April 10, 2026 | Read. Write. Live.
A weekly newsletter from Michael Leali about the stories we read, the words we write, and the living that inspires them.
READ.
I don’t know about you, but I go through seasons of devouring books and seasons where I am happy to finish a book in a month. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot. And so much of it has been fantastic.
So, what HAVE I been reading?
A (Dead) Thing Like Me by E.G. Young: This is a one-of-a-kind young adult novel. It’s a little bit ghost story, a little bit horror, a little bit surrealist and murder mystery. It’s super weird, and I really, really loved it. The story is about a teenage ghost girl who goes by the name Hot Dog. When Hot Dog is conjured up via another teen girl’s Ouija board, they form a friendship that spirals into a tense, compelling supernatural thriller. With shocking twists, some truly laugh-out-loud moments (like, I actually laughed out loud), and tender, intimate scenes, I couldn’t put this one down. You can get your copy on August 18, 2026!
And I’d love to know—what are YOU reading?
WRITE.
This week, I largely set aside my young adult manuscript to return to another project. This project—an experimental middle grade murder mystery in a unique format—is one I’ve been dreaming up for a long, long time. It’s taken me a while to muster up the courage to send it to my agent because it’s so out there.
I finally did, and she loved it. SO, we’re officially going on submission. I’m beyond excited. If this project gets published, I will be one very happy camper.
But, because the format is so unique, I had to really think about how we would format the manuscript to send it to editors. This got me thinking a lot about this question: How do we invite readers into our stories?
As I played with formatting, reader notes, colors and icons, I considered what would make a reader say, “I get it!” or “Now, this is for me!”
Even if we’re not playing with formatting or trying an experimental style, I think this is an essential question for any writer. We want to engage our readers. We want to excite them, make them curious, get them to turn the page. But we also need to find a way to welcome them into the sometimes strange, unusual worlds that come from our minds.
Our readers need on-ramps. They need to see welcome mats. They need a voice that calls them in.
My challenge to myself and you this week: How are we drawing our readers into our stories? What are you doing on a narrative level that makes them feel like this space is for them? What details are you providing that ground your reader, giving them a solid place to stand so they can walk with you on the journey ahead of them?
What are YOU writing? How do you invite readers into your stories? What makes you feel welcome when you open a book?
LIVE.
I’m on the road this week! I’m back in my home state of Illinois for not one but two author visits. It’s a whirlwind trip—travel day Wednesday, school visit Thursday, school visit Friday, back home on Saturday.
Truly, one of the very best parts—if not the best part—of being an author is getting to meet readers and share my stories and my writing process with them. I can’t wait to tell you all about my visits with students next week.
And, in case you aren’t familiar with the suburbs of Chicago, you need to know about Portillo’s. Now that I live in California and have such limited access to this fast food restaurant, it’s almost always my first stop. And, as always, it was delicious.
How are you living your life to the fullest? Do you have any travel plans? What do you love most about sharing your art with others?
What is “Read. Write. Live.”? Why should you subscribe?
This newsletter is a storytelling, community-focused peek into my life as an author. Every week, I’ll share:
What I’m reading and why I’m loving it
What I’m writing and how I’m navigating in my own storytelling
Something from living out in the world that is inspiring me
My goal is to keep the newsletter short and sweet. I want you to walk away with a book recommendation, a writing tip, and get to know me better.
About Michael’s books:
The Civil War of Amos Abernathy is about a thirteen-year-old 19th century historical reenactor on a mission to prove that the LGBTQ+ community has always existed. This was my debut and it won the Golden Kite Award, was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award, was an ALA Rainbow Round Table Top 10 Pick, and more.
Matteo is my take on the classic Pinocchio story, and it asks the question: what if you’re already a “real boy,” but you don’t feel like you’re “boy enough”? And what happens when the lies you’re telling yourself and others start to turn you…into a tree? This novel was also a Lambda Literary Award finalist!
The Truth About Triangles is my latest novel about a pizza-obsessed kid who feels like it’s his job to take care of his newly separated parents, his feuding twin siblings, and their failing pizzeria. His answer to all their problems? A reality cooking competition run by his idol. This was an ALA Rainbow Round Table selection and is currently a finalist for the Maine Student Book Award!
Work with Michael:
Working with other writers brings me so much joy! I’m a freelance editor and educator who offers:
Writing Coaching — Hour long chats where we dig deep into writing craft, publishing and more!
Manuscript Critiques — Two full reads of your manuscript + a feedback letter + pre- & post-critique call.
Developmental Edits — Everything included in the Manuscript Critique + in-line comments in your manuscript document that dig even deeper.
Workshops, classes, and more!
I’m always looking for new clients. If you want to learn more, click here!
I couldn’t be more grateful, Michael! Your constructive observations, stimulating questions, and enthusiastic cheerleading were such an encouragement! This helped open up new paths for improving my manuscript and better telling this story. Thank you! —Tim L., Developmental Edit Client
Michael identified my novel’s problem when no one else could—not my critique group members, not my former agent, not the editor who asked twice for a revise and resubmit. He knew that I had switched my A story halfway through the novel and that’s why it wasn’t working. Then, he asked—which of these topics speaks the most to you. After I answered, he said that’s the novel you have to write. Then, we brainstormed various strategies I could try to reach that goal. So, I unraveled the manuscript and began again, being sure to stick with one A story all the way through. As a result, I wrote an emotionally resonant novel, which is a goal that I’ve been striving toward for two decades. Michael uplifted my heart, and he made my project soar—just like he promised.
—Kate N., Developmental Edit Client
That’s it!
Thanks for reading! Read, write, and live well.
Much love,
Michael
This is a fabulous description of this novel, and I couldn’t agree with you more (and yes, I am the author’s mom, but this is a totally unbiased opinion🙂)