Leigh Goff

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Wine & Words: Swirl, Sip, Scribble

By Leigh Goff
clear wine glass

Photo by Torsten Dettlaff on Pexels.com

Wine tasting and writing fiction may seem like two very different realms, but when you look closer, you’ll see that they share intriguing similarities. Both experiences involve sensory exploration and the art of storytelling.

I recently began a journey into wine tasting and passed my level 2 certification (yes, the homework rocks). How wine tasting appeals to me is similar to how I feel about writing. After some research, I discovered there is a connection. Just as a wine taster engages their senses to explore the intricacies of a wine, a fiction writer harnesses the power of sensory details to bring their story to life.

A highly skilled winemaker tends to the grapes and the winemaking process to produce a wine like a Napa Cabernet that boasts flavors of ripe blackberries, velvety dark chocolate with subtle hints of cedar, culminating in a full-bodied magical experience on the palate. When I craft a story, I construct compelling plots, drawing on my sensory experiences to enhance them and then refine the work through editing and revision. In my first novel, Disenchanted, the story I created was filled with sensory details. I wanted to immerse the reader in the magic of Sophie’s world, her star-crossed romance, and the haunting history of Old Wethersfield.

green leaf on pile of books

Photo by Wallace Chuck on Pexels.com

Some writers through the centuries, such as Jane Austen, were known to imbibe on too much wine. Research from the University of Graz shows that drinking wine enhances creative thinking for writers. Of course, it does! Now winemakers are harnessing the art of storytelling to enhance their connection with consumers. Using a new phone app called Winerytale, the user can unlock videos, narratives, and histories about a wine and learn about the winemakers.

While wine tasting and writing fiction may seem unrelated, the parallels are undeniable. Both pursuits involve sensory exploration, layered complexity, subjective interpretation, storytelling, and a blend of artistry and craftsmanship. The next time you savor a glass of Napa Cabernet or dive into a captivating fantasy novel, take a moment to appreciate the shared essence of these two worlds, where sensory delights and imaginative tales intertwine. Cheers!

79410-leigh2bgoff-1502bret.jpgLeigh Goff I have three published young adult novels–KOUSH HOLLOW (2020), BEWITCHING HANNAH (2017), and DISENCHANTED (2015). I’m a graduate from the University of Maryland, and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).When I’m not writing, I love reading, running, and finding new inspiration for my writing. I’m a proud advocate for type one diabetes awareness (T1D) as a thriving individual with the condition.

Learn more about her and her writing on her website. Stay connected on Instagram, Twitter, and Amazon.


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Secrets to Crafting Authentic YA Voices

As a YA author, I’m obsessed with getting teen voices right. There’s something magical about capturing the messy, vibrant, and unique way teenagers think, talk, and navigate the world. It’s not just about slang or pop culture references—it’s about tapping into the intense emotions and perspectives that make YA stories resonate.

Here’s a peek into how I craft authentic teen voices, honed through years of writing, revising, and listening.

First, I eavesdrop (shamelessly, but ethically, of course!). Whether it’s teens chatting at a Starbucks or bantering on social media, I pay attention to the rhythms—how they interrupt each other, use hyperbole, or toss in sarcasm. For example, I once overheard a teen describe a bad day as ‘an apocalyptic dumpster fire.’ Tell me that doesn’t sum up a bad day in a most dramatic but honest way. Observing teens in the real world helps me avoid the trap of writing what I think they sound like, which can feel like a parent trying too hard to be cool.

Beyond dialogue, I like to ground my characters in their emotional truth. I often start by outlining them, figuring out their fears, crushes, and dreams. This uncovers their quirks and contradictions. For example, a main character’s snarky exterior might be hiding a quiet longing for the one boy who frustrates her the most because he makes her see herself in a new, yet scary way. It’s messy, but that’s what makes her feel real.

I also rely on beta readers, especially younger readers, to tell me when a line lands or flops. One reader flagged a scene where my character texted in full sentences—apparently, no self-respecting Gen Z-er does that. Now, I pepper in abbreviations and emojis, but sparingly, to keep it natural.

Writing authentic teen voices is a balancing act. It’s about respecting teens’ complexity while keeping the story accessible and true to the genre’s heart. Every draft, I’m learning to listen more closely—to teens, to my characters, and to the story they want to tell. It’s a challenge, but when a reader says, “This feels like me,” it’s worth every revision.

What’s your favorite YA voice that feels spot-on? I’d love to hear in the comments.

If you’re interested in checking out my books, please click the link below.

