@decastell
I write swashbuckling fantasy novels such as Traitor’s Blade, Spellslinger, Play of Shadows and Malevolent Seven. My books have been translated into fifteen languages and are available in ebook, hardback, paperback and audiobook.
"Writing through a block can be tough! For me, the best way isn’t to just write anything—it's about crafting something that feels meaningful. What’s your go-to method? 🤔✍️ #WritingTip #FridayVibes #Author #Writing"
“When you're fighting a crowd, it's good to shout threatening things like ‘Crossbows!’ or ‘Fire!’ or ‘Giant Flying Cat!’ every once in a while.”
~Falico
decastell.com/book/traitor...
#characterquote #fantasy #swashbuckling
The cinquedea is a unique Italian sidearm featuring a broad, triangular blade with fullers near the tip. Worn by Renaissance nobles, it was both a display piece and a weapon for close combat. Perfect for artistry and defense! ⚔️ #Cinquedea #Sword #SwordHistory #HistoricalWeapons #RenaissanceWeapons
I had such a great conversation with @grimdarkmagazine.bsky.social about why the "Malevolent Seven" aren't typical heroes and the value of friendship in dark worlds.
If you want to read our chat: www.grimdarkmagazine.com/an-interview...
#bookchat #booktalk #GRIMDARK #fantasy
What better excuse for starting a new series than having an upcoming panel event with the author? I met Ryan Cahill at DragonCon back in 2024 and we instantly started trash talking one another –which is basically my love language with fellow novelists.
I’m a big fan of Loiosh, the jhereg (think tiny psychic dragon) from Steven Brust’s Vlad Taltos series. If I could write a story with him and Reichis going on a heist together, I’d be a happy writer.
#fridayvibes #author #writer #storyteller
"What? You’re telling me that what happens on our stage isn’t real? That it’s some kind of . . . theatrical performance? Come, noble comrade – we must alert the authorities at once!"
~Beretto
#playofshadows #characterhumour #fantasy #writer
🌟 Fun Castle Fact: Castillo de Coca! 🌟
This stunning fortress, built in 1453, is made of intricate, hardened brick that resembles lace! 🏰✨ Defending against invaders never looked so stylish.
📍 Segovia, Spain
💧 Surrounded by a deep, dry moat.
#History #CastleFact #Writer #AdventureReady
My thanks to Alan R. Warren for having me on. It’s always a pleasure to talk about stories, steel, and the sorts of decisions my characters will someday regret.
Listen Here: www.alanrwarren.com/house-of-mys...
#bookchat #booktalk #funtimes
Write the book you most want to read *boldly*. Don’t shy away from your influences; push your story beyond the norm. If you start timid, you'll lose the spark readers love! ✍️✨ #FridayVibes #Fantasy #FridayQuestions #Advice
“But no man is all one thing; none of us are pure in our beliefs or our devotions. We are all bound by the frailties of our humanity, some of which feed our hatred, some of which, very occasionally, make us want to be something better.”
~Falcio
decastell.com/book/saints-...
Fun Castle Fact: Heidelberg Castle has the Heidelberg Tun, a wine barrel holding 220,000 liters, with a dance floor on top! 🕺🏰
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Year of Expansion: Mid-1500s
Size: 300-foot-high hillside.
#CastleHistory #CastleFacts #HistoryNerd #FunFact
25% off Our Lady of Blades at Waterstones through Friday the 20th. Code: FEB26.
The sisters await.
www.waterstones.com/book/our-lad...
#preorder #fantasy #OurLadyofBlades #limitedtime
I can’t remember the last time I read all four books in a series back-to-back, but the Tom Swan adventures were just too much fun to put down. Kudos to Christian Cameron for giving readers a swashbuckling Indiana Jones of the 15th Century!
#currentlyreading #swashbuckling
The work is done.
The blades are where they belong.
Our Lady of Blades releases May 14th.
For those who prefer to step into a story early, pre-orders are open.
decastell.com/book/our-lad...
