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 207

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Dyslexia 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.com

Listen to Leanna's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eYNif8jHHkJq6iZc29zVR?si=596ce5992084435a

Read/Listen to Leanna's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/LeAnna-Shields/author/B005D74GYQ?ref

Chapter Markers

0:00 Introduction and Podcast Reach

1:27 Meet Leanna Shields: Author with Dyslexia

3:09 Creating Characters and Overcoming Bullying

5:26 Homeschooling Changed Everything

8:35 The Mystic Ranch Mysteries Series

14:07 Cozy Mysteries: Clean, Age-Appropriate Fiction

19:33 Other Books and Current Projects

23:01 Writing Process and Collaboration

27:56 Where to Find Leanna's Work

30:44 Closing and Call to Support

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