Buy Link

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79410-leigh2bgoff-1502bret.jpgJoin the enchanted community! Connect with Leigh and her readers to receive exclusive content, news and updates by clicking the blue “Follow” button.


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Sizzle into Your Best Summer Ever!

Hey, dreamers and heart-chasers! Summer is approaching fast, glowing with golden sunsets, warm nights, and that electric buzz of new connections. As a young adult author, I’m all about weaving romance into epic adventures, and this summer is your chance to shine and attract that swoony spark. Here’s a quick, self-help guide to look your best, feel confident, and make this your most romantic summer ever!

Summer’s vibe is your glow-up muse. Jot down a swoony, fantastical idea in a notebook—maybe falling for someone special under a meteor shower or a love story born at a beach festival. Then, refresh your style to match your inner hero. Try wearing a bold new accessory like stackable bracelets or getting a new summery hairdo that brings out your inner beach god/goddess.

Stuck in a rut like a hero waiting for their meet-cute? Summer is your escape. Take a sunset walk and imagine it’s the scene of a love confession, or dive into a fantasy romance that feels like a summer breeze (my star-crossed saga Disenchanted might be your vibe). Add a self-care ritual—think a hydrating skincare routine or daily stretches—to radiate health and confidence. A glowing you attracts glowing connections.

In my books like Disenchanted, love sparks when characters embrace their true selves. You’re the star of your summer romance, so own your unique charm. Battling nerves? Find and repeat a daily mantra like, “My heart is my story, and I shine from within.” Dress in colors that make you feel bold—sunny yellows or fiery reds—to catch that special someone’s eye. Confidence is your ultimate glow-up and draws romance like moths to a flame. 

If you’re looking for the perfect summer read with a kiss of romance, check out Disenchanted!

Disenchanted

Meet Sophie Goodchild, a young witch entangled in a centuries-old curse that has haunted her true love’s family for generations. Join Sophie on a thrilling adventure as she navigates a world of curses, enchantments, and star-crossed romance, where the lines between magic and reality blur. Disenchanted is a heartwarming exploration of the human experience. With its unique blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this book will cast a spell on your heart and leave you enchanted from start to finish.

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79410-leigh2bgoff-1502bret.jpgJoin the enchanted community! Connect with Leigh and her readers to receive exclusive content, news and updates by clicking the blue “Follow” button.


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Pollution Solutions: Time to Detox

garbage on body of water

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“Sip a glass of cool, clear water as you read this, and you may think water pollution is a problem somewhere else. But while most Americans have access to safe drinking water, potentially harmful contaminants—from arsenic to copper to lead—have been found in the tap water of every single state in the nation.”[1] When we think about detoxing, we think about our health. However, our rivers, lakes, and oceans are in trouble just as the lake and bayou are in my upcoming novel, KOUSH HOLLOW, and none of us, including my fictional characters, can be healthy without clean water.

Water pollution comes from things like pesticides, farm waste, oil spills, and industrial and radioactive waste. Radioactive disasters like what happened at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan can send hundreds of tons of radioactive water into the sea before leaks can be contained. For marine life, radioactive pollution in general can kill fish, create strange mutations, and the radioactive poison can be passed along the food chain. According to the EPA, almost half of our rivers and more than one-third of our lakes are polluted, which means they’re not safe for swimming, fishing, or drinking.

nuclear power plant

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In KOUSH HOLLOW the locals believe the town’s lake is polluted from sewage and wastewater, but the dirty secret is that the pollution is coming from a nefarious source. The effects are disastrous on life in and around the lake and bayou and on the people who live near them. The main character, Jenna is vigilant and curious. Her suspicions lead her to uncover the corruption at the local nuclear power plant and stave off the pollution. Then Jenna starts up the Green Eco Warriors who pick up trash around the lake and send in water samples for testing.

In the real world, we can all be vigilant and do our part, even if we don’t live near a lake. We can reduce our dependence on plastic. Properly dispose of toxic chemicals, petroleum products, and old batteries to keep those chemicals from seeping into the groundwater. If you’re not a vegetarian/vegan consider implementing a no-meat Monday to reduce meat consumption, which will reduce agricultural demand, and in turn reduce farm waste. When you’re ready to purchase a car, consider buying an electric car that doesn’t use oil, antifreeze, or gasoline.

“Nearly one million tons of oil makes its way into marine environments each year.”[2] If needed, use natural fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in your yard and consider planting native species of plants that will soak up rain and prevent runoff. Our waterways touch all of our lives. Let’s keep them clean!

