Sebastien de Castell

I was in a restaurant recently and saw this old poster on the wall for an Errol Flynn movie I’d never seen. I love how evocative old swashbuckling posters always seem to be. Also, everybody’s got cool boots. I miss when you could walk around in really cool boots.

Fantasy allows us to create worlds that embody the themes we're exploring. It's a powerful tool, but we must ensure the magic doesn’t overshadow the human drama at its core. #WritingCommunity #FantasyWorlds #Storytelling

So many of you loved the twin versions of the Argosi cards from Spellslinger! Here’s a look at the Four of Chalices. The Berabesq people value family and faith, and I’m captivated by this haunting design. #FunFact #Spellslinger #ArgosiCards

When my publishers bought Traitor’s Blade, they asked for a map of the duchies. I sketched one on a napkin and said it wouldn’t be used. Yet somehow, it ended up on the Bulgarian cover. #Art #Inspiration #BookCover #TraitorsBlade

Sneak peek alert! Meet Talen Gamble, a not-so-popular King’s Travelling Magistrate—drunk, corrupt, and always in trouble. Catch him in the upcoming third Court of Shadows novel after I finish Our Lady of Blades! #Character #Writer #ComingSoon

What book changed your life? For me, it was *Bard* by Keith Taylor. It sparked my dream to be a bard—travelling, adventuring, and storytelling. I’ve lived that dream as a musician, actor, and now a novelist! 🎶✨ #BardLife #DreamBig

Years ago, I considered using a pen name for my non-fantasy books and thought of “Ross Bard.” It’s catchy and just eight letters! My first novel, an archaeological mystery called “Skeletons in the Cloister,” could have been his debut. Maybe one day! #Writing #Author

Fun Castle Fact: Château d’Azay-le-Rideau - France 1500's Did you know Francis I’s salamander emblem appears throughout the château, including on its great staircase. His associated motto essentially translates to “I feed on good fire and extinguish bad fire.” #didyouknow #castlehistory

Always a joy to dive into fantasy! 🎉 Thanks to Alex Lewczuk and Southside Broadcasting for discussing The Malevolent Nine. Excited for what's next! Listen here: southsidebroadcasting.podbean.com/e/sebastien-... #SebastienDeCastell #TheMalevolentNine #FantasyBooks #AuthorInterview

Another gorgeous piece of artwork by Path of Cloud on the Sky. This one features Kellen and his Sasutzei spirit as found in Shadowblack. ca.pinterest.com/pin/32003711... #fanart #artwork

What sparked the creation of The Greatcoats? It all began with 12th Century judges, a birthday greatcoat gift, and an election that changed perceptions. These elements fused, leading to "Traitor’s Blade", the first in the series! #TheGreatcoats #WritingInspiration

Kellen, Reichis, and Ferius are on a quest to find the last obsidian worms! But Kellen's heroics aren't for everyone... Join the adventure in "The Obsidian Worm," right after Shadowblack! payhip.com/b/xnZuw #Spellslinger #FantasyBooks

Did you know that Mir Castle in Belarus features stunning Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture? It boasts 4 five-storey towers and a 6-storey gate tower! Built/expanded in the late 1400s–1500s. #Castle #History #Fact #Writer

I have a weird obsession with silver coins and why certain symbols or images are chosen over others. This particular set always makes me think about ways of making currency in my fantasy novels more evocative. #fantasy #writer #silvercoins

One inspiration for my debut novel, Traitor’s Blade, was the idea of a protective coat for magistrates. Packed with tricks and weapons, these coats kept Falcio, Kest, and Brasti safe on their adventures. Check out this image from Guide to the Greatcoats! #FridayVibes #Writer #Fantasy

When the King’s Law is challenged by eerie events, Estevar Borros must uncover the truth. But how to explain the chamberlain dancing in the palace two weeks posthumously? Check it out here: payhip.com/b/jGdHx #Author #Writer #Mystery #Fantasy

