Interview With Author Stephanie Cotta
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lover of all things fantasy and a big fan of Lord of the Rings. I’m also a Star Wars geek–have been since the time I was 7 or 8. I am an artist, an avid reader, a gamer, and an archery enthusiast (it’s one of my favorite recreations). I started seriously writing back in 2013, and since then I have written 10 fantasy novels, one of which has just released!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a YA Epic Fantasy called The Conjurer’s Curse. I was greatly inspired by my love of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and its adventure vibes. I started writing this novel back in January of 2021 (during Covid). I experienced a not-so-great encounter with an individual who treated me like I was carrying the plague–even though I wasn’t sick. It sparked something visceral in me, so much so that the wheels in my mind started turning. I thought, “What if a seventeen-year-old boy had a curse that killed everyone around him?” It was all the spark I needed for a compelling story with high stakes, and, of course, I had to turn it into an epic adventure!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I don’t sit at a desk and write. I either lie in bed or recline on my chaise lounge. I found early on that sitting at a desk was too stiff of an environment. I also always have music playing when I write. Some people might need silence, but my brain requires artistic instrumental music. But if I’m writing an action sequence, then I usually put on more intense music, even rock music, something that gets my blood pumping.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have heavily been influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Brandon Sanderson, and a plethora of Star Wars authors. So much of my literary knowledge comes from reading books by these authors or in the case of Star Wars, having a wide array of characters and writing from multiple points of view. I learned from reading Star Wars that the possibility for stories is endless. It’s how I approach my own fantasy world. With my world firmly established, I can create new characters, and they can have their own adventure outside of the main storyline–this is how The Conjurer’s Curse came to be.
What are you working on now?
I have finished writing the sequel to The Conjurer’s Curse, and I also just finished writing a YA steampunk fantasy novel. I am currently working on revisions for it, and I hope to have it ready for beta readers very soon. It is very different from my epic fantasy genre, but I love it so much for that reason. It’s been a blast creating something entirely new and fresh. I’m excited to share it with readers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, it’s been Facebook and Instagram. The support I have on those platforms is fantastic. I have made wonderful friends in the author/writing community who help share and promote my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start writing. Don’t worry if you don’t know what you’re doing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I didn’t know what I was doing when I started, but I had an idea and characters whose stories I wanted to tell. That kept me going for years until I was brave enough to start letting people read my writing. Those early drafts were so rough, but it was a season of finding my voice and learning my craft. I encourage aspiring authors to take the time to do the same and read a lot! That is what helped me the most–reading books by authors I loved. I believe anyone can write, it just takes time, discipline, and a strong belief that you have a story to tell.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have the courage to pursue your dreams.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy by X Zombie.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next year, I’ll start writing the third book to The Conjurer’s Curse and hopefully get started with the sequel to my steampunk fantasy.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and the Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.
Author Websites and Profiles
Stephanie Cotta Amazon Profile
Stephanie Cotta’s Social Media Links