One of the goals of this book was to write it more like a film, so it feels like the reader is experiencing a movie on a page. I wanted to bring the big blockbuster feel to the book and give a form of escapism.
Leon Mitchell – 10 January 2026
The Back Flap
When hiding from school bullies in an odd antique shop, Felicity Fire finds a mysterious key and is swept away through an unusual door into an enchanted world shimmering with impossible magic and breathtaking wonder. Stranded and with danger lurking around every corner, she is soon joined by mischievous and brave new friends, who join her on an unforgettable quest to find a way back home and save the land of forever from the evil dragons of darkness.
What is the book about?
Ultimately, the book is about courage and facing a difficult situation when everything is against you. It’s about finding strength from deep within when facing the unknown. The book is a fast paced magical adventure, full of awe, wonder and a big nostalgic quest. It’s centered around a young female who dares to fight her way back home and in the process, grows to become a braver version of herself. The story takes you to a big world where you will become lost in and forget the world around you.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book in 2023 in my local coffee shop, I scribbled some concepts in a notebook and begin building it from there.
How long did it take you to write it?
2 years and hundreds of cups of tea later, I reached the point Felicity Fire was ready.
Where did you get the idea from?
My childhood and the nostalgia of the 80’s. This was a special time for me, I was influenced heavily by the pop and film culture of this decade. Quite often I will draw inspiration from these times, where life felt so magical and the thrill of adventure was so prominent. I think the 80’s were times when stories enabled you to fully emerge yourself in the world, and believe in it.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Not on this occasion, it was the opposite. I had to stream line in some areas, so there was enough left for the sequel. The story of Felicity Fire is big, there is plenty left to come from her and more worlds to get lost in.
What came easily?
One of the goals of this book was to write it more like a film, so it feels like the reader is experiencing a movie on a page. I wanted to bring the big blockbuster feel to the book and give a form of escapism. This came easy to me, I just had to think about how I felt as a child watching adventure films and feeling like I was the main character.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
I created the characters, so they are original. But I would say I have infused a deeper meaning into all of them, and they were all needed for this book to create the right balance. I think they all carry something that everyone can connect to, children and adults.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I actually watch more movies and series than I read books, this is the way I think when I write too. I would also say music is a very big influencer in my story telling too. I can hear a song and it can spark an idea for a story. Growing up I was influenced by classics like The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Never Ending Story and the likes of Steven Spielberg, his 80’s movies were the playground for my imagination. I loved reading all of Roald Dahl books, books like The Twits. I think Roald Dahl influenced me because he was brave in his writing, nothing had to make sense and he focused on entertainment. I see this in my writing, I don’t follow trends in any way. I read lots of comics as a kid too, so superhero culture was definitely a big influence on me, but in my books it’s often the everyday hero that I bring to life.
Do you have a target reader?
I actually don’t. I want everyone to enjoy my books, I want children to be free to explore their imaginations and creativity, and adults to just remember what it’s like to feel like there is still magic in the world. I am a big advocate for young people to learn to read, before they learn to scroll.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
For me, I always start with the general concept, so what is the book about from a top-line point of view, and what world is this in. I then start to develop characters and give them personalities. I will always listen to music in this process, to bring out the feelings in these early stages of development.
I eventually move on to a structure, I think about what the story is trying to say and how it needs to make people feel. I create the mission, the plots and will often write out chapter names to follow. This is important as the chapter names will often represent the book section very specifically. I then write within that structure and almost fill in the blanks. Quite often I will go off into other ideas and bring them in, I’m never afraid to just add something new. Quite often as I’m writing, I will use a new character there and then. I have no boundaries with my writing.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Just chapter headings for me, then I fill in these areas. But i’m always moving bits around, changing things and bringing in new ideas. To me, that’s the fun of it all. I am creating something from nothing, it’s such an amazing process.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go along, when I have finished a chapter, I will then edit that, check it all and do any amendments. I like to feel that when a chapter is done, it’s done. I don’t like the feeling of having multiple chapters that are written but still need finishing. By editing as I go, I feel progress is made quicker. I do keep notes to hand though, so i don’t forget plots and twists.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I do work with an editor and always have my work checked. This is the same for the artwork development. But I also like to get my books to a point where they are as good as they can be from me as the writer. I don’t rely on an editor, I like it to be all me. Editing my books is more about the professional polish and making sure the grammar and overall text is in the best shape. As I work through chapters, I will often do a lot of checking of words, meaning and impact as I go along. So, when it does have its final editing, it’s much quicker.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I listen to music most dayss all day. Music helps shape my stories and helps me with my emotions, these are always infused into my writing. I listen to epic film score if I’m writing a battle scene or I will listen to sad emotions music if I’m writing about loss or a difficult moment in the book. Music is the landscape and backbone to my writing, in fact when people read them. I want them to feel the wrench and emotions of music.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I tried this avenue but it was short lived, it wasn’t for me at this time. To be blunt, I like to do what I want to do. I see the value in agents, and if anyone wants to talk to me, they can. I’m very approachable. But I want to do what I want to do and not be surrounded by any boundaries, opinions without depth or be part of that industry game. I come from a unique position, being a successful director. In the film and TV world, there are many similarities to the book world, some are identical. I’ve spent many years working with agents of all sorts, including book agents. So for me for now, it was about what I want to do and building a foundation as an author. I am with a major distributor and have really great relationships with the film world too, so I love being the driver in this seat right now.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
For me it was about being an authentic author and also learning my craft. I had become good at directing, but I wanted time to transition into being an author without any pressures of industry professionals. I had spent years in this lane as a director, working with industry all around the world. I didn’t want this for my writing. There was and still is interest in me going with established publishers. But I want to tell my stories how I tell them, I don’t want to follow a standard model that professionals feel I should follow. I felt doing things this way would enable me to master my craft and spend some years releasing books and building a catalogue. I have a great creative team around me, who are all successful in their fields.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Always professional and I work with illustrators. I play a part in the development and design, as the cover is part of the story. But I always work with designers and illustrators and collaborate with them. Again being from the cinematic world, I like to play a part in those visuals. But it’s important to have a very professional high end final book product.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Never wing it, my marketing is pre-panned months in advance. I have a full roll out cross media strategy and I am actively involved in it. I take great pride in my work and presenting it to the world.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
No-one ever has everything fully in place, some things unfold as you go along. So start writing, stop making excuses we have all heard before 😉 Discipline will get you through.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Cambridgeshire, UK. But have spent a lot of time traveling and being creative. Including across the US and Asia.
Where do you live now?
UK
What would you like readers to know about you?
Every day I try to be a better person and inspire others through my creativity.
What are you working on now?
I have 2 books I am simultaneously working on Kingdom of Tides a big cinematic adventure with epic battle and fight scenes across the world’s oceans. Then The One True Empress another big screen but gritty instalment, based on the first queen of England, I am going to be her voice and tell her story like never before.
End of Intereview:
Get your copy of Felicity Fire and the Forever Key from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
