About Leslie

“Live for what is recorded in heaven. Care nothing for what is recorded on earth.”

Leslie J. Wyatt

Leslie J. Wyatt is a solid and enduring writer who delights in bringing the commonplace to life and putting words to the undefined. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Leslie graduated from the Institute of Children’s Literature’s demanding courses Writing for Children and Teenagers, and Writing and Selling Children’s Books. She served as the 2010 mentor for the Missouri chapter of the SCBWI.

In addition to her middle-grade historical novel Poor Is Just a Starting Place, her second historical middle-grade novel, River Rats, is under contract with Royal Fireworks Press, and another middle-grade novel (contemporary this time) is in the revision process. In addition, Leslie has over 190 articles and stories accepted for publication in various children’s magazines, writing and parenting magazines, blog entries, and anthologies. Leslie is available for conference speaking, mentoring and editing, school visits, author events, and writing workshops for adults and children.

Of all the writing she does, she loves crafting historical and contemporary novels the best and is currently working on her first middle-grade fantasy.

Leslie finds pleasure in the everyday living of life. In addition to writing, she enjoys gardening (her flowerbeds and rock garden/stream attest to the fact) as well as riding Honor, a Quarterhorse-Arab gelding with unbounded energy. She also plays the celtic harp, sews and smocks, and scrapbooks.

Her family consists of:

· · Dave: A wonderfully capable and creative individual who specializes in custom kitchens, baths, and entertainment centers. He owns The Carpenter’s Shop (Contact via email below). In his spare time (if he has any) he corrects math and science papers and tries to keep up with home projects and his reading backlog.

· · Emily : Writer, singer, Celtic harper, pianist, music teacher. Currently working on an English Lit degree. She and her husband also own Artisan Espresso Catering, operating out of the Kansas City area.

· · Allison: A talented classical violinist, violin teacher, member of the Celtic trio Compass North . Interns in California.

· · Joe: A cadet in the Army ROTC program, studying business management.

· · Nathan: A multitalented individual who is very interested in most things in the realm of computers. He would like his spare time to contain only reading, legos, and favorite foods.

· · Paul: An up-and-coming violinist/fiddler who loves to build and create. He also enjoys , cooking, legos, reading, and anything active.

· · Abigail: Pianist and vocalist who enjoys riding horses, writing her own stories, and a myriad of other activities including reading, cooking, and sewing outfits for her dolls.

The Wyatt family lives in a c. 1883 Victorian house in the country with an assortment of animals including a Jersey milk cow named Rosie, assorted chickens, 3 horses, 5 cats, and a collie named Skye.