Find all the latest news and updates from the author right here, as well as writing series and articles, promotional offers and information about upcoming releases!
Featured
- A Writer’s Digest Win
Taking a victory lap, because I have great news. My story “The Shifter” earned 6th place, a shiny new badge, and a bunch of great prizes from the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. That’s right, Writers Digest. The words “P. J. Leigh” are currently posted on the website (see the link) and will be published in the Nov/Dec 2022 issue of Writer’s Digest magazine. I was just shy of story publication, but my author name and story title are there for all the world to see, and I could not be more excited. My family is already sick of me. Probably.
This year there were 9 categories and around 2800 entries competing for the top ten spots in each category, along with one grand prize winner. I would like to congratulate all the other winners and honorable mentions. Writing is no small undertaking, and winning a prestigious award like this one is worthy of celebrating! Continue reading →
Recent News and Updates
- P. J. Leigh’s Best Reads of 2024Presenting the P. J. Leigh Picks. My best reads of 2024 are just a click away!
- Preorders Now Available For Olawu in Audiobook Format!Good news audiobook lovers! Olawu is now available for preorder! Read on for more details
- The New Cover For Olawu Is Here!Check out the brand new cover for Olawu and see when each format will roll out! Plus, my desperate plea for reviews 😀
Daily Blog Picks
- 30 Books to Commemorate JuneteenthHappy Juneteenth! Here are 30 book recs to help us learn more about the history of slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and its impact on African Americans.
- Crafting A Short Story: PolishingJoin me for the final installment of the Crafting A Short Story series, and learn how to spruce up your final draft.
- My Top 3 Self-Sabotaging Habits As A WriterEver found yourself in a writing spiral? I have. Here are my top 3 self-sabotaging habits as a writer (And how I work through them).
Crafting A Short Story Series
Check out my 7 article series on how to craft a short story from start to finish.
- Crafting A Short Story: Plot DevelopmentThinking of writing a short story? Let me help you get started. Learn more about plot development in my Crafting A Short Story Series.
- Crafting A Short Story: Character DevelopmentExplore character development in the second installment of the Crafting a Short Story series.
- Crafting A Short Story: Piecing it all Together, Pt 1In this installment of the Crafting A Short Story series, I begin piecing together the character and plot to create a first draft.
- Crafting A Short Story: Piecing it all Together, Pt 2In this installment in the Crafting A Short Story series, we’re finishing up our first draft. It will be messy, but that’s what editing is for.
- Crafting A Short Story: Big Picture EditsReady to start editing your short story? It’ll take a few rounds to get it just right. Join me in the Crafting a Short Story series for big picture edits.
- Crafting A Short Story: Crafty EditingIn this part of the Crafting A Short Story series, we take a deep dive into 7 elements you want to focus on as you revise your short story.
- Crafting A Short Story: PolishingJoin me for the final installment of the Crafting A Short Story series, and learn how to spruce up your final draft.
Write or Die Advice
Need writing tips and advice? Learn all about my methods, setbacks, and best practices here!
- Getting Your Story Out Of Your HeadHave a story idea, but don’t know where to start? Here’s my Write or Die Advice on getting your story out of your head.
- How To Summarize Your Story In Multiple FormsNot sure how to summarize your story? Read on for my Write or Die advice on how to summarize your story in multiple forms.
- Four Important Things I Learned At A Writers ConferenceHere are the top four things I learned at a writers conference for the NC Writer’s Network.
- 3 Reasons Why Starting A First Draft Is HardHave you ever struggled with putting your thoughts on paper? Here are my three reasons why starting a first draft is hard.
