You Gotta Read Videos: November 2010 Entry #14 Lafitte's Black Box

You Gotta Read Videos: November 2010 Entry #14 Lafitte's Black Box: "Title: Lafitte's Black Box Author: Jake Webber Trailer Creator: Jake Webber Blurb: When he can no longer control what is real and wh..."

Interview on the website...Authors Unleashed

Here's the interview.

http://authorsunleashed.blogspot.com/2010/11/interview-with-jake-webber.html

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Pirate Alley

Pirate Alley is a small block located in the French Quarter between Chartres Street and to Royal Street. The street of the same name, Pirate Alley, runs between the two. Jackson Square is at the entrance at Chartres Street and the alley is sandwiched between St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo. It is one of the most visited spots in New Orleans. Many people like to get their photograph at the famous lamppost that marks the entrance. It was originally called Orleans Alley or Orleans Alley South. The name was officially changed to what it had been commonly called by locals to Pirate Alley in 1964.

Pirate Alley has been the meeting place of politicians, smugglers, pirates, theives, poets, writers, businessmen, lovers, etc. It has been painted, photographed, and drawn many times over. Jean Lafitte was jailed here...and escaped. Others were jailed here as well as this was the location of a Spanish prison. The street is narrow, as was common during the time and cobblestoned. There is an air of mystery and intrigue to the place due to its history and the usual feel of what the French Quarter has captured, collected, and made its own through the ages.

The Faulkner House is located here. William Faulkner wrote his first novel there. The house has been restored and is now the location of the Faulkner Society. The first floor is the location of Faulkner House Books.

This is a great area to visit and explore.

The picture was borrowed from the website: atneworleans.com

Spotlight interview with Jake Webber

Here's a link to an interview I did on the website, The Indie Spotlight.

http://www.theindiespotlight.com/?p=3013

Pierre Lafitte

Here's a little bit of information about Pierre Lafitte. He is a minor character in my book and is the older brother of Jean Lafitte. He was also known as a pirate and is also mentioned several times as an integral player in the Battle of New Orleans. In my book, he runs Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop which was his business in New Orleans. He used this business to handle the sale of pirated goods. Pierre spent the majority of his time in New Orleans while Jean spent most of his time at the pirate colony at Barataria. This arrangement worked well for the brothers.

It is believed that Pierre was born in France in 1770, the son of a sailor and trader father. Pierre worked with his father learning the business of trade. At some point he moved to Saint-Dominigue and fled from there after the Haitian Revolution arriving in New Orleans. Not long after, he and Lafitte set up shop. Pierre remained in New Orleans after Jean left for Galveston. Pierre was married and had many children. He died in 1821 and still has descendents in New Orleans.

Stuart Aken Interview with Jake Webber, Author

Interview with Jake Webber, Author

Kindle Author: Interview: Jake Webber

Kindle Author: Interview: Jake Webber: "Jake Webber, author of Lafitte's Black Box, discusses his book, his writing process, and Kindle. DAVID WISEHART: What can you tell us about..."

Spalding's Racket: Lafitte's Black Box by Jake Webber - YA Adventure

Spalding's Racket: Lafitte's Black Box by Jake Webber - YA Adventure: "When he can no longer control what is real and what is imagined, Deveraux Parker realizes that his dream has become reality. Discovering a..."

Jackson Square, a little background history

Jackson Square is the location of a couple of scenes from my book. Also known as Place d'Armes, it is located in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Early New Orleans was centered around this area in the pattern of typical european cities and town squares. After the Battle of New Orleans, it was renamed Jackson Square after the hero of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson. The statue of Jackson was erected in 1856. It was placed at the parks center. St.Louis Cathedral stands behind the square while two other large buildings flank either side. The Cabildo sits on the left and the Presbytere sits on the right which is now a museum.

The park is now a gathering place of painters, artists, street artists and the like. At the forefront of the park is where one would go to catch a carriage ride through the French Quarter. This area has been the inspiration of many writers and painters as well as being in the scenes of many movies.

