Sebastien de Castell
@decastell.bsky.social
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.
I often get asked for tips on writing fight scenes. Here are two key techniques:
1. Let readers choreograph the fight.
2. Build tension and stakes beyond the action.
For more, check out: decastell.com/2014/07/23/5...
#WritingTips #FightScenes #CreativeWriting 💥📚
1. Let readers choreograph the fight.
2. Build tension and stakes beyond the action.
For more, check out: decastell.com/2014/07/23/5...
#WritingTips #FightScenes #CreativeWriting 💥📚
January 16, 2026 at 1:56 PM
I often get asked for tips on writing fight scenes. Here are two key techniques:
1. Let readers choreograph the fight.
2. Build tension and stakes beyond the action.
For more, check out: decastell.com/2014/07/23/5...
#WritingTips #FightScenes #CreativeWriting 💥📚
1. Let readers choreograph the fight.
2. Build tension and stakes beyond the action.
For more, check out: decastell.com/2014/07/23/5...
#WritingTips #FightScenes #CreativeWriting 💥📚
“It’s stories that inspire people to change. It’s stories that make them believe things can be better.”
~Falcio
decastell.com/book/knights...
#greatcoats #characterquotes #author #Fantasy
~Falcio
decastell.com/book/knights...
#greatcoats #characterquotes #author #Fantasy
January 15, 2026 at 5:53 PM
“It’s stories that inspire people to change. It’s stories that make them believe things can be better.”
~Falcio
decastell.com/book/knights...
#greatcoats #characterquotes #author #Fantasy
~Falcio
decastell.com/book/knights...
#greatcoats #characterquotes #author #Fantasy
Did you know? 🏰 Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark, built in 1574, features a 203-ft Banquet Hall. It inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet and profited from taxing Baltic Sea ships! 💰 #CastleFact #HistoryFact #WritersLife #Author
January 14, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Did you know? 🏰 Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark, built in 1574, features a 203-ft Banquet Hall. It inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet and profited from taxing Baltic Sea ships! 💰 #CastleFact #HistoryFact #WritersLife #Author
I always have a great time talking about Play of Shadows. Thank you so much Track of Words.
www.trackofwords.com/2024/03/28/a...
#author #interview #playofshadows
www.trackofwords.com/2024/03/28/a...
#author #interview #playofshadows
January 13, 2026 at 7:57 PM
I always have a great time talking about Play of Shadows. Thank you so much Track of Words.
www.trackofwords.com/2024/03/28/a...
#author #interview #playofshadows
www.trackofwords.com/2024/03/28/a...
#author #interview #playofshadows
Feeling grateful for my health! Had a wild ER visit in Cambodia for kidney stones, but no serious issues. Just wrapped up a check-up with a physio in Vancouver and I’m excited to improve my mobility and strength over the next two months! 🏋️♂️💪 #HealthJourney #Resilience #AdventureAwaits
January 12, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Feeling grateful for my health! Had a wild ER visit in Cambodia for kidney stones, but no serious issues. Just wrapped up a check-up with a physio in Vancouver and I’m excited to improve my mobility and strength over the next two months! 🏋️♂️💪 #HealthJourney #Resilience #AdventureAwaits
Do you have any writing bad habits?
My redoubtable editor, Jo Fletcher, used to say of the Greatcoats novels, “You can make Falcio as maudlin and introspective as you want in the first half of the book, but I’m cutting those bits from the last act.” Tens of thousands of readers thank you, Jo.
My redoubtable editor, Jo Fletcher, used to say of the Greatcoats novels, “You can make Falcio as maudlin and introspective as you want in the first half of the book, but I’m cutting those bits from the last act.” Tens of thousands of readers thank you, Jo.
January 9, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Do you have any writing bad habits?
My redoubtable editor, Jo Fletcher, used to say of the Greatcoats novels, “You can make Falcio as maudlin and introspective as you want in the first half of the book, but I’m cutting those bits from the last act.” Tens of thousands of readers thank you, Jo.
My redoubtable editor, Jo Fletcher, used to say of the Greatcoats novels, “You can make Falcio as maudlin and introspective as you want in the first half of the book, but I’m cutting those bits from the last act.” Tens of thousands of readers thank you, Jo.
“First thing you learn wandering the long roads, kid. Everyone thinks they're the hero of their own story.”
~ Ferius Parfax
decastell.com/book/spellsl...
