Well, here we are! I was expecting this fic to be about 10k long so to come out the other side with something almost novel length was a bit of a surprise. I’ve been writing this in real time so thanks for joining me for the ride and for all the wonderful comments and apologies to anyone who saw me change their pretend names three times.
My top tips coming out the other side of this fic are:
* if you’re going to riff on the style of a book, read the book before you start writing (I’m now reading Bridget Jones’s Diary and it’s very funny).
* writing from the POV of the character you feel you understand least is way too much fun (I get it now, Stede hates himself, doesn’t he?). I still hate first person but Stede made it enjoyable, so thank you Stede.
* maybe don't call your vaguely serious at times fic Baddy Zaddy.
If you enjoyed this, I've started writing another AU called Prize Every Time, set in another of my favourite places, the British seaside. Check it out if (mild spoiler alert) you want to read about these idiots owning rival pirate themed theme parks (more like fairgrounds) while also unwittingly being penpals who fall in love! It's currently rated Teen but it'll probably go to Explicit because these two are horny lbr.
I’m not usually a fan of AUs but with these guys, it just works, doesn’t it? (I mean I hope it does). Because it’s not about the boat, or the piracy. It’s about two emotionally immature guys falling in love while trying to figure out who they are and I just think that’s neat. Hope to see you again!
