Libby Copa

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I have an insatiable love for exploration and adventure. I find immense joy in traveling to unfamiliar destinations, immersing myself in new cultures, and simply strolling through cities without a predetermined path. When I'm at home, you'll often find me at the library. Despite devouring over a hundred books annually, my to-be-read list never seems to shrink. I am longtime supporter of small and indie publishing, as well as the DIY underground arts scene. I spent years in the zine world writing Sour Girl and The Way Fish Love. I love attending local slam poetry contests and other literary events. Beyond my creative pursuits, on and off for over two decades I have volunteered my time lending a helping hand to individuals facing diverse circumstances, with a particular focus on those experiencing homelessness.

When and why did you start writing books?

I have been writing stories and poems since I was very little. I don’t really remember a time I didn’t want to be a storyteller. I have had work in literary journals for twenty years and my education always followed the desire to be a professional writer, but I didn’t start publishing books until 2020.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

It wasn’t until recently that I gave myself permission to have it be my career. It has always been a part of the path I was on, it was always a part of my life, but navigating my way to it being my main path took a while. The pandemic shook things up for me, like it did for many people. With more time in the solitude of my home, I was able to finally give myself permission to move forward with my creative career.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Marlow in A Low Diving Bird is my favorite character I created. Which is strange to say, because most people dislike Marlow very much. He is violent and incurably impulsive. But he also sacrifices so much for his family and his community. Royal is a very close second.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My historical fiction novel, A Low Diving Bird, was the hardest and took the longest to write. I had set out to write a big opus Civil War novel, when all along the story wanted to be about a small group trying to create a family in the wake of the war. It took me a long time to figure out the scope of the story.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I will never get over the amazing novel Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer. It is original, experimental, and heartbreaking.

What book are you reading right now?

Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

History, photography, art, and my own experiences.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love playing board games, doing puzzles, traveling the world, talking to my house plants, stopping at food trucks, streaming my favorite shows, visiting farmers markets, and exploring walking trails and hikes in whatever city I am in.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I am currently working on a military family drama set in the months after 9/11.