Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit.
One of the most exciting parts of writing A Blade Between Worlds was creating an authentic picture of feudal Japan. The story does not just take readers back in time. It places them in the heart of samurai society, with all its complexities, customs, and challenges.
The year 1600 was a turning point in Japanese history. The Battle of Sekigahara decided the fate of the nation and marked the beginning of Tokugawa rule. This moment in time was filled with tension, strategy, and shifting alliances. For Joshua, waking up in this era is not just disorienting. It is life-changing.
I spent months researching everything from the clothing and hairstyles of the period to the etiquette of samurai households. From the kamishimo to the chonmage topknot, no detail was too small. I wanted readers to feel like they were walking through a castle town, joining training sessions at a temple, or sharing a simple meal around a traditional irori.
But historical fiction is not just about facts. It is about immersion. I wanted readers to feel the weight of a real sword in their hands, hear the rhythm of bamboo shinai clashing, and smell the wood smoke from the bathhouse.
At the same time, I knew the story needed to remain accessible. That is why Joshua, the protagonist, is a modern teen. Through his eyes, readers can enter the world of feudal Japan without needing a history degree. He asks the same questions we might ask. He makes mistakes, learns the customs, and slowly earns his place.
Writing historical fiction for young readers comes with a responsibility: to be accurate without overwhelming, and to educate while entertaining. I hope readers come away with a deeper appreciation for Japanese history, but also with a sense of how the past can shape who we are today.
History is not just what happened. It is what continues to echo through the choices we make.
