The Evergreen Awards is proud to announce Letters to Las Malas as the winner of the Best Independent Book in San Antonio of 2026. This prestigious recognition honors the outstanding achievement of Crystal Naldi, an author whose bold storytelling and dedication to authenticity have set her apart in the world of indie fiction.
A New Era in Indie Fiction
At the heart of Letters to Las Malas is the unforgettable narrative of You Fight Like a Girl, a gripping novel that blends raw emotional storytelling with high-impact action. Written by Crystal Naldi, the story is a fresh take on the genre, offering readers a story of survival, strength, and resilience that speaks deeply to the human experience. What makes You Fight Like a Girl stand out is its commitment to exploring themes like trauma, loyalty, and the complex dynamics of found family all through the lens of underrepresented voices.
As an indie author, Crystal Naldi is rewriting the rules of what it means to build a story universe. Far from just a novel, You Fight Like a Girl is the foundation of a multi-platform creative project, positioning itself as a cinematic franchise in the making. Beyond the page, Crystal is expanding her work into live-action films, AI-assisted short films, audiobooks, and immersive storytelling experiences. This commitment to creating a rich, multimedia world is what truly sets her apart in the competitive indie fiction landscape.
Excellence in Storytelling
Crystal’s passion for storytelling is evident in every page of You Fight Like a Girl. The novel follows a sensitive gay man who joins an underground all-women fight club after a brutal assault. His journey to healing and survival is at the core of the story, illustrating that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is keep standing. This unique blend of gritty action and heartfelt emotional depth makes the novel not just a page-turner but an experience.
Her characters, particularly the LGBTQ+ protagonists, are rarely represented in such intense and action-driven narratives. In an industry where queer romance and diverse characters often take a back seat, Crystal's work pushes these stories to the forefront, giving a platform to those whose voices have been overlooked.
A Vision for the Future
Crystal's vision extends far beyond the pages of her books. She’s building a transmedia experience where readers don't just consume the story they step inside it. From proof-of-concept films to immersive storytelling, You Fight Like a Girl is not just a book; it’s the beginning of something much bigger. As an author, Crystal is crafting a world where readers can engage with her work across multiple formats, creating a deeper and more lasting connection.
This innovative approach demonstrates not just creativity but a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of modern storytelling. Crystal's work proves that indie authors can create franchises on their own terms, without compromising artistic integrity or creative control.
What Makes You Fight Like a Girl Stand Out
Authenticity: Crystal Naldi’s journey as a woman of color indie author brings a refreshing authenticity to her work, with a unique focus on themes of masculinity, survival, and queer romance.
Innovative Storytelling: By blending cinematic action, emotional depth, and street-level realism, Crystal creates a narrative experience that resonates deeply with readers.
Cultural Representation: You Fight Like a Girl tackles underrepresented narratives, giving visibility to LGBTQ+ characters, particularly in the action and fight genres.
Transmedia Expansion: Crystal's ability to expand her novel into a larger multimedia experience shows a forward-thinking approach to storytelling, proving that indie creators can compete with traditional franchises.
Audience Engagement: Through newsletters, social media, and direct interactions, Crystal’s ability to build and connect with her audience is a testament to her commitment to her craft and her fans.
In Their Own Words
Crystal Naldi's heartfelt storytelling is not just about action and survival but also about building meaningful relationships both on and off the page. In her own words, “I wanted to write a story where strength isn’t about being the toughest person in the room, it's about surviving, healing, and finding the people who fight beside you.” This quote encapsulates the core of her work and the message that You Fight Like a Girl conveys to its readers.
“I wanted to show that being strong isn’t about fighting for glory, it’s about fighting for your survival,” she says. Through these powerful themes, Crystal has created a book that resonates with a diverse audience, particularly those who have been traditionally underrepresented in action fiction.
A Future Full of Promise
Looking ahead, You Fight Like a Girl is set to continue its journey with more volumes in the series, and Crystal's transmedia vision is well underway. The indie author’s journey is one of relentless determination, bold creativity, and a commitment to telling stories that matter. As You Fight Like a Girl continues to expand across various platforms, there is no doubt that Crystal Naldi's name will remain a key player in the future of independent storytelling.
For those who have yet to dive into the world of You Fight Like a Girl, now is the time to discover a franchise that promises to break new ground in the worlds of both fiction and multimedia storytelling.
Visit YouFightSeries.com to learn more about Crystal Naldi and her groundbreaking work. You can also follow her on her social media platforms to stay updated on her creative journey:
The future is bright for Crystal Naldi, and You Fight Like a Girl is just getting started.
At Evergreen Awards, we honor excellence across three key categories—Organizations, Products, and Individuals. By recognizing success in all its forms, we shine a light on the achievements that inspire progress and set new standards for greatness.
