Interview: CK Malone
SARAH STEINBACHER: The crux of your debut picture book, A COSTUME FOR CHARLY, centers on Charly’s search for a Halloween costume that feels just right instead of making Charly’s identity (or people’s reaction to it) the ‘problem.’ Foreword Reviews said, “In the end, Charly discovers that just because they are wearing a costume doesn’t mean they can’t still be themselves.” This story isn’t just about identity, but empowerment and authenticity as well. How have you seen A COSTUME FOR CHARLY resonate with young readers?
CK MALONE: CHARLY seemed to resonate with so many young readers according to reviews, comments, personal emails to myself, etc. It seemed like they understood why choosing a costume is so important to explaining/showing one’s identity and even sexuality in some cases of letters. GSA–Genders and Sexualities Alliance–scholars both at my school and across the nation via Zoom and Google Meets seemed to resonate with the idea of showing who they are through costumery. I did receive quite a few letters from scholars not in my own teaching arena who seemed to appreciate the story as well as educators and authors.
SARAH STEINBACHER: Publishers Weekly noted, “there is never any doubt in this protagonist, who does whatever it takes to feel ‘one hundred percent Charly.’” How important was it for you to depict Charly’s steadfast authenticity?
CK MALONE: It was extremely important to me since it was my first coming out story. This is exactly how I came out only to be faced with a horrible ending and continued endings in which I would closet myself time and again. I wished I could be CHARLY and just experience joy but it was a hard time growing up. I didn’t want to write a sad coming out story and felt a happier version would aid many more children and teens to be seen to know we, as adults, see them.
SARAH STEINBACHER: The School Library Journal said, “Charly’s joyous creativity and persistence will encourage trick-or-readers to think outside of the box this Halloween.” Do you have a favorite past Halloween costume?
CK MALONE: When I was six, my Nene made me a fortuneteller costume complete with a floating “crystal ball.” I wore all the scarves connected to my sweats. I felt absolutely magical. I loved it so much!
SARAH STEINBACHER: Your second picture book, POPI’S ALL SOULS SONG, offers a twist on the holiday kidlit trope that Kirkus called “a heartfelt expression of love in the face of grief.” Do you have any special All Souls’ Day memories?
CK MALONE: We would light candles at home, but my Popi lived twenty hours away so I was never able to witness the singing until he passed when I was in my twenties. Even if I was there at the time, children were not supposed to be in the trailer park, so we stayed hidden. Nene tried to do it but made it to only one mobile home in the park. Completely understandable because her grief was so great. Unfortunately, my mother and her sisters never carried on that tradition. I think of doing it sometimes but, without context, I am afraid my neighbors would think I’m strange.
SARAH STEINBACHER: This story touches on the universality of grief and finding solace through community. In many ways, it echoes the themes from the Buddhist parable of the mustard seed (or “Bumpy and the Wise Old Wolfhound” for Bluey fans). What steps did you take to maintain a child-centered lens on such profound themes?
CK MALONE: It was hard as I didn’t want to discount Nene’s feelings around the loss of her husband. I actually ended up watching old movies in which a child lost a parent and played off of what I saw. That’s why, at some moments, Mara seems annoyed with having to sing to others when Popi had just died. It’s all about those stages of grief and I wanted to stay true to that component. But I also wanted Mara to come to the realization that, hey kiddo, this isn’t just about you and everyone’s loss and grief–big or small–is important.
SARAH STEINBACHER: How have the various facets of your identity influenced your writing? And why are stories like yours so important for children?
CK MALONE: CHARLY was very much influenced around being Intersex but needing to identify as Bigender so people understood how my Intersexuality is for me. I have yet to write a story centered around Intersexuality because I don’t feel as though I would do it justice since there are many ways to be born physically and hormonally as Intersex. All stories are important for children. What we are facing now is a government that only sees born AMAB and AFAB and wants to pressure others to believe those are the only genders that exist. It’s utterly heartbreaking for all those–both young and old–who know they are beyond binary. It’s a scary time.
SARAH STEINBACHER: What children’s books impacted you the most growing up?
CK MALONE: The Farthest Away Mountain by Lynne Reid Banks is one memorable book for me. I adored absolutely all of the characters. Another favorite is Masquerade written and illustrated by Kit Williams. Though, as I look at my tattered copy I bought at a used book store when I was fifteen, it’s not truly a children’s book. But I adored the art and the riddles. I didn’t really have children’s picture books read to me. Instead, once I was able to read, I reached for books like the above chapter book before really getting into horror.
SARAH STEINBACHER: What’s your favorite holiday and why?
CK MALONE: I adore Christmas. This was one of the few holidays when we would see my mother’s side of the family or at least have a shared phone call. And my grandmother’s house–my father’s mother–was a true and constant home during that time since both my mom and dad moved around to different cities. My grandmother always worked so hard to make it special holiday.
SARAH STEINBACHER: What project(s) are you working on now?
CK MALONE: I recently finished a horror chapter book and that is going on submission. We’ll see! I would like to learn to draw, but I need the time to focus on the day job doesn’t allow for that at the moment.
SARAH STEINBACHER: Are there any LGBTQIA+ organizations or resources that you’d like to share with readers?
CK MALONE: All of the resources and organizations located here: https://www.carlislemalonebooks.com/resources. They are linked directly to the sites! But there are so many more resources out there to help LGBTQIA+ youth.
Follow CK on their website, on Instagram, and on BlueSky.
*****Order CK’s picture books A COSTUME FOR CHARLY and POPI’S ALL SOULS SONG, available now.*****
