Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Malina, and I enjoy writing stories that evoke distant eras and worlds that the reader can get immersed in. I write fantasy, historical fiction, literary fiction and blends of all three.
I’ve published a number of short stories in magazines and anthologies, both print and online. Red Panda Warrior, Jade Mountain is the first book I’ve published and promoted myself.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Red Panda Warrior, Jade Mountain was inspired by a prompt to write about women warriors in East Asia. While giving a writing workshop, I set a timer for the first session and began without deciding what to write about. The prompt leapt into my mind and I began to write about a woman fighting off demon bats in a bamboo grove. Though the scene I wrote didn’t make it into the book, it launched what grew into an epic story.
After doing some research, I decided to set the story in Tang Dynasty China, a time when the Silk Road was reopened, the arts flourished, and women had more freedom than the eras before or after. I was inspired by a real woman warrior, Princess Pinyang, who raised an army, became a general and won a battle that helped her father found the Tang Dynasty.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing Unusual, but I like to write early every morning, with a big pot of tea or hot chocolate. I enjoy writing to instrumental or atmospheric music. When I have the opportunity, I like to bring my desk outside and write on a balcony or rooftop. A beautiful view in a tranquil setting is conducive to a good flow of words.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Greek and Norse mythology, and later Shakespeare and Homer’s Odyssey. The classics had a great influence. I enjoy the eloquent prose of Jane Eyre and the characters of Dickens.
I love the historical fictions of AS Byatt, the way Kate Atkinson moves through time periods and lifetimes in Life After Life and the sweeping epics of Edward Rutherfurd.
When it comes to fantasy I’m inspired by the vivid characters of David Eddings’ Belgariad and Mallorean series and the lyrical prose of Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel that alternates the viewpoints of three protagonists and in between writing short stories and flash fictions, two of which are related to the holidays.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I use twitter and Awesome Gang. Looking forward to trying Book Hunt, Bookbub and more. Reaching out to my immediate community also worked, and I had two successful book readings with more to come.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Develop a writing habit that works best for you.
You could write as Thomas Wolfe does by leaning over your refrigerator or stir your senses with pungent smells like Friedrich Schiller. He kept apples in his drawer till they rotted and now and then opened it to inhale the fumes. Or you could take inspiration from Victor Hugo, wrap yourself in a piece of grey wool and lock yourself in your study to write till your deadline.
James Joyce wrote Finnagan’s Wake with a large blue pencil while lying on his belly. Wearing a white coat to reflect the light helped him write despite his failing eyesight.
Dan Brown puts on a pair of gravity boots and hangs upside down from an exercise frame to get his thoughts flowing.
Sir Walter Scott wrote on horseback and Joseph Heller wrote the last line of Catch-22 on a bus.
Can you come up with something even wilder?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s also the simplest: develop a writing habit. Since the last few years, I write every day and the dedication has brought great results.
What are you reading now?
I’ve nearly finished an ARC of the next KM Butler book, The Raven and the Dove. Excellent historical fiction and highly recommended.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing up my novel in progress so I can work on the next one (also half way through). Writing more literary fiction set in exotic locations.
Improving my new website with new blog posts, and teaching online workshops (stay tuned!)
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?
All the epically long books I’ve put off for later! A Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco and In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust.
Author Websites and Profiles
Malina Douglas Website
Malina Douglas Amazon Profile
Malina Douglas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account