Links & Media

Because I believe we sometimes find resources where we least expect them, some of these links go beyond writing and networking. If you find them helpful, please know I wish you the best. God bless.

Kindly note: I do not accept link placements or guest blog submissions.

Writing & Networking Resources

Catholic Writers Guild

The main website for this international organization of Catholic writers.

Catholic Writers Guild Blog

In past years, I posted tips for writers on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Check out my archived articles, or see what other lively and smart authors have to offer!

Kentuckiana Romance Writers

Formerly Louisville Romance Writers, a great group of talented and generous women who support each other through the rocky journey of writing and publishing. There are none better. 

Romance Writers of America®

The national organization for romance writers. Though I’m no longer part of this association, I’m especially glad to belong to the Luckies, the 2013 Golden Heart® finalists. 

Spalding University’s MFA Blog

Stop by their blog to meet some of the wonderful people I met during my time there!

Women Fiction Writers Association (WFWA)

A vibrant group of gifted authors, intriguing books, timely topics.

Links of Interest

RAINN (sex abuse hotline)

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network: National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. Free. Confidential. Secure.

800.656.HOPE

The Hotline (domestic abuse)

The National Domestic Violence Hotline.  Anonymous & Confidential Help 24/7

800.799.SAFE (7233)

The National Drug Abuse Hotline

Anonymous and Confidential Help, in Spanish or English, 24/7.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Support and education for families and caregivers of persons with mental illness. Crisis text line: Text NAMI to 741-741.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Free and Confidential Support, 24/7.

Restorative Justice

A healing alternative to criminal justice, which gives voice to victims and promotes restoration of right relationships to all harmed by crime.

Links to Leslie’s nonfiction:

Leslie has been a regular contributor to CatholicMom.com’s Daily Gospel Reflection feature since 2018. You can find them here.

Below are her articles for The Criterion, Indiana’s Largest Weekly Newspaper, published by the Archdioscese of Indianapolis:

Contests and Kudos

Hijacked

  • 2013, Finalist, Golden Heart®, Romance Writers of America®
  • 2009, Winner, Linda Howard Award of Excellence, Southern Magic Romance Writers
  • 2009, 2nd Place, Happily Ever After, Mid-Michigan Romance Writers (last chapter/epilogue)
  • 2008, Finalist, Suzannah, North Louisiana Stars Romance Writers
  • 2008, 2nd place, Gotcha, Silicon Valley Romance Writers

Unholy Bonds

  • 2009, 2nd place, Between the Sheets, Greater Detroit Romance Writers (love scene)
  • 2009, 5th place, Linda Howard Award of Excellence, Southern Magic Romance Writers

Other

  • 2006, Winner, Jeannie Gray Friendship Essay Contest for Golden Heart Entrants