Pirates Ahoy!
Aug 25th 2008
Sabrina JeffriesOn Writing! & Sabrina Jeffries
In honor of the re-release tomorrow of Pirate Lord with its new cover (someone in the art department was clearly channeling Jack Sparrow), I figured I’d blog about pirates. Why we like them. What makes them sexy. Why their robbing perfectly innocent people routinely doesn’t stop us from enjoying books and movies about them.
Of course, all I can do is tell you why I�happen to like them. Here’s my�reasons:
- They walk around with their shirts off half the time.
- They have big … er … sabers. (“Is that your saber or are you just glad to see me?”)�
- Their air of danger just makes a woman want to tame them.
- They’re the only guys in earlier centuries who had piercings. Talk about bad boys!
The presence of a female on their ships usually incites them to lust. And for some reason, that incites ME to lust.
Okay, that’s a few to get you started. Now YOU give some reasons. The best one posted by the end of the day (midnight EST) will win a copy of Pirate Lord with its new and improved packaging. So fire away, mateys!
53 Comments »
53 Responses to “Pirates Ahoy!”
Margay on 25 Aug 2008 at 4:43 am #
They bring out the thrill seeker in all of us, men and women alike. Men want to be like them, women want to be with them.
They help you indulge in your wildest fantasies and wouldn’t look askance when you tell them what those fantasies are.
and, heck, if they’re anything like Jack Sparrow/Johnny Depp, what’s not to love? I’d like to channel – ah, okay, that goes into the fantasy category above.
PJ on 25 Aug 2008 at 5:30 am #
They gave new and delicious meaning to the words “climb aboard”. (grin)
PJ on 25 Aug 2008 at 6:03 am #
They know all the best vacation spots. (who doesn’t love a tropical island?)
I first saw “Captain Blood” when I was about 15 and spent the next ten (oh, okay – 30) or so years wanting to be swept away by my own swashbuckling pirate. Sigh…
LisaK on 25 Aug 2008 at 6:45 am #
They’re so couragious, daring and bold and so very demanding – but, honestly, who doesn’t want to make any effort to be appreciated by such a man?
Oh, and one thing in terms of Jack Sparrow – he may be in the highest mess, fighting monster squids or mutated rogue pirates, but yet is kohl always looks perfect!:D
Kathy/Cookie on 25 Aug 2008 at 7:02 am #
ok, this isn’t my entry, but did you know that Sept 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate day? I sure as heck didnot know that until I googled pirate!
hahahah
Lisa H on 25 Aug 2008 at 7:06 am #
Ahhhh Sabrina! What a way to start the day? What do I love about pirates:
1. There is something mysterious about them. They know things like where secret treasures are burried, how to use a compass and have nice long telescopes.
2. They are usually tan, from all that time in the sun.
3. They know how to fight and can protect their fair maiden readily.
4. They know all the good spots on the ship for quickies.
5. I love men with long hair, and as a bonus, we can braid each others hair if we get bored.
6. Pirates never get bored.
7. Pirates have been around the world and know all the sublties of making love. Kamma Sutra and much much more.
8. Pirates have lots of gold!
9. Pirates are happy with a tankard of rum and a well endowed wench.
10. Pirates walk sexy, talk sexy and know how to handle wild storms.
I will add more later, just thinking about Captain Jack makes me feel intoxicated.
Kim on 25 Aug 2008 at 7:48 am #
Okay, LisaH, please don’t hurt me but Capt. Jack does nothing for me. The teeth, the long hair, the teeth, the dirty nails, the teeth. eewwww.
Now, pirates in a romance novel are yummy. They bathe regularly and know how to take advantage of the saying “if the boats a rockin don’t come a knockin” LOL
I definitely think PJ’s on to something about the exotic locales.
Michelle B on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:00 am #
There is something really sexy about water, so on a ship with a sexy pirate is ultimate sexy. It’s not just any pirate either, it is the Captain of the ship. His leadership abilities make him really appealing. Men follow him, or else… Women crave adventure, want to be protected, love that they can be the center of attention. What better place than on a pirate ship with an all male crew, and that oh so sexy Captain.
