Meet Leslie Colburn

We were lucky to catch up with Leslie Colburn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

When I lost my mom to cancer at the age of twenty-seven, it felt as though the world beneath me had shifted, leading to a profound sense of loss and uncertainty. My mom’s words of encouragement had always been a guiding light in my life, a beacon that assured me I was valued and loved. Her absence left a void that was overwhelming, and I found myself questioning my purpose.
Without my mom’s comforting presence, I felt hesitant and indecisive. I second-guessed myself at every turn, unsure of how to navigate a world without her guidance. The phrase “Leslie, I’m proud of you”was no longer a reassurance I could rely on, and it left me feeling lost. I spent many years grappling with the question, “Why did I have to lose my mom?” It was a question that echoed in my heart, leaving me searching for meaning and direction.
The turning point came when I shifted my focus from asking “Why?” to asking “What do I do with this loss?” and “Who can I help?” It was through this introspection that I discovered a path forward: writing children’s books for my young daughters, and eventually, many children. My first book, The Re-Gift, illustrated by my daughters when they were just six and three, became a message of gratitude and encouragement.
Writing stories allowed me to create a bridge from my mother to my daughters and share all the wonderful things my mom taught me with my girls. My writing reminded them they were created on purpose, with unique gifts to share with the world. The act of writing became a healing process, one that helped me rediscover my sense of purpose.
Though my mom is no longer with me physically, her influence is ever-present. Her example inspires me to be courageous and to trust in the gifts God has given me. As I continue to grow and face life’s uncertainties, I carry her legacy forward by nurturing my own gifts and those of my children. Writing children’s books has become a way to celebrate the beautiful light within us all, a reminder that we are all created on purpose.
In rediscovering my purpose through storytelling, I have found a path that honors my mother’s memory while empowering the next generation. It is a journey of healing, faith, and the enduring power of love.
In November, I published my sixth children’s book, Twinkle, the Littlest Star. Created tiny among Star, Twinkle doesn’t know her purpose! (Sound familiar?) I hope this little star’s story will serve as a reminder that YOU WERE CREATED ON PURPOSE!

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Leslie Colburn is a mom, an educator, and the author of six children’s books, including Twinkle, the Littlest Star, a book where beloved lullaby, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star meets the all-time favorite Christmas Story as told in Matthew 2:9-10. (Look for the Twinkle DOLL! Coming Soon!) Colburn writes for children of all ages. She is a contributor to ForEveryMom.com and Truth Becomes Her. After losing both of her parents to cancer and suffering from a lost pregnancy, Colburn started writing parenting articles and material to encourage those in the waves of grief. She believes that children’s literature can change the world and she uses stories to inspire and empower young people.
As a speaker, Leslie visits schools, churches and conferences teaching kids that they are created on purpose for a purpose.
Leslie, a member of SCBWI, IBPA and Wyoming Writers Inc., is also the founder of Cross My Heart Books, a series of books and a journal that encourages her readers to lean into who God says they are. You can visit her at www.lesliecolburn.com.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. I love to write stories to inspire littles to love who they were created to be. My background in elementary education and my love of writing have given me the skills and knowledge to spread my love of literacy to kids in Wyoming.
2. I want to encourage others to lean into the gifts they were given and to spread their light. Each one of us was created with great purpose, and I want to be an encouragement to our kids. By sharing my experiences and insights, I guide others in discovering their paths and unlocking their potential. My mentorship empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals with confidence.
3. Our words matter, and I love to teach and speak to kids and adults about writing their words. Whether they are entering a young authors contest or at an adult writer’s conference, my goal is to remind writers that their words matter and that they are already writers. I also speak to groups about grief and about purpose.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I would love to collaborate with other authors, podcasters and people who have goals that align with telling kids they were created on purpose. I would love to collaborate via social media, podcasts, interviews, speaking engagements, conferences, curriculum development, grief support, etc. Please email me at [email protected], website: www.lesliecolburn.com
Phone307-262-7243

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lesliecolburn.com
• Instagram: @lesliecolburn.writes
• Facebook: @lesliecolburn.writes
• Other: TikTok:
  @lesliecolburn.writes