Filipino Friday: Author Maida Malby

In honor of October being Filipino American History Month, I wanted to share with you a Filipina writer.

1) What is your name or nickname(s) you go by?

Maida Malby is my real name. Friends call me Mai. Pronounced "my" by Asians, "may" by Americans.

2) Why did you start writing?

I started writing because I wanted more stories out there with Filipino main characters. There weren't many in romance.

3) How long have you been a writer?

I wrote my first book during the National Novel Writing Month in November 2016, so almost four years.

4) Since it is Filipino American History Month, how do you incorporate Filipino culture in your books?

My heroines are Filipinas and the first book and upcoming novelette are set in the Philippines (Boracay and Bonifacio Global City). The characters partake of Filipino food, they speak the local language, and they observe Christianity.

5) For those who are unfamiliar with Filipino culture, what books do you recommend people read or what are some of your favorite books written by Filipino writers?

In romance or women's fiction, I love books written by Marisa de los Santos, Tif Marcelo, Mia Hopkins, Sarah Smith, and Rainne Mendoza.

6) What advice do you have for people who want to become a writer?

Butt in the chair, fingers on the keyboard or pen on paper, and write. Join a writing community. Attend webinars, learn from experienced professionals, read craft books.

7) Of all the books you've written, which one is your favorite one and why?

Singapore Fling because there's a lot of me and my husband in Maddie and Aidan.

8) What are your social media platforms where people can follow your journey?

My website (maidamalby.com), Facebook (carpediemchroniclesbymaidamalby), Instagram (@carpediemchronicles), Twitter (@MaidaMalby), Pinterest (CarpeDiemChronicles), BookBub (Maida Malby), and Goodreads (Maida Malby).

9) What do you want your readers to take away from reading your books?

I’d like readers of Carpe Diem Chronicles to not only visit the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand when they read Boracay Vows, Singapore Fling, Samui Heat, and Palawan Promises, but also to experience the cultures through the languages, customs, and food I feature in them. 

10) How can people purchase your books?

Signed paperbacks are available on my website. Ebooks can be purchased from most retailers. Here are the links:

BORACAY VOWS

- https://books2read.com/Boracay-Vows - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999543210 - https://maidamalby.com/boracay-vows/

NEW YORK ENGAGEMENT - https://books2read.com/NewYorkEngagement - https://www.amazon.com/dp/099954327X - https://maidamalby.com/new-york-engagement-2/

SINGAPORE FLING - https://books2read.com/SingaporeFling - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999543237 - https://maidamalby.com/singapore-fling

19TH HOLE FIESTA - https://amazon.com/dp/B085XNQXT4 - https://maidamalby.com/19th-hole-fiesta/

11) Is there anything you would like to add?

I want to thank you for all your support. I hope I can reciprocate somehow.

Final Thoughts from Shenel

I met Maida when I saw her post in the Filipinos of San Antonio Facebook group. I went to her Barnes & Noble book signing with the San Antonio Romance Authors last year. She is so dedicated to being a writer and her marketing strategy is amazing. I wasn't exposed to a lot of Filpino writers growing up so meeting someone who incorporated her Filipino culture into her writing was inspiring. I also loved her romance novels. Make sure to support her and follow her journey.

(Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are that of the owner. Any purchases made are between Maida Malby and the buyer. No commission is made from featuring this business on my blog).