War, Sailing, and the Sea—My Fantasy Novel Research

Since my first inspiration for the Sacred Wolves fantasy books, I’ve set aside time to learn about elements closely aligned with my story. I’ve read up on war strategy, attended educational presentations about commercial sailing life in the 1800s, and watched documentaries on the habits of arctic wolves. 

Research is not the most exciting aspect of fiction writing for me. I know some writers who thrive on research, but for me, research is a necessary obstacle I must surmount. 

Because I’m not ecstatic about it, I try to choose resources that I think would be fun. Because I’m writing in the fantasy genre for this book project, I also give myself freedom to consume a wide array of resources, even if they are only loosely related to my research topic. For example, My main character will have commercial sailing experience on tall wooden ships, like those kinds you see in Pirates of the Caribbean, but I’m choosing to consume material on a wide array of boats and sailing mindsets. 

For this post, I’m sharing three books which I’ve read both out of personal interest and for resource purposes. I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at where I’m drawing my inspiration! 

There are affiliate links in this blog post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing, but it helps keep my blog running.

1. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

While short, this classic book upholds its reputation for wise advice. With almost each line, I found myself pausing to ponder its full depth or copying its insights into my notebook. 

The Art of War inspired the plots of each of my novels. Really. Before reading, I’d known in general where I wanted my novel series to go, a few of the major plot points, and some essential scenes, but reading this book unleashed a mudslide of ideas. Just weeks after finishing it, I’d plotted almost my entire fantasy series. 

If you are writing a story which involves war, strategy, or leaders, I highly recommend this nonfiction classic for research. 

My edition is beautiful with its unique red binding and hardcover, but the inside is my favorite. The publisher formatted this book with the Chinese text on the left page and the English translation on the right page. 

You can buy this book on Amazon. 

2. In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

I was elated to uncover a copy of this book in a disheveled pile on a shelf at a Dollar Tree. This book is an account of the real-life tragedy of the whaleship Essex, a humbling historic event which inspired Herman Melville in his writing of Moby-Dick. 

I’d watched the movie based on Philbrick’s book starring Chris Hemsworth on an airplane flight once, and the disastrous tale had stuck in my mind. When I found this book, I realized it would be an interesting resource to learn about the mentalities of people who make the sea their career and the harsh dangers which this type of living invites into one’s life. 

I learned much about how a society centered around the sea operates—the family life, work culture, and accompanying hardships. I’ve taken inspiration from Philbrick’s descriptions of Nantucket’s bustling waterfront, the hierarchy on a whaling ship, the dynamics between the crew and captain, the types of food and drink available, and so much more. 

Before reading the book, I knew a life at sea was hard, but this book really gave me insight on the chilling realities of this harsh career. 

You can buy this book on Amazon.

3. The Finest Hours by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman

This is an account of another gripping true story which has its own movie adaptation, this one starring Chris Pine. The Finest Hours recounts the real-life event of a U.S. Coast Guard sea rescue on a dark, stormy, and cold New England winter night in 1952. 

The boats in this story are oil tankers and lifeboats with engines, not sailing ships, but I gleaned more about why people choose a life at sea from this book. The calling sailors feel to these beautiful yet brutal bodies of water, the perseverance it takes to achieve anything when you’re on a floating tub miles from land, and the mindset and heart that sustains them. 

The heroics of this tale are spellbinding, and I recommend everyone to either read this book or watch the film adaptation. 

You can buy this book on Amazon. 

All three of these books are fabulous reads for research or personal reading. Each is well-written and overflowing with inspiration not only for story writing, but for tackling the trials in your own life. 

When life grinds on and I’m faced with obstacles seemingly insurmountable, reading about facing tens of thousands of warriors in war, being stranded in the ocean for weeks, or Bernie Webber tackling 60-foot waves in a 36-foot lifeboat gives me encouragement. God is present and helping, even in the direst of circumstances. 

I’d love to know—

Which book out of the three above would you most likely read? Tell me in the comments below. 

You can always keep updated on the Sacred Wolves project on my book page here. 

Like thrillers? You’ll love The New Dawn! Check out my thriller’s book page here.