Born in Toledo, Ohio and raised in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, Leslie spent most of her youth concocting elaborate stories. Her high school English teacher encouraged her to turn these creative lies into creative fiction. 

By some miracle, her writing skills persuaded Penn State University to accept her. Between bartending shifts, she studied Fiction Writing and Communications.

Today, Leslie writes at least a thousand words a day on DC Metro orange line trains. Most of them perish behind the delete button. She co-wrote her first book in Harrisburg hotel rooms and diners with her best friend. 

When she's not off exploring the world (or getting caught in irons on Roanoke Sound), Leslie lives in a house full of laughter outside of Washington, D.C. with her soul mate, two cats, two dogs, two fish, and a teenager.