Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a new author, A Fisftul of Honey is my debut novel. I’ve been a writer since the age of 7 though, always a storyteller.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called A Fistful of Honey. It was inspired by a spiritual experience I had in 2013, during the time of the Trayvon Martin murder trial. I was deeply inspired to partly write my own truth and let the story of healing tell itself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habit is reading. The amount of books that I read and researched during my writing process is almost scary. I will read anything that catches my attention because inspiration lives everywhere!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I will be forever grateful to Octavia Butler for being a woman of color science fiction writer. She opened up a huge door of possibility for the world and for me. Although my novel wasn’t influenced by hers, I get the comparison many times to her work. It is an honor. Since I was in the second grade, I’ve wanted to be just like Alice Walker and Maya Angelou. My parents gave me both of their books when they saw I loved writing. I had the most awesome breathe-in-a-bag moment this year when I got to meet Ms. Walker at an author’s event!
What are you working on now?
I just wrapped up the workbook to A Fistful of Honey, which is a 244 page self-help blueprint for readers who want to go through their own healing journey. I also wrote a short story for the July issue of Strange Horizons magazine. Now that that’s finished, it’s sequel time!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is word of mouth. Readers have been so kind and share the story with their networks and book clubs. I also do specials like this one so A Fistful of Honey can get into as many hands as possible.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient with your writing process. Let the story flow through you, no matter how long–or not–it takes. A Fistful of Honey was a 4 year journey for me. Know that you will have to put an entirely new hat on for the marketing piece which can be awkward for a creative. Learn as much as you can and build your platform even before your book is complete.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be excellent, let God handle the rest.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Binti Home, a nice short read since I love the Binti series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Aside for writing the follow up to my novel, I’m working on more short stories with a water theme.
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?
Oh boy. I could ready I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb a hundred times. The I AM Discourses, and then I’d sneak in a few science fiction anthologies.
Author Websites and Profiles
Malena Crawford Website
Malena Crawford Amazon Profile
Malena Crawford’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile