Leanne Seguin Is a psychologist, writer, and lifelong animal lover who believes that the bonds we share with nature can heal and inspire. Drawing from her professional work and personal moments with wildlife, Leanne writes stories that help children grow emotionally while honoring and taking care of the world around them. Lucky: The Last Little Duckling is a tribute to the real-life duckling she worried over, cared for, and came to deeply cherish.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: Lucky: The Last Little Duckling was inspired by a true experience. One night, I woke up to the sound of ducklings chirping in distress. This continued for several nights, and eventually I noticed there was only one duckling left. She appeared to have become separated from her mother and was all alone during the day.
I spent the next few months watching over the little duckling, protecting her from blue herons, hawks, and snapping turtles. As I observed her courage, resilience, and determination to survive, I became bonded to her. That tiny duckling became the inspiration for the heart of Lucky: The Last Little Duckling.
More than anything, I wanted to encourage children—and adults who read with them—to slow down, notice the beauty of the natural world, and develop a respectful connection with nature. I hope Lucky’s story helps children discover that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can make a meaningful difference. I also hope it encourages us to admire and respect animals in their natural environment.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to write the story that’s in your heart rather than worrying about whether it is perfect. The first draft does not have to be polished. Every story begins with a single idea and a willingness to put it on paper.
I would also encourage aspiring writers to stay curious. Pay attention to the world around you because inspiration comes in unexpected ways. Lucky: The Last Little Duckling was inspired by a real-life experience that I never imagined would become a children’s book.
Finally, do not let the fear of criticism stop you. Every author revises, learns, and grows. If your story has the potential to touch even one person’s heart, it is worth telling.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: It is hard to choose just one favorite book, but two that have stayed with me are Life of Pi and Little Bee. I am drawn to stories with meaningful themes, rich character development, and relationships that evolve. I loved Life of Pi because it combines adventure, imagination, nature, spirituality, and psychology. Beneath the incredible survival story are deeper questions about how we make meaning from difficult experiences, the stories we tell ourselves, and the ways imagination can help us survive.
What impacted me the most about Little Bee was the way the story brings you inside a character’s experience of trauma rather than simply telling you that she has been through something traumatic. As her story unfolds, you begin to understand the severity of what she experienced and how her reactions, fears, and ways of navigating the world developed in response to it. At the same time, you see her tremendous resilience, humanity, and capacity for connection.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes. Lucky was modeled after a real duckling that I had the privilege of watching over for several months. Many of the experiences and adventures in the book are based on true events. I protected Lucky from dangers, cared for her while respecting her wild nature, and watched her grow stronger every day. As I observed her courage, curiosity, and determination, I found myself imagining what she was thinking and feeling. While I gave Lucky a voice and shared her story through a child’s eyes, the heart of the book comes from a real little duckling’s journey.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: My favorite part of the writing process is the beginning, when an idea first comes to life. I love imagining the characters, their relationships, and how the story will unfold. I also really enjoy playing with words, rhythm, and sounds and thinking about what will capture a child’s attention and make the story fun to hear and read aloud. Most importantly, I want readers to feel something—to laugh, feel excited, experience concern or compassion, and become emotionally invested in the characters. Finding the words that can make a story both fun to read and meaningful to experience is one of my favorite parts of writing.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think being a good writer is a combination of natural strengths and developed skills. I do not necessarily consider myself a natural writer, but imagination, creativity, and ideas have always come naturally to me. Understanding people, emotions, and relationships is also a big part of who I am and influences the stories I want to tell. The craft of writing—learning how to structure a story, choose the right words, create rhythm and flow, and revise effectively—is something I have had to learn and continue to develop. I think good writing happens when you combine what naturally inspires you with a willingness to keep learning and improving your craft.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: I have several favorite quotes, but two especially resonate with me.
Maya Angelou said, “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” I love the reminder that even small acts of kindness, compassion, and connection can help someone who is struggling and in need.
I am also drawn to Jonathon Porritt’s quote, “Humankind's greatest priority is to reintegrate with the natural world. ” I believe we have become increasingly disconnected from nature. Remembering that we are part of the natural world, not separate from it, can enrich our lives and deepen our respect for other living things.
Together, these quotes reflect two things I value deeply: our connection with one another and our connection with the world around us.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Absolutely. I already have ideas for what I might write next, although I have not decided which direction I will take. Part of me would love to write another children’s book with the same sense of heart, adventure, and meaning as Lucky: The Last Little Duckling. I am also very interested in writing a novel for adults with rich character development, complex relationships, and adventure. As a psychologist, I have spent years understanding people—their emotions, relationships, motivations, struggles, and resilience—and I think it would be exciting to draw on that knowledge to create layered, believable characters and an emotionally engaging story.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: One author I admire is Barbara Kingsolver. She has the ability to create emotionally complex characters while exploring larger questions about relationships, humanity, and our connection to the natural world. Her characters are imperfect and layered, and she writes about them with a level of empathy and insight that allows us to understand why people become who they are. I also admire the way she weaves nature into her stories, not simply as a setting but as something interconnected with our lives and experiences. To me, her writing demonstrates both tremendous literary talent and a deep understanding of people and the world we inhabit.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Learn more about Leanne Seguinn and her new children's book, Lucky: The Last Little Duckling, here. Coming soon September 29, 2026