Leah Schanke, writer and Human Resources executive, shares her journey of pursuing her dream of writing professionally while working full-time, taking small steps. She explains how she is living in alignment with her purpose in writing historical fiction for children, while overcoming imposter syndrome in order to fully embrace the identity of a writer.
Leah Schanke is a children's book author whose multicultural heritage and interest in U.S. history inspire her to write historical fiction and nonfiction books for children with a focus on little-known but significant figures and events. Leah's debut picture book, FREEDOM AT DAWN, illustrated by Oboh Moses, launched April 2025. She is a PAL member of SCBWI, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and a member of the Authors Guild.
Resources Mentioned:
Freedom at Dawn by Leah Schanke available Bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Contact Leah Schanke:
Website: https://www.leahschanke.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahschanke/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahschanke/
Where you can find Dr. Kenya Nyota Lee, host of Creative and Resilient Voices:
Substack: https://creativeandresilient.substack.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyanyotalee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenya_the_pathfinder/#
About Dr. Kenya Nyota Lee
Dr. Kenya Nyota Lee is a storyteller, leader, and strategist whose work explores creativity, resilience, leadership, and the deeply human process of becoming. Through essays, conversations, and community gatherings, she creates spaces where women can reflect on their journeys, recognize themselves in one another’s stories, and step forward with greater clarity and courage.
Read and subscribe: creativeandresilient.substack.com
Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenyanyotalee
or send an email to kenya@kenyanyotalee.com
or visit www.kenyanyotalee.com
Subscribe to Creative & Resilient Voices on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you listen.
Your story matters. Your creativity in all its forms is sacred. Your resilience is your superpower.