EXCERPT from KOUSH HOLLOW

“Dejection washed over me as they disappeared. In Atlanta, strange things had stopped happening and I blended with everyone else. Here? Not so much. The crescent marks were burning like fire ant venom and the fight to fit in was wearing on me. I hadn’t felt more awful than I did at that moment.

I dipped under the surface and swam around, needing a layer of silence between the drama and me. I brushed my fingers along fish scooting past, their silver scales shimmering like mercury in the fractured moonlight.

A rockfish swayed lazily back and forth. I reached for it, sending it into panic mode. He sped off so I pursued, curious where it was going. I kicked hard and caught up. It slowed and turned sideways, and I caught sight of its face. A puff of air bubbles escaped my mouth. Several bulbous tumors marred its appearance. Shocked, I popped above the surface and inhaled a deep breath. What in Fukushima was that?

In the distance, there was no sign of any of the boats. The silence broke a minute later with the rumble of a small engine. I spotted a gray Boston whaler heading in my direction. I hoped it was someone friendly with a dry towel and a bottle of vodka under the seat. I flung my arms up and waved them down. “Over here.”

A flash of light caught me and the whaler sputtered closer. The boat light shined in my eyes, preventing me from seeing who my rescuer was. Splash. An orange life jacket landed next to me.

“Don’t need a vest.” I grabbed hold of it and swam closer.

“I’ll save you,” the boy yelled. Splash.

I latched onto the side of the whaler. He swam up behind me and wrapped one arm around my waist. “I’ve got you.”

“Feeling Hayden’s warm body in the water next to mine, that’s when I realized I was only wearing underwear. Wet underwear. I closed my eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Jenna?”

We bobbed up and down with the waves. “Hayden, we’ve got to stop meeting in the water like this.”

He slicked his dark, wet hair back. Water glistened on his lips and his whole face seemed to sparkle. “I thought you were a needy girl drowning.”

“Is this what drowning or needy looks like?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Goff is a young adult author with type 1 diabetes who is inspired by caffeine, enchanted spells, and unforgettable, star-crossed fates.

Although she’s terrible at casting any magic of her own, she is descended from the accused witch, Elizabeth Duncan of Virginia, who went to trial in 1695 for charges including bewitching livestock and causing birds to fall from the sky.

You can find more information at www.LeighGoff.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

unnamedBUY LINKS

Parliament House Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

[1] Denchak, Melissa. NRDC. (5-4-18). From https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#prevent  Retrieved on 2/11/20.

[2] Denchak, Melissa. NRDC. (5-4-18). From https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know#prevent  Retrieved on 2/11/20.

 


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Bewitching Hannah–Fun Release Week Giveaway!

WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN!
Thank you for participating.
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I’m feeling particularly excited because my new YA novel, BEWITCHING HANNAH, which is set in Annapolis, released yesterday!
 
To celebrate the launch, I’m hosting a Book Selfie Contest! I will be giving away a bewitching mug filled with chocolate treats, a bookmark, and a $20 Amazon gift card along with a signed paperback copy of BEWITCHING HANNAH to two lucky winners. (If the copy you use for the selfie is yours then you can give this copy to your book club buddy, teacher, fave librarian, or niece.)
 
Starting this week through October 7th, anyone including you, who posts a BEWITCHING HANNAH book selfie (paperback or e-reader) on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram along with #BewitchingHannah is entered to win. The prizes go to readers in the U. S. or Canada with the best/most creative/unique book selfies.
 
Here’s a suggested tweet/post (you can also come up with your own, and don’t forget to attach your book selfie!):
 
Screen Shot 2017-09-18 at 9.04.39 AMI’m celebrating the release of BEWITCHING HANNAH! Share your Bewitching Hannah book selfie to win. #BewitchingHannah #Giveaway
 
I’m hoping you’ll participate, and if you think of anyone who might like to join in, feel free to share this post. (If you’re selfie shy, snap a photo of BEWITCHING HANNAH with your fave pet, friend, or pumpkin latte.)
 
If you haven’t already ordered your copy, you can click here. Don’t worry–there’s still time! The winners will be chosen October 8th.


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Hey MD/VA/DC Libraries, Bookstores, & Schools–Join the Read Local Challenge!

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The Read Local Challenge, presented by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), is a reading incentive program featuring traditionally-published books by authors and illustrators who live in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Schools, classes, book clubs, and even individuals can win autographed books and free Skype visits from authors by reading picture books, middle grade, or young adult books by local authors between October 2018-May 2019.

