Los Angeles native Leslie E. Stern graduated from the University of Miami in Coral Gables at twenty years old. She pursued her doctoral degree in philosophy and was offered an Assistant Professorship. She attained her Master's Degree in English literature. She went on to an illustrious career in public relations but she never forgot her roots in fiction writing. She wrote her first short story when she was ten years old and has never stopped writing. Her passion comes from her family. Her step-father was world-renowned animation genius Iwao Takamoto, whom her mother married when Leslie was five years old. His passion for his own craft was such that he always boasted that he never worked a day in his life. Leslie feels the same. When she is writing it is pleasure. Looking back, she had a fascinating childhood. It was a dichotomy of her Jewish heritage and new Japanese influence. She was confirmed at Temple Israel and it was planned for her to go to Geisha school. Her mother continues to be a loving, supportive part of her life. She is an active member of Mensa and is a member of Writer's Guild of America, Atlanta Writer's Club, and Zona Rosa.