READ.

If you’re following me and my partner Tim on Instagram, you know we’re in the middle of our #PrideActionPlan. This is our way of celebrating Pride this year—we’re shouting out one LGBTQ+ affirming book each day. Last week, we shared some of our favorite queer picture books. This week, it’s all about middle grade! If you’re on IG, give us a follow @michaelleali and @giveusmoretosee.

So, what HAVE I been reading?

• Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Emily Deibert: This debut middle grade novel is such a treat. Sweet, earnest, and filled with heart, this story shines a light on girls in sports and the awkwardness and joy of first crushes—especially queer first crushes! I’m not much of a sports person, but I suddenly became very invested in hockey while reading this one!

  

• Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker: Whoa. I showed up WAY too late to this party. This action-packed, non-stop end-of-the-world middle grade book is a wild ride. I LOVE IT. And the protagonist, Alex, is openly gay, which I love to see. While Alex is battling the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse, we get to watch the real frustrations and joys that come with him exploring his queer identity. This is absolutely a book I would have loved as a kid. Don’t miss this one!

  

• The Incorruptibles by Lauren Magaziner: I read the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this pulse-pounding, heartfelt book months ago, but I want to shout it out because 1) it officially came out this week (Tuesday, June 10) and 2) Lauren is seriously such a gifted writer. This book has some of the very best LGBTQ+ representation I’ve ever read. Plus, the plot and character development—CHEF’S KISS! Get your copy today!

  

And I’d love to know—what are YOU reading?

WRITE.

Alright, so… I’m gonna be real. I’m in a strange place with my writing.

I recently received some feedback on one of my projects that, essentially, requires me to take the story concept down to the studs. This is a manuscript I’ve poured a lot of time into, and I thought the concept was pretty solid. But the feedback…rings true.

Even though I see how the story can change and grow for the better, I’m struggling to move forward with my revision. For days, I’ve found myself spinning on a couple of essential elements that I don’t want to give up. A few touchstone words and phrases that feel key—like the key—to the story.

But, with some time, space, and reflection, I’m wondering if what I thought was the essential element was actually a limiting factor. What if I’m actually being held back from the possibility of what could be because, months ago, I decided that this one thing was “the answer” and the “right path”?

Now, I can’t stop thinking about the beliefs I hold about my writing projects. What limits have I consciously or unconsciously set for myself? What is possible if I throw out that “big idea” to make way for something else? And how can I apply this to the other stories I’m working on?

What are YOU writing? Are any limiting factors keeping you from creating a bigger, better, bolder story? How can you look at your manuscript with fresh eyes?

LIVE.

This week I’m on the road! I’m in Portland, Oregon for the annual American Booksellers Association’s Children’s Institute. This yearly conference is an opportunity for children’s booksellers, publishers, authors, illustrators, and industry professionals to gather, connect, and share what we’re experiencing in our personal bookish spheres.

I love being surrounded by book people. They are the best people (yes, I’m biased). For this conference, I’m wearing my bookseller hat! In addition to attending panels, going to publisher dinners, and meeting fellow book creators, I’m speaking on a panel about the potential of a new book category: Young Teen Lit. Veteran school librarians Christina Chatel and Marcia Kochel are leading the charge on this movement. You can read more about their work in this article.

The aim for this category is to reach readers ages 12-15. I’m excited to share what I think alongside my fellow panelists! I can’t wait to hear from others about this topic, too. So much potential!

How are you living your life to the fullest? What joys are you leaning into? What limiting beliefs are keeping you from accessing joy?

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!

That’s it!

Thanks for reading! Read, write, and live well.

Much love,
Michael