An Interview with Leonis Legion

Leonis Legion is an author deeply influenced by the complexities of human emotion and the silent struggles that many people face. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, struggles, and the stories of those around him, Leonis writes to give voice to the unspoken and to offer comfort to those who feel unheard for which he felt the same growing up. With a background in offering support and comfort to others through sessions similar to therapy, Leonis has a profound understanding of the emotional landscapes people navigate.

His writing is a reflection of this understanding, with themes of society, inner conflict, and the interconnectedness of human experiences. His work often explores the darker aspects of human nature and the possibility of the light that can be found even in the most difficult circumstances.

Leonis is the author of PYRE, the first book in The Polypathos Confluence series, a tale that delves into the many paths of emotion and experience that the characters navigate. The series title, inspired by Greek roots, represents the intricate and often painful journey of human emotions and the ways they shape and define us.

When not writing, Leonis is passionate about reaching out to others, helping them navigate their own struggles, and finding solace in the shared human experience. Through his work, he hopes to guide readers toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

The people I see and hear that suffer so often made me want to write. The people in my life and the books I read that helped me through my own traumatic life experiences influenced me. At one point, I had been able to help comfort so many people with sessions similar to therapy, but there were many I couldn’t help to find a way out of their situations. This eventually led me to an emotional breakdown that lasted for almost two hours.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I want to reach as many people as possible to tell them the silence they suffer in is not unheard, and that there are people out there who care. Those who don’t see the signs of this suffering need to be given a guide to help identify those who suffer.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title, PYRE, and series name, The Polypathos Confluence, didn’t come easily. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to encapsulate the essence of the story—multiple paths, interwoven fates, and the emotional depth of the characters. The word “Polypathos” came to me after researching Greek roots, as it represents the many paths of emotion and experience that the characters navigate. I created my pseudonym of Leonis Legion to inspire many to have the courage to make their life or the lives of others better for there is a legion of us that exist.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

The soundtrack would be a mix of tracks like “River Flows in You” by Yiruma, “Fukai Mori 深い森” by Do As Infinity, “Frame of Mind” by Tristam & Braken, “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron, “Empty Walls” by Serj Tankian, “Mad World” by Gary Jules, and “Lullaby” by Creed. These songs capture the range of emotions that Thurin, Chant, and Cici experience throughout the story, especially as they deal with loss, despair, and the quest of self-discovery.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover would capture the essence of the emotional and mystical journey within the story. It would feature a lone figure standing at the edge of a dense forest, with the trees forming an almost protective arch overhead. The colors would be deep and moody, with a subtle interplay of light and shadow to symbolize the internal and external struggles of the characters. The title would be in an elegant yet haunting font, perhaps with a slight glow to it, drawing the reader in.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Aside from writing, I’ve worked in various professions, each adding to my understanding of human nature and emotions. Something readers might not know about me is that I once led sessions similar to therapy, where I helped many people confront their struggles. This experience greatly influences the themes of empathy and understanding in my writing.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

I re-read a portion of the Shannara series to gauge the pacing of my story. I had read hundreds of fiction books before I left schooling.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

One thing I hope readers take away from reading my book is the understanding that their struggles are seen, and they are not alone. I envision my perfect reader as someone who may be going through their own challenges but find the strength to reach out for help. If not the one suffering they use this as a guide to see the struggles of others and reach out to help them.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.