Author Spotlight – Leslea Wahl -YA Fiction

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Into the Spotlight by Leslea Wahl, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Into the Spotlight
Series: Finding Faith
Author: Leslea Wahl
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Release Date: October 25, 2022
Genre: Christian YA, adventure, mystery, romance

The devastation of a ruined summer.

The gift of a second chance.

Can Josie learn the lessons she needs ito discover her true self?

After a humiliating event and overwhelming peer pressure, 16-year-old Josie flees her home to spend the summer with her aunt on a South Carolina Island. Her fresh start turns into the summer of her dreams as friendships grow, romance blossoms, and a series of thefts surround her with excitement.

However, when tragedy strikes someone close to her, Josie realizes there are more important things than her reputation. As she sets out to solve the mystery she has become entangled in, she not only realizes the importance of relying on her faith but along the way also discovers who God wants her to be.

PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon | Goodreads | Barnes & Noble

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Leslea Wahl

Leslea Wahl is an award-winning author of adventurous teen mysteries. She not only writes for teens but is also an avid reviewer of Christian fiction. Her journey to become an author came through a search for value-based fiction for her own children. Leslea now strives to be an advocate for other families battling against society’s secular messages through her faith-based writing and reviews.

Connect with Leslea by visiting lesleawahl.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

AN INTERVIEW WITH LESLEA WAHL

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

I’ve always been creative. Even when I was little, I was coming up with imaginary situations. However, I never thought about being an author. My pathway came unexpectedly when I was searching for books for my own children. My oldest son was a great reader, and when he was in fifth grade, he wanted to begin reading teen novels. I was having trouble finding fun adventures that he would enjoy that also had good messages and values. That’s when the idea for my first novel, The Perfect Blindside, just came to me. I couldn’t get the story and characters out of my head, so started writing them down. I had no idea that this story about a teen Olympic snowboarder and the girl he meets in a small Colorado mountain town would change my life.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

First and foremost, I’m a wife and mom. However, my kids are all grown now, so I have more time for my writing. I’m part of a group of authors who also all write faith-based teen novels. We help each other market our work. I’ve also become an avid reviewer, writing for four different online sites, as well as, posting reviews on my website. I love helping other families find edifying fiction for their families.

Outside of writing, I enjoy traveling with my family. Those trips often make an appearance in my novels, either through certain incidents or the locations themselves. Someone once made the comment that my books are all set in travel locations. I suppose that’s true, although some of those places were places I happened to live. My Blindside books are set in the Colorado Rockies, Where You Lead is set in Washington, D.C., Into the Spotlight is set on a South Carolina island, and it’s sequel, Charting the Course, is set on a cruise ship.

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

I have always been drawn to mysteries. I especially enjoy when there is humor and romance incorporated into the stories. So, naturally, those are the kinds of books I write. 

What is your favorite thing about this time of year?

Fall and winter are my favorite times of the year. There’s something about cozying up next to a fire with a good book that feels like the perfect way to spend a day.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

Growing up in Colorado, Molly Brown was someone I always found fascinating—her tenacity was admirable. 

My husband and I lived in Washington, D.C., for a few years when we were first married. Seeing the places where the first leaders of our country worked and lived really brought that history to life. I was able to set on my books in D.C. Where You Lead is an adventurous mystery set around the monuments and landmarks of the nation’s capital.

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

It’s hard to choose a favorite. I have such fond memories of walking with my mom and sister to the bookmobile and checking out dozens of books. I did always enjoy Amelia Bedelia, Curious George, and Babar the Elephant.

Those are some of my favorites as well.

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

I would first encourage them to keep writing and reading. Notice how other authors describe characters and settings. There are many online courses and books that offer great techniques. But my greatest piece of advice is to find a mentor or teacher who can offer constructive criticism. The first draft of my very first novel was horrific. I was able to join a mentorship program which changed everything for me. With that author’s help, I was able to get my story ready to send to publishers. It certainly wasn’t a quick or easy process. From the time I had the idea for that first book until it was published took 6 ½ years. I sent out ninety-some query letters and wrote many drafts until I found success. I’m so glad that I never gave up.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Into the Spotlight, bookmark, bible verse magnet, and designer soap!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 4, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!