Episode Spotlight: Michael Leonard on Pilgrims, Aliens, and a Journey from Tech to Fiction

This week on The Writing Coach Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome my client, Michael Leonard, to discuss his debut novel, Pilgrims. Michael’s transition from a career in international business and tech to becoming a speculative fiction author is as fascinating as his book. Our conversation dives deep into the creative process, the challenges of publishing, and the philosophical questions that inspired his work.

Pilgrims is no ordinary first-contact story. This science fiction novel takes readers on a journey that blends interstellar drama with profound metaphysical exploration. When aliens arrive on Earth with religion in tow, humanity is forced to confront faith, identity, and the meaning of existence. Michael’s unique take avoids the shallow tropes often seen in the genre, offering a thoughtful and original narrative that leaves readers thinking long after the last page.

In this episode, Michael and I explore:

     •           The emotional rollercoaster of launching a book and how to embrace the marathon of being an author.

     •           The genesis of Pilgrims and how a childhood thought experiment evolved into a high-concept novel.

     •           The art of world-building with philosophical depth, including how Michael tackled big questions without losing his narrative’s authenticity.

     •           Why flawed characters create compelling stories—and how Michael ensured his protagonist was relatable despite his imperfections.

     •           The immersive full-cast audiobook production of Pilgrims, featuring sound effects, music, and narration by Jeff Hayes of Dungeon Crawler Carl fame.

Michael also reflects on the pivotal role of mentorship (spoiler alert: he gives me a lot of credit, which I humbly accept!) and shares actionable advice for aspiring authors, including the importance of investing in your craft and embracing the long game of a writing career.

Whether you’re a science fiction fan, a writer looking for inspiration, or someone fascinated by the intersection of faith and storytelling, this episode is for you.