Author Jennifer Aitken chatted about her book series “Legends of Light & Shadows” Saga.
She discussed being an author in the digital age, and she opened up about her writing process in the YA fantasy book realm.
Background on the book series
“Legends of Light & Shadows” Saga is a YA fantasy adventure with cosmic stakes which follows the epic adventures of Lucius Xavier.
In a realm just beyond the veil of Earth, the universe itself bestows extraordinary powers upon a chosen few—warriors of light, wielders of shadow, and everything in between.
When Lucius Xavier is thrust into this mysterious dimension, he discovers a truth that will change everything: he is the key to an ancient prophecy that could save—or shatter—the universe.
But fulfilling destiny is never simple. As Lucius grapples with strange new abilities and uncovers long-buried secrets, he finds himself caught between celestial forces, warring factions, and a legacy he never asked for.
With danger looming and time running out, he’ll need more than just power to survive. He’ll need courage, wit, and the strength to decide who he really wants to be
What inspired you to write the ‘Legends of Light & Shadows’ Saga? Did you always envision it as a series, or did it evolve into one over time?
This series started out as a single novel that I rewrote over and over again until it slowly became what it is today. It took me some time to find the story I wanted to write, with characters that fit and worked well within the world I was starting to create.
Although I never intended it to be a series, I now have so many ideas I can’t imagine it not being a saga.
The saga features a diverse and dynamic cast. Who was the most challenging character to write, and how did their internal or emotional journey shape the overall narrative? Were any characters inspired by people you’ve known?
Lucius Xavier, the main character, was definitely the trickiest for me to pin down. I wanted him to be relatable in his reaction to the new worlds he was discovering but also strong enough to evolve and adapt.
His emotions and reactions essentially shape the plot which makes his character development of the upmost importance.
Lucius came directly from my imagination, not from anyone specific but from little bits of everyone I come in contact with.
Many epic fantasies rely on big plot twists—what’s your approach to crafting those pivotal moments? How do you balance foreshadowing with keeping readers genuinely surprised?
Great question! There is no doubt plot twists are essential to create a truly epic fantasy.
When I am writing, I am not as some describe to be a plotter or planner. I find that the story flows from my imagination without the need to plot each event or scene.
I always have at least a general idea of what the major twist will be and I find the characters help me foreshadow what’s to come without me having to methodically plant the seeds along the way.
Beyond the magic and adventure, your Saga touches on deeper themes like power, redemption, identity, and morality. Which of these resonated with you most during the writing process?
I would have to say identity and power, but not power, as in control over others or even situations. Power as in self-confidence and strength.
The kind of mental strength and fortitude required to endure hard situations and learn from them. This is a skill required in life from time to time and I admire that kind of strength.
Without giving too much away, what can readers expect next from the saga or your writing? What kind of emotional or intellectual impact do you hope your readers walk away with?
I want my readers to finish my books and feel a sense of wonder. Wonder for the world around us and possibilities that life hasn’t shown us yet. It’s a sense of childish wonder I write these stories with.
The kind of imagining we tend to lose in adulthood and if I can bring it back into someone’s life, even for a short time, I’m happy.
What’s it like to be an author in the digital age?
Being an author in the digital age is nothing like how I imagined being an author would be like when I was a child.
I had always dreamed of being an author but the reality of it is significantly different today. Not in a bad way at all.
The digital age has given people the ability to share their work and find their audience without the approval of an agent or a large publishing house.
An author whose work might have sat in a slush pile for years is now gaining popularity on social media outlets. It’s an amazing time, and the possibilities for creativity are endless.
As a self-published writer, I do have to wear a lot of different hats. Aside from writing the actual story, I am editing, marketing, finding graphic designers for covers, and formatting. It’s been a steep learning curve, but I am learning!
Her new book “Shadows & Kings” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
