Picture a Louisiana storyteller who weaves eerie paranormal tales with a dash of Southern charm—meet Deborah LeBlanc! This award-winning author from Lafayette has captivated readers with her thrilling blend of horror, romance, and mystery, drawing from her unique life as a paranormal investigator and death scene investigator. With a knack for storytelling rooted in her Cajun heritage, LeBlanc’s novels pull you into haunted houses, werewolf packs, and ghostly mysteries that keep you up all night.
But LeBlanc is more than a writer—she’s a force of nature, leading writers’ groups, founding a nonprofit to fight teen illiteracy, and chasing spirits in real life. Her multifaceted career makes her a standout in the literary world, bridging the supernatural and the written word with heart and grit.
The Making of Deborah LeBlanc
Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, the oldest of three children, Deborah LeBlanc grew up in nearby Scott, where her love for storytelling bloomed. Inspired by her grandmother, a master tale-spinner, LeBlanc wrote her first short story in second grade about a misfit mermaid. Despite a teacher’s initial reprimand, her talent was recognized, sparking a lifelong passion for writing. Before becoming a full-time author, she juggled diverse roles, from oil company sales rep to executive vice-president of a transportation company, and even founded two corporations—one in fuel, another in funeral service consulting.
Deborah LeBlanc’s Unforgettable Stories
LeBlanc’s novels are a thrilling mix of paranormal suspense, dark humor, and Southern gothic vibes. Her debut, Family Inheritance (2004), sets the tone with a haunted house and a family torn apart by supernatural forces. Toe to Toe (2018), part of the Nonie Broussard Ghost Tracker series, introduces a closet medium navigating ghostly chaos in a Louisiana funeral home, blending wry humor with spine-chilling moments. The Wolven (2010) dives into a werewolf pack’s battle against a mysterious killer, showcasing LeBlanc’s knack for crafting sensual, action-packed paranormal romance.
Her short story contributions, like those in the Bram Stoker Award-winning anthology Five Strokes to Midnight (2007), highlight her versatility, tackling themes of loss, hauntings, and curses. LeBlanc’s style is immersive, with vivid settings—like Louisiana’s bayous and swamps—that feel alive, and characters who grapple with both human and otherworldly struggles. Her real-life paranormal investigations infuse her work with authenticity, making every ghost or ghoul feel eerily plausible.
Why Deborah LeBlanc Matters
Deborah LeBlanc’s impact extends beyond her page-turning novels. As president of the Horror Writers Association (2006–2010), Writers’ Guild of Acadiana, and Mystery Writers of America’s Southwest Chapter, she’s shaped the literary community, mentoring aspiring authors. Her nonprofit, Literacy Inc., founded in 2007, fights teen illiteracy across the U.S., reflecting her passion for empowering young readers. LeBlanc’s unique blend of paranormal expertise and storytelling has carved a niche in horror and thriller genres, inspiring fans to embrace the spooky and the heartfelt.
Her work resonates with readers who crave stories that balance thrills with emotional depth, proving that even in the darkest tales, there’s room for humor and humanity. LeBlanc’s legacy is one of courage—whether chasing ghosts or championing literacy—she’s a storyteller who leaves a lasting mark.
- Born: Lafayette, Louisiana
- Key Works: Family Inheritance, Toe to Toe, The Wolven, Five Strokes to Midnight
- Awards: Bram Stoker Award (contributor, 2007)
- Notable Roles: President, Horror Writers Association (2006–2010)
Ready to get spooked? Snag Toe to Toe and dive into Deborah LeBlanc’s hauntingly fun world of ghosts, ghouls, and Southern grit!