Meet Leanna Woodley

The Author Behind Luna & Leaf Bookshop

From Fiction to Reality

Luna & Leaf Bookshop began as a fictional haven in Leanna's upcoming middle-grade fantasy novel series, but like all the best stories, it refused to stay on the page. As an award-winning screenwriter and author, Leanna believes every community deserves a place where stories come alive—so she brought Luna & Leaf into the real world. Here, readers of all ages can discover their next adventure, just like the characters in her stories.

La Librería Luna & Leaf comenzó como un refugio ficticio en la próxima serie de novelas de fantasía para jóvenes de Leanna, pero como todas las mejores historias, se negó a quedarse en la página. Como galardonada guionista y autora, Leanna cree que toda comunidad merece un lugar donde las historias cobren vida, por eso trajo Luna & Leaf al mundo real. Aquí, lectores de todas las edades pueden descubrir su próxima aventura, al igual que los personajes de sus historias.

Professional Background

American screenwriter and children's author Leanna Woodley has brought her dream bookshop to life in a charming pedestrian village on Spain's Mediterranean coast. With a degree in TV writing and screenwriting, Leanna has built an award-winning portfolio that spans TV pilots, feature screenplays, and Christmas movies.

Her diverse writing experience gives her a unique perspective on storytelling across different mediums and age groups, from the visual narratives of television and film to the intimate world of children's literature.

From the Page

Leanna named her bookshop after the magical shop featured in her upcoming urban fantasy upper middle grade series, Centennial Shadows—a place where fiction truly meets reality. This connection between her literary work and physical bookshop creates a unique bridge between the imaginary worlds she creates and the real community she serves.

The Magic of Story Stays: Leanna's background in screenwriting brings a cinematic quality to the Luna & Leaf Story Stays experience. She understands how to craft immersive narratives, whether on the page or in real life, creating opportunities for visitors to step into their own protagonist journey in the flower-filled streets of Estepona.

Philosophy & Vision

Leanna's philosophy centers on the transformative power of stories and the importance of creating spaces where literature comes alive. She believes that bookshops are more than retail spaces—they're community gathering places where readers discover not just new books, but new aspects of themselves.

Her bilingual approach reflects her commitment to serving the diverse community of Estepona, from local Spanish families to international expats, ensuring that the magic of reading transcends language barriers.

Supporting Fellow Writers: Having experienced the challenges of the writing journey firsthand, giving back to other writers is deeply important to Leanna. Through the Luna & Leaf Literary Fellowship Program, Spain Culture Abroad and Luna & Leaf Bookshop provide emerging and established writers with dedicated time, space, and inspiration in coastal Spain. She believes in investing in the storytellers who enrich our world—from debut novelists to seasoned authors, playwrights, and screenwriters—because every great story deserves the chance to find its way to the page.

Living the Story

By establishing Luna & Leaf in Estepona's Old Town, just minutes from the Mediterranean Sea, Leanna has created more than a bookshop—she's crafted a real-world setting that feels lifted from the pages of a beloved novel. Her daily work involves helping customers discover their next great read, curating special collections, and creating the kind of authentic bookshop experience that feels increasingly rare in our digital age.

Through Luna & Leaf Story Stays, she offers others the chance to live their own "main character moment," working alongside her in the bookshop while experiencing the charm of Spanish village life that has captured hearts in countless stories.

Connect with Leanna

Whether you're interested in learning more about her writing projects, booking a Story Stays experience, or simply want to chat about your next great read, Leanna welcomes connections with fellow book lovers and storytellers.

Visit her author website:  www.leannawoodley.com

Or stop by Luna & Leaf Bookshop when it opens in October 2025—where every visit becomes part of your own unfolding story.