Featured Story of the Week: War on the Wind

War on the Wind is a brilliant original fiction that proves that Mibba has space for all different types of genres. Find out the details behind NathanWatt's vision for this incredible story.

Give us a brief summary of War on the Wind.

What would you do if it was down to you to lead your comrades back to safety? Could you keep going even if you relived the deaths of your closest friends every night and every day? How would you react if you discovered treachery amongst those who should be your closest allies? If the sounds of war drifted to your ears on a gentle breeze, would you stand? Or would you flee?

Robert is a Captain. But more importantly, he's a leader. Now he must rise to the challenge to lead his comrades back to the fort through the perils of the land. The problem is, will the fort be safe? Or will it provide its own perils?

What inspired you to write this story?

Well, I've always loved the idea of medieval warfare with mythical creatures. Untold odds against a small few. Bravery, heroics, strengthened bonds through battle. This is what inspired me to write my story. Now I know my story certainly is no King Arthur and his knights of the round table, but there are certainly brave warriors and knights. There a definitely fierce creatures. One thing King Arthur lacked was Captain Robert, leader of Falcon.

How long have you been working on it?

I've been working on it since about a month ago. A few things have halted my progress, such as Christmas drawing near, but I haven't let it affect it overly much. I have a lot more weeks and months still to go.

On average, how much time do you spend writing War on the Wind each week?

I'm not too sure actually. A fair bit, as I'm generally working on it whilst on my travels each day. I would say a minimum of 10 [hours] though. May not seem like a lot, but if your minds thinking during the time you're not physically working on it, it generally makes it a lot easier to flow through its creation.

What is your favorite thing about writing War on the Wind?

My favourite thing would have to be seeing that people enjoy my writing. When I'm typing out the story, I picture every place, every character. I get lost in the beauty and horror of the world I create. I'm glad that thus far, the people who have read the released chapters have been able to picture and enjoy it too.

What is the most challenging thing about writing it?

Hmm... I was discussing this with a friend, and we both agreed that if you're a planner, then planning is one of the hardest parts. The excitement of getting on with the story really makes you want to just rush ahead. Maybe you've got some new ideas you've just jotted down, and you want to get to that chapter. Having the sight to see from the beginning, to the middle, to the end, is also why planning, in my mind, is the most challenging. Of course, you can just have brief outlines, but essentially, it's the same. You've got to have the vision of where you want the story to go, and the basic steps you want it to walk to get there.

Have you ever experienced writer's block with War on the Wind? If so, how did you overcome it?

I haven't actually experienced that with this story yet, unless you count me doing away with my original idea called 'Shard of a Broken Lineage' and restarting with War on the Wind. I blame the reason on that to be the lack of planning though. It basically was all go with the flow in that stage, and was a matter of chapters before it backfired. Luckily, I haven't experienced the same since starting the redo, and don't believe I will due to the planning.

Do you write with an outline, or just wing it?

I found out a few months back that when I wing it... well, the story takes flight and the plot doesn't unfold until years later. So with War on the Wind, I definitely write with an outline of the chapters and the overall plot at the least. I feel it's good to allow room for maneuverability, but what you want to happen should also be clear to you. That way, when you take stock of what you're doing you can say, 'Okay, this is dragging too much here' or 'This is just how I wanted. Maybe I could add a little ambush here though to tense things up'. Another reason for not simply winging it is that it helps prevent me from getting writers block. Thank god for that

Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?

Let's see... To be honest, no, I don't have any pre writing rituals. On the odd occasion I do put on my Nickelback playlist, but I feel like my mind eventually blanks the music out and draws me into the world of the narrative.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Thank you for taking the time to read. I'm grateful and I'm always looking to hear from readers, whether it be positive or negative, though it should be constructive criticism. I believe honesty is the best policy, and would appreciate if you took the time to just leave me some feedback. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.