About Mariposa Aristeo
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
You aren’t alone, dreamer.
I was once a girl with ideas too big to fit into a box and too crazy to fit into normal society.
But normality is overrated, in my opinion.
I took a chance on those ideas even when people told me I should pursue other stories.
I knew others longed for the same books I did—stories that inspire us to believe in the impossible, reach for the stars, and follow our dreams.
Stories that celebrate family and friendship. Stories that make us cry, but also make us laugh.
Stories about misfits and dreamers who change the world. Stories that take us on adventures to vibrant new worlds. Stories that are lighthearted, yet also deep and soulful.
Stories remind us to pursue the dreams God has placed on our hearts.
In 2021, I entered one of those stories into the ACFW First Impressions Contest and came out as a finalist. Two years later, that same story was a semifinalist in the Realm Makers Aurora Contest.
Flash forward a few months, and I signed a book contract with my dream publisher, Enclave. My upcoming fantasy-adventure novel will be filled with wit, wonder, and wombats (join my newsletter for book updates!).
It’s a story about found family that I hope will make you laugh, cry, and, most importantly, inspire you to believe in the impossible.
— Mariposa
Fun Facts
My nickname is Mari.
Besides writing, I express my creativity by bringing stories to life in full color as a freelance artist. And yes, I draw my own characters too.
My author existence thrives on cold brew frappes, Disney, and Matthew Parker music albums (current favorite song: “Exhale”).
I co-run a website called Story Embers that guides and inspires Christian storytellers to glorify God in their writing and life. I also love encouraging younger writers as the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.
I won’t hesitate to tell people that a pterodactyl isn’t a dinosaur (and newsflash: mosasaurus isn’t a dinosaur either).
Favorite books include but are not limited to The False Prince, Wishtress, The Mysterious Benedict Society, and The Wonderland Trials.
Professional Bio
Mariposa Aristeo is a writer of fantastical adventures filled with heart, humor, hope, and sometimes dinosaurs. But, most importantly, she’s a creative who seeks to glorify God on every page of her life.
She is the author of The Boy Who Didn’t Exist (grab a free copy here), and she was a finalist in the 2021 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a semi-finalist in the 2023 Realm Makers Aurora Contest. Keep an eye open for her debut fantasy-adventure novel releasing with Enclave Publishing!
Besides writing snarky characters who sass everybody, Mariposa loves bringing stories to life in full color as a freelance artist. She also enjoys inspiring other creatives as the Public Relations Director at Story Embers and the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.
You can check out her favorite clean fantasy recommendations and bookish shenanigans on her Instagram.