Lisa H on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:10 am #
Kim – I won’t hurt you. There’s just more Captain Jack for me. And I know you may not realize, but Captain Jack is just a character played by the devastatingly sexy Johnny Depp, who I have on good authority is very clean (except when he’s being dirty!)
Cookie, I have a great book about Pirates, me heartie, written by the men who came up with “talk like a pirate day!” It is hysterical. My girlfriend borrowed it, or I would post some funny ditties from it.
Lisa H on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:11 am #
Michelle B – I agree. I like to be with a man in charge, the one with all the power!
Lisa H on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:13 am #
Another great pirate book that came out a while ago is called “The Windflower” by Tom and Sharon Curtis.
Kim, Devon is a very clean but sexy pirate, you would like him.
Kim on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:32 am #
Lisa–you know, Johnny Depp doesn’t do anything for me either. I think he’s a great actor and like him in most everything (other than the disasater of Willy Wonka) but he’s not the least bit sexy for me. I know, I’m weird.
Louisa Cornell on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:38 am #
What’s not to love about a man who is always after the “booty”?
I love a man who can shiver me timbers!
Boots, tight pants, no shirt – HELLO!!
In today’s world of “failure to launch” men – Pirates (1) own their own business, which they created and of which they are the CEO – what girl doesn’t want to date the CEO? (2) own their own home (their ship) and have any number of vacation homes from which to choose. (3) Because they have a J-O-B they usually have M-O-N-E-Y, THEIR money, not yours. (4) They have access to gorgeous jewelry, lots of it! (5) They are definitely not the veg out on the couch and watch sports and never take you anywhere type! (6) Because of the nature of their business they are usually very physically fit.
Wow, I need to go find me a pirate!
Lisa H on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:41 am #
Its okay Kim. I still love you!
Louisa, I agree completely!
Here’s one more reason to love pirates, when working in the elements, they need and have a great sense of humor!
SheridanLA on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:53 am #
I like them because they have given the world hundreds of years of myth and legend – they have inspired imaginations and stories. Their whole persona and lifestyle lends itself to tales that appeal to little boys, grown men and romantically inclined women. It is not often that criminals lend themselves so well to so many less barbaric interpretations.
Plus – life out on the seas, watching the stars in the night sky, having the thrill and terror of fighting harsh storms, battling other ships… quite the exciting life.
Sabrina Jeffries on 25 Aug 2008 at 9:00 am #
These are all fabulous! I especially love the CEO comment and the access to exotic locales point.
Kim, you’re not alone (although I’m not in your camp, sorry!). Not long ago, someone took a poll on the Avon bbs about which of the three main men in Pirates of the Caribbean women would want to sleep with. Will Turner (as played by Orlando Bloom) won hands down. In fact, I don’t think ANYONE wanted to sleep with Captain Jack.
I confess I didn’t get that. I would sleep with Jack Sparrow in a heart beat. He’s just so interesting. I also would have gone for the Commodore. Will Turner is just too young for me.
And I find Johnny Depp ultra-sexy. Always have.
Claudia Dain on 25 Aug 2008 at 9:54 am #
They’re on ships!! Get me around water and I’m ga-ga anyway, so a big ship on big water? Sign me up!
dbrown3400 on 25 Aug 2008 at 9:59 am #
As always, my favorite pirate Captain James Malory of the Maiden Anne in Gentle Rogue. Everyone pretty much summed up a good pirate already so I won’t enter but I will add the thing I like most about Malory is his sense of humor.
Rachel Jessup on 25 Aug 2008 at 10:41 am #
Pirates first captured my imagination with Westley in the film version of The Princess Bride, so all other pirates have had to measure up to him in my mind since then. Westley was supremely competent, able to overcome the most insurmountable odds; he was quick on his feet, still thinking despite any panic or despair that might be threatening to bring him down; and he respected his foes, even as he defeated them handily. He was dashing, dangerous, intelligent, confident, compassionate, and very much in love. And what is more sexy than a sexy man in love?
And, deary me, but every single time I watch the movie, I get weak-kneed when he stands up from the bed –with his shirt oh-so-nicely draped open on his chest, might I add,– looks straight at Humperdinck/the camera, and says, “Drop. Your. Sword.” *shiver*
Cap’n Jack’s fine ‘n’ dandy, but Westley’s incarnation of the Dread Pirate Roberts (and Cary Elwes’s portrayal of him) is why I love pirates (and Cary Elwes, lol).
