An Interview with Rachanee Lumayno

Rachanee Lumayno is an actress, voiceover artist, screenwriter, avid gamer, and amateur dodgeball player. She grew up in Michigan, where she spent way too much of her free time reading fantasy novels. So when she decided to try her hand at writing a book, it made sense that it would be in her favorite genre. The Kingdom Legacy series marks her debut as an author. She is also a staff writer for two comics and an upcoming video game.

Her first novel, Heir of Amber and Fire, was named a Best Book Winner for Young Adult – Fantasy/ Sci-Fi in the 2024 Spring PenCraft Seasonal Book Awards.

Visit www.rachanee.net for more info and to join the newsletter, or find her on Instagram @rachaneelumayno.

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

I’ve always enjoyed writing, and had written several sketches and feature films before my debut novel. When the pandemic and lockdown happened in 2020, I found I had a lot of time on my hands, and writing was also a bit therapeutic. It was more enjoyable to write about fantasy worlds than focus on what was happening in the daily news.

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

I’ve worked a lot of random jobs, but one of my first loves is photography. I trained to be a photojournalist, I wanted to work for National Geographic. I’ve since sold my camera (I had to pay rent, unfortunately!), but I still love photography and going to exhibits.

I’m also an avid gamer (video and board games), and my day job consists of writing for games. I love it, even though it’s very different than novel writing. Being able to do what you love for a living is truly amazing.

What part of publishing your book made it feel real for the first time?

I think the moment that made publishing feel real to me was when I started getting reviews for Heir of Amber and Fire from people who weren’t friends or family. It was like, What’s going on? People I don’t know are somehow hearing about my book…and they’re reading it…and they’re enjoying it! You just feel so honored and humbled by that thought. They could easily spend their time reading something else, but they chose to spend that time with your book. Wow.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

I hope they find the people and places in Heir of Amber and Fire vibrant and fun. I had so much fun creating it (and the subsequent books in the series), and I hope that love comes through. There are books I’ve read that stuck with me that I still go back to every year and re-read. I’m hoping my books become that to readers.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

I love meeting new readers. Whether it’s at live events or online, I love it when readers comment on the story or try to guess what will happen or just send me cat pictures. Books can really bring people together, and I like being a part of that community.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

I’ve finished the Kingdom Legacy series (of which Heir of Amber and Fire is the first book), and am starting a new fairy tale retelling series. I’ve always loved fairy tales and I can’t wait to get this series written and launched!

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