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 is currently the 2010 mentor for the Missouri chapter of the SCBWI.

In addition to her middlegrade historical novel Poor Is Just a Starting Place, she has two more books submitted to publishers, and over 100 articles and stories accepted for publication in various children’s magazines, writing and parenting magazines, 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 historical 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 Journey Girl, a lovely—and slightly stubborn—bay mare. She also plays the flute, 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 : Singer, Celtic harper, pianist, member of the Celtic trio Compass North . Currently working on an English Lit degree.

· · Allison: A talented classical violinist, member of the Celtic trio Compass North attends school in California.

· · Joe: Recently earned his black belt in Karate and is exploring various possibilities for the future.

· · Nathan: A multitalented individual who is very interested in computer animation and editing. 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 airplanes and ships out of whatever is available. He also enjoys legos, reading, and anything active.

· · Abigail: A beginning pianist who enjoys riding Ginger, a 25-year-old bay pony, writing her own stories, and a myriad of other activies 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 chickens, 2 horses, 5 cats, and a collie named Skye.