Karen Hawkins on 25 Aug 2008 at 10:42 am #
Yup, it’s Cap’n Jack for me. Oh, you may say “But he doesn’t WASH!” but back then NONE of them did. Frankly, I require fantasy in my fantasies, so none of that reality stuff for me here, please!
Sabrina, I’m so glad they’re re-releasing this book. It’s SUCH a great story (and oh, the hero — total yum!) and I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on it!
DebMarlowe on 25 Aug 2008 at 10:43 am #
It’s the BOOTS, ladies! Savvy?
Actually, Captain Jack’s best quality is his wit. And his extensive vocabulary.
I’m such a nerd.
Dani on 25 Aug 2008 at 10:43 am #
For me, who has always loved pirate movies and stories, pirates represent something basic (I think). Freedom. In the constricting social establishments, days of apprenticeships, and all the damn rules to HOW you were supposed to live, pirates basically said to piss off, and lived their lives how they choose.
I don’t think there is anything sexier than a man (or woman) who is confident enough to shun public expectancy and make their own rules to their own life.
Suzanne Enoch on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:03 am #
I’m sorry, what were we talking about? I saw “pirates” and “Jack Sparrow” and I lost my train of thought. *g*
colinfirthfan on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:34 am #
Don’t know why I like pirates but I loved The Pirate Lord. It was the first SJ book I read and I was COMPLETELY hooked!
Has anyone seen Blackbeard’s ghost (I saw it 20 odd years ago)? I think Peter Ustinov acted in it. I netflixed a copy for my son and it was quite hokey but he still loved it.
Also love “The Dread Pirate Roberts”. I never get tired of seeing The Princess Bride.
Sabrina – I wouldn’t sleep with Jack Sparrow either. I’ll take Will Turner any day. (Legolas anyone?) The only thing I can think of when I see Jack Sparrow is… ” Ugh! look at those teeth” and “I bet he has bad breath”
I loved his character though.
amy1242 on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:34 am #
LOL, Deb! I guess I’m a nerd too!
Lisa H on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:38 am #
Ohhh I so agree. I love a man with wit, intellect and a large ahemm vocabulary.
Yes, also to men in boots!
Sabrina Jeffries on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:41 am #
Oh, Rachel, I’m with you on Westley. I just adored him. Still love him and the movie. I like the scene when he’s dragging her along the mountain. He’s so sexy!
And Dani, I think you’re absolutely right–the freedom thing is definitely major.
If I had to list my favorite pirates, they would be:
James Malory from Gentle Rogue
Westley from Princess Bride
Jack Sparrow (of course)
Jamie Waring from The Black Swan
I’m sure there are more, but I have to think about it.
And Deb, yes, the wit is a BIG part of it. It’s why I like James Malory, too.
Kimmy L on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:53 am #
Oh I am a sucker for the pirate romance. Aside from the fact that real-life pirates are kind of evil, and also tend to smell horrid, I am utterly entranced by the idea of pirate romance, and throw aside reality with no regrets the minute I crack the cover.
DESIRE IN DISGUISE….OMG, I just kept reading the damned thing over and over. It’s by Rebecca Brandewyne.
Here are some of the reasons I think we love them:
1. the best of the bad boys in romantic literature
2. he loves to buck the rules of society
3. they are both scandalous and notorious
4. The open sea is their mistress and no female can tame their hearts… or so they think
5. Thrills, romance and adventure, you can’t go wrong with a pirate
colinfirthfan on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:55 am #
I love James Mallory. It is one of my favorite JL books. I have read that book at least 20 times I think. I quite like Regina’s book too because James Mallory is featured in it.
terrio on 25 Aug 2008 at 1:10 pm #
Oh, a blog after my own heart. LOL! I love pirates and I think the allure can be summed up in one word – NAUGHTY. Come on, can you think of anything sexier than a man who can make your toes tingle with one look that says, “There are things I want to do to you that you’ve never even imagined.”
I didn’t think so. LOL!
Love Capt. Jack, but I’ve loved Johnny forever. And James Malory is one of my favorite characters ever. My daughter’s middle name isn’t Malory for nothing.
