We were lucky to catch up with Zoe Lieberman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zoe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Ever since I was little, I’ve always been uniquely creative and had a lot to say, but never felt that spoken words were the right way for me to express myself. Once I learned how to hold a pen, I began scribbling my innermost thoughts and feelings into books and journals, filling them from cover to cover. As I learned how to form letters and write thoughtful sentences, I discovered a newfound love for writing. I knew early on that I wanted to write and publish a book someday, though I never quite knew what that book would be about.

In third grade, I discovered poetry and immediately fell in love with this style of writing. The works of Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, Shel Silverstein, Lewis Carroll, and even Dr. Seuss captivated me. I liked how they could find ways to say so much in metaphors and rhymes. From then on, I began writing short pieces both in school and in my journals as a hobby. In high school, I shifted my focus to academic writing and took a break from personal narratives because that felt like the right thing to do. It wasn’t until after college that I experienced my first real heartbreak and returned to my journals, where I let my pen bleed with pain and reflection. I found comfort and inspiration in contemporary poets like Rupi Kaur, Yung Pueblo, R.H. Sin, and many more who popularized micro-poetry and prose on the internet in the early-late 2010s. Their styles are simple but right to the punch and I liked how they could form a few short lines into something incredibly powerful.

In the spring of 2019, I began turning journal entries into poetry and sharing my work on Instagram under my pen name, Z. Elliott. Z for Zoë, which is my first name and “Elliott” is an homage to my father—one of the most honest, wisest and kindest people I have ever known. I wanted to carry that energy into my writing and everyday life. Most of my work comes from personal experiences and focus on relatable topics like love and grief. Through the online writing community, I not only gained lifelong friends but also used the platform to propel my healing journey. I poured my energy into extensive research and hands-on learning, where I taught myself how to format, edit, and publish my own book. By May of 2023, I published my first poetry collection, Sweet Sting. All of the poems were written between 2018 and 2021. I was reflecting on a relationship that was not right at the time but taught me invaluable lessons about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. This insight gave me the opportunity to write out my feelings in poems and prose. As I began to share more about my experiences, I connected with different writers who shared similar experiences or introduced me to new ones. I realized how much the writing community meant to me and I wanted to really invest into it.

Over the years, I observed other independent publishing companies and various feature or community pages who began to create online magazines and anthologies. Inspired by their work and my love for collaboration and books, I wanted to expand on the idea of community and provide a space where diverse voices could be heard. In early 2024, the idea for my own publishing company began to take shape. One late night, cuddled up with my pets, cozy ink press was born. The next day, I reached out to over 20 writer friends and invited them to contribute to a group anthology. Their enthusiasm and willingness to share their incredible work fueled my vision and I am so grateful for all their support. This led to the release of cozy ink press’s first anthology in March 2024, Poets: Straight from the Notes App, a collection inspired by the sacred thoughts we confide into our notes app. All proceeds from the book have been donated to Girls Write Now, a nationally recognized nonprofit that empowers writers from historically marginalized communities by fostering mentorship and storytelling. I loved their message and all of the opportunities their provide for girls and young women.

Once the fire was lit, I knew I had to keep going. I started sharing writing tips, prompts, and resources on my website and Instagram page to support fellow writers. To further spotlight individual artists, I began offering book reviews and author interviews to showcase different poets within the community. In November 2024, we released our second anthology, Musing Around at Midnight. This collection focused on pieces inspired by our deepest midnight thoughts and musings. Currently, I’m collaborating with a fellow writer on our next anthology, with submissions opening in early April. In addition to publishing anthologies, cozy ink press recently launched official publishing services for writers and other creatives seeking assistance in bringing their work to life. So far this journey has been incredible and brought me to so many wonderful people whom I’m so honored to have been entrusted with sharing their work. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for cozy ink press and the community we’re building together.

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 was born in the Bay Area, California where I grew up with my wonderful parents, two siblings, and a variation of pets through the years. I’ve always been a very introspective and emotional person, so writing has been an important outlet of expression for me. Over time, I’ve turned my creative hobbies into a passion and now a business! I’m a poet, author, and the founder of cozy ink press- a publishing company dedicated to celebrating contemporary poetry and supporting emerging writers. My poetry often explores themes of love, introspection, and the complexities of human emotions, resonating with readers who appreciate raw and heartfelt expression. I believe poetry is for everyone, and I strive to make cozy ink press a welcoming space for both new and experienced writers alike.
Along the way, I learned a great deal about publishing, editing, and evolving my craft. After years immersed in the online writing world, I realized how vital community is to me and how many poets struggle to find platforms that truly uplift their voices.

This led to create cozy ink press, not just as a publishing imprint but as a resource where poets can find encouragement, opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
Through cozy ink press, I’ve curated and published our first 2 anthologies, both showcasing a diverse range of poetic voices and styles. I also offer resources where I share writing prompts, tips, book reviews, and author spotlights to inspire and support fellow poets. Recently, cozy ink press launched our official editing and publishing services to help writers build and grow their work. Many writers struggle to find spaces where their voices are truly valued, and I am passionate about creating an environment that fosters authenticity and personal growth. Cozy ink press stands out as a community-driven platform empowering contemporary writers, fostering collaboration, and providing hands-on guidance to help writers bring their work to life and connect with a broader literary community. I’m currently collaborating with a few writers on publishing their debut collections and curating my next anthology. I keep the cozy ink community connected through the cozy ink club newsletter, blog, and weekly social media updates.

One of my proudest accomplishments was in 2023, when I published my debut poetry collection, Sweet Sting. These pieces were written during a vulnerable time in my life and I was initially unsure about publishing because I had moved past those emotions, but I’m grateful I did. That collection opened doors not just for me but for readers who found pieces of themselves in my words. Now, I’m working on my second collection, a sequel to Sweet Sting, which continues the journey of love & heartbreak, self-reflection and growth. I’m also incredibly proud of the collaborative anthologies published under cozy ink press because they represent my mission to build community and amplify diverse poetic expressions.

At the heart of everything I do is a love for poetry, community, and a passion for helping other writers share their work with the world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is a commitment to building community and fostering a space where writers can collaborate, grow, and learn. Through cozy ink press, I aim to create an environment where poets feel valued and supported- whether they’re sharing their first piece or publishing a full collection. I believe creativity thrives when we connect with others, and my goal is to provide resources, opportunities, and a welcoming space where writers can develop their voices and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to foster connection through honest expression. I’m constantly inspired by how words can bridge experiences and emotions across diverse communities. There’s a deep sense of freedom in being able to translate thoughts and feelings into something tangible, and it’s even more rewarding when those creations resonate with others, offering comfort, reflection, or a sense of belonging. Knowing that my work can spark conversation or help someone feel seen is what drives my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zelliottwrites.com
• Instagram: zelliottwrites, cozyinkpress
• Other: Tiktok, threads, substack and bluesky: zelliottwrites Pinterest: cozy ink press

Image Credits
All images are self-portraits by Z.Elliott (Zoë Lieberman)