My Story
THERESA LEYES is an author and former graphic design teacher and art director. She graduated from the University of Toronto, with a Bachelor of Education degree, University of Guelph, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English Literature and Fine Art, and Sheridan College, with a three year Diploma in Illustration.
When Theresa’s son Dylan was young, she read to him every day, and her passion for children’s fiction grew. She began telling him stories she made up herself, creating her own world of characters, settings, and elaborate plots. This was the beginning of her writing journey. During her career as a teacher, Theresa used her spare time on weekends and during holidays to begin crafting “The Quest for Calinore,” her debut novel.
Theresa lives in Guelph, Ontario with her family, and enjoys gardening, nature walks, and spending her summers on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron.
Books Available on Amazon
A TRILOGY IN THE MAKING:
Debut Book Highlights and Future Events
AUGUST 2024
Book Cover Design & Manuscript Editing
My original book cover design roughs showed Dylan opening a glowing green journal. But I decided it would be much more exciting to feature him riding a dragon instead!
In August 2024 I was also revising my manuscript and providing student beta readers with advanced copies of my book.
SEPT. TO NOV. 2024
Student Beta Readers
at St. Edmund Campion
As a high school Graphic Design and Animation teacher at St. Edmund Campion in Brampton, Ontario, I had the unique advantage of having young volunteers readily available to read my book and share their feedback. Getting the input of young readers was especially important to me and led to several changes that improved the book's content.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Opening my First
Box of Books!
After many years of hard work, I finally completed my debut novel! This was a colossal achievement for me! With a two hour daily commute and a full time teaching job, there isn't much time left to write. So, opening my box of printed books was an important moment that my husband was able to capture on video!
SEPT. 2024 TO PRESENT
Customer Reviews for
"The Quest for Calinore"
I was fortunate to recieve some outstanding reviews from satisfied readers. I appreciate them taking the time to read and comment on "The Quest for Calinore," and I am very grateful for their support.
The power and importance of book reviews cannot be overstated. They serve as gateways to a book's world and offer potential readers insights about its content. Book reviews are also crucial for discoverability, marketing, and boosting sales.
DECEMBER 2024
Author Photo Shoot with Top Photographer Tim Leyes
I really needed author photos and was extremely fortunate when my brother Tim offered to do an amazing photo session for me! Tim is a world class photographer with top celebrities like Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as clients.
We had such a great time that day! I was able to experience his professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail first hand. It's easy to see why he's considered the best in the business!
APRIL 2025
Book 2: "The Return
of the White Witch" becomes available on Amazon!
If you liked "The Quest for Calinore," you won't want to miss Book 2 of this series, "The Return of the White Witch."
It’s a heart pounding race against time as the mounting dangers of Dylan’s mission threaten his survival and to push him to the breaking point. Join Dylan, his father, and an unusual mix of new found allies as they attempt to defeat a ruthless army of enemies and restore the Edwards family’s royal legacy to the throne.
JUNE 2025
Book Launch at the Word Squirrel in Kincardine
It was a thrill to celebrate the successful book launch of my two novels, "The Quest for Calinore," and "The Return of the White Witch," on August 9th, 2025. The event took place at The Word Squirrel in Kincardine, a charming bookstore that has stocked my titles since June 2025.
I am incredibly grateful to owner Olivia Hinchberger for her kindness and support! Meeting so many enthusiastic readers and sharing my books with the local community made for an unforgettable day!
JULY 2025
Newspaper Interview
with the Kincardine Independent
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Liz Small for the July 30th edition of The Kincardine Independent. Liz was a thoughtful interviewer, making it easy to discuss my author journey, inspirations, and the first two books in my trilogy, "The Quest for Calinore," and "The Return of the White Witch."
We also discussed what’s ahead for Book 3, the last book in the "Calinore Chronicles" trilogy. A huge thank you to Liz for capturing the spirit of my work!
AUGUST 2025
Radio Interview with Shoreline Classics FM
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Roland Archer at Shoreline Classics FM radio!
Roland is an excellent morning show host and put me immediately at ease. He asked me about my author journey and my two books, "The Quest for Calinore" and "The Return of th White Witch,"
It was a great experience! I appreciate Roland's support of local talent and community events!
AUGUST 2025
Kincardine Library Stocks my Young Adult Fantasy Books
So excited to see my books on the Kincardine Library shelves! The Quest for Calinore & The Return of the White Witch are now part of the Bruce County Public Library’s local author collection 💙
A huge thank-you to the library team for supporting local authors—it truly means so much! If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to check out my books at the Kincardine branch!
SEPTEMBER 2025
YA Books Central Features Reviews for Both Books
Thanks to Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer AT YA Books Central for his positive review of both books.
“A wonderful blend of action, magic, and drama… I recommend you try The Return of the White Witch for yourself! ... Prepare to be swept into an unforgettable fantasy! Make sure to check out Book 1: The Quest for Calinore before diving into this one!"
OCTOBER 2025
Guelph Public Library Stocks my Young Adult Books!
My books “The Quest for Calinore” and “The Return of the White Witch” are now available on the shelves at the Guelph Public Library!
I’m absolutely thrilled to see my stories find a home in our local library. Huge thanks to Shelsea Tunks, Collections Librarian, and Rebecca Cornell, Children’s and Youth Services Librarian, for their support of local authors and young readers. 💙
NOVEMBER 2025
Marketplace Magazine features my books their November news edition!
I was excited to have my books reviewed by talented writer Tracy Primeau. It meant so much to have my stories recognized by the Grey Bruce community—especially since both novels are set in Kincardine.
A heartfelt thank-you to publisher Deborah Parnell, for her commitment to showcasing people, events, and businesses in the local community. ❤️
JANUARY 2026
Author Writing Workshop at the Guelph Public Library
My author writing workshop at the Guelph Public Library was full of creativity, crafts, and lots of fun! ✨
Big thanks to my sister-in-law, Lisa Leyes and my niece Madison Liu and her boys Jun and Tao for their support that day!
A huge shoutout to Rebecca Cornell, Children’s & Youth Services Librarian, for supporting local authors and young readers. Thanks to everyone who participated!
FEBRUARY 2026
Launch of my New
Monthly Newsletter
I created a monthly newsletter and sent it out to friends, former students, colleagues, and readers who have expressed an interest in my author journey.
They will receive monthly updates about me, my latest book news, and free giveaways just for subscribers! Interested readers are welcome to sign-up for the newsletter at the bottom of this website.
