Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit.
When I first began outlining A Blade Between Worlds, I wasn’t thinking about time travel, swords, or samurai. I was thinking about how young people, especially teenagers, find meaning in discipline, heritage, and identity. That’s where Joshua, the main character, was born. I wanted to tell a story about a modern teenager who discovers not just another world, but another version of himself.
The inspiration came from my long-standing interest in Japanese history and martial arts. I’ve always admired the depth and ritual involved in kendo, not only as a sport but as a philosophy. The concept of “bunbu ryōdō,” the dual path of the warrior and scholar, struck a chord with me. I wanted to share that idea through fiction.
Joshua’s journey begins in the present day, but when he’s transported to 1600 Japan, he is immersed in an entirely different culture and era. I chose this period because it was one of the most defining moments in Japanese history. The Battle of Sekigahara, the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate, and the role of swordsmen like Miyamoto Musashi all reflect a time when honor, loyalty, and personal growth were central to daily life.
Many readers have asked whether I had any personal experiences that shaped the story. The answer is yes. While I’ve never time-traveled, I have experienced what it feels like to be out of place and trying to make sense of unfamiliar traditions. That’s what Joshua goes through, and it’s something I think many of us can relate to, whether we’ve moved countries, changed schools, or taken up a new skill.
In a world full of distractions, I wanted to write a story that encourages focus, resilience, and curiosity. I wanted readers to think about how the past can inform the present, and how discipline in one area of life can unlock transformation in others.
A Blade Between Worlds isn’t just a story about samurai swords. It’s a story about growing up, finding your place, and learning that the strongest battles are often fought within.
I hope readers, young and old, will see themselves in Joshua. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll be inspired to pick up a bokken or a history book and start their own journey.
