LESLÉA NEWMAN
NORTHAMPTON'S POET LAUREATE ON WRITING
In 1980, a young Lesléa Newman sat
across the table from Allen Ginsberg with a mountain of letters between them.
As his apprentice, Newman was in charge of answering letters from an array of
fans, ranging from politicians to aspiring young poets. Though Ginsberg gave
each letter equal care and attention, it was one particular letter from a
publisher that would make the difference for Newman. The letter requested poems
from her mentor but at his suggestion, Newman sent the publisher a couple of
her own poems. Her submissions ended up with the publication of her first book,
Just Looking for My Shoes.
Decades later, Lesléa Newman is a veteran in the
publishing world, with over 55 books in print. Her works dive into nearly every
genre of writing, from children's picture books to teen novels, adult fiction,
humor and poetry. Some of her most popular books include Heather Has Two
Mommies and A Letter to Harvey Milk. The latter is a compilation of short stories
that explore familial issues and the Holocaust. The novel was titled after her
first short story, which went on to win critical acclaim and was eventually
adapted for the film and stage. "I'm very happy that I can do my part in
keeping the name and spirit of Harvey Milk alive, as he was such an important
person who worked tirelessly for gay rights," she said. Though the book
was published in 2004, it lives on today in anthologies and college courses.
Newman's work is outstanding, as it captures life on the printed page, and
often tackles tough issues of lesbian and Jewish identity, family and love.
After her first publication of poems in Seventeen at the ripe age of 18, Newman
went on to study creative writing with David Huddle at the
In 2008, the city named Newman its official poet laureate.
Though the role of poet laureate is purely self-defined, the active author has
decided to take on many initiatives to promote poetry and give back to the
community. She publishes a biweekly poetry column in the Daily Hampshire
Gazette, sponsors the new Paradise Poetry Prize and speaks to interested groups
in her Laureate Lunch Series. The series has sparked visits to many diverse and
fun places, from senior citizen homes and synagogues, to a women's outdoor
group. Newman's goal is to share the joy of literature with as many people as
possible. "There is a lot of talk about how the industry is struggling and
how the novel is dying," she said. "But I think there will always be
a core group of people who realize that literature can change lives and enlarge
your world."
"There is nothing more inspiring than connecting with someone who is as
passionate about literature is I am," she said. Newman has been a member
of a writing group for ten years, where writers share good food, gossip, recent
ideas and new works. "It's sort of a family," Newman said. She speaks
fondly of her writing group peers, which include other prominent Valley authors
such as
Newman acknowledges the changes that have taken place in the publishing
industry since she began but believes one factor has stayed, and will always
remain. "Your work has to be fantastic," she said. Newman makes sure
her stories come from the heart, and keeps one mantra in all of her work.
"I try to write the most interesting story in the most beautiful and
truthful way I can."
Newman's newest book, The Reluctant Daughter, depicts the struggles between