Today we’d like to introduce you to Leena Kazak.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved writing—stories, poetry, school newspaper articles, you name it. As a teenager, I cycled through a ton of blogs, but none of them really stuck. Then, about nine years ago, after a spectacularly botched dating experience, I had an idea for a story. I channeled my emotions into writing the first three chapters of The Moon’s Daughter… and then, well, life happened. I met my now-husband and we started our lives together.
The story sat untouched for years, though my characters never really left me. Then, about a year ago, something clicked—I picked up my pen (figuratively) and finally finished it! What started as a standalone first turned into a duology, and then, as I kept writing, a trilogy (because apparently, I have no self-control).
Once I had the book, I figured—why not publish it? I joined Bookstagram in September 2024, launched my debut in December 2024, and have been figuring out this whole marketing thing ever since! Now, I’m gearing up to release Book 2 this summer, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t change a thing!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finding balance has been the biggest challenge. As an indie author, so much of our success relies on social media marketing, and it’s way too easy to feel like I need to be constantly online. Leading up to and right after my release, I was glued to my phone—it was exhausting, and honestly, it took a toll on my mental health.
Since then, I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. Not everything needs to be done right this second. I’ve committed to posting only four times a week instead of daily (which—why did I ever think that was sustainable?!), and it’s made such a difference. I’ve also enlisted the help of a PA, which has been a game-changer.
I’m still figuring things out, but learning to pace myself has made the journey so much more enjoyable—because what’s the point of chasing a dream if you burn yourself out in the process?
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a fantasy romance author and the proud creator of The Moon’s Daughter, my debut novel and the first book in the Moon & Sands trilogy. It’s a low spice novel brimming with slow-burn tension—perfect for readers who love romance with high stakes and characters who will live in their heads rent-free.
What I’m most proud of? Definitely publishing my debut novel! I had no formal background in creative writing, but I threw myself into this process, learning everything from writing craft to self-publishing to marketing. Seeing The Moon’s Daughter come to life—and readers connecting with it—has been beyond surreal. I learned so much throughout this process, and I can really see how much I’ve grown as I work through writing Book 2.
I want my readers to ache alongside my characters, to hold their breath at every glance, to feel the tension and longing woven into every page. At the end of the day, I’m here to tell stories that make people feel something and stay with them long after they’ve finished reading.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was an awkward, rambling turtle, and honestly? I still am! If you couldn’t tell already. I was that kid who could talk forever about my favorite books, movies, and very niche obsessions. I was obsessed with superheroes. Batman is still my #1. And Disney movies! And I may or may not still have an old fanfiction.net account lurking somewhere in the depths of the internet.
I read everything—fantasy, romance, historical fiction, thrillers—if it had words, I was into it.
Oh, and I had a massive sweet tooth, which, unfortunately, has not gone away. If there was chocolate in the house, I knew about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leenakazak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenakazakbooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572388446788
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@leenakazakbooks
Image Credits
@guardianofshadows
@pandacapuccino
@artscandare