This October and November, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is also offering schools the opportunity to host a FREE Read Local kickoff party with one or more of the authors, including myself, featured in the challenge. For more information and a full list of the challenge books, please visit SCBWI Read Local Challenge or email mddewvpal@gmail.com.

*Bewitching Hannah is included in the 2018-2019 challenge, as well! To purchase a copy please click here.

 

 

 

 


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BEWITCHING HANNAH–Unleashing the Magic in Annapolis

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My next enchanting novel, BEWITCHING HANNAH, is on its way from Mirror World Publishing! Mirror World has a reputation for publishing fantastic fiction, and I’m thrilled to be working with them again.

The young adult fantasy, set in present-day Annapolis, Maryland (lots of scenes are set at the historic sites in my hometown), focuses on Hannah Fitzgerald, a sixteen-year-old Chesapeake witch. And even if being a witch sounds super cool, it’s the last thing she wants.

Hannah, the thirteenth great-granddaughter of the Wizard Earl Fitzgerald, has always known she was descended from a royal legacy of dark magic. Although a stranger to her coven in Annapolis, she is no stranger to grief and denial. However, when an ancient prophecy reveals the rise of a young, powerful witch and the impending death of another, she realizes she can no longer afford to suppress the magic that has taken away so much. She seeks out the frighteningly scarred, yet mysterious W, a Calvert descendant, who is destined to change her life, but even he cannot prepare her for the danger that lies ahead.

Enemies will hurt her. Loved ones will make her vulnerable. And the impending prophecy that drives her to unleash her magic will cause her to unearth the sins of the past and doubt any promise of a future. Without knowing whom her true rival is, Hannah isn’t certain she’ll survive, and if she loses, she may lose everything, including the ones she loves.

The book is available now on Amazon. If you haven’t had a chance to read my first novel, DISENCHANTED, you can find it on Amazon, BN.com, and Mirror World Publishing.


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Powers of the Witches Rise: The Chesapeake Witches

The Chesapeake region is known for blue crabs, sailing, and the U.S. Naval Academy. However, Maryland’s past is cloaked in a dark secret–an intriguing and rarely mentioned history of witches.

In 1635, the state adopted the Witchcraft Act of 1604 that declared witchcraft a felony, punishable by death. Rebecca Fowler suffered the worst fate due to this law. She was accused by a fellow indentured servant of hexing him prior to an injury. She was arrested, tried by a jury, and hung at the gallows. Hannah Edwards faced similar charges, but luckily escaped the noose.

In 1665, Elizabeth Bennett (not that Elizabeth Bennet!) was caught making charms, casting enchantments, and delving into general sorcery. Philip Calvert, the fifth Governor of Maryland and the son of the first Lord Baltimore, charged her with witchcraft, but her neck was spared from the gallows by an acquittal. What’s ironic is that the Calverts were descended from the royal Grey bloodline (Queen Jane Grey’s family) who were known for delving into magic and alchemy. Also, another famous Maryland family, the Arundells (Anne Arundell married into the Calverts) were related to the Irish Wizard Earl, Gerald Fitzgerald, a famous magician and alchemist.

Around 1697, the Chesapeake witch, Moll Dyer of Leonardtown, was driven from her home when locals set it on fire. She raced into the winter’s night and died from exposure with her hand frozen to a  boulder. According to witchlore, her handprint remains frozen in time and can be seen on the boulder as a reminder of darker days. The land where she lived is known to be cursed and reports of a woman’s ghost haunting the area abound.

In 1712, Virtue Violl starred in the very last state trial for practicing her craft. William Bladen, Maryland’s first Attorney General, oversaw the trial where she was charged with harming an elderly neighbor by striking her tongue lame, however, a lack of proof forced the jury to acquit her. Interesting fact–William Bladen is buried at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis on Church Circle. Sounds like a cool setting for a scene in a witch novel…hint, hint.

Ever heard of Witch’s Grave? Not many Annapolitans even know the place or the legend. A gnarled, slanted tree overhanging the bank of Spa Creek marks Witch’s Grave. At the base of the tree lies a crypt where three unnamed witches were buried. Local lore has it that two of them were hung and one was burned. Their tortured ghosts are known to haunt the area and anyone who summons them from their final resting place.

