Author Leslie Lautenslager with General Colin Powell
As the one-year mark approaches for Leslie Lautenslager’s book “My Time with General Colin Powell: Stories of Kindness, Diplomacy, and Protocol,” she ventured out to the new author’s world with book signing trips, publicists and notoriety she never expected. Working with her publisher, she looked to a few fellow authors who gave her valuable advice, which led to more signing events, podcasts, and speaking engagements.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Lautenslager said. “It’s exciting, way beyond my expectations.”
Her travels thus far have taken her down to Williamsburg and
Author Leslie Lautenslager interviewing with Jeffery Higgins at a literary event in Alexandria.
Fredericksburg, a few libraries in Fairfax County, high schools and book events in Virginia. One was to her high school where she saw former classmates from years ago. In the next few months, she will be at a signing at the William and Mary University homecoming, and then in Montreal, Canada. The book is nominated for the 2024 Non-fiction Virginia Literary Award, Lautenslager said.
She’s been invited to speak at the Golden Gate Breakfast Club which is a club established in 1946, with a mission to “foster interest in San Francisco and to create good fellowship and understanding among its members.” She’ll be on their schedule alongside other authors such as Linda Sage, a criminal psychologist with a 40-year career delving into society’s most heinous criminals, and Asian Art Museum aficionado Peggy Mathers, to name a few.
Lautenslager has lived in Fairfax County a majority of her life, graduated from Hayfield High School and then William and Mary College. Lautenslager was Powell’s executive assistant for 25 years before his death from Covid in October 2021. She has a wealth of international events that fill this book.
Book Events
Locally, Lautenslager was featured at Elaine’s Restaurant on Queen Street in Old Town where she attracted over 50 people to hear her experience on Colin Powell’s team. Jeffery Higgins is the restaurant owner along with his wife, and both are published authors so they know the trail ahead once a book is published. They have a few literary events a month in their restaurant to feature books and authors.
“It’s a way for us to give back to the community,” said Higgins. His books are in the mystery thriller category and his wife’s works have a middle eastern theme. Their food is also Mediterranean cuisine based on food found in Alexandria, Egypt. Higgins remembered Lautenslager’s book event. “She had a good turnout, she was heartfelt and open during our interview,” Higgins said. “It was great fun,” Lautenslager added.
Lautenslager encourages readers to write reviews on Amazon which feed into their algorithms and boost books up in Amazon standings. “My Time with General Colin Powell” is available at https://www.leslielautenslager.com/