Learn more about this interesting place in history in my book and make plans to visit New Orleans and explore Jackson Square and the French Quarter.

Lafitte's Black Box now available on Kindle!

My book is now available on Amazon's Kindle. Please check it out at
http://www.amazon.com/Lafittes-Black-Box-Boit-ebook/dp/B003TLMXTI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1277320492&sr=8-2-catcorr
Please write a review or give feedback on my blog.

The Devil's Punchbowl and Natchez

The Devil' Punchbowl is a place that was written about in my book. It is located just north of Natchez past Natchez Cemetery. It was created by nature and is a deep semi-circular hole that cut's deeply inward into the bluff. It was hollowed out by the Mississippi River over time. It's been used as a hideout by pirates in the past or other outlaws that wanted to elude those chasing them. It has it's place in Natchez folklore as a mysterious place. When I was growing up, I heard all kind of tales about the bowl. I was told a goat like creature roamed about in the bowl, half human and half goat. I heard about rituals performed at night and people disappearing, never to be seen again. When you matched that with the turning angel and the other legends and folklore of the Natchez area, your young imagination could really run wild.

The 70's and 80's were really a fun time to grow up in that area. Lot's of memories in that historic town. My friends and I did a lot of exploring, many of the areas are no longer there. Places have been torn down and new buildings now stand in their place. There are many books about the Natchez area to read.

The Mississippi Steamboat Era in Historic Photographs: Natchez to New Orleans, 1870-1920 by Joan W. Gandy and Thomas H. Gandy

Antebellum Natchez by D. Clayton James

The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles

And don't forget about my book, Lafitte's Black Box!



The Devil's Punchbowl is privately owned and that information needs to be shared with the readers.

The Turning Angel

The Turning Angel is a monument placed not far from main road that runs by Natchez Cemetery. The monument is written about in my book and has been written about by Greg Iles and is the name of one of his books. The monument was placed there in 1908 by an employer in Natchez who put it there to look over the graves of his employees that had been killed in an explosion.

When I was younger, there had already been a phenomenon attached to the monument, that it turned. This was supposed to occur at night when a light was shined on it or as you passed in a car. It cannot be counted the numerous thousands of times scared teens have tried this out, on a dare or just trying to impress a young girl. You were especially brave if you, God forbid, got out and jumped the wall and went over to touch the Turning Angel.

The Turning Angel is one of many things or places you can explore in my book. After you read my book, book a trip to Natchez. It's a wonderful historic town that's fun for a weekend getaway.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop from the book, Lafitte's Black Box

In my book, Lafitte's Black Box, you'll get to know this famous New Orleans landmark a little better. Once a pirate gets his treasure, if it's not gold or pieces of eight, what does he do with it if he can't bury it. He's got to sell it, right? Much of what Jean Lafitte and his pirates captured from the Spanish ships were durable goods such as fine clothing, china, silverware, furniture, etc. Many of the things the fine citizens of New Orleans wanted and Jean Lafitte could give them a bargain.

Much of the negotiating and business was done by his brother Pierre at thier business front, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Located in the French Quarter on the corner of Bourbon St. and St Philip St. Built sometimes before 1772, this building still stands and now entertains patrons of a different sort as this is now a popular bar.

Discover Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop in my book and if you are ever in New Orleans, stop by and tell them that you read about this place in my book!

Maspero's, a New Orlean's Landmark

The Original Pierre Maspero's, the restaurant in the French Quarter, was once used as a warehouse by Jean Lafitte to auction off his plundered treasure. Thought to be originally erected in 1788, this New Orleans landmark has been part of a rich history of the city. Not only did Jean Lafitte and his brother, Pierre, conduct some of their operation from this building, Andrew Jackson plotted the Battle of New Orleans from here, slaves awaited their fates here as this building was used as an auction house.

Located at Rue St. Louis and Rue Chartres, this busy intersection has seen many New Orlean locals, poets, musicians, politicians gather for lunch or business just as Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte did 200 years ago.

