Gayle Leeson
When delving into the world of Nautical Fiction, you might first imagine epic tales like Herman Melville’s Moby Dick or Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. Although these classics—as well as books by Jack London, John D. McDonald, C. S. Forester, and Patrick O’Brian—undoubtedly hold a prominent place in the genre, Nautical Fiction has evolved far beyond its traditional boundaries, incorporating elements of Mystery, Fantasy, History, and Thriller stories into its narrative depths.
Steady As She Goes
Traditionally, Nautical Fiction readers have shown remarkable loyalty to series, a trend exemplified by Tripp Ellis’s Tyson Wild series, which boasts an impressive sixty-seven books. According to Chris Niles, author of the Shark Key Adventure series, books in this genre typically span 70,000 to 90,000 words, with individual stories neatly contained within each installment. Rather than leaving readers on cliffhangers, these series entice readers with the question of what adventures the protagonist will embark upon next.
Although male protagonists have historically dominated Nautical Fiction, there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of female leads in recent years. From Niles’s Shark Key Adventures series, blending Contemporary Action-Adventure with historical elements, to Christine Kling’s South Florida Adventure series, offering Contemporary Mystery and Suspense, and even Chloe Neill’s Captain Kit Brightling series, which explores the realms of Fantasy and Young Adult fiction, female protagonists are charting new courses across the genre.
Scott W. Cook, author of numerous Nautical Fiction books such as The Wicked Flee Where None Pursueth, underscores the importance of the sea as a metaphor. “The sea has always been viewed as a living thing,” he says, “not just because it contains so much life, but that the ocean itself is alive. So often we refer to the sea as being angry or kind. Being at sea in all weathers is such a tactile, sensory, and emotional experience that we tend to anthropomorphize it.”
Ship-Shape and Bristol Fashion
Niles indicates her books skew to an older demographic and that other authors in the genre have reported the same. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in Nautical Fiction, noting that readers are particularly intolerant of inaccuracies. Familiarity with nautical terms and firsthand boating, sailing, or diving experience can lend credibility to the narrative. In addition, writers should research historical contexts or geographical settings, if applicable. Visiting maritime museums, reading primary accounts, and even experiencing sailing or diving firsthand can enrich the storytelling process.
Authors exploring elements of Fantasy or Speculative Fiction within the Nautical Fiction genre should strive to strike a careful balance between realism and imagination. Fantasy oceans might differ from those in our world, such as that of Brandon Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea, but readers should still be able to see, hear, taste, and smell that fantasy world.
For aspiring writers eager to embark on their own nautical adventures, resources abound. The Tropical Authors website (https://tropicalauthors.com) provides a wealth of information and connections within the genre, and the Nautical Writing Society Facebook Group (https://facebook.com/groups/NauticalWritingSociety) offers a platform for networking and collaboration. Additionally, writers exploring variations such as Fantasy, Thriller, Christian Fiction, or Historical narratives can find supportive communities tailored to their specific interests.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
In the ever-expanding universe of Nautical Fiction, the horizon stretches wide, inviting writers to navigate uncharted waters and craft tales that resonate with readers while honoring the rich traditions of the genre. With dedication, authenticity, and a spirit of adventure, there’s no limit to the stories waiting to be told upon the high seas of literary imagination.
Key Tropes
- Lone wolf solving problems authorities ignore: The character operates independently and sometimes outside the law in order to solve a problem overlooked by the powers that be.
- Quest: The character embarks upon a journey toward a significant goal, facing challenges, hardships, and sacrifices along the way.
- Search for mythical or historical artifacts or treasure: The plot revolves around the pursuit of a significant object or legendary item of great value or power.
- Human versus nature (specifically, the sea): Nautical Fiction stories should center on the character’s struggle against the unpredictable and often destructive forces of nature.
- Pirates: This can be based on historical accounts of pirates or interpretations of piracy popular in Fantasy and Sci-Fi; characters are engaged in piracy themselves or are fighting to stop pirates’ endeavors.
Gayle Leeson
