Picture a Kentucky storyteller who weaves raw, poetic tales of love, loss, and human connection—meet Leesa Cross-Smith! A homemaker and literary star, she’s captured hearts with her evocative prose and emotionally rich narratives. From her PEN-nominated debut to award-winning novels, Cross-Smith’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that feel like a warm, heartfelt embrace.
With a voice that’s both tender and bold, Cross-Smith explores the complexities of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit. Her unique blend of Southern charm and universal themes has made her a standout in contemporary American literature. Let’s dive into her journey, her unforgettable stories, and why she’s a must-read author.
The Making of Leesa Cross-Smith
Born and raised in Kentucky, Leesa Cross-Smith grew up surrounded by the lush landscapes and close-knit communities that often inspire her writing. A self-described homemaker, wife, and mother, she balances her creative life with her devotion to family, infusing her stories with warmth and authenticity. Her literary journey began with a love for words, sparked by her English degree from the University of Louisville and her early days writing obituaries at a local newspaper.
Cross-Smith’s passion for storytelling took shape in the quiet moments after her children were born, when she carved out time to write short stories and novels. Her persistence paid off with her first published work, the short story collection Every Kiss a War, which earned a PEN Open Book Award nomination and marked her as a rising talent.
Leesa Cross-Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Cross-Smith’s writing is a love letter to human emotions, blending lyrical prose with raw, relatable characters. Her debut collection, Every Kiss a War (2014), is a vibrant tapestry of short stories exploring love’s highs and lows. Its poetic intensity and unflinching honesty earned it critical acclaim and nominations for prestigious awards like the Flannery O’Connor and Iowa Short Fiction Awards.
Her novel Whiskey & Ribbons (2018) is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful exploration of grief and family, set against the backdrop of a snowy Louisville. Praised for its emotional depth, it won the 2019 Independent Publisher Book Award and was longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. This Close to Okay (2021) showcases Cross-Smith’s knack for intimate narratives, following two strangers whose chance encounter over a rainy weekend sparks healing and connection. The novel was a Goodreads Choice nominee and a Book of the Month pick. Her short story collection So We Can Glow (2020) dazzles with tales of female desire and resilience, earning a spot on NPR’s Best Books of 2020 list.
Cross-Smith’s style is distinctly Southern, yet universally accessible, with themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances woven into every page. Her characters feel like friends you’ve known forever, and her stories linger long after the final sentence.
Why Leesa Cross-Smith Matters
Leesa Cross-Smith’s impact lies in her ability to make the personal universal. Her stories celebrate the beauty of everyday moments—baking bread, sharing coffee, or navigating heartbreak—while tackling big questions about identity, faith, and connection. As a Kentucky writer, she brings a fresh perspective to contemporary literature, centering women’s voices and Southern narratives with nuance and empathy.
Her work has inspired readers and writers alike, earning praise from luminaries like Roxane Gay, who calls her a “consummate storyteller.” By blending her roles as a homemaker and artist, Cross-Smith challenges stereotypes about who can be a literary voice, proving that creativity thrives in the spaces between life’s demands. Her growing bibliography, including the forthcoming As You Wish (2025), promises to keep her star rising.
- Birthplace: Kentucky, USA
- Key Works: Every Kiss a War, Whiskey & Ribbons, So We Can Glow, This Close to Okay
- Awards: 2019 Independent Publisher Book Award, PEN Open Book Award nominee
- Fun Fact: She co-founded the literary journal Whiskey Paper with her husband!
Ready to fall in love with Leesa Cross-Smith’s soul-stirring stories? Grab Whiskey & Ribbons or This Close to Okay and dive into her world of heartfelt, poetic prose!