~ Ferius Parfax
decastell.com/book/spellsl...
January 8, 2026 at 3:45 PM
“First thing you learn wandering the long roads, kid. Everyone thinks they're the hero of their own story.”
~ Ferius Parfax
decastell.com/book/spellsl...
~ Ferius Parfax
decastell.com/book/spellsl...
Château de Chambord 🏰
- Location: Chambord, France
- Built: 1519
- Rooms: 440 | Fireplaces: 282
Did you know? This castle has a unique “double helix” staircase, allowing two people to ascend without meeting—ideal for nobles and spies!
#CastleFacts #CastleArchitecture #HiddenHistory
- Location: Chambord, France
- Built: 1519
- Rooms: 440 | Fireplaces: 282
Did you know? This castle has a unique “double helix” staircase, allowing two people to ascend without meeting—ideal for nobles and spies!
#CastleFacts #CastleArchitecture #HiddenHistory
January 7, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Château de Chambord 🏰
- Location: Chambord, France
- Built: 1519
- Rooms: 440 | Fireplaces: 282
Did you know? This castle has a unique “double helix” staircase, allowing two people to ascend without meeting—ideal for nobles and spies!
#CastleFacts #CastleArchitecture #HiddenHistory
- Location: Chambord, France
- Built: 1519
- Rooms: 440 | Fireplaces: 282
Did you know? This castle has a unique “double helix” staircase, allowing two people to ascend without meeting—ideal for nobles and spies!
#CastleFacts #CastleArchitecture #HiddenHistory
I always have such a fun time and conversation on @theswordguy.bsky.social. We dive into such fun and unique conversations!
theswordguy.podbean.com/e/writing-gr...
#booktalk #bookchat #sword
theswordguy.podbean.com/e/writing-gr...
#booktalk #bookchat #sword
January 6, 2026 at 9:49 PM
I always have such a fun time and conversation on @theswordguy.bsky.social. We dive into such fun and unique conversations!
theswordguy.podbean.com/e/writing-gr...
#booktalk #bookchat #sword
theswordguy.podbean.com/e/writing-gr...
#booktalk #bookchat #sword
My wife has danced her whole life, and I just joined in! 🎉 Took up ballroom dancing a few years back—waltz, jive, salsa, you name it! New Year’s Eve at the Copper Room was epic: great band, my wife shining, and only a few toes stepped on. Total win! 💃🕺 #BallroomDancing #NewYearsEve #DanceLife
January 5, 2026 at 4:35 PM
My wife has danced her whole life, and I just joined in! 🎉 Took up ballroom dancing a few years back—waltz, jive, salsa, you name it! New Year’s Eve at the Copper Room was epic: great band, my wife shining, and only a few toes stepped on. Total win! 💃🕺 #BallroomDancing #NewYearsEve #DanceLife
Who would you cast for the MV7 TV Show?
For me.. I think Keanu Reeves would nail Cade Ombra! 🎬✨ Kristin Atherton truly defined Ferius Parfax's voice in my audiobooks. That's why I'm keeping casting for the Malevolent Seven series a surprise! #Casting #KeanuReeves #Audiobooks
For me.. I think Keanu Reeves would nail Cade Ombra! 🎬✨ Kristin Atherton truly defined Ferius Parfax's voice in my audiobooks. That's why I'm keeping casting for the Malevolent Seven series a surprise! #Casting #KeanuReeves #Audiobooks
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Who would you cast for the MV7 TV Show?
For me.. I think Keanu Reeves would nail Cade Ombra! 🎬✨ Kristin Atherton truly defined Ferius Parfax's voice in my audiobooks. That's why I'm keeping casting for the Malevolent Seven series a surprise! #Casting #KeanuReeves #Audiobooks
For me.. I think Keanu Reeves would nail Cade Ombra! 🎬✨ Kristin Atherton truly defined Ferius Parfax's voice in my audiobooks. That's why I'm keeping casting for the Malevolent Seven series a surprise! #Casting #KeanuReeves #Audiobooks
"My faith lies not with gods, but in laws written by mortal hands to ensure the dignity of us all."
~Estevar Borros
CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
#characterquote #mortal #dignity
~Estevar Borros
CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
#characterquote #mortal #dignity
January 1, 2026 at 3:01 PM
"My faith lies not with gods, but in laws written by mortal hands to ensure the dignity of us all."
