Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Cotta.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a fantasy author based in Jacksonville, Oregon, and have been crafting imaginary worlds for the past thirteen years. I am passionate about stories, and as an author, editor, proofreader, and illustrator, that passion for storytelling shapes my creative life. When I’m not steeped in writing, I’m launching arrows at hay bales, doing something artistic, reading all sorts of books, playing an immersive RPG, or hiking with my family.
Now, you’re probably wondering, where did my author story begin? It’s one of the most frequently asked questions I receive, along with, “How do you come up with these stories?” The simple response is, “I have a very active imagination.” And it’s been that way since childhood, where I learned to play make-believe.
My love for books and reading began at an early age. I’ve been devouring books for as long as I can remember. When I was eight years old, I picked up my first Star Wars novel at a garage sale for a quarter, and that put me on a path of reading primarily sci-fi/fantasy for the bulk of my life.
For many authors, the desire to be a writer existed from an early age. That wasn’t the case with me, yet the storyteller in me was always there. Remember how I said I liked to play make-believe? That’s important, as it’s truly how I feel about being an author. I get to stay home and make-believe all day.
It wasn’t until 2013, in my late twenties, when a pastor friend of mine told me I should write a fantasy book of my own—since I loved Star Wars and Lord of the Rings so much—that I finally took the plunge. My friend didn’t know it then, but I had already started writing a story; it was only three pages long, though. I had set it aside and did nothing with it for a year. But his words, “write your own fantasy book,” were a catalyst. I opened the story on my computer and started writing more . . . and I haven’t stopped.
From 2013 to 2020, I worked on writing an adult fantasy series, which at this time still remains unpublished—and there’s a good reason for that. I like to call that season my “experimenting” years. Write whatever I want and let my creativity flow. No pressure. No expectations. Just me creating a fantastical world where I could escape whenever I wanted. My own imaginary playground.
When I was younger, I wrote some short stories and lots of poetry, but I didn’t consider myself a writer or that I’d ever one day become a published author. But when I embarked on writing this fantasy series, I quickly realized I wanted to make this writing “hobby” a serious commitment and one day get published. And that meant going boldly into the unknown.
By the end of 2020, I had completed seven manuscripts in my epic fantasy series, the shortest novel coming in at 155k words. Yes, these are hefty tomes! I was ready to enter the querying trenches. I queried book 1 to agents, but received no traction with it. At the start of 2021, and with most of us locked-down with COVID-19 mandates, I found myself in desperate need of an adventure—just like Bilbo from The Hobbit. So, I wrote one: a sweeping, fast-paced YA coming-of-age adventure that follows a seventeen-year-old albino warrior, who is a walking, breathing curse. He just hasn’t realized it yet. I titled it: The Conjurer’s Curse. Four months later, it was complete, and once again, I was ready to query it to agents and publishers.
It was arduous trying to get my foot in the publishing door. I sent out a mass of query letters and received a host of rejection letters, and as many writers know, it can be hard to keep continuing. But persistence pays off. I participated in a pitch contest on Twitter, and through that process, I found an amazing publisher (Monarch Educational Services) who fell in love with my book. The journey since then has been amazing! I’ve learned so much.
I’ve been a traditionally published author for nearly four years now, with six published works, including a picture book (The Mountain of Gold) to my credit. Yes, I’m an artist and illustrator as well! My latest novel, Beneath the Crescent Shadow (prequel to The Conjurer’s Curse), released this past June on my birthday. I have one more book releasing this year in fall 2026, called Heartwrecked, sequel to Heartsmith, a YA steampunk gothic horror. Think Oliver Twist meets Frankenstein with Treasure Planet vibes. Believe me, it’s a wild romp.
If you have ever wished to be an author, or there’s a story in you but you haven’t started writing it yet, then my next words are for you: Pursue it and don’t give up. I wrote for eight years before I landed a publisher. During those years, I honed my craft and discovered my writing voice: nothing was wasted time. If your author dream is big enough, then sharpen your mindset to continue writing and querying no matter how hard it gets, or how many rejection letters you receive. Being able to hold my physical books is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It’s a dream I get to hold in my hands and share with others.
Dare to make-believe, and you may one day see your dream come to fruition. Just as I have.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Challenges creep up often. One of the first was working with a line editor for the first time. During that vigorous process, I learned there was a great deal I didn’t know about writing, what I like to call all the “technical” stuff. It was a steep learning curve, but I had an amazing editor. And with her guidance, I emerged better equipped the next time around. And everything I learned from her, I now use as a line editor as well.
Another struggle was learning to create a healthy work/life balance. I can get lost in my stories and neglect home-related obligations. Or I’ll find myself wrapped-up in marketing and social media posting that I burn out. It’s at those times when I have to extend grace to myself and tell myself it’s okay to take a break. If something causes me anxiety, step back, reevaluate, and come back when my mindset is better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Since I’m an author, editor, and artist, I often say that my world revolves around books. I love writing character-driven fantasy adventures with a focus on inner healing, the search for identity, and belonging. As an editor, I specialize in line editing: enhancing a writer’s prose so it comes alive and pulls readers deeper into the story. It’s a fun endeavor for me. I have years under my belt in this industry and work freelance for two publishing companies. It’s a joy to partner with another author and polish their story before it makes its way to publication.
The two books I am most known for are my debut YA fantasy, The Conjurer’s Curse, and Heartsmith, book 1 in The Heartsmith Series. Both stories are vastly different in genre, and yet they contain the same heart—and that is something I am most proud of with my writing. These are not just stories; they are journeys of the heart. My main characters undergo transformative inner healing as they face harrowing obstacles. This is what I believe sets me apart from other YA authors. I rely heavily on themes. Especially hope. Finding hope after loss, grief, or despair. These are struggles everyone can relate to, and it’s my deepest hope for readers that they find their own strength, courage, or healing in joining my characters on their journeys.
What matters most to you? Why?
As a writer, telling a good story that moves a reader matters most to me. If it doesn’t move you, make you think or wonder or question, then what was the point? I’ll read a book or watch a movie or show and be left wondering, “What is the takeaway? What should I have learned or felt from this story?
The stories that have stayed with me the longest are ones that lit something in my heart and mind. They inspired me. Made me want to be braver. Like Frodo and Sam from the Lord of the Rings. If two hobbits could face an onslaught of dark terrors to rid Middle Earth of the evil One Ring, then couldn’t I stand up and be strong when faced with something difficult.
Good stories matter. Heroic tales matter. They are what give us an ideal to live by. In my stories, I strive to reflect this concept. That we are braver than we believe, just as my characters learn. And usually, they always have someone beside them encouraging them and supporting them so they can overcome and succeed.
Pricing:
- Beneath the Crescent Shadow – $18.99
- The Conjurer’s Curse – $17.99
- Heartsmith – $17.99
- Heartwrecked – $18.99
- The Mountain of Gold – $18.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sdaniellacotta.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.daniellacotta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/s.daniellacotta
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-cotta-929ba123a/?isSelfProfile=true
- Twitter: https://x.com/CottaStephanie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoSahjOmRynP_fVQMMiPVuw
- Other: https://linktr.ee/StephanieCotta