#fridayvibes #comingsoon #fantasy #preorder
"Justice isn’t recompense for the dead. It’s not retribution against the perpetrator. It is an . . . act of faith: a belief that the truth matters, and that we mortal men and women are worthy of that truth, no matter the consequences."
~ Estevar Barros
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
Fun Castle Fact: Wawel Royal Castle
The ceiling of the "Envoys' Hall" has 30 carved wooden heads. Legend says one head once spoke to give the King legal advice.
Location: Krakow, Poland
Year Started:1504
Size: Houses one of Europe's largest arcaded courtyards.
I sat down with Hannah Baller to talk about writing, fantasy, and how characters tend to steer stories in directions I didn’t plan.
If you’re curious about the thinking behind the books, the interview’s here:
hannahballer.com/2021/05/30/s...
#SebastienDeCastell #FantasyAuthor
Asked David Gerrold about ending a series, he said, “It’s over when characters have said all they needed.” I chose “Let Cade, Corrigan, and crew blow the world up” and “More vampire kangaroo.”
#Writing #AuthorUpdate
What's the biggest misconception about being a professional author? 🤔
As William Goldman said, “Nobody knows anything.” That's the publishing world for you—full of unpredictability! One day it’s success, the next, who knows? But I love every moment!
#AuthorLife #WritingCommunity
Our Lady of Blades is coming.
Not everything will be shared publicly.
Early reveals, limited editions, and quiet details go to the newsletter first—before the wider world catches on.
decastell.com/secrets/
#OurLadyOfBlades #ComingSoon
Did you know? 🏰 Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome is linked to the Vatican by an 800m secret tunnel, the Passetto di Borgo, used by Popes to escape during invasions! 🕵️♂️
#HistoricCastles #CastleFacts #HistoryNerd
Join me today at 11 am ET for a LIVE chat on Technology Revolution: The Future of Now, with Bonnie D. Graham
Talking on The Future of Authors + AI: Anything But Writing
Join us LIVE:
www.youtube.com/@BonnieDRadi...
#interview #bookchat
In my chat with Bookish Whimsy, I discussed how fencing shapes my action and dialogue writing. A duel has its own rhythm, much like conversations. When done right, readers truly feel the scene.
bookishwhimsy.blogspot.com/2014/07/inte...
#BookChat #WritingTips #Fencing
Huge thanks to everyone who came out for Swords, Fights, and Spellslingers with the dangerously talented Miles Cameron. Stories were swapped, fantasy was debated, and no one escaped entirely unscathed (emotionally).
Always a pleasure meeting readers.
How do you stay motivated while writing?
For me, it’s about honoring the readers who support my work and finding a meaningful theme that drives the story. ✍️📚
#fridayvibe #writing #motivation
In a few hours, the swords come out.
I’ll be at Indigo Bay & Bloor with Miles Cameron for Swords, Fights, and Spellslingers—signing books, handing out swag, and talking fantasy until someone makes us stop.
🕞 3:30–6 PM
📍 Indigo Bay & Bloor, Toronto
Tomorrow, swords will be crossed and books signed! Join me and the talented Miles Cameron for Swords, Fights, and Spellslingers.
📍 Indigo Bay & Bloor, Toronto
🕞 3:30–6:00 PM
✨ Free swag. Signed books. Questionable wisdom.
Come say hello or challenge us! Your move.
“There’s a trick to fighting on the deck of a ship. I don’t know what it is, but I fully intend to find out one day.”
~Falcio
decastell.com/book/tyrants...
#humour #humor #fantasy #bookquote #bookchat
Fun Castle Fact: Château de Chenonceau! 🏰✨ Its gallery served as an escape route during WWII—one side Nazi-occupied, the other "Free France."
Location: Loire Valley, France
Year Started: 1514
Size: Built over the River Cher.
#HistoryNerd #CastleFact #CastleLovers #DidYouKnow