Discover Maspero's in my book, Lafitte's Black Box then go to New Orleans and discover it for yourself!

Buccaneer's

Buccaneer is a French derived word that is now synonomous with pirate. Buccaneers ravaged the Gulf coast and the Carribean during the late 17th century. They mostly attacked Spainish ships, plundering them of their treasure. Buccaneers were usually licensed by the English crown with a letter of marque giving them permission to attack the foreign ships as a way to do battle with Spain, England's main rival at the time.

Jean Lafitte considered himself, not a pirate, but a privateer (buccaneer). He controlled a fleet of men who looted Spanish and foreign ships, collecting the bounty which they would evenly divide up amongst themselves. From their pirate colony located near the mouth of the mighty Mississippi at Barataria Bay, they ruled the Gulf coast in the early 1800's.

Read more about Jean Lafitte and Buccaneers at your local library. Check out my book, Lafitte's Black Box.

Here's a quick link for a little info on Jean Lafitte (copy and paste)

http://www.freebase.com/view/en/jean_lafitte

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Jean Lafitte and his merry men of pirates

Jean Lafitte, the most famous pirate of New Orleans, had a group of his most trusted men, his lieutenants. Each of these men commanded his own ship and reported to Jean Lafitte, whom they called "bos". These bloodthirsty pirates included Dominique Youx and Renato Beluche, both of whom served in Napoleon's navy. Vincent Gambi was also a lieutenant, and was one of the most bloodthirsty pirates to sail in the Gulf of Mexico. He was known to have carried an axe and was also known to have used it on many bloody occasions. Another was Louis Chighizola known as Nez Coupe, or cut nose. It was said he lost half of his nose in a knife fight.

These pirates are found in my book to give the reader a taste of what these pirates were like. They are found on the high seas and at the pirate colony at Barataria Bay. The colony that Jean Lafitte set up to house the pirates and their familys just off the coast of Louisiana near the mouth of the mighty Mississippi.

Bilgemunky review of Lafitte's Black Box

Here's a recent review of my book. The site is geared towards pirates and very entertaining. The review is not one of the most favorable I've had but it's honost and you have to take some criticism in this business. Please take the time to read the review and explore the site. I'll include the link:

http://www.bilgemunky.com/pirate-reviews/books/lafittes-black-box/

Jean Lafitte, book signing, and more

It's been awhile since I last posted. Looking at doing a book signing in Zachary, LA at The Bookcase. It will be on a Saturday, May the 8th in the afternoon. I'm working on the second book in the series. I'm currently researching the central historical character and the time frame/setting. As with the first book, I want the reader to come away with a taste of history that will enrich the mind as well as entertain. For those interested in reading more on Jean Lafitte, you can read the following:
The Journal of Jean Laffite: The Privateer-Patriot's Own Story by Jean Lafitte
The Pirate Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans by Robert Tallant and John Chase
Both are available on Amazon.

Parent/Teen Book Club

Found this article online. Would be a great way to spend time with your teenager and stay connected. There are a lot of great books out there to share with your teen. Also a way to knock out summer reading!

Mention of book in the Times-Picayune

Celebrating books the New Orleans way - Page 3

SIGNING ON: Look for more signings this spring of recently published books -- by noted poet-about-town Dennis Formento ("Looking for an Out Place," FootHills Press, $15), publisher of "Mesechabe: The Journal of Surregionalism," but best known by some as the founder of the Frank Zappatistas free jazz/free verse band; New Orleans writer/photographer Kristin Fouquet ("Twenty Stories," Rank Stranger Press, $14.95); and Baton Rouge writer Jake Webber ("Lafitte's Black Box," Llumina Press, $14.95), whose historical action/adventure tale time-travels between colonial and modern New Orleans and stars young Deveraux Parker, who finds a certain box ... that's been buried for two centuries ... which sparks a treasure hunt ...

. . . . . . . .

