Leonard Durso
“The only country that truly exists is the country of language.”
Welcome to the world of Leonard Durso. Here, on this site, you will meet the many characters that inhabit the stories of his “human comedy”: comic love stories, sometimes bittersweet, but always entertaining of the trials and tribulations of men and women trying to navigate through the perilous waters of romance, often in the multicultural world of New York and Istanbul.
You will also find mystery and intrigue in his thrillers such as Rizzo’s World and World of Shadows both of which take place in Turkey. These two novels have also been adapted into screenplays.
Books
Leonard Durso is a storyteller at heart a native New Yorker who followed words from Ohio to Los Angeles to Istanbul.
He opened a poetry-driven bookstore, taught English across continents, and led language programs at colleges and companies.
Along the way, he’s been a writer, teacher, coach, and once even a scoutmaster.
These stories reflect his vision of the world as a human comedy sometimes bittersweet in the telling.
Now, he writes screenplays full-time and co-runs the film company HICH Productions with three Turkish partners.
Writing isn’t just a craft.
It’s a way of seeing the world.
Discover Leonard’s reflections on storytelling, language, and meaning.
New stories are taking shape.
Discover the first chapters of Leonard’s upcoming novels—unfinished, but already alive.
Co-founded in Turkey, HICH brings stories to the screen.
Explore Leonard’s latest projects on identity, mystery, and love.
Contact
Whether you're a fellow writer or a curious reader, feel free to reach out.
Or reach him directly at:
lendur2@gmail.com
Leonard’s personal blog: Read here
Leonard’s personal account