Silicon Valley Executive-at-Large. Private Investor. Novelist. Constant Learner.
From nothing to 2021 Page Turner Awards Finalist; to #1 New Release on Amazon. I blame it on my grandson.
I’ve always had a passion for taking a blank page and creating something interesting. And dreamt of writing a novel, occasionally. But it took two things to turn that passion, and those dreams, into my first published novel: opportunity and inspiration.
Opportunity came late for me. Perhaps that was a good thing. After all, life experiences bring a richer understanding that can enhance anyone’s writing. But where exactly do you find inspiration? I mean, sustainable inspiration. For me, that spark was my grandson. He gave me the chance to leave him something -- a path to a more impactful and happy life. And maybe even a little inspiration of his own.
At age ten, I was enthralled by Robert Louis Stevenson's ‘Treasure Island’ and 'Kidnapped'. What child doesn't love an exciting tale about pirates and treasure? But the fact that my grandson was named Drake (like the famous sixteenth-century English 'pirate') was all the spark I needed to sit down and write Pyrate Rising. And once invested in the characters, I needed to know where their lives would take them. So I penned my ‘Pyrate Series’ trilogy. I’m now writing the fourth novel in that series. All under the pen name: Reidr Daniels.
There’s an interesting twist here. My writing unexpectedly brought me Garret Connachan, an intelligent, brash, and bad-ass female who initially presents as male. There is actual historical precedent for this -- think Ann Bonny, or Mary Read. Though not even written into my initial draft, Garret fought her way into becoming the protagonist. I mean, give her a little credit -- she even pushed aside the legendary Drake for that spot. She now leads my 'Pyrate Series'. I believe Garret will appeal to male, female and non-binary pirate fans. I'm pleased that each novel in the trilogy has been named a Finalist for PTA writing awards.
Besides my Pyrate Series, I've authored three nonfiction books, honoring the lives and history of my extended family, under my real name.
Published Novels:
Pyrate Rising (Historical Fiction, 2021) - A #1 New Seller in an Amazon YA category; and 2021 Page Turner Award Finalist (Writing Award)
Pyrate Assassin (Historical Fiction, 2022) - A 2021 Page Turner Awards Finalist (Writing Award)
Pyrate Crossover (Historical Fiction, 2023) - A 2022 Page Turner Awards Longlisted Finalist (Writing Award)
Manuscripts in process:
Pyrate: Black Flag (Historical Fiction)
Published Nonfiction:
The Langton Millennium (2021) - A family ancestral investigation covering one thousand years
A Family Legacy: The Proutens and The Lees (2021) - A family ancestral investigation
A Family Legacy - The Grants & The Linneys (2024) - The last in the series.
Business Publications (Nonfiction)
Adding it All Up, University of Manitoba, UM Today (2017)
Exceptional Talent May Not Come in a Box, LinkedIn.com (2016)
Can I Talk? (About Women Proving Out in the Workplace), LinkedIn.com (2014)
A Multitasking Fish Story, BizWatchOnline (c2001)
Stock Option Repricing: What Now? Compensation & Benefits Review (1999)
ISOs vs NQSOs: The Choice Still Exists, Compensation & Benefits Review (1987)
Social Media:
Website: Pyrate Publishing (www.pyratepubs.com)
Facebook (3): Reid Linney (420+ friends); Reidr Daniels (70+ friends); Pyrate Publishing
LinkedIn: Reid Linney (1,200+ contacts/colleagues)
Contact: Reid.Linney@gmail.com
