Meet Crysta McHenry | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crysta McHenry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crysta, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up surrounded by artistic people. My mom and aunts got their artistic talent from my grandfather, and my sister inherited the artist gene. I remember watching the beautiful pieces they made and being jealous that no matter how hard I tried, my art was never as good. Despite lacking artistic skills, my love for storytelling fueled my vivid imagination. When I was in first grade, I started writing Star Wars plays and handing out “scripts” to my classmates who I thought were perfect for the roles. My sister and I were constantly reading books, even to the point she made me “check out” our own books like a library.

My interests shifted to music when I was a teenager and played French Horn until I graduated from high school. I even dabbled in the idea of majoring in music. Until my love for the social sciences took over, that is. I stopped reading for many years because of being told what and when to read, and being overwhelmed by college textbooks. Eventually, I found myself in a life-draining corporate environment. My biggest fear was to spend the rest of my life in a cubicle, and that was where things seemed to be heading.

After years of not reading for fun, I picked up Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and my love for storytelling came flooding back. The rest is history.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I realized books did not discuss a lot of the trauma I had gone through in the last fifteen years. Unhealthy relationships, mental health struggles, parents who were ill, etc. I wanted to write a book that showed the ugly sides of life I had endured so early in the hopes that I could help even just one person pull themselves out of the depths.

I read my drafts to my mom, who was stunned silent and said she didn’t know I could write at such a level. Together with my family, we took on all the roles of the publishing process. My mom, aunt, and sister were my editors, and my mom drew my original cover. My friends patiently listened to me describe the plot and work out any holes in it, and the times I broke down from imposter syndrome.

I told my therapist at the time about my book and knowing that I hated my corporate job, she encouraged me to pursue a career in social work. This was the best advice I have ever received, as I have found my purpose in life. My writing is an extension of my passion for social work as I can process my emotions through my stories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have lived my entire life in Texas, split between Austin and DFW. Yet, when anyone asks me where to visit I immediately forget every place I have ever been.

When I am in DFW, I spend most of my time in the Fort Worth area. I love to do the tourist-y things like the zoo and the Stockyards, but local places also have my heart. We often go to places like Tommy’s Hamburgers or the Original Pancake House

Austin has so many wonderful local spots as well. For some great Mexican food, Rio Grande will always be on top for me, however taquerias inside supermercados are to die for! The Three-Legged Goat Wine Bar in Pflugerville is a great place to relax and unwind, and just down the road is the Book Burrow, a great indie bookstore!

In both metros, you also can’t go wrong with Half Price Books! I always end up spending way too much in there and coming home with another mountain of books to add to my TBR.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I will always be grateful for the encouragement I have always felt from my family. Career hopping is a scary leap, but my family was behind me every step of the journey. Although we might bicker and butt heads, I would not have been able to pursue my dreams without them.

In addition to them, my two closest friends have been my constant support system. While most of our childhood friends fall off when we pursue different lives in different cities, Katie has been my best friend since 7th grade. Our friendship has endured through relationships, self-discovery, and long-distance. My other best friend, Kaylyn, fell into my life during undergrad when I was at my lowest. With her unwavering friendship, I have pulled myself from the depths to a place where I can feel proud of who I am and what I have accomplished. Our friendship has been long-distance as well, but when we see each other in person it is like no time has passed. Both of these amazing women have influenced my characters, and you can see their personalities shine through my work.

Website: https://crystamchenry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_crystamchenry/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystamchenry/

Other: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21676815.Crysta_McHenry