We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful J Leonard Costner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with J Leonard below.
Hi J Leonard, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
For some, being unique is a trait they are given at birth. In my case, being different or hard to miss was something that I inherited. At six feet and eight inches tall, I am closer to being seven feet than I am six. Likewise, being shy of three hundred pounds, I am what most people would consider a massive human, but in my family, I am the small one. My brother is 6’9″, my father is 6’11″/7′, and his brother, my uncle slightly taller. Added that we are a melanated family my experience learning how to navigate the world started from an early age. I was raised in Europe, where my family didn’t resemble many of the natural population, only a handful of foreigners who were either government employees or, in my father’s case, a professional athlete. For the most part, my childhood was a wonderful time. Sure, there were instances where ignorance was projected toward us, but those moments were short-lived because the people we were surrounded by loved and cared for us. Even when I traveled back to my childhood home decades later and reunited with the people who knew me as a child. I was met and embraced with tears and an outpouring of emotion. It was an early and valuable lesson that being different is only a hindrance if you allow it to be. The one thing I can say for sure is being a person of my stature may be nerve-racking for people to first encounter. It is also an easy ice breaker and calming relief when making conversation and realizing that my energy is a welcoming presence and enjoyable to be around.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In my past life, I was an athlete pursuing a professional career in sports. Unfortunately, I would not be able to sustain my efforts because I was in too much pain to try and revive what I had lost after a couple of serious injuries would briefly derail my dreams. No biggie now, but coming to a healthy place and reflecting on my accomplishments would take a long time. What I neglected and found at the same time of healing from my past in sports is an acknowledgment of my artistic ability. I am a graphic artist by degree and a commissioned professional who never paid attention to my work because I generally create from a place of purging and don’t like to reflect once I have allowed myself to unburden. If I’m honest, I still don’t love reflecting. Though, I am in a different position because a piece I created while recovering from a significant surgery has started to gain attention. The less I can keep quiet about it as it continues to take a life of its own. In fact, it is the reason I can speak with you now.
I am the author of Legacy, a coming-of-age fantasy novel series. It follows Luke Hart, a young man caught in a deadly game of power. The young warrior must use his ancestral strength to battle through a society that mirrors the brutal gladiator games of ancient Rome. The seven-book series is the beginning of a Marvel-type universe that I am creating.
What is most touching about the story is the reception it has been getting from people gracious enough to spend their time consuming the pages. I’ve been told numerous times that my writing has touched people so profoundly that they felt compelled to thank me for my work. They say their connection with the characters and protagonist has changed their lives, and they have even been so kind as to call me their favorite writer. It is a complex complement to process because I never set out to be a writer, just an artist attempting to create using a different medium.
What is most exciting is the vision and future that the team surrounding my work collectively shares and the direction we are going. Although I first published the debut title in 2012. It wasn’t until March of 2024 that I would begin to speak about the work publicly and it has been a whirlwind experience ever since. As we speak, we are in pre-production on a short film to be debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and are developing a feature film.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My experiences were the lessons of people who were taught about the world’s ways long before I was even a thought and were willing to teach me what they learned in a communicative way that would leave a lasting impression. One of the most essential skills to learn is making mistakes and not letting them discourage or end your pursuits. I say this with a lot of care because there are certain things that people can not come back from. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you can learn the lesson from another person’s consequences, your learning curve will increase tremendously. Thus, freeing yourself up to say the wrong thing, burn a bridge, and make yourself uncomfortable if that means that you can go back and know which paths not to take on your journey.
The next skill is being open to learning from anyone willing to offer. One thing that many people are unwilling to do is make small sacrifices to reach an end goal. “Reps” is a term used in sports where athletes are constantly placed in less-than-preferred positions for others to test their commitment and strength. People think that because they’ve done something in the past that somehow carries over as they advance in their careers and are no longer willing or understanding that the further they go, the more obstacles they’ll have to face. No one is willing to hand anyone anything they’ve also worked for, but hopefully, you can find the right people eager to support and teach you how to achieve your dreams yourself.
Lastly, don’t stop creating and pushing the bounds of your skill. Keep an open mind and sense of the world. There’s so much around us to inspire and motivate. The timeless idea that individual life experience is priceless and that it creates our ability to communicate our message is something to heed.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
The Legacy Universe is full of opportunity, and avenues of collaboration. As we and I continue to expand the world and tell the story of this ancient institution, the need for expansion is essential. Whether it be the countless spin-off storylines I’ve introduced for the series characters, the TV/Film industry, or other avenues of innovation and motivation that have been created. I would love to collaborate with creatives who want to be a part of telling a story that is a love letter to every culture in the world. The story of Legacy celebrates individuals and their differences in a world where being the best possible versions of themselves is cheered for and honored. It was written as a result of being welcomed and loved in foreign lands by people who didn’t care that my uniqueness differed from their own reflections in the mirror.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://legacyuniverse.io
- Instagram: @thelegacyxii
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcostner
- Youtube: Legacy Universe
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