Author Interview: Lesléa Newman Discusses Poetry, Point of View & Always Matt

By Mitu Malhotra

Spotlight image: Mitu Malhotra and Lesléa Newman with Lesléa’s books.

Today we welcome Lesléa Newman to share her writing process. I have long admired Lesléa’s lyrical works for children. Her YA novel October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard (Candlewick, 2012) was a mentor text for me during my MFA journey. Luckily, this summer I got an opportunity to meet Lesléa in person and chat about her new book,
Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard, illustrated by Brian Britigan ...