Meet Beck Leavesley | Author & Social Media Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Beck Leavesley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beck, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From music to drawing, videography to graphic design, I have always been a creative at heart. I started writing at fourteen simply because I was dissatisfied with the current young adult market and wanted to create something that readers of my age would enjoy. Living in Michigan inspired my love of lakes, beaches, lighthouses, break walls, and warm summer weather. My debut novel is inspired by these locations, weaving fantastical elements into the world that I grew up with.

I chose to self-publish specifically because I truly value creative independence. Self-publishing allows me to use all of my artistic skills (music, video editing, graphic design, art, etc.) to build a brand for myself, connect with my readers, and represent the industry well. I love that I get to use social media to direct my own marketing for my books. It allows me a space to bring the readers in on my thoughts, creative process, and sneak peeks. It is for all of these reasons that I have chosen to not only pursue a career in writing, but to also self-publish.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love stories about adventure, unlikely friendships, and settings that merge the magical with the real world. My fantasy books appeal to readers that love a fast-paced, dynamic narrative style and characters that grow and change (for better or for worse) through the difficult circumstances that surround them.

Writing clean YA has always been my goal. While it is not the best-selling fantasy genre at the moment, I am committed to keeping my stories free of sexual scenes, swearing, or disturbing violence. I prefer to instead challenge my readers through my characters’ actions, words, and how they handle difficult situations. I want to explore ideas of trust, the relationships of individuals and organizations, and the power of someone’s choices. Most of all, though, I want my readers to relate to my stories. A special-access reader once told me that I had somehow managed to capture her feelings of anxiety and struggles in my main character. This makes all the long-hours worthwhile.

In the writing world, “self-publishing” is synonymous with “self-taught”. This is one of the biggest obstacles that I have faced in my writing journey. Practically speaking, I am simply one independent artist taking on the task of an entire publishing house. In such a short time, I have overcome a steep learning curve. I have taught myself video editing, how to conduct beta reader campaigns for my book, created a brand for myself, and even taught myself digital illustrating so that I could design my own book cover. I have learned to be efficient with my time and how to be creative with my resources. While working on my own is challenging, I am grateful that it has made me a more capable, well-rounded artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Michigan is such a beautiful place to vacation! Personally, I have always loved the beautiful lakes and beaches. A perfect afternoon would involve bike riding through town and along the beaches. Lighthouses are my favorite scenes of inspiration and Michigan has so many along the coasts. When it is winter-time, the waves crash against the lighthouses and often freeze into walls of ice against the structure. It is incredibly beautiful and one of my favorite things about Michigan.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many wonderful people have rallied around me. I cannot express enough thanks to all the people that have taken a chance on this young creative. I am forever grateful to The Sunset Project for awarding me the Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant, which allowed me to hire my dream editor and publish my debut novel in the Summer of 2025.

My family has always been alongside me. From my dad who gave me the push I needed to publish this book and my mom who surprised me by reading it twice and helped me work through tough spots. My older brother jumped in when a critique partner bailed on me and finished the book in a day. My younger sister always reads my chapters as soon as they are finished. She’s the reason I keep writing them. My younger brother gave me a 4.5k word document full of feedback. The best ideas are his. My little sister loved the book so much she drew my characters and taped them to her wall.

My dear friend Mariah is the reason I have all these opportunities in the first place; she has always been in my corner, cheering me on and helping me reach beyond my goals. My lovely friend Danica read the book when it was barely a story and has encouraged me through all its trials, drafts, and flops. I owe these people all my gratitude, love, and my career.

I also am deeply thankful to each an every one of my followers, subscribers, and soon-to-be readers. Their excitement keeps me going and their love of reading inspires me.

Lastly, I am thankful to my Lord, without whom none of these opportunities would be possible.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckleavesley/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beckleavesley

Image Credits
Personal photos.