf_Ztodag&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ2CQxqZjoGUiFK5mPPbJIbb

OR

You can also get Justified means and several of my other titles on popular retailers like Audible, Spotify, Everand, and more!
#Audiobooks
#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristianRomanticSuspense
14h
Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman ab Who is he, who is after him, and why is a woman abducted to protect her from him?  Bioterrorism, Russian mafia, and what? Another agency?  What's going on in The Agency now?
Listen to the whole book FREE, narrated by the fabulous @ChristaDelSorbo (don't forget to subscribe!!!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-TZlGhUFcE&list=PLGJaJiSo6mQ1Cg738W1MSQlHIuFe45v_WListen to a chapter a day OR to the whole thing at the end of the month.  The previous four Agency books are also available to listen to FREE.
#TheAgencyFiles
#ChristFic
#ChristianSuspense
#Kindleunlimitedreads
I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not I know... I've said it before. It's why I try not to promise when/what. #BecauseLife.  I can't control what's happening, but I can control not starting to release stuff only to have it stall again.  I am determined that when I start sending out episodes again (they are being written every chance I need a break from other things), they won't ever stop until the story is done.  I just need a huge lead and it's not big enough. Sorry.
If you have a question you want me to answer, leave it in the comments OR... zip me an email at chautona@chautona.com.  I'll try to work them in (and will probably combine those that are really similar.
#AuthorLife
#WriterLife
#AuthorsOfInstagram
#CharacterDevelopment
#AmWriting
#TheVintageWren
#SerialNovels
#365THOUSANDDaysOfGreen (or so it seems)
Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's Austria, 1939. Before the "death trains," Hitler's regime deported ten thousand children to Holland, Sweden, and even England on what was known as the Kindertransport. Two desperate mothers send their only childrent to safety on this Kindertransport, but when those children arrive, nothing is as it seems or should be.  A war-time mystery twist on "Hansel and Gretel" set just before the invasion of Poland.
Available as an audiobook FREE on Youtube, narrated by @ChristaDelSorbo
https://www.youtube.com/@christadelsorbo/videos

#FreeAudiobooks
#ChristFic
#HistoricalChristianMystery
#KindleUnlimited
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!