A Journey Through Etheria: The Birth of ‘Windborne Fate’

An Interview with Nathaniel Castle

I had the opportunity to interview Nathaniel Castle, the author of ‘Windborne Fate’. I am excited to share that interview with you today.

Introduction

Nate Schloesser: Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re delving deep into the magical world of “The Elemancer Chronicles,” with the author behind the series, Nathaniel Castle. Nathaniel, “Windborne Fate” is where this epic journey begins. Can you —

Nathaniel Castle: Nate, please, just call me Castle.

Nate Schloesser: Of course, Castle. So, can you give our readers a glimpse into “Windborne Fate” and set the stage for what’s to come in the series?

Nathaniel Castle: Thank you, Nate. It’s wonderful to discuss ‘The Elemancer Chronicles,’ particularly ‘Windborne Fate.’ This series kicks off with Finnean, a young Aeromancer whose nascent powers draw the ominous attention of Moros, a tyrant fueled by The Nether’s dark energies, threatening Etheria’s very essence.

‘Windborne Fate’ is just the beginning. Across the series, we follow five pivotal Elemancers, each at the heart of their own tale, starting with Finnean. These Elemancers, connected deeply to The Ether — Etheria’s life force — are crucial to the overarching narrative of resistance and rebirth in a world teetering on the edge of oblivion.

Etheria is vast, and rich with diverse landscapes and cultures, all under the shadow of Moros’s reign. It’s a world where the despair of the adults paves the way for the daring of the youth. Our five Elemancers, with their untainted hope and bravery, become beacons of resistance. Alongside them, a cast of vital characters weaves through the narrative, each adding depth to the epic struggle against The Nether’s encroaching darkness.

This saga is more than a tale of individual heroism; it’s a story of collective resurgence, of an ancient world rallying against millennia of fear and oppression. It’s the spirit of the young, their unwavering courage and zest, that lights the path through the darkness, offering a new dawn for Etheria.

The Essence of ‘Windborne Fate’

Nate Schloesser: Castle, “Windborne Fate” seems to be a deeply personal journey for its protagonist, Finnean. Can you walk us through his arc without giving too much away?

Nathaniel Castle: Of course, Nate. At its core, “Windborne Fate” is a coming-of-age story. We meet Finnean on the cusp of his 13th birthday, a seemingly ordinary boy unaware of the extraordinary lineage he carries. The revelation of his identity as an Aeromancer comes as a shock, not just for the powers it implies but for the secrets kept from him, especially by his father. Feeling betrayed and lost, Finnean steps away from all he knows to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

This path isn’t just about mastering the winds or confronting the looming darkness of Moros; it’s about Finnean finding his place in the grand story of Etheria. He’s thrust into a conflict far beyond what one would expect of someone his age, challenging him to grow, to be courageous, and to face evils that threaten the very essence of his world.

“Windborne Fate” explores themes of courage, self-discovery, and purpose. It’s a narrative that resonates with anyone who has ever sought to understand their place in the world, to stand against the odds, and to find light in the darkest of times. It’s Finnean’s journey, but in many ways, it mirrors the universal journey of growing up and facing the world with resolve.

Inspiration Behind the Story

Nate Schloesser: That’s an incredible journey Finnean embarks on, Castle. It’s fascinating how personal growth and adventure intertwine in “Windborne Fate.” Shifting gears a bit, I’m curious about what initially sparked this rich narrative. Can you share the inspiration behind the story?

Nathaniel Castle: Nate, the inception of “Windborne Fate” traces back to vivid dreams I had during my high school years, dreams that transported me to the mystical world of Etheria and into the life of Finnean. These dreams were so compelling that they stayed with me, evolving over the years into a rich narrative. Sharing these stories with my children around campfires really brought them to life, and their enthusiasm for more about Finnean and Etheria was the push I needed to finally pen this tale.

Motivation for Writing Now

Nate Schloesser: It’s fascinating how dreams and family stories have woven into the fabric of “Windborne Fate.” And what about timing? Why was now the right moment to bring this story into the world?

Nathaniel Castle: Timing is an interesting aspect, Nate. Two years ago my kids really pushed me to start writing this series. That’s a big reason for the timing. But the it goes even beyond that. Over the years, the narrative of “Windborne Fate” and its themes of self-discovery, courage, and confronting darkness have only grown more relevant. In today’s world, where we’re often faced with challenges that test our resolve and push us to understand our place, Finnean’s journey feels particularly resonant. It’s a story about growing up, about bravery, and about finding one’s purpose against seemingly insurmountable odds. I felt it was time to share this journey, to offer a tale of hope and courage that might inspire others as they navigate their own paths.

The Creative Journey

Nate Schloesser: Castle, it’s been enlightening hearing about the inspirations and the support network behind “Windborne Fate.” Let’s delve a bit into the creative journey itself. Can you walk us through the key phases in developing this book, from its inception to the final manuscript? What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Nathaniel Castle: Certainly, Nate. The seed for “Windborne Fate” was planted in dreams from 20 years ago, dreams that unveiled the world of Etheria and introduced me to Finnean. Over the years, these visions morphed into a collection of notes — character sketches, plot twists, and fragments of lore, initially scribbled in a notebook and later organized in a digital Notes app. This compilation was chaotic yet deeply exploratory, allowing me to piece together the narrative’s backbone quite rapidly once I decided to commit these ideas to a coherent story.

