Behind the Scenes of Flight of Fate

Audio By Carbonatix

Clockwork Chronicles, Book 2
New release • Enclave Publishing

There’s something incredibly special about dreaming up stories with your child. Even more so when that child was once your curious, wide-eyed homeschooler… and now he’s your co-author. 

Flight of Fate is the second book in our Clockwork Chronicles series, and writing it alongside my son Nathan has been one of the greatest joys of my writing career.

When I first started homeschooling Nathan, I had no idea we’d one day co-write a steampunk historical fantasy novel. Back then, we were focused on phonics, fractions, and faith. But seeds were being planted. Over the years, we majored in curiosity, creativity, and a love of big ideas. Now those seeds are blooming into full-blown stories packed with airships, ancient artifacts, and clockwork intrigue.

When History and Imagination Collide

If you know me, you know I have a deep affection for World War II history. I’ve spent decades studying and writing about the courage, heartbreak, and hope woven into that era. But for Flight of Fate, we wanted to explore something a little different—what if history had a twist? 

What did we discover?

Did you know that Mount Vesuvius erupted during World War II? That tidbit stuck with me like a seed of a story, just waiting for fertile soil. 

What if there was a secret reason for that eruption? What if it tied into a stolen artifact, Nazi treasure hunts, and… the Mafia?

Yes, the Mafia. That surprise twist came thanks to a conversation with my friend Raffaele, an Italian museum curator. Nathan and I had asked him about the Farnese Cup, an ancient artifact we were researching. At the end of the call, Raffaele said, “Well, you haven’t asked me about the Mafia.” Our eyes lit up. That one comment unlocked a door we didn’t even know was there, and suddenly, Flight of Fate had another layer.

The Flight of Fate Characters Who Captured My Heart

Of course, we bring back Katerina and Josef—our brave, clever duo from Book One. But in Flight of Fate, we also meet two new characters.

Dante, a quiet museum curator, is doing everything in his power to protect the Farnese Cup. He’s bookish, overwhelmed, and completely out of his depth—basically, every homeschool mom’s favorite kind of reluctant hero. And then there’s Theodora, a street-smart Sicilian mobster with a thousand disguises and even more secrets. She’s the kind of character who keeps you guessing. She also keeps the story flying.

Writing Theodora surprised both Nathan and me. I never imagined how much I’d enjoy exploring the gray spaces of history, especially during a time as morally stark as World War II. Yet even in those gray spaces, light still breaks through.

The Power of Storytelling

I often say that storytelling is a bridge between hearts. Through stories (especially the fantastical, imaginative kind) we invite readers to wrestle with truth in ways that feel personal and safe. I may write fiction, but I always write with a purpose. I bring my worldview, my faith, and my research to every chapter, and I trust that God will use each story however He chooses.

From Homeschool to Steampunk

People often ask me how I get in the right frame of mind to write books like these. Here’s the truth: I simply step into the world my kids introduced me to.

My husband and I raised our kids on Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and the original Star Trek. We played fantasy board games, attended fan conventions, and read aloud until our voices gave out. Nathan was raised in a home where imagination was celebrated.

Now, as adults, we’ve attended Realm Makers conferences together (where the energy is off-the-charts inspiring), and I find myself reading speculative fiction with fresh eyes. Honestly, it feels like being a student again. Writing with Nathan keeps me young, curious, and brave in my writing.

What a gift to go from reading books with your son… to writing them together.

True History + Clockwork Wonders

One of the biggest challenges (and thrills!) of writing this genre is blending accurate history with bold imagination. I’m a researcher at heart. I get giddy when I discover a genuine 1940s news article that perfectly fits a scene. We’ve woven in actual wartime headlines, authentic historical events, and places you could visit today. These are layered with spider tanks, flying machines, and ticking devices that just might blow up half a continent.

It’s a mashup of fact and fantasy that, somehow, feels more real because the history grounds it. That’s something I love sharing with homeschool families. Yes, we can explore science fiction and still honor historical truth. In fact, the tension between those two things can spark some of the richest conversations with your kids.

A Peek at What’s Next

Without giving too much away, I’ll just say this: the final book in the Clockwork Chronicles will include a literal race against time. That’s all Nathan will let me say for now. But trust me, it’s going to be epic!

Final Thoughts from a Grateful Mom

Flight of Fate is a dream born in our homeschool days and nurtured by bedtime stories, history lessons, and hours of family imagination. Writing this series with my son Nathan has reminded me that learning never ends. Neither does the joy of creating something meaningful together.

If you have a curious kid who loves gears, gadgets, history, or heroes… I hope this series opens a door for your family to walk through together.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure. And remember…

History sets the stage, but it’s courage, faith, and love that ignite the story.

Additional Resources

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

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