June 20, 2025 | 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.
This week, Tim and I took a deep dive into queer young adult literature for our #PrideActionPlan. Y’all, there are such incredible, affirming, and stunningly made books out there. From graphic novels to atmospheric prose to poignant novels in verse—what a wealth of treasure! It has been such a joy shouting out these stories. If you’re on IG, give us a follow @michaelleali and @giveusmoretosee.
So, what HAVE I been reading?
Devils Like Us by L. T. Thompson: I’m a sucker for a historical fantasy, and L.T. Thompson’s young adult debut, Devils Like Us, doesn’t disappoint. Set in nineteenth century Massachusetts, this story follows three queer teenagers battling secret magical societies, navigating their different identities, and finding family. I was hooked from the very first page. You can learn more about L.T. and their books (definitely check out their middle grade, too!) by visiting ltthompsonbooks.com.
And I’d love to know—what are YOU reading?
WRITE.
Since I was at the American Booksellers Association’s Children’s Institute last week and I’ve been focused on client work, I’ve done much less of my own writing. Still, I’ve been meditating on my process, my projects, and how I actually want to be spending my time as a writer.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been stretching myself into a specific vision of what I think should be doing as a writer. I’ve been juggling YA projects, trying to aim for something that will sell, something that will help me diversify. And, frankly, it hasn’t been fun, which means I kept getting stuck.
After listening to my frustration for several days, Tim finally asked me, “What do you actually want to be doing?”
My answer came quickly: “I just want to write middle grade. That’s where my heart is.”
So, despite middle grade sales being down and publishing middle grade being beyond slow and the myriad questions so many of us have about where the middle grade market is headed, I’m leaning into what I know and love because, dammit, my middle grade stories are speaking to me.
And life is too short. Why deny my heart what it wants and needs?
So, in July, I’m going to focus on my middle grade stories, because, right now, I need that joy and the fiery propulsion that comes along with creating them.
(Full disclosure: I’m also actively co-writing a young adult book with a friend and working on two picture books. I KNOW, I KNOW!).
But, for real, middle grade is where it’s at for me. That is what anchors me. And that’s my message to you. Life is tough, and we’re asked to put aside or give up so many pieces of ourselves for so many different reasons. Don’t give up your anchor. Lean into the things you love.
What are YOU writing? What’s holding you back from accessing joy? How are you leaning into creation that fills you up? What’s your creative anchor?
LIVE.
I love games of all kinds. The rules, the systems, the characters—they fire up my imagination and get the gears turning. In so many ways, playing games has informed who I am as a writer, especially when it comes to world-building, magic systems, and plot.
Recently, I’ve been revisiting some of my childhood favorites, including my original Pokémon Yellow game.
The gotta catch ‘em all fever from my childhood came right back to me. (Who am I kidding? I still love Pokémon games!) But I acutely remembered what it was like to experience the wonder and joy of this game for the first time. The excitement of exploration. The way that my imagination filled in story gaps. I love that about some of the older games that I grew up on—they didn’t feed us every detail, so I dreamt up more so that I was a part of the world.
Life has been pretty hectic lately, so this dose of nostalgia and good vibes was the perfect antidote and escape. It was a good reminder that sometimes embracing pieces of our past can help ground us in the present. So, yeah, I look forward to continuing my nostalgic Pokémon adventures.
How are you living your life to the fullest? How does your past inform your present? What can you revisit from your childhood that will bring you joy today?
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 your 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! (STAY TUNED FOR A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT IN JULY!)
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’s thorough evaluation of my manuscript was invaluable and I’ve been so excited to implement his suggestions. It’s given me so much more confidence and I can’t wait to query agents now! —Marlene S., Developmental Edit Client
That’s it!
Thanks for reading! Read, write, and live well.
Much love,
Michael