Beth C. on 25 Aug 2008 at 1:17 pm #
Who wouldn’t love a man that can shower you in pretty trinkets. Just don’t think too hard about where the gold, pearls and gemstones may have come from.
I love James Malory. What’s not to love about a guy who would let 5 brothers beat him up just because he knew he had been wrong?
Kathy/Cookie on 25 Aug 2008 at 1:21 pm #
Johnny Depp is a honey of a man!
I was checking the net in my eternal search to avoid work and looked up Pirate movies. I’ve seen a shocking amount of them!
Starting way back when I was a child.
Treasure Island, pretty much every version, even the Muppet one.
While technically not a pirate movie, it did have pirates in it, the Swiss Family Robinson. and then the Canadian tv show of that name was a staple in my house.
I drove my family nuts in playing the Pirate Movie soundtrack endlessly. I think that is when my dad bought a really good pair of headphones. But then they had to contend with me singing- off key, since I couldn’t hear myself.
I looked up Pirates on youtube and found this gem-
How Dead Man’s Chest should have ended..snicker!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7XFyQhT1sw
Sabrina Jeffries on 25 Aug 2008 at 2:24 pm #
LOL, Kathy, I LOVE that clip! It’s hilarious!
Kimmy, I liked Desire in Disguise myself. I read it a bunch of times.
Meg on 25 Aug 2008 at 4:11 pm #
Kathy, that was great! So Funny!
For me I guess it’s the fact that they embody the badboy. Does that make sense? They’re strong, tough, rough around the edges. They don’t mind breaking the rules. There’s just something about the badboy that does it for me!
ct009ct on 25 Aug 2008 at 4:27 pm #
Oh, Sabrina, I wish you would write another Pirate story – I Love Gideon, he’s right up there with James in my opinion.
*Cathy taking a moment to daydream*
Where were we?? Ah…yes…my favorite thing about a pirate – they are not afraid to be who they are….they wear what they like, they say what they think, and in my imagination they are always fresh and clean (they love baths).
cail on 25 Aug 2008 at 4:59 pm #
i almost didn’t get a chance to log in today, but I’m SO glad I did!!! I LOVE pirates. Today is my anniversary wtih my own dear pirate. Yesterday we went off on a lovely sail with the crew for close to 6 hrs. On a 46 ft Sloop. I should probably get him to put on his pirate shirt for our dinner plans… i am so lucky to have fun one as cute and charming and dashing as the pirates in stories.
I like the skin tight pants, the scarves, the billowing shirts with deep plunging necklines, the feel of the wind in my face, and the wisps of our hair intertwining as he leans in for a kiss. The uplifting feeling as you dash along the waves, the sails dancing above, the seals and other animals playing in the wake of the ship.
Historically I love the adventure, the descriptions and the passions that are magnified in such a small setting. Plus, who wouldn’t want to get it on in the cabin of a ship?! I definitely don’t pass up that opportunity!
cail on 25 Aug 2008 at 5:01 pm #
i’m also really glad someone decided to finally blog about pirates. you should SEE the collection of pirate history books and romances that i’ve got.
Nicole Jordan on 25 Aug 2008 at 6:52 pm #
Love all the reasons you love pirates, goddesses! LOL.
And Sabrina, I’m so THE PIRATE LORD is being rereleased. That way a lot of readers can enjoy it!
Gannon on 25 Aug 2008 at 7:57 pm #
Ah, the allure of the pirate! I loved Capt. Jack Sparrow! And yes, I would have hopped in the sack with him, or would have been a hammock?! Hey, I could always pass him an Altoid. *grin* I was only really attracted to Will Turner at the end of the third movie after he’d become ‘Davy Jones.’ The black head scarf, the open shirt….he was looking pretty sexy then.
Give me a sexy pirate and he can ’shiver my timbers’ anytime! And I’ll swash his buckle!
Sabrina Jeffries on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:08 pm #
I’m so glad y’all are sharing my joy about the re-release of Pirate Lord! It’s actually a sort of anniversary for me–Pirate Lord came out almost exactly ten years ago (it was ten years in February). I still can’t believe I’ve lasted that long in this business with one pseudonym.
Cathy, you never know–I might still write another pirate book. But it will never be as special as this one was to me, launching my new career.
