…First, you have to love writing. If you don’t, you’ll never finish a novel — it’ll just become boring.
Second, write about something you’re passionate about. I was passionate about the issues I wrote about, which helped me, especially when facing writer’s block.
Third, find people who believe in your story and can help you bring it to life. I knew nothing about formatting, publishing, or editing, so having support was crucial.
Fourth, don’t be afraid of what people might think. At first, I was scared to share what I wrote because of the fear of judgment. But unless you take risks, you’ll always wonder what could have happened.
And fifth, believe in yourself and your craft…
I had the pleasure of speaking with Maya Henry, a writer and model originally from South Texas who has recently ventured into the literary world with her debut novel, Looking Forward, released in May 2024. Born and raised in Corpus Christi before moving to San Antonio, Henry spent her childhood playing tennis and was homeschooled throughout her early years. At 18, she relocated to London, marking a significant shift in her life and career. Now, she is pursuing a degree in Creative Writing at New York University, with plans to continue her studies in law school after her graduation in December 2024.
Looking Forward is a semi-autobiographical novel that centers on Mallory Hunt, a model who enters a high-profile relationship with a pop star, Oliver Smith. As the romance unfolds, it becomes clear that the glamorous facade hides a darker reality. The story delves into Oliver’s struggles with substance abuse and his increasingly abusive behavior towards Mallory, which includes both verbal and physical violence. A significant subplot focuses on Mallory’s experience with an unwanted pregnancy and her decision to undergo a medical abortion — a narrative inspired by Maya Henry’s own experiences.
Henry describes writing the novel as a therapeutic process that allowed her to confront and share some of the traumatic experiences she endured. In interviews, she has expressed her hope that the book will resonate with other women who have faced similar challenges, helping them feel less isolated. She emphasizes that the novel’s key message is to remind women that they are not to blame for the mistreatment they endure and that sharing one’s story can be an act of empowerment.
Since its release, Looking Forward has stirred conversation, particularly among fans of One Direction, due to perceived parallels between the book’s storyline and Henry’s past relationship with singer Liam Payne, with whom she was engaged before their breakup in 2021. While Henry does not explicitly name Payne as the inspiration behind Oliver’s character, the similarities have not gone unnoticed.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Henry has a background in modeling, having been featured in fashion campaigns and editorials for international publications such as Vogue Ukraine, Glamour, and Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam. Despite her modeling success, she has shifted focus towards her writing career, seeking to redefine herself beyond the glamorous image associated with her early years in the public eye.
Henry’s creative aspirations extend beyond adult fiction; she is currently working on a series of children’s books that aim to educate young readers on environmental issues, particularly the importance of pollinators. The first installment, The Great Batsby, is slated for release later in 2024. This focus on environmental advocacy builds on her earlier philanthropic efforts, including a 2017 campaign that raised $100,000 for the Tree Media Foundation, a nonprofit supporting sustainability and educational programs.
Henry’s engagement with social issues also shapes her views on accountability and the dynamics of power in relationships. In public statements, she has called for a shift in societal attitudes, urging people to focus on holding abusers accountable rather than questioning the actions of those who endure abuse. She believes that both men and women need to challenge toxic behaviors that are often excused or ignored, a theme that is central to her work in Looking Forward.
While Looking Forward has sparked debate, Henry remains focused on the positive impact she hopes it will have. She aims to inspire a broader discussion about the often-hidden struggles within relationships, advocating for a more compassionate understanding of those who endure such challenges. As she continues to build her career in both literature and activism, Henry is committed to using her platform to encourage honest conversations about trauma, recovery, and empowerment.
Yitzi: Maya, it’s an honor to meet you. Before we dive deeper, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share how you grew up?
Maya: Well, I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, which is in South Texas, and then moved to San Antonio. I grew up playing tennis and was homeschooled. That was pretty much my childhood. Nothing too interesting — until I moved to London when I turned 18.
Yitzi: Okay. So, please tell us about the exciting projects you are working on.
Maya: Well, I just released a book called Looking Forward earlier this year. It’s my first book. I’m also working on children’s books, which are almost done — they’re just getting illustrated. I’m still in college, graduating in December, and hopefully going to law school next year. But yeah, I’ve been focused on my book a lot this year.
Yitzi: Tell us a bit about your book. Why did you write it, and what was the process like?
Maya: It’s about a girl named Mallory who meets a pop star who turns out to be an abusive drug addict. I wrote it because it’s inspired by a true story — based on things that I went through. I wanted to write and release it to hopefully help other women in similar situations. I know it’s a topic people don’t like to touch on. But that’s why I wrote it — because even though many women go through this, it’s often not spoken about.
