The Treasure Trove... 'Sea Beasties' by Captain Mako

Today’s Treasure Trove takes us out to sea, where I had the rare chance to meet none other than Captain Mako. In his book, Sea Beasties: A Pirate's Guide, the Captain shares his hard-earned wisdom on the strange and fearsome creatures that dwell beneath the waves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book—the mix of lively storytelling, clever advice, and gorgeous illustrations makes it both a delight to read and a true adventure to experience. It’s a guide like no other, and I’m thrilled to share an interview with the Captain himself.

Tell us about 'Sea Beasties – A Pirate’s Guide'.

Captain Mako: In this book I share with ye me many years' experience huntin' monsters on the open Sea. One hundred an' sixty five monsters be included in this here tome, all illustrated an' recounted by me own hand.. Some ye've heard of. Others ye haven't. I do me best to prepare ye fer what lies out there. To that end, I included a list o' supplies ye may need, spoils ye might gain, an' a map o' the world to show ye what ye may encounter in whatever waters yer sailin'. The only way I could help ye more in yer battles with monsters would be to take up the sword meself.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?

Captain Mako: Rememberin' where I left me quill an' ink. Also, betwixt entries, avoidin' comin' to a gruesome end in the jaws o' some ravenous giant monster. But mostly the missin' quill.

Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

Captain Mako: I'd have to pick meself. I can't help but root fer me. That ain't thirty words, I know, but it answers the question, don't it? More would just be filler.

What was your inspiration for the book?

Captain Mako: Well, I found that whenever I were sitting in a tavern an' at me cups, some young greenhorn would interrupt me with "Captain Mako, how do I handle this? Captain Mako, how do I handle the other?" An' so to give meself a moment's peace alone with me ale, I penned this book to teach ye everything ye need to know. Just not everything I know.

How long did it take you to write the book, from start to finish?

Captain Mako: I've been gatherin' tales o' these beasts fer well over a decade, but the hard writin' an' illustratin' took place over the course o' three years. In truth I lollygagged a bit.

Question from a Red Dragon Insider Reader:
What is your writing routine like?

Captain Mako: Up at six, run to the head, back in bunk because it be too early, up again by nine an' thirty, then two hours o' gettin' to it. This be me daily routine.

Tell us what you enjoy the most about fantasy or science fiction.

Captain Mako: It lets ye do whatever ye please an' go wherever yer mind will take ye. Places ye ain't ne'er been to an' many ne'er get to. What's not to enjoy?

Tell us about your favorite fantasy or science fiction book.

Captain Mako: I tend toward history, science an' biographies, though I reckon there be a fair deal o' fiction in them too. But if I were to go back fer fantasy an' fiction I'd lean toward Tolkein an' a few o' Steven King's tales like Salem's Lot. Why them specific? I know I picked the easy answers but they be easy fer good purpose. They be bloody enjoyable reads. When ye can start on a book an' be in the scene upon the instant, the writer's done it proper. Not that King nor Tolkein need approval from me.

Tell us about your favorite fantasy or science fiction author.

Captain Mako: I just did that, did I not? Were ye not payin' attention?

Tell us about your favorite hobbies

Captain Mako: Piratin', writin' an' drawin' be more trade than hobbies, though I get immense enjoyment from all. Fer me leisure time, what there be of it, I like to make things. I put me hands to clay now an' again. I'll try my hand at carpentry. I be a student o' history and science so I spend time readin' upon them. That mostly rounds it out. There be only so many hours in a day.

Tell us about your next or upcoming book.

Captain Mako: My next book be another in the Pirate's Guide series. This time I turn my attention to monsters of a different nature- the Restless Dead. Restless Dead - a Pirate's Guide follows in the steps o' Sea Beatsies but expands upon the subject. In this book I have over 95 illustrated creatures, a guide to the denizens of Davy Jones' Locker, a guide to the proper an' improper use o' holy objects, special relics to use in yer battle an' specialized frew ye may want to take on board (but keep an eye on). I aim to have it out by October- by the holdiays at the latest. There be a kickstarter runnin' now through September in which I be offerin' a chance to get yer name in the book on me thanks page, if ye care to gander.

About Sea Beasties

Here there be Monsters!

The Legendary Captain Mako gives ye the benefit of his long career commanding the Pirate Ship Damsel, and his battles with the Terrors of the Deep!

Herein ye’ll find 165 illustrated entries detailing the monsters ye be bound to encounter in yer travels, where to find them, how to make it out with yer skin intact, an’ perhaps put some extra coin in yer pocket.

Aye, there be mermaids an' krakens here, but do ye know how to manage the evil whales o’ Scandinavia, murderous adaros, maraudin’ dendans, or the colossal living force o’ Nature known as Leviathan?

The good Captain will prepare ye for these an’ many others so ye can weather all the dangers the Seas have to offer. So what’re ye waitin’ fer? Set canvas an’ full ahead, ye swabs. Let no beastie stand in yer way. There be piratin’ to be done!

Get Sea Beasties: A Pirate's Guide

About Captain Mako

Captain Mako has spent decades battlin' monsters of all make an' manner whilst in command of the pirate ship Damsel .His First book, Sea Beasties- A Pirate's Guide is sold shops and museums all along the East Coast of the United States. Fer the young pirates, he has a companion activity book- Captain Mako's A to Z Colourin' Book o' Sea Beasties. Not heavy readin', that one.

Connect with Captain Mako

• Official Website
• Facebook
• Kickstarter

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Keywords:  Authors , Fantasy , Horror , The Treasure Trove