The Chesapeake area’s dark witch history inspires questions. Were these women deeply connected to nature or was there magic in their blood? Does Moll Dyer’s tortured spirit still search for the men who chased her out of her home? And is it possible the Chesapeake witches’ descendants quietly carry on the practice of their ancestors’ craft today, including the casting of spells and the breaking of curses? What I can tell you is this–I’m descended from a seventeenth century Chesapeake witch, Elizabeth Duncan of Virginia, and I love the idea of casting these kinds of powerful females into my enchanting ever-afters.

My upcoming novel, Bewitching Hannah (Fall 2017), is set in present-day Annapolis and will answer some of these unsettling questions. Purchase link: Amazon

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Witch’s Grave, Annapolis, Maryland

Image of Annapolis from: http://www.tourist-destinations.com/2015/03/annapolis-md.html

Image of Witch Moll Dyer from: https://historywitch.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/moll3.jpg

Pictures of Witch’s Grave from: http://tobaccoland.blogspot.com/2011/03/witchs-grave-in-truxton-park-annapolis.html


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Press Release: Coming Soon from Mirror World Publishing, Disenchanted by Leigh Goff

For Immediate Release

June 1, 2015: The print release for Disenchanted, based on the Wethersfield Witches, is June 1, 2015.

A forbidden love. A dark curse. An impossible choice…Suspenseful, dark, romantic, and brimming with old magic, Disenchanted captures the intrigue of New England’s witchlore.

About Disenchanted:

Descended from a powerful Wethersfield witch, sixteen-year-old Sophie is struggling to hide her awkwardly emerging magic, but that’s the least of her worries. When a dangerous thief tries to steal her mysterious heirloom necklace, she is rescued by the one person she’s forbidden to fall for—a descendant of the man who condemned her ancestor to hang. He carries a dark secret that could destroy them both unless Sophie learns how to tap into the mysterious power of her diamond bloodcharm. She will have to uncover dark secrets from both of their families’ wicked pasts and risk everything, including her soul to save them from a witch’s true love curse, but it will take much more than that.

Title: Disenchanted

Author Name: Leigh Goff

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Mirror World Publishing

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/coming-soon

ISBNs: Print Book~ 978-0-9920490-9-6

e-Book~ 978-0-9947490-0-0

Number of Pages: 264

Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1FeknM1

Permission to Forward Granted

About the Author:

Leigh Goff writes young adult fiction with elements of magic and romance. Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Annapolis, Maryland where she is inspired by the city’s great history.

She graduated from the University of Maryland, University College and is a member of the Severna Park YA Writers’ Group, Maryland Writers’ Association, and Romance Writers of America. She is also an approved artist with the Maryland State Arts Council.

Learn more about Leigh Goff on her website or at Mirror World Publishing.

For review copies or to arrange an interview, blog visit, or event with the author please visit her website.


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Disenchanted 5-Star Review

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Disenchanted Release Day Blast + Review.

Miss Phyre’s Review of Disenchanted–5 Stars
             I don’t know where to start telling you how much I loved this book! With shelves filled with witchcraft stories, fiction and historical alike, I think Disenchanted will forever stand out as one of my favorites. Sophie, even while being supernatural, remains human. Thought she fights between her head and heart she ultimately makes her decisions based on her heart. That’s something I think we can all relate to.
             One of the things I loved about Disenchanted is it’s parallels to Romeo And Juliet. Along with all my “whitchy” books, I love to read classics and Romeo And Juliet has always been a favorite. Leigh Goff merges the two worlds in such a way that I won’t ever be able to read R And J without wondering where all the spells are! She also found the one thing that R And J was missing…a Hottie McTottie Brit with a rebellious streak 😉 Another thing that drew me so far into the Disenchanted world was all of the subtle hints of real history woven in. It just makes you believe that this actually happened and that they just tried to keep it all quiet. I mean, you can even search the last name of ‘Hottie McTottie’ and you’ll pull up Salem Witch Trial articles!
             I know this review is kind of short, but it’s late (because I could not put this book down and I had to talk about it right away!) Overall I’m giving this book 5 Stars and a permanent place with my favorite books. Leigh Goff writes with such vivid imagery that you finish reading it and could swear you witnessed the events firsthand. She is definitely an author to keep you’re eye on. I think we are going to see some amazing things from her.
About the Author: 

Leigh Goff is a young adult author from Annapolis, Maryland. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of SCBWI.

Her second young adult novel, Bewitching Hannah, released from Mirror World Publishing on September 17, 2017. The story is set in present-day Annapolis. Her debut novel, Disenchanted, released in June 2015 and reimagines the legacy of a historic wicked Wethersfield witch in the present-day life of her sixteen-year-old descendant
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Links to Purchase Disenchanted
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