Beyond the Pages: An Inside Look at the Mind and Motivation of Nathaniel Luscombe
- BirdieMama
- May 1
- 5 min read
Nathaniel Luscombe, author of Moon Soul which released March of last year is working hard on his upcoming co-release, Human Scars on Planet Skin, with fellow author Effie Joe Stock which is slated to be available on September 1, 2025.
Who is Nathaniel Luscombe?
Another wonderful soul, author, and mutual from Threads, Nathaniel Luscombe can only be described as a modern day renaissance gentleman. A well-rounded individual, not only is Nathaniel an author with several books written and published, but he is also co-head of Dragon Bone Publishing and Dragon Heart Press. He has written titles in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, poetry, and has been in twenty plus anthologies respectively, showcasing his versatility and storytelling chops. Nathaniel has a unique perspective and over the years has fine-tuned his craft to be able to express his distinctive voice in a way that has naturally resonated with many readers. The evidence is in the extensive amount of raving reviews of his books that can be seen on multiple literary platforms such as Goodreads and The StoryGraph. His books often explore and dive into themes of what-ifs, self-discovery, and true-to-life human complexities, making them relatable and engaging for a wide spectrum of readers.
In addition to these achievements as a writer, Nathaniel’s role in the publishing industry as co-head of both Dragon Bone Publishing and Dragon Heart Press demonstrates his dedication in supporting fellow authors, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to bring their stories to life. His commitment to fostering new talent and promoting diverse voices in literature is a testament to his belief in the power of storytelling. Furthermore, Nathaniel is actively engaged with the literary community, often participating in discussions, reposting, and taking part in events that celebrate the art of writing. His inclination to share knowledge and experiences has made him a rising figure among upcoming and established authors alike. He personifies the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie, always encouraging others to pursue their creative endeavors with passion and dedication. To continue learning about this admirably talented author, continue reading to see what he had to say when I asked him several questions to better understand his mind and motivations.
The Interview
Chapter Chirp: Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you decided to become an author?
Nathaniel Luscombe: I grew up in Ontario, Canada. I've always felt a little unattached from the world, and I made up for these lost connections by reading. It didn't take long for me to turn to writing. I wanted to tell my own stories, and perhaps figure out myself through them. Writing used to be an escape, but now it's more of a fight. Not because I struggle with it (which I do) but because I'm realizing that my writing is my voice. I have the power to speak and tell stories and change minds. It's a really cool and slightly terrifying concept. I want to be an author whose books feel like a safe space, but I want to make sure that my stories matter and make my readers think. I am a writer because I have stories, but even more than that I'm a writer because my stories could be important to someone. That's what keeps me going.
Chapter Chirp: How long did it take you to write your latest title and what was your inspiration for this book?
Nathaniel Luscombe: Moon Soul was my last big release, and the first draft took me four days. It is a novella and the first draft was only 32k words. I wrote it during a two week break from work. I was exhausted and burnt out, caught between semesters in college and working at a job that would become my full time job after graduation. Part of me felt that everything I was doing was pointless because I could already see where I would end up. I wrote Moon Soul to remind myself that my life can always change, it's okay to not know everything, and I have to learn to slow down and enjoy every moment of my journey. Tackling these topics really helped me get through my own crisis, and I have heard back from enough readers to know that Moon Soul has had that same impact with my audience.
Chapter Chirp: What is your favorite part of this book (i.e: character(s), theme, title, cover art, etc.) and why?
Nathaniel Luscombe: This is such a hard question. All of the above? Obviously I wrote around a theme, so the theme of burnout is what stands out to me the most. But I am incredibly grateful for Effie Joe Stock for designing the gorgeous cover. I couldn't ask for a better representation of my story.
Chapter Chirp: What was the most surprising thing that you learned while writing your most recent book and did you face any challenges while writing this title?
Nathaniel Luscombe: I learned that I do have important things to say. Through my limited experiences during my twenty two years of living, I've seen people go through highs and lows. I used a lot of that to tell August's story. August (the main character in Moon Soul) became me during the drafting process. I realized just how connected I am to the stories I want to tell. I also realized that I might like to think I'm a pantser when it comes to writing a book, but I am a plotter who wishes he was a pantser.
Chapter Chirp: What do you love about speculative writing and what are some speculative books that inspire you?
Nathaniel Luscombe: I love the unlimited nature of speculative writing. I can do whatever I want because the limits are my own mind. I have really grown fond of stories that exist beyond expectations like This is How You Lose the Time Way by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar or Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh. Authors who dare to work in their own space are beyond cool. They're literally rewriting genre rules. My biggest inspirations within the cozy science fiction genre are Becky Chambers and Jenni Sauer. Specifically the Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers and the War on Taras series by Jenni Sauer. Seeing these authors tackle complex and dark topics within a cozy sphere has given me a skill to work towards. I'm not lying when I say that speculative books have changed my life. I don't know who I'd be without these stories.
Chapter Chirp: What's next for you, can you share a sneak peek or drop some teasers about your next book?
Nathaniel Luscombe: I am working slowly on a few different titles. My next release is Human Scars on Planet Skin, which is a 'cozy sci-fi horror' novel I wrote with Effie Joe Stock. Having dipped my toes into horror, I'd like to move forward writing cozy sci-fi and horror sci-fi. I have two projects right now, one cozy and one spooky, that I'm really excited about. They're both novellas and they're both pushing my writing skills in a healthy way. I can't wait to share them.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Nathaniel Luscombe is not just an author, but a multifaceted individual who represents the true to form spirit of a renaissance gentleman in the modern world. His contributions to literature and the publishing communities continue to leave a lasting impact, inspiring others to explore their own creative paths and share their stories with the world. His complex, yet relatable words will keep resonating with his already established following but also continue to draw in new and curious readers. I would like to extend a sincere and grateful thank you to Nathaniel for taking the time to sit down and considerately answer any questions I had for him. My hope for my readers, is that my article has provided the motivation to seek out Nathaniel and show support by giving him a follow on socials or seek out his works to read them for yourselves.
Author Website: Nathaniel Luscombe
Nathaniel's works are available for purchase on the following platforms:
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