Fighting Prose Interview with Alicia Caldwell Henderson!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Alicia Caldwell Henderson

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

I started writing over 20 years ago. But writing and I have an on again, off again relationship. When we're on, we are REALLY tight. But you know, we do take breaks from each other. I think I just need the time away to live and recoup and create more memories for my characters to experience.

If you've written several books, which is your favorite?

My favorite book that I have written is "Young, Dumb, and Naive." it is my heart in book form. It reveals the insecurities of a teenage girl and her mother and how those insecurities can wreak havoc in your life when you don't know who you are.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

My favorite genre to read is Memoirs/Biographies/Autobiographies. I love learning about the inner workings of other people's minds. My favorite genre to write is Young Adult Fiction because there are so many adventures to write about and explore.

How do you get in the mood to write?

First, I have to ensure there's no junk around me. The Feng Shui in the area I'm in must be free of clutter. I also like to play jazz music to keep the vibe right.

How do your characters come together?

I brainstorm about the characters for days, maybe weeks. I create specific personalities in my head and then I flesh them out on paper in my writing notebook.

How do you get your ideas?

I get my ideas randomly. Sometimes they are inspired by situations my friends and family have been in. Other times, I create the craziness on my own.

Who do you admire in the writing world?

In the writing world, I admire independent authors the most. The amount of talent, passion, and support that is offered within this community is second to none. It keeps me motivated and wanting to always reciprocate that same support.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

I'm an educator and I work in a middle school. When I'm not writing, I'm collaborating with other teachers on ways to improve my school and create positive opportunities for students.

Have you always been creative?

I have always been creative! I make up recipes ALL the time. I also create graphics.

Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, how did you get out of it?

Yes! I don't know who hasn't had writer's block! I usually read when I'm unable to focus on writing. That always helps. Seeing another author's interpretation of the language always motivates me.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

The only hard part about it is telling myself it's not good enough. When I can break through that mentality, the words flow pretty easily.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

I would tell them to stay passionate about their craft and stay true to themselves. Writing is not something you look to in order to become rich, but you are leaving traces of influence in a world of readers.

What is your dream writing location?

My back patio... when it's completed. I'm working on making it a staycation. It's almost there. But I have a wonderful view of a pond, plenty of nature, and very little traffic in my Florida neighborhood.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

How did you come up with the title to “Young, Dumb, and Naive?”

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

I would bring Dia from "Love & Lies" to life. She is a hoot. I mean, she is always looking for an adventure. She lives her life for adventures and is so fun to be around.

What do you think makes a good story?

Characters that you can connect to make a great story. When you can empathize with them, feel what they're feeling, or even connect with them because they seem so real.