Monsters, Magic, and Mind-Bending Ideas? Yes, Please.

I help Fantasy, Sci-fi, & Horror writers bring their wildest ideas to life with clarity, confidence, and zero shame for being a huge nerd.

You're juggling work, life, maybe a second cup of coffee, and somehow supposed to find time to chase this dream? And even when you do sit down to write, the early ideas and drafts feel like chaos. Everything is too much and not enough at the same time. You want to get to the heart of it — the real story underneath — but all you feel is noise.

And the more you care about your story, the louder the voice gets: “Who am I to write this?”

You want to write stories that make people stay up past bedtime, stories that feel like you. You want to finally finish that story, get published, see your name on a cover, or hear a reader say, “I loved this.” You want to stop spinning your wheels and actually get it done.

What you need is someone who gets it — who sees both the creative chaos and the heart underneath. Someone who can help you quiet the noise, find your focus, and build a story you’re proud of.

And here’s the good news…I’m here for you.

I’m Leslie Horn — though online, you’ll find me as XPLovecat, nerdy book coach and developmental editor for writers in fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. I help storytellers like you bring creative chaos into focus, finish what you started, and share stories you’re proud of.

I’m an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association and the Horror Writers Association, and I’ve helped a wide range of writers, both self-publishing and traditionally publishing, through the messy, magical process of shaping a story.

My path here started in a corporate finance job that left me creatively starved. I launched my first YouTube channel all about tabletop roleplaying games, and through reviewing and designing, I found my way into editing bestselling TTRPG scenarios, including one that won an Ennie Award 🏆. That work led to my other lifelong love — fiction editing.

I also work with the fiction publisher Inkitt, where I collaborate closely with authors to strengthen story structure, deepen character arcs, and get their books ready for publication. I’ve worked on six books and counting through Inkitt, and I’m proud to continue supporting their writers. I also run a second YouTube channel focused on writing craft and story analysis.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It came at a time when I was still figuring out who I was, what I wanted, and how to use my voice. It took time (and a lot of courage) to start living life on my own terms, but I eventually left corporate life behind and fully committed to supporting other storytellers full-time. I’ve never looked back.

My superpower is bringing structure to creative chaos. I blend the imaginative with the analytical to help writers go from “this is kind of a mess” to “yes, I love this.”

Novelists

I love working with writers in the early stages — messy outlines, scattered scenes, half-formed characters and all. Together, we’ll build a strong foundation so you can write or revise your novel with clarity, confidence, and a lot less wasted time.

Check out my free workshop: How to Make Sure Your Novel Works Using the Mini Blueprint Even If You’re Just Starting, Halfway Through, or Deep in Revisions.

Short Story Writers

I love the challenge of short fiction — especially shaping early drafts into something sharp, powerful, and submission-ready. The publishing world can feel like a maze, with so many lit mags and anthologies out there. I help you cut through the noise, strengthen your story, and find the right markets so you can experience the satisfaction of seeing your work published.

Grab my free worksheet: How to Avoid the Most Common Short Story Writing Mistakes.

TTRPG Designers

Whether it’s cosmic horror, folklore, or dystopian mayhem, I love helping indie creators develop scenarios for games like Call of Cthulhu, Vaesen, and Cyberpunk Red. With years of experience as both a player and GM, I know how to shape your draft into something that’s fun at the table, smooth for the Game Master, and ready for publication on DriveThruRPG.

Check out my XPLovecat YouTube channel, where I review TTRPG systems and scenarios so you can see the kind of game design insights I bring to the editing process.

Fun Facts About Leslie

As an INFJ and Enneagram 9, I thrive on collaboration and creating harmony, which is exactly how I approach working with writers—I help you bring your vision to life without losing what makes your story uniquely yours.

I’ve been in love with music for as long as I can remember. I picked up the flute in 5th grade, taught myself piano, added bassoon in college, and even spent time teaching music to others. I love watching musicals (shoutout to Hamilton), and I absolutely love the feeling when a song gives me chills (hi Angel by the Wings by Sia).

Some of my favorite recent reads include The Ferryman by Justin Cronin, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison, Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah, and The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay.

You don’t have to do this alone.

“I feel so fortunate to have worked with Leslie on my novel!  I’d nearly completed my first draft but was frozen with uncertainty as to what to do next. I knew there were problems with my manuscript, but I couldn’t figure out exactly what was wrong. Leslie's assistance was invaluable; she provided extensive feedback, all delivered with great care and kindness. She pointed out things about my work that I couldn’t possibly have seen, and her questions and comments were thought-provoking.

I feel much more confident now as to what to do as I start the revision process.  If my novel ends up in print, I will have Leslie to thank for guiding me through this crucial phase!”

-  Melody Moser (YA Fantasy)

Interested in working together?

I’d love to learn more about how I can support you. Feel free to reach out here or explore my services to find the right fit.