~Estevar Borros
CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
#characterquote #mortal #dignity
~Estevar Borros
CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
#characterquote #mortal #dignity
Fencing matches require focus, strategy, and sometimes a dash of creativity. Plotting a fantasy novel mid-bout? Maybe not the best idea! Discover the inspiration behind "Traitor's Blade" 🔍✨ decastell.com/2014/02/21/t... #Fantasy #WritersLife #TraitorsBlade
December 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Fencing matches require focus, strategy, and sometimes a dash of creativity. Plotting a fantasy novel mid-bout? Maybe not the best idea! Discover the inspiration behind "Traitor's Blade" 🔍✨ decastell.com/2014/02/21/t... #Fantasy #WritersLife #TraitorsBlade
Such a fun interview with Summer of @sliceofscifi.com as we talked about “The Malevolent Eight” building the good bad guys.
It's all about the bad guys choosing violence to do good.. You can take a listen here:
www.writersafterdark.com/writers-afte...
#interview #author #bookchat
It's all about the bad guys choosing violence to do good.. You can take a listen here:
www.writersafterdark.com/writers-afte...
#interview #author #bookchat
December 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Such a fun interview with Summer of @sliceofscifi.com as we talked about “The Malevolent Eight” building the good bad guys.
It's all about the bad guys choosing violence to do good.. You can take a listen here:
www.writersafterdark.com/writers-afte...
#interview #author #bookchat
It's all about the bad guys choosing violence to do good.. You can take a listen here:
www.writersafterdark.com/writers-afte...
#interview #author #bookchat
I keep returning to Christian Cameron's historical adventure novels. The Tom Swan series pulls me in effortlessly. The first, "Tom Swan and the Head of St. George," is inexpensive and an adventure you won’t regret! 📚✨
#amreading #historical #adventure #novel
#amreading #historical #adventure #novel
December 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
I keep returning to Christian Cameron's historical adventure novels. The Tom Swan series pulls me in effortlessly. The first, "Tom Swan and the Head of St. George," is inexpensive and an adventure you won’t regret! 📚✨
#amreading #historical #adventure #novel
#amreading #historical #adventure #novel
What inspired *The Greatcoats*? In the early 2000s, I discovered 12th Century Justices Itinerant, snagged a greatcoat from my bro, and witnessed history unfold during Kerry vs. Bush. These moments sparked *Traitor’s Blade*! #TheGreatcoats #Inspiration #FantasyAuthor #BookCommunity 📚✨
December 26, 2025 at 1:14 PM
What inspired *The Greatcoats*? In the early 2000s, I discovered 12th Century Justices Itinerant, snagged a greatcoat from my bro, and witnessed history unfold during Kerry vs. Bush. These moments sparked *Traitor’s Blade*! #TheGreatcoats #Inspiration #FantasyAuthor #BookCommunity 📚✨
“Happy Squirrel Cat Christmas”
Wishing you many successful heists, the blood of your enemies pooled by the tree, and all the butter biscuits you can eat!
Wishing you many successful heists, the blood of your enemies pooled by the tree, and all the butter biscuits you can eat!
December 25, 2025 at 1:02 PM
“Happy Squirrel Cat Christmas”
Wishing you many successful heists, the blood of your enemies pooled by the tree, and all the butter biscuits you can eat!
Wishing you many successful heists, the blood of your enemies pooled by the tree, and all the butter biscuits you can eat!
The Perfect Blade For Every Battle
It’s a dangerous world out there, and if you’re not careful you could soon find yourself on the wrong end of an opponent’s knife, a zombie’s tooth, or a werewolf’s claws....
decastell.com/2014/02/27/t...
It’s a dangerous world out there, and if you’re not careful you could soon find yourself on the wrong end of an opponent’s knife, a zombie’s tooth, or a werewolf’s claws....
decastell.com/2014/02/27/t...
December 25, 2025 at 3:45 AM
The Perfect Blade For Every Battle
It’s a dangerous world out there, and if you’re not careful you could soon find yourself on the wrong end of an opponent’s knife, a zombie’s tooth, or a werewolf’s claws....
decastell.com/2014/02/27/t...
It’s a dangerous world out there, and if you’re not careful you could soon find yourself on the wrong end of an opponent’s knife, a zombie’s tooth, or a werewolf’s claws....
decastell.com/2014/02/27/t...