Yitzi: What is the takeaway you want people to get from the book?
Maya: I don’t know if there’s a single takeaway, but I feel like when women go through things like that, they often blame themselves. One takeaway would be that these things aren’t your fault — they’re just challenges we face in life. And I believe we go through them to help others. So, I guess that’s the main message.
Yitzi: Have you had to deal with any backlash from people who thought you were referencing a specific person?
Maya: Oh, yeah, definitely. A lot of the One Direction fanbase had issues with it. But there’s always backlash when you create something like this — especially when it involves someone they idolize. There’s always going to be a toxic fandom. But in the end, I feel like women need to come together and hold men accountable for their actions. And that’s part of the problem.
Yitzi: What do you do to protect yourself from criticism? How do you keep it from affecting you?
Maya: I wouldn’t say it doesn’t bother me at all. What bothers me more is when people try to tell me that my story is wrong — when, in reality, I’m the one who lived through it, not them. That can be frustrating. But at the end of the day, I don’t let it consume me because you can’t change people’s perspectives — they’ll think what they want to think. So, I remind myself not to stress about it.
Yitzi: Was there an “aha” moment that made you decide to share your story with the world?
Maya: Yeah, I always had the idea to write the book, even when I was still in the relationship. But at first, I planned to use a pen name because I was scared to use my real name — worried that people might connect the dots. Then, last December, there was an incident — something I can’t really talk about — that made me decide I was done hiding. After that, I thought, “I’m going to put my name on this, use my voice, and stop protecting this person.” That was my “aha” moment — realizing I was going to do this, no matter what anyone thinks, because this is my truth. My mom really encouraged me, saying, “You have a platform and a voice for a reason — use it to help other women.” She gave me the push I needed to get over that fear.
Yitzi: Based on your experience, what are five things you need to successfully write and publish a book?
Maya:
Sure.
- First, you have to love writing. If you don’t, you’ll never finish a novel — it’ll just become boring.
- Second, write about something you’re passionate about. I was passionate about the issues I wrote about, which helped me, especially when facing writer’s block.
- Third, find people who believe in your story and can help you bring it to life. I knew nothing about formatting, publishing, or editing, so having support was crucial.
- Fourth, don’t be afraid of what people might think. At first, I was scared to share what I wrote because of the fear of judgment. But unless you take risks, you’ll always wonder what could have happened.
- And fifth, believe in yourself and your craft.
Yitzi: What was the biggest challenge you faced when writing your first book?
Maya: I always loved writing, and that’s what my degree is in — Creative Writing. So, it’s definitely an outlet for me. But since this was my first book, there were challenges, especially because I self-published. I had to handle a lot on my own and find people to help me. It was more complicated than I expected. But in the end, I learned a lot, especially about the publishing side. Now that I have a better understanding, I definitely want to keep writing.
Yitzi: You’re making a social impact with your book. What can society do to address the issues you’ve highlighted?
Maya: I think one big issue is that people often ask, “Why did she stay?” instead of asking, “Why did he do this?” We tend to place the blame on the victim rather than holding the person who committed the abuse accountable. As a society, we need to hold men accountable for their actions, and not just have women do it — men should hold each other accountable too.
Yitzi: Do you see your efforts as part of the Me Too movement, or is it different?
Maya: I feel like the Me Too movement isn’t as prominent as it was a few years ago, but the spirit of it continues. I think more women are coming forward and using their voices now, which is important. If we don’t speak out, nothing will change, and those who cause harm will keep getting away with it.
Yitzi: Do you have a favorite life lesson quote, and can you share how it’s been relevant to your life?
Maya: It’s not really a specific quote, but I like what’s called the “Let Them” theory. It’s about not stressing over things that are out of our control — like other people’s actions or opinions. It’s about letting them do what they do if you can’t control it. This mindset has really changed how I approach things and helps me stop worrying so much.
Yitzi: This is our final question. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
Maya: This might be a little off-topic, but I’d want to start a movement focused on saving animals in America. I can’t give you a specific plan, but it’s something I care deeply about.
Yitzi: That’s wonderful. How can readers purchase your book and stay updated on your work?
Maya: It’s currently available only on Amazon. You can find it under the title Looking Forward. That’s the best place to get it for now.
Yitzi: Thank you so much for this interview, Maya. I wish you continued success and blessings. I hope we can do this again when you have a new project.
Maya: Yes, for sure. Thank you so much.
Author Maya Henry On Five Things You Need To Be A Great Author Or Writer was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.