About Me
Award-Winning Author and Justice-Driven Storyteller
Alicia McCalla is an award-winning author, retired school librarian, Marine Corps veteran, and advocate for diversity in speculative fiction. She crafts mythic, justice-driven stories centered on Black women—superheroes, vigilantes, and warrior goddesses who confront corrupt systems, make impossible choices, and carry the weight of consequence.
Working across Superhero Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Mythology, Afrofuturism, and Paranormal Women’s Fiction, Alicia’s work blends thrilling action, moral reckoning, and unapologetic Black woman magic. Her stories don’t just imagine representation—they explore what happens when Black women stand as the final line between chaos and justice.
Finding Purpose Through Grief
Tragically losing her only child, a Naval officer, in a training accident, Alicia struggled to find meaning and purpose amidst deep grief. She found comfort and inspiration in honoring her son's spirit and openly discussing her grief journey on her blog. In her nonfiction writing, Alicia fearlessly explores themes of surviving and thriving after traumatic events and embracing a futuristic mindset. With a mission to empower women to redefine the superwoman stereotype and tap into their extraordinary potential, Alicia is transforming the narrative around women's strengths and inspiring readers to embrace their authentic, multifaceted superhuman abilities to unlock their inner potential, overcome limitations, and cultivate resilience.
Empowering Women Through Justice-Driven Fiction
Drawing on more than a decade of storytelling influenced by authors like Octavia Butler, L.A. Banks, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Faith Hunter, and Patricia Briggs, Alicia McCalla crafts suspenseful speculative fiction rooted in justice, consequence, and transformation.
Her work spans serialized fiction that escalates pressure across seasons, pulp fiction style stories that deliver judgment and closure, and mythic short stories that mark irreversible turning points. Across these forms, Alicia’s protagonists—superheroes, vigilantes, and warrior goddesses—navigate perilous systems, confront formidable adversaries, and make choices that cannot be undone.
The result is fiction that doesn’t just inspire, but tests power, exposes corruption, and asks what it truly costs to stand up for what’s right.
Amplifying Diverse Voices
As a trailblazer in the literary world, Alicia co-founded the State of Black Science Fiction (SOBSF) and curates content on strong women in SciFi and Fantasy Fandom on Pinterest. She is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and creating a space where women can see themselves as the heroes of their own stories.
Beyond the Written Word
In addition to her writing, Alicia is an audiobook narrator and creator of bookish and casual fandom merchandise featuring women as champions, warriors, and even fairies. Through her work, she empowers fans to embrace their inner badass Blerd. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Alicia McCalla now lives in Metro Atlanta with her supportive husband.
Learn More About Alicia's Journey
To learn more about Alicia's inspirational journey, check out her interviews with BOLD Journey and Canvas Rebel Magazine. Sign up at aliciamccalla.com for free stories, sneak peeks, and deals on her thrilling tales of courage, bravery, and strength that continue to reshape the landscape of contemporary fiction.
Here’s a bibliography of all her works [LINK]
Interviews and Biographical Information:
Here's why she writes Black Women Superheroes.
SpokenPress Interview: [LINK]
VoyageATL Daily Inspiration Interview [LINK]
CanvasRebel Magazine Interview on the Story Behind My Mission Click here
BOLD Journey Interview on being an author. Click here
Lavender & Lass Tea Time Interview
Interview with Stark Reflections on what a hero looks like...
DragonCon UF Panel on Cultural Mythology
BIPOC Superheroes in Marvel and DC Panel Discussion [LINK]
Shoutout Atlanta Featured Interview
MV MEDIA Interview: SLAY Eleven Questions
John Allen: Black History Month Spotlight
IB Times Interview about Star Wars
Twinjas Guest Interview on Black Speculative Fiction Month
State of Black SciFi 2014 Book Signing at Challenges Games & Comics
Breaking Free is an Award Winner
Interview Conducted by University of Texas (San Antonio) Student
Interview from De lectura Obligada: Vuestro Magazine Literario
Looking for More Content about me or Older Interviews? Watch my Behind the Pen playlist on YouTube for interviews, writing reflections, and more. [LINK]
Writers: Come sit with me on Substack: The Quiet Writer’s Rebellion is where I talk honestly about the writing life, creative resilience, Serial Storyselling, and how I’m building a Quiet Empire as an indie author. [LINK]