Cail, how cool that your special someone is a pirate! It’s funny–I’m not a beach person, but I LOVE the sea. I love the waves and boats and the wind, and the whole experience. So I envy you that!
Gannon on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:09 pm #
I just love that pic of Capt. Jack/Johnny Depp! Who could resist that twinkle in his eye and his devilish smile?!! Yummy!
Carlaree on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:09 pm #
I love pirates because they’re handy with chores: great with sheets, both above deck and below(!), capable of swabbing the deck every now and gain, know how to handle their sabers and know where to put women at sea–front & center, above & ahead of everything on the ship.
Louisa Cornell on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:27 pm #
Oh those are good, Carlaree! And I ADORE Westley in The Princess Pride. That scene when he gets up off the bed …. THUNK!!!
I thought of another reason I LOVE pirates! You have to love a man who can make anyone who ticks you off WALK THE PLANK!! Think of all of the people in our lives who DESERVE to walk the plank. Just tell tall, dark, and swashbuckling and SPLASH! REVENGE! on rude salespeople, drivers who cut you off in traffic, bosses who don’t appreciate you and MIL’s who just plain old deserve it! Of course I could never let a handsome pirate do that to my MIL. It would be cruel to the sharks!
evlqn on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:41 pm #
I love pirates because they really know how to hoist their mainsails and their yardarms are beyond measure.
Lisa H on 25 Aug 2008 at 8:56 pm #
Oh I’m in heaven reading all these responses. Another reason I love pirates is that they know their way around the world. “Take me to India” I say and bam, two months later we’re there. “Now take me to Hawaii” Sure enough, he knows the way.
Captain Jack is so beautiful, funny, witty and damn sexy. I doubt another man could ever turn my head as he has! Gannon, its the twinkle in his eye that totally does it for me. His eyes are on fire with passion!
Kathy/Cookie on 25 Aug 2008 at 9:22 pm #
I love a pirate who can buckle my swash!
*g*
Santa on 25 Aug 2008 at 9:26 pm #
Here’s some reasons:
Errolyn Flynn
Westley
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
and even Gene Kelly’s pirate was great. He was a swashbuckler who could DANCE!
I’m just sayin’.
Sabrina Jeffries on 25 Aug 2008 at 10:44 pm #
Santa, what was Gene Kelly’s pirate movie? I don’t think I know that one. I love Gene Kelly. He’s SOOO sexy.
Yes, Louisa, I like your idea of Revenge by Plank. We should start that as a movement or something!
TinaLouiseF on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:27 pm #
Johnny Depp doesn’t do anything for me.
My favorite pirate movie is “Cutthroat Island” with Geena Davis.
cail on 26 Aug 2008 at 6:33 am #
Gene Kelly did a pirate musical with Judy Garland. It’s quite a trip.
SuzyQ on 26 Aug 2008 at 7:13 am #
Oh I love pirate romances and can’t wait to pick up The Pirate Lord.
As for me, what’s not to love about sharing close quarters with a dashing pirate?
Rachel Jessup on 26 Aug 2008 at 8:36 am #
colinfirthfan, you’ve made me feel a little better about my Will Turner preference– I was beginning to wonder if I was alone in that, lol. His getup at the end of the third film, that Gannon mentioned, made me decide that I might have to kiss the costume designer if I ever happen to meet her.
Johnny Depp’s always been lovely, and he’s an incredible actor who creates fascinating characters. But my bias is really due to the thing I’ve had for Orlando Bloom since Kingdom of Heaven– Legolas was pretty, but as far as Lord of the Rings eye candy went, it was more about Aragorn for me. (Which just goes to show that bathing really doesn’t have to count for everything, lol!)
TinaLouiseF, I thought Cutthroat Island was an awesome movie!
I’ve never understood why it was put down so much. It had adventure, swashbuckling, the high seas, a fun plot, a strong female lead, a cute guy… what’s not to like?? 
Santa on 26 Aug 2008 at 10:08 am #
Sabrina – interestingly enough the movie’s name is ‘The Pirate’. Gene Kelly plays a traveling minstrel who impersonates the legendary pirate – Macoco who Judy Garland fantasizes about. Great costumes! Great dancing! Eh – as a movie.