<br>Hi, I’m <strong>Leslie Brewer</strong> — a storyteller, artist, and DIY dreamer living off-grid in the desert mountains of New Mexico. My life has been shaped by fire, grit, and resilience: from my days as a wildland firefighter to building a self-sufficient life rooted in creativity and survival. Along the way, I’ve learned that stories are more than escape — they’re fuel, courage, and a reminder that even in the ashes, something new can rise.<br><em>Crown of Ashes</em> is my debut novel and the first book of <strong>The Fire & Shadow Trilogy</strong>, a romantasy series born from my love of epic battles, raw emotions, and the timeless pull between light and shadow. The book carries pieces of my journey — survival, heartbreak, discovery — woven into a world of fire, prophecy, and slow-burn passion.<br>When I’m not writing, you’ll probably find me sketching characters by hand, caring for my dogs, or tinkering with one of my many off-grid DIY projects. My hope is that my stories spark escape, empowerment, and maybe a little fire of your own.<br>