Had a blast with Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn of @FanFiAddicts discussing swashbuckling! 🗡️ From The Three Musketeers to humor in action, we covered it all. Check it out! www.youtube.com/watch #FanFiAddict #Fantasy #BookTalk #InterviewView
December 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Had a blast with Adrian M. Gibson and M.J. Kuhn of @FanFiAddicts discussing swashbuckling! 🗡️ From The Three Musketeers to humor in action, we covered it all. Check it out! www.youtube.com/watch #FanFiAddict #Fantasy #BookTalk #InterviewView
Many holidays are here, but I love personal traditions. One is my "Christmas Run," a 10K on Christmas morning to reflect on the year. It’s a great prep for family events.
What are your holiday traditions? 🎄🏃♂️
#Holidays #Traditions
What are your holiday traditions? 🎄🏃♂️
#Holidays #Traditions
December 22, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Many holidays are here, but I love personal traditions. One is my "Christmas Run," a 10K on Christmas morning to reflect on the year. It’s a great prep for family events.
What are your holiday traditions? 🎄🏃♂️
#Holidays #Traditions
What are your holiday traditions? 🎄🏃♂️
#Holidays #Traditions
What do you love about reading fantasy?
What I love about writing fantasy is building worlds that reflect the themes of the story. The challenge is keeping the magic from overshadowing the human drama. ✨📚 #FridayVibes #FridayFeeling #Writer #Reader #Fantasy
What I love about writing fantasy is building worlds that reflect the themes of the story. The challenge is keeping the magic from overshadowing the human drama. ✨📚 #FridayVibes #FridayFeeling #Writer #Reader #Fantasy
December 19, 2025 at 1:55 PM
What do you love about reading fantasy?
What I love about writing fantasy is building worlds that reflect the themes of the story. The challenge is keeping the magic from overshadowing the human drama. ✨📚 #FridayVibes #FridayFeeling #Writer #Reader #Fantasy
What I love about writing fantasy is building worlds that reflect the themes of the story. The challenge is keeping the magic from overshadowing the human drama. ✨📚 #FridayVibes #FridayFeeling #Writer #Reader #Fantasy
“Love is an onion, my boy. Leave it too long and the heart of it will rot. So you’ve got to carefully peel back the layers until you find beneath something so beautiful it brings you to tears.”
~Paedar
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
~Paedar
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
December 18, 2025 at 2:38 PM
“Love is an onion, my boy. Leave it too long and the heart of it will rot. So you’ve got to carefully peel back the layers until you find beneath something so beautiful it brings you to tears.”
~Paedar
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
~Paedar
decastell.com/book/crucibl...
Fun fact: Many historic and castle spiral staircases twist clockwise, giving defenders the advantage and attackers a very bad day.
December 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Fun fact: Many historic and castle spiral staircases twist clockwise, giving defenders the advantage and attackers a very bad day.
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar starts with humor—a nobleman is made a fool by a cobbler calling himself a ‘mender of soles’ (sounds like ‘souls’). This clever pun likely had the 1599 Globe audience in stitches! 😂
decastell.com/2014/05/01/b...
decastell.com/2014/05/01/b...
December 16, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar starts with humor—a nobleman is made a fool by a cobbler calling himself a ‘mender of soles’ (sounds like ‘souls’). This clever pun likely had the 1599 Globe audience in stitches! 😂
decastell.com/2014/05/01/b...
decastell.com/2014/05/01/b...
Back in Vancouver for winter! 🌨️
A few truths: breathtaking views (partly hidden by condos), “mild” winters powered by 9 months of rain, and locals who’ll drive 2 hours to hike but sigh at a 15-minute commute. Still, it’s impossible not to love the place.
#Vancouver #TravelCanada
A few truths: breathtaking views (partly hidden by condos), “mild” winters powered by 9 months of rain, and locals who’ll drive 2 hours to hike but sigh at a 15-minute commute. Still, it’s impossible not to love the place.
#Vancouver #TravelCanada
December 15, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Back in Vancouver for winter! 🌨️
A few truths: breathtaking views (partly hidden by condos), “mild” winters powered by 9 months of rain, and locals who’ll drive 2 hours to hike but sigh at a 15-minute commute. Still, it’s impossible not to love the place.
#Vancouver #TravelCanada
A few truths: breathtaking views (partly hidden by condos), “mild” winters powered by 9 months of rain, and locals who’ll drive 2 hours to hike but sigh at a 15-minute commute. Still, it’s impossible not to love the place.
#Vancouver #TravelCanada