Leeya Mehta

Extinction

a novel

October 6, 2026

Simon and Schuster, India

Latest Work

Leeya Mehta

The Day After

In September 2025, the Washington Writers Publishing House published ‘The Day After’, an essay I’ve been working in their print anthology in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. I hope you enjoy it - available in print wherever you buy books.

Season 3 Ep 4 | Leeya Mehta & Bill Miller | International Literature as Cultural Force

SEAN MURPHY brings out so much of the passion I feel about what I do. “Bill and Leeya share a genuine passion for community and connection, and their combined super power is generating awareness of—and enthusiasm for—international literature.”

Time’s Best Jewel

In the middle of the novel, Vivaldo reflects on the unexamined life. And this feels like the deepest country, within us, that unexamined place. “The great question that faced him this morning was whether or not he had ever, really, been present at his life. For if he had ever been present…his world would open up before him.” To find this country, this other place, is the journey to find oneself.

Annapolis Book Festival

Alice McDermott and Leeya Mehta at the Annapolis Book Festival, 2024

Maps to the Stars

The stars we feel in the blood…

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day poem

A Trail of Breadcrumbs

Reading is like that sometimes — birds hatch and sing with familiar songs.

Must-Read Fall Books

“Area writers are putting out some incredible new work this fall that deserves attention” Hannah Greico

Chronicler of a blue planet

Ranjit Hoskote in conversation with me for Plume

Quarantine Inspiration

https://soundcloud.com/user-395755500/chemistry-with-leeya-mehta

A Story of the World Before the Fence

“A Story of the World Before the Fence acknowledges “how barriers can keep / wandering spirits separate from those they love,” but it nevertheless consoles us with the miracle that is laughter:...” –Randi Ward

How Does One Make a Woman like that Happy?

Jamie falls madly in love with Julia, but from the start is he doomed?

Come be silly and happy with me and Writers with Pets in Solariums

Find this limited edition of podcast episodes of the Inner Loop Radio’s “Just Checking In” where my takeover features Writers with Pets in Solariums. I visit writers and their pets in their homes and talk about their writing life.

Edition 1 is out and features: Kris O’Shee and the Dancing Poodles – Kali and Nandi

Edition 2: The Escape Artist can also put himself to sleep, a conversation with Joe McGinniss Jr.

In five episodes talking parrots, horses, feral cats, zen cats, dogs, pigs and more!

Archived Episodes