JUPITER, Fla. — In a world that often feels chaotic, Leslie Gray Streeter stands out as a beacon of creativity and resilience.
A columnist for the Baltimore Banner and a former writer for the Palm Beach Post, Streeter has captured the hearts of readers through her refreshing perspective on life, love and the calamities we all face. Her latest work, ‘Family & Other Calamities’, marks an exciting evolution in her writing career, moving from autobiographical storytelling to the realm of fiction.
Streeter’s journey as a writer has not been without its challenges. Just as she began to bask in the success of her autobiographical book, ‘Black Widow,’ the world was hit by the coronavirus pandemic, which derailed her plans for a book tour.
"I was supposed to be on the TODAY show with Hoda and Jenna," Streeter recalls, reflecting on the abrupt change in her trajectory.
But rather than succumbing to disappointment, Streeter regrouped and turned to her creative instincts, resulting in her new novel—a vibrant exploration of life’s messiness.
WATCH: WPTV's T.A. Walker speaks with Leslie Gray Streeter about the creation of her new novel
Family & Other Calamities is a fictional tale with roots in Streeter’s own experiences. The story follows a character named Dawn, a journalist from Baltimore, whose life takes unexpected twists. While it’s a work of fiction, Streeter acknowledges the autobiographical elements sprinkled throughout.
“You write what you know," Streeter said.
However, what makes her story intriguing is the freedom fiction provides.
“You can just go ‘Whoa!’ and make it up,” Streeter quips, showcasing her playful approach to storytelling.
Thematically, Streeter's novel delves into the concept of reinvention and the far-reaching implications of decisions made in youth. "It's about decisions you make when you're young… [and the ramifications] …they reverberate," she explains, adding a humorous touch to her insights. It’s a relatable premise that resonates with many—navigating through the repercussions of our choices while attempting to carve out a path for ourselves.
In the literary community, Streeter has garnered recognition not just for her compelling storytelling but also for her unique voice. Her work has attracted praise from none other than New York Times bestselling author James Patterson, who lauded ‘Family & Other Calamities’ for its "genuinely memorable characters" and fresh narrative style. The endorsement from Patterson, a significant figure in contemporary literature, is indicative of Streeter’s evolving place in the literary world.
As Streeeter, 54, embraces this new chapter, she emphasizes the excitement of exploring different facets of her creativity.
“It’s so exciting at this age to be able to tap into something new,” Streeter notes, highlighting the joy of reinvention and the endless possibilities that creativity brings.
For fans eager to connect with Leslie Gray Streeter and her latest novel, she will be making an appearance at the Mandel Public Library in West Palm Beach on July 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Leslie's story is a gentle nudge to look for the light amid the calamities we all face. So grab a copy of her new novel, and prepare to laugh, cry, and perhaps even see a bit of yourself in the pages.
What do you want me to Shine A Light on? What are you most proud of where you live? Email me at tawalker@wptv.com.
