Kaia Alderson
Author Interview - Kaia Alderson
Author of Sisters In Arms
Sisters In Arms is a World War Two novel about two African-American women who are figuring out what to do when their lives aren’t going as planned. They “Answer America’s Call” by enlisting in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC)’s first Officer training class. They eventually become a part of the 6888th Postal Battalion, which, in real life, was the only all-Black WAC battalion deployed overseas during the war.
Author Interview - Kaia Alderson
Author I draw inspiration from: Beverly Jenkins. Her historical novels are filled with Black women having adventures, falling in love, and making a difference in their communities. When I saw what she could do with a historical novel about Black people, it made me think that I could do it too.
Author Interview - Kaia Alderson | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: In bed. In a hotel room. At a resort. In a tropical place. With the patio door open as a gentle afternoon breeze swirls in. And the roar of the waves breaking against the shore in the distance.
If all of that isn’t possible, then I like to read while laid out on my bed with ocean meditation music playing in my earbuds so I can pretend that I’m in the scenario above.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Ian Vance (aka “The Preacher Man”) from Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins
Author Interview - Kaia Alderson | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I think I’ve always known subconsciously. But I fought it so hard over the years. I was such an obsessive reader and was so in awe of the authors who created the books I loved. I just knew that there was no way I could ever be clever enough to write a whole book. But the moment that I accepted the inevitable was when I went to a Tina McElroy Ansa booksigning. When it was my turn, she took one look at me and said, “You’re a writer.” After I got over my shock at being called out like that, I replied, “You know what? You’re right. I am a writer.”
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Audiobook. My TBR pile would be even more ridiculous if not audiobooks. They are the perfect background noise while I am driving or cleaning up around the house.
The last book I read: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna. It’s a YA story about magical teenage girl warriors training to use their powers to protect their country. Girls and/or women with swords books are automatic buys for me.
Author Interview - Kaia Alderson | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Computer. Although I do turn to pen and paper when I get stuck in a corner and need to brainstorm my way out.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Melinda Mitchell in Romancing The Fashionista by K.M. Jackson. The BFF relationship in that book reminds me of how I and my college best friend act around each other.
Author Interview - Kaia Alderson | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Pastry Chef. I’d like to enter my Instagram account as Exhibit A which documents my quarantine stress bakes.
Favorite decade in fashion history: The 1940s for me please.
Place I’d most like to travel: Iceland. The plan was to go in December 2020 to see the Northern Lights, but then… well, you know.
My signature drink: Wine and fruit are good for you which makes sangria a health tonic.
Favorite artist: My sister Saran Alderson is an up and coming artist in the painting and drawing mediums. The visuals she comes up with are amazing.
Number one on my bucket list: To meet Judy Blume while doing a booksigning event in Key West.
Find more from the author:
@kaiawrites on Instagram and Twitter
Author Bio: Kaia Alderson is a historical women’s fiction author with a passion for discovering “hidden figures” in African-American women’s history. Her debut historical women’s fiction novel Sisters In Arms will be published by William Morrow/HarperCollins in August 2021. Kaia holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in sociology from Spelman College and Master’s of Education degree in media/ instructional technology from the University of West Georgia. She is an alumna of the creative writing workshops presented by Callaloo Journal, Voices of Our Nation (VONA), Hurston/Wright Foundation, Kweli Journal, and The Second City.
