Author to discuss her novel in verse, "October Mourning," about the murder of Matthew Shepard

Award-winning author Lesléa Newman will discuss “He Continues to Make a Difference: The Story of Matthew Shepard,” on March 20, 4:30 p.m., at the University of Richmond’s Keller Hall Reception Room.

Newman is the author of numerous novels, short stories, collections of poems and nonfiction for adults as well as poetry, picture books and fiction for children and young adults. She will speak about her most recent book and American Library Association Stonewall Honor Book, “October Mourning,” a novel in verse that responds to the murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard in 1998. She is also the author of the children’s book “Heather Has Two Mommies” and is the 2014 Trees Lecturer in the Department of English.

The event is part of the English department’s 2013-14 Writers Series, and is co-sponsored by the Department of Education and One Book, One Richmond. The series’ mission is “to expose Richmond students, the greater university community and local residents to some of today’s most celebrated writers.”

There will be a reception and book signing following Newman’s presentation. For more information, contact Angela Leeper at 804-289-8433 or aleeper@richmond.edu. 

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