This week’s Writer Wednesday is author Leslie Cieplechowicz from Emmett, Michigan! Leslie is the author of “Detroit Revealed: A Different View of the Motor City,” coming out in July!

Leslie is a photographer who developed her craft by working the streets of Detroit as a paramedic and shooting old, historical buildings she found on her runs. Her love of creating unique imagery lead her across the state, then the United States, then globally, where she currently finished shooting in Portugal, documenting its lively culture, diverse people, and vast expanse of classical, ornate architecture. She currently works as an instructor after leaving the road and spreads her love of photography to her students.

Meet Leslie at a virtual book party July 21 at 5:30 p.m. and get a copy of her book! Tickets are free for the first 15 people who register! Sign up.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Since my writings are connected to my photography, I love to find places and people with an interesting story behind them. To get on the streets, let my creative juices flow, and wander around, just taking in the sights and looking for a compelling story.

What does your writing workspace look like?

I generally write at home at the dining room table, or at my desk at the school during my down time.

What was your favorite part about shooting in Portugal?

I had never been to Portugal before, so I did much exploring of the country, driving around, meeting people, finding places that generally were only well known by the locals. One of my favorite sites was discovering a centuries-old chapel right on the beach. I shot it as the rain came down and the foamy waves rolled onto the beach.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

I love to horseback ride, and I take off the track thoroughbreds and use them for low level eventing, a discipline with three phases: cross country jumping, arena jumping and dressage.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Keep your focus and keep writing. There have been days I have gotten so frustrated or discouraged, where I felt I just wasted my time shooting crappy photos or creating garbage text. But I got through those days and kept going.

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I am working on two photography books now, one about the thumb of Michigan, and one following US-24 across the country.

Follow Leslie on Instagram at @detroitrevealedbook and view her photos on her website.