About
Leoson teaches English composition, creative writing, literature, film, and psychology at the college level. She holds a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy and Literature, an MFA in Fiction, an MA in English, an MS in Psychology and has specialized training in Digital Media & Composition, Narrative Medicine Facilitation, Positive Psychology, and Trauma-Informed Pedagogy. She is a Pushcart Nominee and Member of the Horror Writers Association who specializes in literary horror fiction. Her writing has been featured in the The Lost Librarian’s Grave Anthology, Castabout’s Halloween Anthology, Free Spirit Historic Tales Anthology, Twisted Vine Literary Journal, Coffin Bell Journal, Untoward Magazine, Underwood Press’ Horror Journal Black Works, GNU Journal, The Gyara Journal, Genre: Urban Arts, Obra/Artifact, and on NPR’s “This I Believe” series. Her debut novel, The Butterfly Circle, was released by Manta Press in July of 2023. She is also producer and co-host of the “Exhuming the Bones” podcast. She lives in a suburb of Nashville with her husband and two very spoiled dogs. You can learn more at www.maryleoson.com.
Featured Work
The Butterfly Circle
It’s 1948 and Eliza Kendall’s father has just dropped her off at Prescott House, a home for unwed mothers. Pregnant and alone, Eliza finds comfort in her three roommates, whose friendship gives her hope despite abuse from a bitter headmistress. Caught between adolescence and womanhood, the friends seek refuge in what lies beyond the veil of sleep and dreams, to the hidden passages in the house itself, rumored to be part of the Underground Railroad. While exploring, the girls discover a plot to hide the bodies of other pregnant women. To survive, they must lean on each other and the wisdom of those who have come before them—the butterfly sisters.
Is their bond more powerful than the threats they face?
“Poignant, emotional, and creepy. Leoson has crafted a tale woven of friendships and fears that will make your heart pound as well as tug at it.” — Megan E. Hart, author of A Dark, Cold Touch
"Dark and melodic, Leoson’s harrowing descent into what lies hidden inside -and beneath- a home for unwed mothers is richly imagined and wholly original.” -Dana McSwain, author of Roseneath
