Penning Words of Hope
Leslie has loved to write for almost as long as she’s loved to read … which began around three years of age 🙂
Leslie’s publishing aspirations started in high school, when she won poetry contests, which allowed others to read her work as part of some anthology collections. She was also a finalist for the Governor’s School for writing three years in a row.
Leslie’s next foray into the writing world came as a result of her love of reading. She became a reviewer, working with publications such as RT Bookreviews Magazine and Publishers Weekly. She continues to review books today for various publishers, publications, and her blog.
Books and writing have always been a significant part of Leslie’s life. Reviewing led to her career as an editor, which began in 2012. (You can learn more about that by clicking here.). There she discovered that God had a plan for the keen attention to details she had her entire life. She is blessed to combine her passion for words, grammar, and reading in a career she loves.
Over the years, Leslie began writing devotionals and flash fiction stories. Some of her devotionals were included in compilations published in 2017 by Ellie Claire: Just Breathe, Refresh Your Soul, and Breathe: Devotions to Quiet the Soul in 2019. Her flash fiction stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. You can find those here.
She has been a guest blogger on various sites, sharing her devotionals. You can find her guest posts here.
Her debut book, Hope Amid the Pain released October 26, 2022. It’s a 60-day devotional journal for women with chronic pain and illness. In 2023, it won first place in its category for the Ames Award and The BookFest Award.
Leslie has been a chronic pain warrior for more than twenty years, so she is familiar with the peaks and valleys associated with living with a chronic illness. She has felt God come alongside her through His Word and remind her that the battle is His and she’s not alone. With her book, she hopes to pass that same message on to other women.
Leslie is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and she has served as a judge for their First Impression, Carol Awards, and Genesis contests. She is also a member of The Christian PEN.
In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, playing piano, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle!), collecting anything related to Baby Yoda and the Minions, and rooting for the NY Giants.
Her goal is to provide you with words of hope, comfort, and encouragement … and perhaps a new book to enjoy.
If you would like to contact Leslie, you can reach her at:
Leslie@LeslieLMcKee.com (email)