Did you know? Sforza Castle in Milan features a stunning illusionistic canopy of trees painted by Leonardo da Vinci! It was later whitewashed and used for horses, but thankfully, the artwork was rediscovered. #CastleFact #History #Writer

Diving into the archives! Had a great chat with @Jadeyraereads about Fall of the Argosi and Ferius Parfax. Check it out: www.youtube.com/watch #authorchat #booktalk

When the Sword Seems to Smile 🌟 Set after Tyrant’s Throne, Falcio val Mond and the Greatcoats saved Tristia from chaos, restoring the King’s heir. But what came next was an even greater challenge for Falcio. payhip.com/b/362Bf #Author #Writer #ShortStory #Fantasy #BookLovers

When I wrote Play of Shadows decastell.com/book/play-of..., I began with a script format. It was liberating to focus on dialogue and settings! That first draft truly opened new doors. #FridayVibe #Writing 🎭✍️

Discover the magic of Nesvizh Castle in Belarus (1583)! This stunning complex features ten interconnected buildings around a six-sided courtyard, all fortified with bastions, walls, and a moat. A true miniature world! #History #Fact #Castle

Pre-order my book from Bookshop.org between 23–27 September and you can save 20% with the code SEPT20. Better still, every purchase supports real independent bookshops across the UK. Books for you. Support for indie bookshops. Twenty percent off. bookshop.org/p/books/the-...

Had an awesome chat with Andrew Sumner at Forbidden Planet TV about Way of the Argosi, Fall of the Argosi, and swordplay films! 🎬⚔️ Check it out: www.youtube.com/watch #SebastienDeCastell #Spellslinger #WayOfTheArgosi #FallOfTheArgosi #Argosi #FantasyBooks #ForbiddenPlanetTV

London is the city I’ve travelled to the most outside of Montreal and Vancouver. My literary agent is based here, as are two of my publishers and a ton of writer friends whom I hope to see on this trip! #london #travel #publisher

As a matter of fact, I’m working on a Reichis story right now that’s going to appear in a fabulous fantasy animal anthology coming out next year. It’s about a butter biscuit heist that goes wrong and nearly brings about the apocalypse. #fridayvibe #reichis #writer

Books build bright futures, and we all need to come together to ensure we’re #RaisingReaders. @hachetteuk.bsky.social has created this video to highlight the incredible impact that just 10minutes of reading a day can have on children.

Castle Wednesday: Discover Issogne Castle in Italy, built between the late 1400s and 1509! In its courtyard, a stunning wrought-iron pomegranate tree symbolizes fertility, family unity, and strength—plus a hint of dragons for that Renaissance flair. #CastleFacts #RenaissanceHistory #Fantasy

From the archives! Back when Red O’Laughlin asked me about storytelling. We dove into The Greatcoats, Spellslinger, and more. Thank you, Red & The Corner Bookstore, for the chat! Catch it here: www.youtube.com/watch #TheGreatcoats #Spellslinger #FantasyAuthor #WritingCraft #Worldbuilding

In all my travels, I’ve never been to Portugal before. So, my wife and I will be cycling around and enjoying the sights for a week or so before one of our strangest trips ever . . . #mondayupdate #author #traveling #biking

I wish there weren’t so many to choose from, but maybe Cold Steel for Crooked Hearts –a modern hardboiled private eye novel I wrote a couple of years ago. But mostly because I really wish someone would write more books like that so I could read them. #fridayvibes #writer

“My name is Ferius Parfax. I chose that name. I mean, sure, maybe I kinda stole it from a dog, but it’s mine now. I’ve earned it. — Ferius Parfax #spellslinger #quote #throwback

Discover the magic of Torrechiara Castle in Italy, built in 1448! Its stunning Golden Room once dazzled with gold leaf and romantic frescoes. Because nothing says love like a castle fortress! #Torrechiara #CastleFacts #RenaissanceLove

