Links

This page is a work in progress. And because I believe that sometimes we find resources where we least expect them, some of the links go beyond writing and networking. If you find them helpful, please know I wish you the best. God bless.

(For all you lovely people who would like me to share links to your organizations on this page, or who wish to provide content for my blog, no, thank you. Please do not contact me for those reasons.)

Writing links:

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.

Other links of interest:

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

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

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:

Synodal sessions ‘help support and strengthen’ three Tell City Deanery parishes: June 7, 2024.
Archbishop says annual appeal is about ‘carrying out Christ’s mission’: October 20, 2023.
Sensory-friendly Mass is ‘perfect way’ to reach needs of stimuli-sensitive Catholics: September 29, 2023.
Archbishop celebrates milestone anniversaries at Tell City Deanery Mass: December 2, 2022.
United Catholic Appeal focuses on unity in the Eucharist: October 21, 2022.
United Catholic Appeal is ‘vital’ to ‘provide Catholic presence’: November 19, 2021.
Heartbreak and hope: readers share how pandemic impacted their faith: March 19, 2021. (By John Shaughnessy, The Criterion reporter, including a response from Leslie.)
St. Mary Parish food pantry wins prestigious award: October 30, 2020.
Caucasian woman seeks to ‘give voice’ to injustice witnessed against Hispanic friend: October 18, 2019. (By Sean Gallagher, The Criterion reporter, about Leslie.)
Discipleship is at the heart of United Catholic Appeal: October 11, 2019.
Giving offers opportunity ‘to say thanks’ and ‘do thanks‘: June 14, 2019.
Archbishop Thompson celebrates first appeal Mass in New Albany: October 13, 2017.
Appeal affords Church opportunities for encounter and dialogue, archbishop says: October 23, 2015.
Archbishop Tobin blesses new shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe: June 19, 2015.
Disaster Response Logistics Center in North Vernon blessed for use: May 29, 2015.
Use guidance of Church with end-of-life decisions, says bioethicist: March 6, 2015.
Hispanic Connection of Southern Indiana moves to a new home: October 3, 2014.
Faith and fellowship are staples of New Albany Youth Mass: October 18, 2013.
Take steps to reclaim our religious liberty: July 5, 2013.
Archbishop thanks Miter Society members for their support: June 7, 2013.
Archbishop Tobin gets warm welcome in Tell City Deanery: February 1, 2013.
Community helps bring Eagle Scout’s prayer garden project to life: January 18, 2013.
Renovated St. Francis Xavier Church is rededicated: December 14, 2012.
Priest spurs parishioners into new foray of evangelization: October 26, 2012.
Parishioners at St. Mary’s celebrate a unique May Crowning: May 25, 2012.
A leap of courage, obedience and faith: Two faith communities with different cultures share common bonds of worship and music: August 19, 2011.
A dual celebration: St. Mary-of-the-Knobs parishioners break ground for new church, honor retiring pastor: July 9, 2010.
‘Love in action’: All Catholics are called to evangelize in their daily lives. Evangelization Supplement to The Criterion, May 9, 2008.

Contests and Kudos

Hijacked

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

Unholy Bonds

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

Other