On the morning of July 16, Author J. Leonard Costner was on the Morning Show at WEIS Radio. Costner is known to use “A Pen that Paints Worlds.” He was born in America, but grew up in Europe. His life has been as varied and vibrant as the characters in his novels. An artist by trade and former athlete, Costner infuses his unique experiences and perspectives into every page he writes.
While raised in Europe, he grew up in an array of cultures, languages and histories that would help breathe life into his stories. This upbringing gave him an appreciation for the rich complexities of people and places with an appreciation that shines through his work.
He enjoyed a celebrated career in sports which was cut short by a life changing injury. After surgery, his physicians told him he would not be able to continue his career path in sports. Trying to find himself and direction for the future, he found his next calling in 2012 when he began a life of storytelling. Through his boundless creativity, his debut series, “Legacy,” was born. Costner intricately weaves history with fantasy and reality with myth. His works are as much a vivid painting as they are compelling narratives.
Readers will find themselves so immersed in the story they will want it continue and so the story goes on with the Legacy Series.
During the interview, we asked, what inspired you to write this book?
The book came to me in a dream. I’m sure that’s been said before, but in my case, it likely helped me heal. I was on bed rest for a while after having a major surgery. It was during this time that my identity had been abruptly stripped away from me and I was left to question everything I thought I had known. All I had worked and sacrificed for was tied to someone who no longer existed. Then, one night while I was sleeping, I had a vivid dream, and I continued to have the same dream every night for a month. I took the opportunity to write down this elaborate experience, it was as if I was remembering or viewing another life. I realized I had a completed manuscript when I finished writing everything I had witnessed.
What is the book is about and who is the intended audience?
Legacy is the coming of age saga of Luke Hart. A young man who discovers he is the modern reincarnation of Spartacus as he is thrust into a clandestine institution that has continued the gladiator spectacle since antiquity. The institution known only to those of privilege and wealth is called Legacy. A hub of secrets and influence, the quarterly events of Legacy are where money is exchanged and the world shaped. Luke’s introduction is anything but welcoming as he finds out that he is the target of an ancient blood feud, and is hunted by the Roman descendant tasked with killing Luke’s Origin.
Legacy is written for everyone. There is a diverse range of readers who enjoy Legacy for many reasons. Perhaps it’s my writing style or how the historical timeline seamlessly weaves into a believable saga. Maybe it’s the protagonist’s love story. I am usually surprised to hear the reception, as the tale is derived from my catharsis. Everyone who is gracious enough to read it is special to me.
We asked Costner what he wants readers to get out of reading this book.
I hope they can find a home in the universe or a character they identified with. Legacy is a celebration of world cultures, devoid of any reasonable scenario to question race, religion or sexuality. It’s the only universe where the heroes are created in the reader’s image, and the tangible superheroes are the descendants of ancient warriors just like we are.
It was exciting to have such an accomplished Author on the WEIS Radio Morning Show. Since its initial publication in 2012, J has completed four additional novels in the Legacy saga, is currently working on his sixth and seventh novels and is in pre-production on a film adaptation of Legacy. For more information on J. Leonard Costner and “Legacy”, go online to www.legacyuniverse.io.
