READ.

I go through seasons of reading. Sometimes I read like there’s no tomorrow, and sometimes I avoid books like it’s my job. In this moment, I’m just coming out of a season of complete and total book avoidance.

When I’m avoiding reading, I’ve usually convinced myself that “I don’t have time.” This is a lie. The truth is… I get distracted by social media. Gaming apps. I watch too much TV. These paths sometimes seem like “easier” access points to relaxation, but the irony is, I don’t always feel that relaxed after I do these things.

So, this is a reminder to myself: READ.

So, what HAVE I been reading?

• MY HERO ACADEMIA by Kohei Horikoshi: I love manga and anime, but I’ve spent less time with it in recent years. A few weeks ago, I picked up the first five volumes of My Hero Academia at a used bookstore, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying revisiting this type of storytelling. I love the action, the drama, the visceral emotions. I’ve never watched or read MHA before this, and it’s a lot of fun!

  

• RED RISING by Pierce Brown: This was recommended to me by two people in my life, so I figured I’d give it a try! Honestly, it was a bit of a slow start for me, but DANG–after page 50 I was hooked! The world-building is fantastic, and I’m super intrigued by all the twists and turns. I hardly ever read books written for adults, so this feels like a little (stressful, high-stakes, yet thrilling) trip abroad.

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

WRITE.

I’m an ideas person. I’m always dreaming up new worlds, characters, and situations. I’m grateful for this. But having ideas doesn’t always lead to more words on a page. Recently, I’ve found myself spinning on which project to focus on. It’s hard! Each day, something shiny and new is clamoring for my attention. And then I spin on which writing path is the right path. This is an unhelpful and, ultimately, momentum-stopping thought.

I’m reminding myself to just write. Don’t worry about what’s “right.”

So, this week, I chose to focus. To hone in on one idea, and lean hard into it.

Middle grade absolutely has my heart. There’s nothing I love more than writing it, but it’s no secret that middle grade is in a tough spot right now. (It’s NOT dead or dying or anything like that—the pendulum is swinging.)

So, my focus for now, is on writing young adult books. I’ve previously written two YA manuscripts and pages for more, but it’s been a minute since I’ve completed a YA manuscript that I love. I’m embracing the excitement, possibility, and, let’s face it, fear, that can come with attempting something I’m less comfortable exploring.

At this early stage, I’m pantsing and plotting. I want to explore my character’s voice, so I pants a few pages of what I think the opening will be. While I’m doing that, I’m also carefully plotting out, beat by beat, what I hope this story will become.

What are YOU writing? What new challenges are you embracing? How are you holding space for excitement and fear?

LIVE.

June is upon us which means…HAPPY PRIDE!

This month, my partner Tim and I launched #PrideActionPlan on Instagram! This is our way of honoring and celebrating Pride in action. We are focusing our energy on real, tangible steps that we can take to elevate queer books, their creators, resources, bookstores, libraries, and more! Follow us on IG @michaelleali and @giveusmoretosee to see what we’re reading and celebrating.

The world is a heavy place. We need this light. We need this truth. We need this access.

And we want YOU to join us! What is your #PrideActionPlan? What queer media, creators, and resources can you support? If you post, use the hashtag so we can shout you out!

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