Link: http://nola.live.advance.net/living/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-15/126975450058340.xml&coll=1&thispage=3#continue

The last American Pirate

Jean Lafitte, the notorious pirate who saved New Orleans from the British in the War of 1812, was the last American pirate. His death is surrounded in mystery. After he was forced out of New Orleans, he moved his operation to Galveston,Texas where he operated for for a few years. The US navy forced him out of Galveston. He burned his buildings and set sail in his ship, The Pride. He continued attacking and looting ships. Some say he died in a jungle in South or Central America, others say he died near Cuba while attacking a ship. Still others say he lived his life out peacefully somewhere in the United States. The mystery of Jean Lafitte is what makes reading about him so fun.

Map of French Quarter

This is the map from the book. The map highlights the areas of interest from the book. To follow the adventures of Devereaux, Sam, and Emily. You could, if you want, take the St. Charles streetcar on Louisiana Avenue and get off on Canal. Then follow the map into the Quarter!

Recent book signing

I had a great book signing this past weekend at Barnes and Noble at Citiplace here in Baton Rouge. The staff were great and the turnout was really good. I spoke to a few people about putting the map in the book up on the website. Will try to do that today, if not today, really soon.

Two book signings coming up

I have two book signings coming up. The first one is this Saturday, March the 6th at Barnes and Noble in Baton Rouge. This is the one at Citiplace on Corporate. It's from 3 to 5 in the afternoon. The next book signing is in Natchez, MS the following Saturday, March the 13th at Turning Pages Bookstore on Franklin Street downtown. It will be from 1 to 3 in the afternoon. If you haven't been to Natchez, it's worth the trip. The Natchez Pilgrimage will be going on during this time as well.

Preview out on the website Bilgemunky.com

Bilgemunky.com is a website dedicated to everything pirates. Check out the preview and you can check out the website while your at it.

Re-edited Book Trailer for Lafitte's Black Box

Here is the re-edited version of the Book trailer. Posted on youtube


Here is the youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA2ufrRt8rg

Book trailer for Lafitte's Black Box

More places from Lafitte's Black Box

This is St. Louis Cemetery number 1. Located not far from the French Quarter. Lots of history to this place. This is the cemetery Devereaux and Sam met up with the Voodoo woman.

SAINTS WIN SUPERBOWL!!!!

My beloved Saints win the Superbowl.

Natchez Cemetery, Turning Angel

This is the Natchez Cemetery that sits across from the Dick Tracy house. In the story, this is where they hide the bikes. You can see the statue of the Turning Angel. You would also pass the cemetery on the way to the Devil's Punchbowl.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and other places

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Jean and Pierre Lafitte ran their operation here. Now a bar in the French Quarter.

The Saint Louis Cathedral, opening scene of Lafitte's Black Box. Location of Jackson Square.

Inspiration for Black Box

This place is down near the levee in Baton Rouge. It is surrounded by an old cyclone fence and is overgrown and nearly hidden. This place helped inspire where Devereaux finds the black box.

Some places that inspired Lafitte's Black Box

The first house is an example of a Victorian house in Natchez and would have been along the road that Devereaux and Taylor road their bikes to the cemetery.

The large white house is Weymouth Hall and sits across from Natchez Cemetery. It was not restored when I was younger. It was called the Dick Tracy house.

Book Reviews for Lafitte's Black Box

Two reviews for my book were recently given. The first from Greg Langley, book reviewer for The Advocate and the second from Edie Dykeman from the website, Bellaonline. Both reviews were favorable. I'll post the links below.

The Advocate: (2nd review)
http://www.2theadvocate.com/entertainment/books/79659077.html

Bellaonline:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art31406.asp

Barnes and Noble Book signings in February/March

I've got two booksignings coming up, the first is at the Barnes and Noble in Lafayette, Louisiana for February 6th at 2pm. I have another at the Barnes and Noble here in Baton Rouge, the one at Citiplace also at 2pm, March 6th.