Leanne Pankuch writes middle grade and YA fiction with a twist. Her YA fantasy novel Dragon’s Truth received the First Place Award for Science Fiction/Fantasy in Storymonster’s 2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and was endorsed by author T.A. Barron (The Merlin Saga). Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in print and online zines and literary journals, and her Dolly Parton-themed middle grade manuscript ‘Liar’s Song’ received the 2023 Kate Dopirak Craft and Community Honor Award. While she enjoys dabbling in tall tales and historical fiction, she mostly explores the speculative: ghosts, portals, myth, magic, and distant galaxies.
Leanne has a BA in English and is an active member of the SCBWI. When she’s not immersed in her writing, she is voraciously reading or coaching other authors. She enjoys hiking and exploring new places, picking up interesting rocks and interesting facts. She also plays acoustic guitar and writes her own songs. Born in Canada, Leanne has lived in Illinois, New York, and Florida, and is now happily settled in the mountains of central California with her husband Ray and rescue dog Bard.

Leanne’s writing is represented by Diego Harrison of SBR Media.

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