The transition from a conceptual phase to a full-fledged manuscript involved an intense period of creativity, where the essence of the story began to crystallize. The actual writing, revision, and refinement took just over a year, but the story itself is the culmination of two decades of imagination and piecing together a vibrant world.

The revision process was particularly extensive, involving 14 rounds of rewrites aimed at refining the narrative and aligning it with the overarching vision for “The Elemancer Chronicles.” Feedback from my beta readers was invaluable during this phase, providing insights that helped shape the narrative, address pacing issues, and clarify any confusing elements.

From those initial, abstract dreams to the detailed notes and the iterative revisions, every step of this journey has been part of a lengthy but rewarding process. “Windborne Fate” is not just a book; it’s a world brought from the realm of imagination into reality, a story 20 years in the making, shaped by continuous evolution and the invaluable input of those who’ve joined me on this journey.

Support Network

Nate Schloesser: It’s clear “Windborne Fate” is a labor of love, Castle. With such a rich story, I’m sure the journey from concept to bookshelf was supported by a vibrant cast behind the scenes. Could you share more about the people who’ve supported you along the way?

Nathaniel Castle: Of course, Nate. The development of “Windborne Fate” was indeed a collaborative effort, enriched by a diverse group of individuals who each played a unique role. My beta reader group was foundational in this process, consisting of fantasy aficionados, aspiring authors, and close friends and family members, including my sisters, my parents, my father-in-law, and my sister-in-law who is herself a published author. Their feedback was critical, helping to identify areas of the story that needed clarity or further development and ensuring the narrative resonated with readers from diverse backgrounds.

Proofreading was another vital step, where one of my sisters, with her background in writing and editing, provided meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the manuscript’s language was polished and coherent. Her editorial insights were invaluable in fine-tuning the story’s flow and character arcs. I also had several other proofreaders, one being my wife.

As for the creative sounding boards, my wife has been instrumental. Her role transcended typical beta reading and proofreading; she was deeply involved in the creative process, from initial concept discussions to plot twists and character development. Her perspective as a seasoned fantasy reader and her understanding of the genre’s nuances helped shape the story in profound ways.

Together, these individuals formed a comprehensive support system that covered every aspect of the book’s development, from the initial drafting phase through to the final edits, ensuring “Windborne Fate” was the best it could be before reaching readers.

The Story Behind the Pen Name

Nate Schloesser: Castle, before we wrap up, I’ve got to ask about the intriguing choice of your pen name, Nathaniel Castle. It’s quite memorable. What’s the story behind it?

Nathaniel Castle: Ah, that’s an interesting tale, Nate. My real surname, ‘Schloesser’, as you know, is a bit of a tongue-twister, steeped in German origins. One of the translations for it actually means “Castle,” which I thought had a nice ring to it, especially for an author in the fantasy genre. So, when it came time to choose a pen name, Nathaniel Castle just seemed to fit perfectly — not just for its ease and appeal, but for the nod to my heritage and the genre I love.

And speaking of Castles, it’s a bit amusing, isn’t it? Here I am, Nathaniel Castle, interviewing myself through you, Nate. If that’s not a twist worthy of a fantasy novel, I don’t know what is!

Conclusion

Nate Schloesser: As we come to the end of this fascinating journey behind the scenes of “Windborne Fate,” I can’t help but reflect on the incredible depth and dedication that you have poured into the creation of this world. Castle, before we part ways, do you have any final thoughts or messages for our readers eagerly awaiting the release of your book?

Nathaniel Castle: Thank you, Nate. Bringing “Windborne Fate” to life has been an extraordinary journey, one filled with challenges, discoveries, and a deepening appreciation for the art of storytelling. This book is a labor of love, a tribute to the power of imagination and the enduring spirit of adventure. I’m thrilled to share this world with readers, to invite them into the sweeping landscapes of Etheria, and to join Finnean on his quest of self-discovery and valor. It’s my hope that “Windborne Fate” not only entertains but also inspires, reminding us all of the magic that exists within and around us.

Nate Schloesser: That’s beautifully said, Castle. For those eager to dive into “Windborne Fate” and embark on this adventure, where can they find your book?

Nathaniel Castle: “Windborne Fate” will be available on Amazon, May 15, 2024. For more details and to connect with me for further insights or discussions about “The Elemancer Chronicles,” you can visit my website TheElemancers.com, and follow me on social media. All the links and information are readily available there, and I’m always excited to engage with readers and fellow adventurers.

Nate Schloesser: Thank you, Castle, for sharing your journey and the world of “Windborne Fate” with us. It’s been an absolute pleasure. To our readers, don’t miss your chance to explore the realms of Etheria and witness the saga of Finnean unfold. Until next time, keep the spirit of adventure alive.