An Interview with Stevie Ray Leonard
Born under the stars of Hollywood, I have always dreamt of a career in storytelling. As someone who loves writing, I found my calling at the California State University of Northridge. From there, I graduated with a bachelor’s in screenwriting. While I found myself writing scripts, I couldn’t help but long for more character driven stories. So, I turned to writing a book! And I haven’t looked back.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
What inspired me to start writing the Rayven Ryder Legacies series was my love of a powerful character driven story. I love a story where the reader follows an epic journey along with someone you know – or think you know – won’t be able to commit. The underdog. It’s such a powerfully compelling element of storytelling. I think I was maybe five years old or so when I decided to sketch ‘Magic World’ – a place of wonder and danger. Floating islands meet hexes; all I knew was I loved the awe I found in that place and I swear for twenty-plus years I found myself wandering there. To a world I’d later call Ephereon. Somewhere I’d find myself more often than Earth. For those twenty-plus years I consumed countless films, TV shows, books, you name it…all the while thinking how they might serve to shape Ephereon. Falling Skies is the culmination of all of it.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
Rayven Ryder Legacies: Falling Skies is a title I felt would subtly convey the thematic elements that trouble is brewing on so many worlds. As for her name, Rayven Ryder, she’s named after a beautiful midnight colored horse I used to visit. Ryder honestly worked with that last name. I find a lot of my character names have Rs in them. Anybody who knows the American The Office would know Dwight Schrute would be proud. In my time off writing, I typically drive for Uber…I can’t say exactly how long it took to come up with the title because the ideas either trickle or pour in. That idea particularly took a little brainstorming, but not much. It clicked into place pretty fast.
Describe your dream book cover.
My dream book cover would feature the Shadow King, the overarching villain of the series, looming over the background. A dark purple aura surrounding him. Then looking under you’d have Rayven, clad in her frosted battle armor, proudly displaying the crest that becomes central to her later. You’ll see. She’d be looking off into the distance. Next to her, Emaerys looking regal as always. Below them, the floating islands of Ephereon. You’ve got different ecosystems; one would definitely have the castle known as Calvello. Another would feature a jungle atmosphere…you’ll see why! And I suppose pine trees would surround the bottom edges. It would look like a movie poster, and I just know when I see the official cover made…I’m going to cry.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Some songs that I felt captured the excitement of the book are Onward by Jyc Row, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John, Come to My Heaven by Cryoshell, and Chosen by TheFatRat. These are just a few that I saved to a playlist I feel encapsulate the story! In the film adaptation, you just know John Williams would score it beautifully!
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
Some of my favorite current reads are by Brandon Sanderson. The entire Skyward series definitely kept me company on many a long drive. I also loved Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia. My TBR list grows longer and longer by the minute.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I’ve had a number of other jobs! From line attendant at Six Flags to working at a little pet store – maybe you’ve heard of it? Petsmart. I was also volunteering at a horse ranch, so lots of animal stuff back then! Volunteering with animals is something I hope to delve back into when I have the opportunity as animals are my number one drive.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’d be doing a huge disservice if I didn’t say that reading Harry Potter changed my childhood. Those Scholastic book fairs will always hold a special place in my heart! Storytelling has always been central to my life too. Before I wrote this book, I graduated with a bachelor’s in screenwriting from the California State University of Northridge. Stories have been in my blood!
Where is your favorite place to write?
My favorite place to write is wherever I can bring my iPad! Which is…everywhere! I still remember the first night of my weeklong cabin writing trip…the sunset sky over the crest of the mountain top? Talk about breathtaking. Put this on your to-do list. Mountains at sunset? Or really any sunset! If you have the chance to read this book outside, the air rifling through the pages with you? Do it! Of course, writing in the mountains isn’t always practical when you’re an Angeleno like myself, so I have found myself at many coffee shops over the years. And I’ll never pass up the opportunity to write in my home studio, adorned with LED lights and star projectors, to remind myself what exactly I’m working on. And to never stop being amazed!
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
To my past self, I’d say whatever time you think writing your first book…or any…will take? Double it. Triple it. Just whatever you do, don’t rush it. It will happen when it needs to, just keep pushing! In the beginning, I really didn’t think I’d be capable of writing a 100,000 word young adult novel, and having done it and being one step closer to sharing it with the world feels surreal.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
After readers finish the first steps of Rayven Ryder’s journey? I hope they take with them a sense of wonder…a sense of self belief and knowing that maybe it’s cliche but maybe it needs to be said more. You can do it. Whatever it is you are limiting yourself by saying you can’t do…you absolutely can.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.