Author Jennifer Aitken has become a storyteller who not only creates vast universes but also manages the company that keeps them going in a time when fantasy fiction frequently combines sentiment with spectacle. Her saga, Legends of Light & Shadows, has become a young adult fantasy classic, drawing readers from all over the world. We had a conversation with Aitken about her creative process, her unorthodox publishing route, and the lessons she’s learned from realizing her vision.
Q: Jennifer, your Legends of Light & Shadows saga has resonated deeply with readers. What first inspired the creation of this world?
Aitken: It actually started as a short story idea—something very personal. I wanted to explore what happens when someone faces both their potential and their fears at the same time. That idea grew and took on a life of its own. Before I knew it, Lucius Xavier, my protagonist, had become a young man standing between the survival and destruction of the universe. The emotional and moral struggles he faces mirror challenges we all deal with—self-doubt, courage, and the gray spaces between right and wrong.
Q: Lucius Xavier has been described as an unconventional hero. How did you approach writing his journey?
Aitken: I didn’t want him to be perfect or invincible. Lucius makes mistakes, he questions himself, and he has moments of fear. I think that’s what makes him relatable. For me, fantasy isn’t just about dragons and battles—it’s about people learning to face their shadows and still move forward.
Q: You had a long career as a freelance writer before turning to fiction. How did that experience shape your work as a novelist?
Aitken: Immensely. Working as a freelance writer for nearly twenty years taught me discipline and structure. When you’re writing newsletters, web content, or press releases, you learn how to communicate clearly and with purpose. Those skills carried over into my storytelling. I became very focused on pacing, clarity, and emotional connection.
Q: You chose to independently publish your books rather than go the traditional route. What led to that decision?
Aitken: Independence gave me full creative control. I oversee everything—from the writing and editing to the cover design and marketing. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You become both an artist and an entrepreneur. I also love connecting directly with readers through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The feedback, support, and energy from that community are amazing—it feels like a shared adventure.
Q: Many fantasy authors focus on spectacle and scale, yet your books are praised for their emotional depth. Was that intentional?
Aitken: Absolutely. I wanted readers to care about the characters as much as the world they inhabit. Yes, there are epic battles and cosmic stakes, but beneath all that is a story about resilience and identity. I think that’s why the books resonate—because readers see themselves in the characters’ struggles.
Q: You’re currently working on the fourth installment. How is it different from the earlier books?
Aitken: The world is expanding, but so are the internal journeys. The stakes are higher, yet it still comes back to the same core message: the balance between light and shadow within ourselves. Each book teaches me something new as a writer—and as a person.
Q: Your career seems to embody both creativity and business savvy. What advice would you give to aspiring writers trying to do the same?
Aitken: Treat your art like a profession. Dream big, but also plan strategically. Learn about marketing, understand your audience, and never stop improving your craft. It’s easy to romanticize writing, but there’s also a lot of strategy behind success. Most importantly, stay authentic. Readers can always feel when something is genuine.
Q: Finally, what do you hope readers take away from Legends of Light & Shadows?
Aitken: That strength isn’t about never falling—it’s about rising again. Whether in fiction or real life, we all face our own light and shadow. If my story helps someone embrace both, then I’ve done my job as a writer.
With her unwavering vision and deep understanding of both story and strategy, Jennifer Aitken has proven that the worlds we build on paper can reflect the courage we need in our own. Her saga continues to grow, and with it, a community inspired by her balance of imagination, integrity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
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