Welcome to leisafail.com.au
Discover Adventures, Learn Life Lessons, and Have Fun Reading!
Hi, I’m Leisa Fail. I am an author, a horse lover, and a believer in the power of resilience.
I grew up in Ipswich with two distinct passions: horses and the written word. My writing journey started with a spark of controversy in Grade 7 when a teacher couldn't believe a student had written such a detailed story! While I later studied Creative Writing at Griffith University, my writing was put on hold as the demands of adult life took over.
For ten years, my horse, Storm, was my escape; I rode through rain, hail, and shine. When Storm retired due to arthritis in 2018, I felt lost without the freedom of riding. To cope with the pressures of a stressful work environment, I began writing our stories.
This became the foundation of The Adventures of Stormy Normy. Written from the horse's point of view, my books do more than entertain—they teach. I have woven the coping strategies that helped me, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises, directly into the narrative.
Now living on the Sunshine Coast, I am proud to share stories that help children discover friendship, courage, and their own unique paths.
Listen to Leisa Fail talk about her books on these podcasts
The Adventures of Stormy Normy
A chapter book series for the
young and the young at heart 6+ year olds
2025 EQUUS Winnie Award winner in the Literary Corral section,
Maryland, USA,
International YA category.
2025 Big Bang Notable Book List Visionary Award for Chapter Books.
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Books 1, 2 and 3 of The Adventures of Stormy Normy were hybrid published with the help of Dr. Juliette Lachemeier at The Erudite Pen. From a Word doc to an award-winning series, Juliette’s professional editing and design guidance were invaluable.
What's next for author Leisa Fail?
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Book 4 Stormy Normy and the Christmas Surprise
Release date 6th November 2026
Both Amy Rennie and Judith are onboard for Book 4. As Christmas approaches, Stormy Normy returns to McKinlay on a journey he has dreamed of for years — finding his mother. With the brumbies being mustered and the wet-season rains closing in, it becomes a race against time.
Stormy carries more than hope in his heart. Will his mother, Midnight, accept him for the horse he has become? Will she remember the foal she lost so long ago? And what will happen when Midnight meets Jacqueline, the mare who raised Stormy and taught him what family truly means?
Stormy Normy and the Christmas Surprise is an emotional and uplifting story about found families, belonging, and the courage it takes to reunite with those we love — reminding us that sometimes, the greatest gift of all is coming home.
Cover designer - www.judithsdesign.com
Cover Artist - Amy Rennie from Kindras_Corner
Editor - Rachel Vine from www.Wildflowereditorials.com.au
Erik's Adventures
This manuscript is currently out on submission to agents and publishers. I am committed to sharing Erik's story with the world and have confirmed a release date for 2027, via traditional or independent publishing.
Meet Erik—a young zebra with a spirit as loud as his stripes! Life on the quiet safari plains of Dimbulah is safe, but Erik dreams of the spotlight. In this heartfelt and humorous three-part series, Erik’s Adventures follows a daring run-away journey to the circus and back again.
Along the way, Erik discovers that while adventure requires bravery, true resilience is found in friendship. From the dusty outback roads to the center ring, Erik learns life’s most important lesson: Happiness isn't a place you go to; it’s a feeling you carry with you.
Book 1: Escape to the Circus
Erik is bored with the daily grind of the plains and decides to chase his destiny: the bright lights of the Cairns Circus. But the road to stardom is long and full of surprises. On his journey, Erik meets a motley crew of Australian locals—including a wise cow, a cheeky cat, a platypus, a cassowary, a cattle dog, and a crocodile. He even crosses paths with some familiar faces: Brumbies and Stormy Normy himself, training for endurance! Through these encounters, Erik begins to wonder: if others are happy exactly where they are, why is he running so hard to be somewhere else?
Book 2: Life at the Circus
Erik has finally made it, but he quickly realizes that the "grass is greener" syndrome comes with a catch. Zebras are wild at heart, and domestication is much harder than he imagined! The training is tough, and Erik almost loses hope. enter Fifi, a clever chimpanzee, and Toffee, a loyal brindle Staffy. With the help of his new best friends, Erik navigates the challenges of circus life, proving that sometimes you need a little help to find your rhythm.
Book 3: The Great Escape Home
Erik is finally the star of the show, but something is missing. When news breaks that his home zoo is facing closure, Erik knows what he must do. It is time to retire Toffee safely and return to the place that made him. Can Erik save the zoo? Will the dazzle forgive him for running away? In this touching finale, Erik returns to Dimbulah not just as a performer, but as a hero who finally understands that happiness isn't about the destination—it's about who you are on the inside.
Heather
"This gorgeous book is a great read for any young person with a love for animals. It’s a wonderful story in its own right but, as a counsellor, I also loved the way it could also help the reader to manage anxiety and to build resilience."
Book 1 Stormy Normy Finds His Forever Home review on Amazon
A great sequel to the heartwarming opener of this series - Stormy Normy Finds his Forever Home. Like the original, Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup is filled with an innate sense of optimism and important life lessons for young readers. The author has once again skillfully blended adventure and excitement in the great Australian bush with positive messages for people who might be doing it tough.
Thoroughly recommended for readers of all age groups; for those who ride and know horses and those who do not; and for all those who love the Aussie bush: in short, a truly uplifting yarn. Looking forward to number three in this excellent series.
Book 2 Stormy Normy and the Tom Quilty Gold Cup review on Goodreads.
Swapna
The book's honest life lessons on fear, resilience, and self-improvement, noting its suitability for children navigating challenges like bullying or anxiety from earlier series entries makes it interesting to read. The Australian setting, from Far North Queensland to competitive arenas, adds cultural richness, appealing to horse enthusiasts and families alike.
This heartfelt adventure reinforces that true achievement stems from effort and heart, not just victory, making it an empowering read for early chapter book audiences. Fail's horse expertise infuses every page with credibility and warmth.
Book 3 Stormy Normy Goes Reining review on goodreads