THE MISSION
Amplifying the Voices of Transformation
Longshot Literary Lions exists to elevate serious, transformational, and socially impactful writers whose voices deserve to reach society regardless of financial backing or institutional access. We serve as a publishing house and cultural platform, fostering a community for intellectual dialogue and the preservation of human dignity.
Candace Fleming
Candace Fleming is a distinguished public intellectual and cultural strategist whose work bridges the gap between lived experience and institutional transformation. As a major public-facing figure for Longshot Literary Publishing, she amplifies the voices of those who have navigated the complexities of social justice and intellectual resilience. Her journey is one of advocacy, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of a legacy defined by wisdom and contribution.
Willie Fleming Jr.
Willie Fleming, Jr. is a transformative leader, mentor, author, and community advocate whose life journey reflects both the devastating impact of fatherlessness and the redemptive power of healing, purpose, and intentional living.
Having experienced abandonment, street life, and incarceration firsthand, Willie emerged as a respected voice of wisdom and accountability within prison culture, dedicating his life to guiding young men toward self-awareness, personal responsibility, and lasting change. An intentional and devoted husband and an incredible father, Willie embodies the very principles he teaches—modeling leadership, love, and accountability in both his family and the communities he serves. He has spent decades helping individuals confront identity, trauma, and generational cycles rooted in fatherlessness.
While incarcerated, Willie has authored five books and uses his voice to educate, empower, and inspire transformation. Blending spiritual insight, philosophical study, and lived experience, Willie Fleming, Jr. continues to serve as a mentor, teacher, and cultural influencer committed to restoring identity, promoting healing, and equipping others to break cycles and build stronger, healthier communities.
Patti McDaniel
Patti McDaniel brings a rare combination of professional discipline, lived compassion, and operational strength to Long Shot Literary Lions. With a background in accounting, she understands the importance of structure, detail, accountability, and responsible business stewardship — qualities that are essential in helping authors move from vision to publication.
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Her life’s work extends far beyond business. As a mother of 11 children, including 10 adopted children, Patti has spent decades building family, creating stability, and helping others navigate difficult circumstances with care and conviction. Her experience has given her a deep respect for resilience, purpose, and the power of a person’s story.
At Long Shot Literary Lions, Patti supports the mission of opening doors for writers whose voices deserve to be heard. She believes every meaningful story requires both encouragement and execution: the heart to recognize its value and the discipline to help bring it into the world.
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Through her work, Patti helps strengthen the foundation behind the authors, the message, and the movement. Her commitment is to serve writers with integrity, excellence, and the belief that powerful stories should not be left unfinished or unseen.