A while back, I joined David Wragg, J.S. Dewes, Marina Lostetter, and Julia Vee to discuss how dialogue reveals character. A fun and insightful chat! Check it out if you missed it! Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch #FanFiAddict #SebastienDeCastell #WritingCraft #FantasyAuthors #SFF

Umm . . . Best Husband? Or maybe something really weird, like winning a writing prize for something that my book isn’t even remotely about but was just misinterpreted by the judging committee. #fridayvibes #fridayhumour #writing

“I am the King’s Spear and yes, you fucking sack of dirt, I am a Greatcoat.” ~Talia #quote #bookcharacters #greatcoats

Did you know? Glücksburg Castle in Germany is about 400 years old, but some stones date back 800 years from a medieval monastery! So, parts of it are older than the castle itself. #History #CastleFact

Big thanks to Glen “Sportcat” Jackson for an engaging chat on The Sportcat Show! We dove into sword fighting, fantasy writing, true crime, and more. Catch the conversation here: www.youtube.com/watch #SebastienDeCastell #TheSportcatShow #FantasyAuthor #AuthorInterview #Podcast

I’m not much of a cruise person, and my wife has a long-standing aversion to them. However, the Queen Mary II is an ocean liner that crosses the Atlantic over the course of a week and has ballroom dancing every night. Really, we couldn’t say no. #writer #adventure

Portalist The ability to open a door that leads halfway across the world is surely one of the most desirable sources of magic for any wonderist… or criminal. #fantasy #magic

Torrechiara Castle in Italy has a Golden Room adorned with gold leaf and frescoes of chivalric love—a stunning Renaissance love letter! 🏰💛 Built: 1448–1460 #CastleFact #CastleHistory

Huge shoutout to Randi-Lee Bowslaugh & the Write or Die Show for an amazing conversation! We explored writing, creativity, and the "sensible" career path debate. 😄 Check it out here: youtube.com/live/APeVzjH... #WriteOrDieShow #SebastienDeCastell #AuthorInterview #FantasyAuthor #WritingLife

Cycling trips have become my favourite way to travel. The trick, however, is to remember to prepare a little in advance so I don’t end up complaining of a sore butt on the first day. #travel #cycling #mondaymotivation

More than any other books or subjects, readers write to me asking about how to become an Argosi. I wish I knew, because it sure would be cool to be a little more like Ferius Parfax. #fridayvibes #writer

Sonoral The Echoist's mystical gifts magnify their words from mere utterances into ear-splitting spiritual commandments difficult to resist. #fantasy #magic

Castle Wednesday: Egeskov Castle 🏰 Built in 1554, Egeskov features two fortified houses connected by a thick wall for defense. It’s preserved on timber piles submerged in the lake. #CastleWednesday #EgeskovCastle #CastleFacts #History #FantasyInspiration

Auroral Auroral magic comes in the form of blessings granted by the Lords Celestine, heavenly beings who embody specific virtues such as justice, devotion or serenity. #magic #fantasy

I play in a D&D group made up entirely of other writers (whose identities shall remain undisclosed for their own personal safety). We take forever just to leave a tavern and keep burning things out accidentally.

A group of new gods are born with a plan to bring paradise to humanity. Naturally, Cade and the Malevolent Seven want to kill them first. Oh, and there’s a flying koala sphinx. #comingsoon #malevolentnine #fridayvibes

Infernalist Infernal spells manipulate consciousness itself. They are sold to a wonderist by the Lords Devilish through their agents, and appear as ink-black sigils on one's flesh. #fantasy #magic #spells

Fun Castle Fact: Houska Castle Did you know: All defenses face inward. It was built to "seal" a hole in the ground that locals believed was a gateway to Hell. Location: Blatce, Czech Republic Renaissance Reno: 1584 Size: Compact stone fortress. #castlefact #historyfact