Jay
asked
Sebastien de Castell:
The Greatcoats series was obviously inspired by medieval Europe; are there any other eras/locales that you have thought about adapting into a fantasy milieu? If so, which and why?
Sebastien de Castell
Actually, Tristia came about more from my desire to ask what an Early Modern European country might look like if it had never undergone the Renaissance (including some of the changes to political thought that the Renaissance brought with it.) It's about a nation getting stuck under the weight of its own unfair systems of power.
As to adapting historical milieus, my settings are always a mélange of influences. They always read as somewhat European or North American, but that's primarily because I'm writing in English (and most of the translations of my books are into European languages.) But I'm generally building a milieu from thematic questions rather than historical ones, and then bring in the pieces that I think will create the right thematic conflicts for the characters.
Best,
Sebastien
As to adapting historical milieus, my settings are always a mélange of influences. They always read as somewhat European or North American, but that's primarily because I'm writing in English (and most of the translations of my books are into European languages.) But I'm generally building a milieu from thematic questions rather than historical ones, and then bring in the pieces that I think will create the right thematic conflicts for the characters.
Best,
Sebastien
More Answered Questions
Hj Sterling
asked
Sebastien de Castell:
I was searching endlessly for a series of books that hit all the sweet spots… I am currently on book 4 of The Greatcoats series and I am really going to miss them. Do you plan on continuing the series or what do you recommend reading next from your books? I plan on reading everything you have written, what a gift you have!
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