Namina Forna

Surprise, I have a book coming out next year!!!

So, a couple of years ago, I was in England, and I was cold and homesick. So I decided to write a book that would fill my heart with joy. IRON SWORN is the result.

My love letter to Black girls, the diaspora, and anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t seen in YA, IRON SWORN is the book where you get to be both the princess AND the slayer, where you get to have two love interests, meet African fae, and have a magical legacy that stretches back centuries.

This is the book I wrote because I was tired of the diaspora wars. The one I wrote because I wanted us all to claim our magical legacy.

This is the book of my joy, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.

So honored to be speaking at the Suzy Newhouse Center for the Humanities tomorrow. As a graduate of a historically women’s liberal arts college myself, I’ve always wanted to visit Wellesley and am so, so excited to finally step foot on its illustrious campus.

Date: 2/20/2025
Time: 5-6:30PM
Location: Newhouse Lounge

See you all there!

Spent my bday at my favorite place—the beach. I have enough vitamin D now to brave the Arctic winter back in the DMV come this weekend. Thank you to everyone for the bday wishes. It’s truly made my day.

It’s my birthday today!

I’m grown, grown, GROWN. And because my birthday is basically my new year, here are my resolutions: This year, I will step fully into myself. I will be fearless and authentic and I won’t worry about what other people think anymore. I will be ME.

So here’s to thirty-eight.

And if you in any way feel moved to even think about a gift, please consider donating to fire relief in California. The fires in Los Angeles are affecting thousands right now. There are numerous organizations helping, but the California Fire Foundation donates directly to those affected. World Central Kitchen is already on the ground helping relief efforts. There’s a thousand more you can choose from.

Kisses from Sierra Leone!