Hi!

I'm Zoë, and I'm a 16-year-old writer in Louisville, Kentucky. Welcome to my blog! This is where I share updates about my books and my thoughts on the writing process, being a young author, self-publishing, and how to thrive as an author in today's world. You can learn more about me, look through my blog posts, ask me a question, see the list of my books, see my Instagram posts, subscribe to my blog, or become a member of this site to get access to exclusive writings and resources. I hope to see you around!

THE OTHERFOLK
BEYOND THE WALL

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BLOG POSTS

The Story in the Songs

The ultimate guide to the Twenty-Øne Pilots lore, for fans both new and old. (Also, my fan theories.)

Jun 2748 min read

Welcome to the Clique

Part two of a three part series, for brand-new fans who have little idea what's going on!

Jun 249 min read

Why Twenty-Øne Pilots May Be the Best Music Artist

The first of a three-part series about the best music artists on the planet.

Jun 2212 min read

On Being Bilingual

Some pointers for writing bilingual characters, from a bilingual person!

Jun 125 min read

Meet Mary Todd

My first car.

Jun 17 min read

Where Have I Been?!?

The cold, hard, here it is: it's been over a month since my last post.

May 163 min read

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ABOUT ME

A photo of Zoe Cottrell; a young blonde teenage girl in a red shirt leaning against a brick wall

Hi, I'm Zoë Cottrell! I'm a 16-year-old writer living in Louisville, KY. I published my first book when I was 15. I aspire to help other authors and crafters follow their dreams like I have.

After far more than 20 hours of research, writing, brainstorming, and editing, it's finally here. In 13,000 words, you'll go from knowing nothing (or knowing a little) to being an expert on the @twentyonepilots lore.

This story means so much to me, and I'm so happy to be able to help you all understand it more. As always, all the credit for every image and the masterful, brilliant storyline goes to @tylerrjoseph and @joshuadun - they are my heroes and I'm honored to be able to tell this story to more people so y'all can understand why. I hope to someday be half the writer Tyler is.

Read the post now at zoecottrell.com/post/the-story-in-the-songs.

Enjoy, and sahlo folina |-/

#twentyonepilots #sahlofolina #blurryface #trench #scaledandicy #clancy #breach #torchbearer #dema

So you read my last post - why Twenty-Øne Pilots is the best - and you want to know more. You're wondering what this is all about. Why do we cross the Ø? Where did the name come from? How many albums are there? Can you find the recalled albums? Find out all the answers to these questions and more at zoecottrell.com!

If you know me, you know my favorite music artist is Twenty-Øne Pilots. But what's all the hype about? Why do they captivate writers specifically? Find out in the first of my three-part series on this artist at zoecottrell.com!

In my most recent blog post, I take a look at the common thought, "I can't publish a book, so I shouldn't write." Is this true? What's the root cause of this fear? Find out at zoecottrell.com!

Stay tuned to learn why you can publish a book no matter what stands in your way, get updates on the last book in the The Otherfolk trilogy, and more!

#authorsofinstagram

Ever noticed how AI does nothing but tell you you're right all the time? It's tempting to think that's "community", isn't it? In the 1930s, AI writing "help" was not an issue. However, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and several other writers still saw the need for real human encouragement and critique. They didn't know it, but their books would be renowned for decades. So why shouldn't we do the same?

Read about why you and your friends should start a writing club at zoecottrell.com, and stay tuned for resources you'll be able to use on your own or with a group!

#writingclubs #creativewritingclubs #writingcommunity

Happy New Year!! This past year has been a wild ride-from finishing line editing The Otherfolk to finding out my cover artist used AI to publishing Beyond the Wall, it's been up and down over and over. But looking back, even through all the stress and difficulty publishing brings, I'm so glad it all happened.

So what's next? 2026 is going to be a big year for me... look out for the end of the The Otherfolk trilogy, a new blog post schedule, members-only website features, a book containing all three The Otherfolk books, and more!

That isn't even all the fun that comes with New Year's Eve... Happy birthday to Charles!! (Okay, maybe that isn't actually fun. But still.)

This year has been a whirlwind that went by far too fast. I can't wait to see what next year holds. 🎉😄

Happy Thanksgiving! For a limited time, you can get both The Otherfolk and Beyond the Wall for only $11.99 - 20% off the usual price of $14.99! Usual shipping fees still apply. The offer is only valid through the link on my blog (zoetheotherfolk.wixsite.com/zoecottrell) today, Black Friday, and Saturday! Get your copy now through my blog (link also in bio)!

Happy Publishing day, everyone!!

1,331 days after I started writing The Otherfolk, its sequel, Beyond the Wall, is out everywhere!! Use the link in my bio to buy it direct from me. Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble's website, or anywhere you buy books online! If you know me in person, reach out and I'll reserve a copy for you!

Direct from me: https://bit.ly/3XucYct

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THE OTHERFOLK
TRILOGY

The Otherfolk is a middle-grades fantasy trilogy of which two books are published. The third will release in 2026. The series follows Princess Anna Carillo as she and her friends navigate hidden worlds, terrifying threats, heartbreaking tragedies, and backstabbing betrayals. This thrilling, highly rated series will have readers on the edge of their seats from the first chapter.

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THE OTHERFOLK
BEYOND THE WALL

AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE

BLOG POSTS

The Story in the Songs

Welcome to the Clique

Why Twenty-Øne Pilots May Be the Best Music Artist

On Being Bilingual

Meet Mary Todd

Where Have I Been?!?

Browse by Category

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THE OTHERFOLK
TRILOGY

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Hi!

Subscribe and don't miss a thing

THE OTHERFOLK BEYOND THE WALL

AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE

BLOG POSTS

The Story in the Songs

Welcome to the Clique

Why Twenty-Øne Pilots May Be the Best Music Artist

On Being Bilingual

Meet Mary Todd

Where Have I Been?!?

Browse by Category

ABOUT ME

FOLLOW ME

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THE OTHERFOLK TRILOGY

HAVE AN IDEA?

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THE OTHERFOLK
BEYOND THE WALL

THE OTHERFOLK
TRILOGY