Leanna Shields turns challenges into creative opportunities through her clean, cozy mysteries. | Episode 207

Leanna Shields turns challenges into creative opportunities through her clean, cozy mysteries. | Episode 207MERCHANDISE SHOP: voices-for-voices.org/3QnokLUSUPPORT VOICES FOR VOICES®:https://www.voicesforvoices.org/shop/p/supporterDyslexia hasn't stopped Leanna Shields from becoming a successful author of "cozy mysteries" and other genre fiction. From her earliest days creating elaborate imaginary friends to cope with bullying, Shields has transformed challenges into creative fuel.The turning point came when her mother made the brave decision to homeschool her after the public school system failed to identify her dyslexia until fourth grade. "I actually learned I could learn," Shields reveals, describing how writing became her "recess" rather than homework. This perspective shift unlocked her potential and led to a prolific writing career spanning multiple genres.Her flagship series, the Mystic Ranch Mysteries, brings much-needed Native American representation to fiction. Though connected to her heritage, Shields still conducts thorough research on cultural elements like Choctaw wedding customs. "It wasn't boring research," she explains, "for me it was just like, oh, input, input, input." This attention to detail enriches her clean, age-appropriate mysteries suitable for "junior high strong reader to up."Beyond mysteries, Shields has authored science fiction, steampunk, and children's books (under the pen name Anna Lee Shields). She also hosts the podcast "Cappy's Cozy Chair," interviewing fellow cozy genre authors across various subgenres. Despite popular notions that writing is solitary, Shields emphasizes community: "I find it's absolutely the opposite," highlighting how she collaborates with experts and editors to overcome challenges like her self-described difficulty with punctuation.Discover Leanna's books on Amazon, visit leannashieldsauthor.com, or listen to her podcast to experience stories that prove limitations need not define creative potential. Support an author who demonstrates that with imagination and perseverance, challenges become stepping stones rather than barriers.Check out Leanna's website: www.leannashieldsauthor.comListen to Leanna's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eYNif8jHHkJq6iZc29zVR?si=596ce5992084435aRead/Listen to Leanna's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/LeAnna-Shields/author/B005D74GYQ?refChapter Markers0:00 Introduction and Podcast Reach1:27 Meet Leanna Shields: Author with Dyslexia3:09 Creating Characters and Overcoming Bullying5:26 Homeschooling Changed Everything8:35 The Mystic Ranch Mysteries Series14:07 Cozy Mysteries: Clean, Age-Appropriate Fiction19:33 Other Books and Current Projects23:01 Writing Process and Collaboration27:56 Where to Find Leanna's Work30:44 Closing and Call to SupportPlease give us a thumbs up, subscribe, and share our content. If you're able to donate to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we'd greatly appreciate it as we work toward our goal of helping 3 billion people.#cleanmysteries #cozymysteries #creativewriting #writinginspiration #authorsofinstagram #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookworm #booklovers #writerslife #writingcommunity #creativeopportunities #challengesturncreative #leannashields #Newepisode #newpodcastalert #podcastseries #podcastcommunity #voicesforvoicespodcast #donatetoday #501c3 #charityorganization #Podcast #donatetoday #nonprofitorganization #help3billionpeople #help3billionSupport the show