Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Coco (cortney) Cooper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, CoCo (Cortney) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I definitely wish I had started my creative career sooner. I actually began writing my first fiction adult novel in 2006. Over the years, I started and stopped a dozen times, faced a computer crash that wiped everything out, and had to begin again. I finally finished it in 2016, but then I froze. I wasn’t sure how to take the next step or even if I trusted my ability to turn it into a book others would want to read.

Looking back, starting earlier would have given me more time to grow and develop my craft, but I think the stops and starts were part of the journey. They made me question what I really wanted and gave me the resilience to push through. Writing my first, and only, children’s book has given me the confidence to pursue novel writing seriously again. I’m now preparing that original novel for edits and moving forward with new energy.

Had I started later, I think it might have been harder to build up the confidence to trust my abilities. But the experience and growth I’ve had along the way make me appreciate where I am now, even if I do wish I had trusted myself sooner.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Kansas City suburban native, born and raised, except for the five years I spent in California when I married a Navy man. I’ve been married for 31 years and have four adult children: two biological, a stepson, and a girl we’ve raised since she was 14. I come from a family of public school professionals; my dad was an elementary principal, and my mom worked at the central office.

My love for creative writing and storytelling began early in childhood, and it really took root in high school during a creative writing class. After college, I found ways to incorporate writing into my life and career, whether through newsletters, marketing materials, or personal journaling. Writing has always been a way for me to tell my stories, even if just for my future self.

I think what sets me apart is that my stories are deeply personal, shaped by the unique experiences my parents gave me. They raised my sister and me with exposure to foreign exchange students, international travel, and interactions with people from all walks of life. That diversity of experience shows up in my writing.

The writing I’m working on now is deeply influenced by the world we’re living in and how my parents and even my younger sister, raised me to love others, no matter their differences. They taught me the importance of kindness, not just tolerance, but true love and acceptance of people’s different beliefs. It’s something I’m personally struggling with as I watch the world grapple with division. Through my writing, I hope to offer readers a perspective that encourages love and understanding, and maybe help others navigate this challenging time as we learn to embrace one another’s differences.

What I’m most proud of is that I never gave up on my dream of becoming a writer. At 54 years old, I feel like that dream is more alive now than ever, and I’m excited to continue sharing my stories with the world.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

For me, the journey as a creative isn’t driven by financial goals. It’s never been about whether my writing will make money. Instead, it’s deeply personal—a way to tell the stories in my head with the hope that maybe one person will find something meaningful, even if it’s just a few hours of escape or joy while reading in a quiet corner of their home or at a park.

I think that’s why I continue working as a realtor. Plus I get to work with my daughter. It’s my way of staying connected to the community and the amazing people I get to work with. If all I did was write, I’d miss out on those interactions. I have so much admiration for creatives who can make a full-time career out of their craft, but that just hasn’t been my path—at least not yet.

Writing, for me, is about reaching others on a personal level, and that’s what keeps me going.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, society can best support the community of artists and creatives by fostering an environment where creativity is valued as essential, not just as entertainment or luxury. This starts with education—giving young people access to arts programs and encouraging creative expression early on. It also means creating more opportunities for artists to thrive without having to choose between their craft and financial stability.

Public funding for the arts, grants, residencies, and even community support through local galleries, events, and workshops are all important. We need to recognize that creative work contributes to culture in meaningful ways, from broadening perspectives to inspiring social change.

Additionally, celebrating diverse voices and offering platforms for underrepresented artists can create a richer, more inclusive creative ecosystem. Society benefits when people feel free to express themselves authentically without the pressure of commercial success being the only marker of worth. However, when their is an art fair or a local author doing a reading at the library, show up. Buy a piece of local art, a book, clothing or jewelry. Support them with your words, affirmations and resources.

Ultimately, supporting creatives means giving them the time, space, and encouragement to keep creating. Whether it’s through financial backing, offering collaborative spaces, or simply valuing creative contributions in everyday life, we can build a more thriving and vibrant creative community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cococooperbooks.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561092488019
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/David-Dandelion-CoCo-Cooper/dp/B0D79RS415www.TC-Collective.com

Image Credits

Illustrator of David and the Dandelion is the talented, Kansas City Art Institute graduate, Juliet Lock.