Leigh Ittershagen was born with a storyteller’s heart and a quiet fire. Her voice, once tucked beneath self-doubt and perfectionism, found its rhythm later in life—seasoned by motherhood, caregiving, and the wisdom of women who’ve lived deeply. She writes with the kind of clarity that comes from walking through grief, joy, and the long middle spaces in between.

As a single mother to three daughters—now grown—Leigh continues to care for her eldest, Taelor, whose unique needs have shaped her understanding of resilience, tenderness, and the sacredness of everyday rituals. Caregiving isn’t a detour from her creative path—it’s the heartbeat of it. Her stories are steeped in emotional truth, honoring the invisible labor of love and the quiet dignity of support.

Leigh’s work lives between fiction and lived truth. Whether on the page or screen, her storytelling is emotionally driven, character-centered, and quietly bold. She writes to uncover what’s often left unsaid—the private reckonings, subtle shifts, and moments that shape us. Her scripts and short stories invite emotional honesty over spectacle, crafted for those who find meaning in nuance. Her voice is grounded and deeply human, offering stories that ask us to feel more, not less.

Her writing defies convention. It’s lyrical, intimate, and unafraid to feel. Leigh invites readers to slow down, to notice, to remember. She believes vulnerability is not weakness but a return to what makes us human. Her portfolio spans novella publications, an interactive children’s series, and a growing body of screenplays—including two feature-length scripts and two short films currently in pre-production.

Leigh volunteers at film festivals because she values the community, the craft, and the chance to support emerging voices. She’s not there for the glitz—she’s there to learn, connect, and contribute. Whether helping with pre-screening or lending a hand behind the scenes, she shows up with intention and respect for the work. Her curiosity is matched by her discipline; she’s always refining and always reaching for deeper ways to tell the truth through story.

Welcome to her portfolio. Every story is a journey. Every word is chosen with care. And every page is an invitation to feel.