iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 2m

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 23h

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

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 🎭✍️

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

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-...

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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.

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

“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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

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.

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

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

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Our Lady of Blades is currently 99¢ on Amazon. The price is remarkably civilized. The book is not. www.amazon.com/Our-Lady-Bla... #OurLadyOfBlades #SebastienDeCastell #FantasyBooks

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Long before I was a novelist, I was a professional (if not very good) traveling musician. A good friend asked if I’d play keyboards for a Tom Petty tribute, so I’m nose-deep in organ and piano parts! #authorupdate #tompetty

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

How do you tackle writers' block? I focus on curiosity over judgment. Just a sentence can shift my mindset. If anxiety hits, I take a break and return. Remember: *Beat the Writers’ Block, don’t beat up on the writer.* ✍️ #WritersBlock #Motivation

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Mawkishness: drowning emotions in a syrupy pool of sentimentality. Jo Fletcher says characters can whine early but need to act later. Gotta love the whinging! 🤷‍♂️ #Writing #AmWriting #AuthorsLife

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Fun Castle Fact: Forte di San Leo Did you know the walls were specifically slanted to make cannonballs bounce off rather than explode on impact.. Location: San Leo, Italy Year Rebuilt: 1441 Size: Perched on a 600m sheer cliff. #funfact #castlehistory #italy

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

My thanks to Paul Semel for the conversation about The Malevolent Eight, the price of magic, and the hazards of asking unreliable mages to behave heroically. Read it here: paulsemel.com/exclusive-in... #TheMalevolentEight

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I’m fortunate to be good friends with two of my favourite historical fiction writers. One of those is the remarkable C.C. Humphreys whose latest book is a joy to read. #latestread #booktalk

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. I’m reliably informed its one of the greatest works of fiction ever written and the only way I’m likely to get through its 1072 pages is if I’m trapped on a desert island. #fridayvibe #bookchat

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

“What you blithely name a rodent, my Totemic magic reveals as a potent ally whose noble spirit lends cunning to my spells.” — Aradeus Mozen #magic #fantasy

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Fun Castle Fact: Spis Castle Did you know that Spis Castle is a "concentric" fortress with layers like an onion? Breaking one wall just trapped the enemy in a "killing zone" viewed from the wall above. Location: Žehra, Slovakia Renaissance Remodel: 1500s #castlefact #historyfact

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Had a great time with Guy Windsor on The Sword Guy Podcast! We explored writing sword fights—capturing the fear and strategy. 🎭🗡️ Listen here: swordschool.shop/blogs/podcas... #SebastienDeCastell #TheSwordGuyPodcast #SwordFighting #WritingCraft #FantasyBooks

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

When Tyrant’s Throne was published, I remember telling people that it wasn’t just the hardest book I’d ever written but the hardest thing I’d ever done. Re-reading it now after all these years, I think it’s become my favourite of the series. #currentlyreading #mondayvibes

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

I’ve often put little homages to The Princess Bride in my books, and Wesley’s classic line, “No one of consequence,” fit so perfectly here that it became a central aspect of the book and its themes. You can never go wrong by injecting a little Princess Bride into your story. #fridayvibes

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Tempestoral mages, or Thunderers, aren't about patience—they're all about the spectacle! ⚡️ Who doesn’t love a thrilling lightning strike? Corrigan Blight knows what’s up! #TheMalevolentSeries #SebastienDeCastell #FantasyBooks #DarkFantasy #MagicSystem

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Fun Castle Fact: Stirling Castle Did you know the "Stirling Heads" (oak medallions) was the first-ever depiction of a person of African descent in Scottish art. Location: Stirling, Scotland Year Built: 1538 Size: Built atop a volcanic crag. #castlehistory #castlefact

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Sebastien de Castell @decastell.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Thanks to Summer Brooks and @sliceofscifi.com for an amazing chat! We explored The Malevolent Eight, the grey areas of morality, and what’s next in The Malevolent Nine. 🎤✨ Listen here: www.writersafterdark.com/writers-afte... #TheMalevolentEight #SebastienDeCastell #WritersAfterDark #FantasyBooks

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