Happy August, Book Friends!

I hope you all have been enjoying your summer. Last month, my family went on vacation to Sunriver, OR, which is several hours away from our home. It’s a high desert region with lots of woods, trails, waterfalls, soaring mountains, and overall, just a very laid-back area. It’s become one of our favorite places to go on vacation. I really needed this break, and the time away to recuperate from the hustle and bustle; I even started reading a new fantasy series on this trip too! While nearby in Bend, we attended a Coheed & Cambria concert–my husband is a big fan. The event was such a blast, and certainly the highlight of our vacation. Here’s some pics from our trip:

July Wrap-Up:

Last weekend, I attended my first Comic-Con as an artist/creator. It was such a blast meeting so many nice people at the event, and seeing so many awesome costumes. I made some wonderful connections with fellow artists, authors, readers, and, of course, fellow nerds! Thank you to all who bought copies of my books and art prints! Here are several pics from the event:

New Artwork

Mid-July, I finished my painting of Aida from Heartsmith! And just in time to add it to the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy). That’s right, my oil paintings that I’ve done for four of the characters will be in the book! I’m quite pleased with how this oil painting turned out. Aida looks exactly like I imagine her: ethereal and mysterious. She’s an integral character in the story, and I just adore the relationship she has with Aaren (my main character). All the wisdom she shares are truths and lessons I had to learn when walking through the stages of grief. I can’t wait for you all to meet her this October.

Writing Update:

Just as I’d hoped, I was able to spend more time writing last month. It was slow going for a bit, but I think I’ve finally found my rhythm again. In my last newsletter, the sequel to Heartsmith was sitting at 11k words. Now it’s at 24k! Which means, I’m about 32% done with the first draft. I’ve been feeling more excitement and enthusiasm with writing again. Much of that stemmed from stepping away from social media more. To get my head in writing mode, I need less distractions, which is why I’ve turned off my phone notifications for all my social media platforms. This has helped tremendously. I’m sure I’ll be gearing up more, though, as we get closer to October when Heartsmith releases.

The ARC is ready for Heartsmith! If you’d like to join my ARC Team and read a free copy of Heartsmith in exchange for an honest review, sign up using the link below! Scroll down till you find my book, Heartsmith, click the icon, fill out the rest of the form, and you’re good to go. There are still a few spots left!

ARC Sign Up FormWatch the Official Book TrailerNew Merchandise

Merchandise is here for Heartsmith! Check out all the stylish merch I designed for my YA Steampunk Gothic Horror, Heartsmith! There’s an assortment of sweaters, hoodies, shirts, tank tops, drinkware, and accessories.

Shop NowUpcoming Event:

My next event is the Forever Twilight Festival in Forks, WA, on Friday September 13th. I will be road tripping up to this event with my friend and podcast co-host, Angela R. Hughes. We are so excited, and can’t wait to meet the other featured authors, along with all the attendees at the Festival. I am looking forward to sharing my YA Fantasy series with new readers and enjoying all the fun festivities at the event. If you’re near Forks, WA, come visit me at my table and pick up a signed copy!

Podcast

Check out The Ink Mages Podcast! Our latest episode was an interview with Tricia Copeland, author of To Be A Fae Queen. Give it a watch and leave a comment–we’d love to hear from you! And if you haven’t watched our episodes, give us a listen and subscribe to our YouTube Channel or listen on Spotify. Check out our latest episodes using the links below:

Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyThe Iron Kingdom Series

If you haven’t read The Iron Kingdom Series and are looking to start something new and exciting this summer, check out my YA Fantasy series. It has everything you could want in a story: action & adventure, mystery, buried secrets, a hero you can’t help but love, clean swoon-worthy romance, multi-POVs, antihero POV, friends/enemies to lovers, deadly curses and monsters, found family, high stakes, and the importance of community and friendship.

And if you have read The Conjurer’s Curse and The Wraiths of Arjun, please do me a huge favor and leave a review. They help encourage other people to read the books, and increase my ranking on Amazon, which is huge!

Buy The Conjurer’s CurseBuy The Wraiths of ArjunSigned CopiesLeave a Review on AmazonLeave a Review on Goodreads Shop the Merchandise StoreThe Mountain of Gold

My debut picture book, The Mountain of Gold, has been out for nearly three months now. I have been so blessed by its warm reception. Thank you all to those who’ve already purchased a copy; I appreciate it so much. I hope you and your families enjoy it for many years to come. Consider it as a gift for the budding readers in your life or anyone who loves a fable with a positive message.

Buy on AmazonSigned CopyLeave a Review on AmazonLeave a Review on Goodreads

Thank you, book friends, for supporting me, encouraging me, and for reading my books. You mean the world to me. I hope you all have a fantastic rest of your summer!

– Stephanie Cotta

LinkTr.eeBook Recommendation:

Dust and Crown by Havelah McClat is an enchanting story filled with magic, friendship, and adventure. This story held my interest and was an enjoyable read for me. I particularly loved the Anastasia-retelling vibes set against the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia that occurred a century ago. As a history lover, I enjoyed all the little nods to the historical time period where the story of Anastasia took place. But Havelah puts a lovely twist on that familiar tale by having this be a magical world with fairies that involves a dust tree that grants them the ability to fly. But when an invasion occurs by a rogue fairy named Lenin, who takes control of the dust tree, the fairy realm is plunged into dark times. Nastia, the main protagonist, who has a special connection to the dust tree, will have to regain her memories and choose to help her fellow fairies, or they will continue to suffer under the false King Lenin’s control.

This is a lovely, clean read for youngsters, and adults, who love a story with magic, fairies, found family, friendship, standing up to tyranny, and choosing to do what’s right. I’m excited to see what Havelah McClat puts out next!

Available now on Amazon

Check it out here