Interview With Author Coraima Morales
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Coraima—a writer with a deep love for storytelling in all its forms. Over the years, I’ve written 8 books that range from self-help and spirituality to fiction and short stories. My writing journey has been anything but linear, and that’s exactly what I love about it. Whether I’m crafting a heartfelt poem, a vivid short story, or diving into the rhythms of a freestyle or song, I write from a place of truth and curiosity.
Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. In 2015, I was honored to receive first place in the Sigma Tau Delta Writing Awards for my poem Oh, Harlem, a piece that still means a lot to me today. That recognition reminded me of the power of words and the importance of telling stories that resonate.
Across everything I write—whether lyrical, introspective, or imaginative—I aim to offer readers something real. I draw inspiration from everyday life, the people I meet, and the lessons I learn along the way. My goal is always the same: to connect, to inspire, and to leave a lasting impression.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Little Johnny.
Little Johnny is the most personal and spiritually urgent book I’ve written to date. At its core, it’s a story about purpose, identity, and the sobering reality of reaching the end of your life only to realize—you may have lived the wrong one.
This book was born out of a question I kept asking others in my in everyday conversations: “What is God’s purpose for your life?” And more often than not, the answer was either “I don’t know” or “God hasn’t revealed it to me yet.” That uncertainty, that waiting game, struck a deep chord in me. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many people are living unfulfilled lives simply because they haven’t stopped long enough—or been guided in the right way—to understand their purpose.
So, I wrote Little Johnny as a kind of wake-up call, wrapped in fiction. The story is told in three parts. First, through the lens of Johnny’s older brother. Then, we hear from Johnny himself—after death—looking back on his life, unraveling the disconnect between fame and fulfillment. Finally, we reach judgment day, where Johnny is confronted by a woman named Dalia. She shows him, in heartbreaking detail, the ripple effects of not walking in his true purpose—and what the world lost because of it.
It’s a surreal, emotionally charged journey through memory, music, and the metaphysical. But more than that, it’s a mirror. A call to pause and ask: Am I truly living the life I was created to live?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, actually—I do most of my writing using speech-to-text. I get my best ideas when I’m on the go—walking, driving, even doing chores—so instead of trying to remember everything or waiting until I’m at a desk, I just start talking. I’ve trained myself to think in story form out loud. Sometimes I’ll speak out an entire scene or even a full draft. What I end up with usually just needs editing. It might sound unconventional, but it’s helped me capture raw ideas in real time before they fade. My phone is basically my writing partner.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Upstate: A Novel by Kalisha Buckhanon really inspired me. I love the way she switches points of view—you get to see the story unfold through both main characters, which adds so much emotional depth and nuance. That style of writing stuck with me and influenced how I think about character development.
Ellen Hopkins is another major inspiration. Her books break the mold when it comes to format—they’re written almost like poetry, and yet they still tell incredibly powerful, layered stories. That freedom with structure gave me permission to push past the conventional and start working on series that explore my stories more expansively. She helped me realize that storytelling doesn’t have to look one way—it just has to be honest and impactful.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a Bible study book focused on the story of Esther—but with a deeper, more layered approach than what we usually hear in church. Often, the spotlight is only on Esther herself, which makes sense because her courage is powerful. But I believe there’s so much more to the story. Characters like the eunuchs, Mordecai, and especially Queen Vashti play crucial roles that often get overlooked. Vashti’s bold decision to say no to King Xerxes was actually the catalyst that opened the door for Esther to rise. I want to explore those dynamics and show how every act of obedience or resistance in the story carried divine weight.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, the most powerful method of promotion is word of mouth. I really value creating a personal connection with my readers—whether that’s through direct conversations, messages, or discussions about how my books have impacted their lives. When someone tells me that something I wrote sparked a change in them or helped them see things differently, that means everything—and they often share that with others.
I also actively seek out opportunities to be interviewed or contribute to platforms where I can offer insight, encouragement, or value to new audiences. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about building relationships and creating a community around the work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice to new authors is: don’t focus on fame or money. Stay true to the art of writing. If you concentrate on telling the best story you can—honest, well-crafted, and from the heart—everything else will follow in its time. Write because you have something to say, not because you’re chasing recognition. That’s where the real impact happens.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever received came from a neighbor a few years back. She told me, “Everything has a solution.” It was simple, but it stuck with me—especially during trials and moments that felt never-ending. That phrase became a quiet anchor for me. It reminded me to keep my faith strong, even in the darkest times, and to trust that there’s always a way through. It’s a perspective I carry with me in both the hard and the good seasons of life.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading and studying the Book of Jonah. It’s short, but it’s packed with so much depth and meaning. Every time I read it, I notice something new—about obedience, second chances, and God’s mercy. I truly encourage anyone who hasn’t read it recently to take a fresh look. It’s one of those stories that speaks differently depending on where you are in life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is getting back to where I started—entering writing contests. That’s really how I got my foot in the door and, more importantly, how I first started believing that I could be a writer. Competitions pushed me to sharpen my skills and think outside the box. Now, I’m ready to return to that space—not just to compete, but to challenge myself creatively and take my writing to the next level.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d take the first four books of the Harry Potter series. I’ve only seen the movies, so I’ve never actually read the books—and I know there’s so much more depth and detail in J.K. Rowling’s writing that didn’t make it to the screen. Being on an island would give me the perfect uninterrupted time to really dive into the story, experience it the way it was originally written, and finally discover all the scenes and moments that were left out of the films.
Author Websites and Profiles
Coraima Morales Amazon Profile
Coraima Morales’s Social Media Links
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