Zoraida C Rdova

Zoraida Córdova is an Ecuadorian-American author recognized for her contributions to children's literature and romance novels. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, she relocated to the United States at a young age, with English being her second language. Her formative years were spent in Queens, New York, where her passion for writing was ignited by young adult fantasy novels. She actively participated in writing programs during high school and college, completing her first novel at 19. Córdova also co-founded the Latinx in Kidlit blog, aiming to elevate Latinx voices in literature. She writes romance under the pseudonym Zoey Castile.

Córdova's literary career includes the "Vicious Deep" series, a young adult fantasy inspired by her childhood fascination with the sea and mermaids, which debuted in 2012. Her "Brooklyn Brujas" series, starting with "Labyrinth Lost," delves into themes of identity, family, and magic, drawing inspiration from her Ecuadorian heritage and various Latin American cultures. This series, which reimagines witchcraft with a focus on inclusivity, led to a film rights acquisition by Paramount. Córdova has also contributed to the "Star Wars" universe, authoring novels and short stories within its canon. Her bibliography spans young adult fantasy, middle grade fiction, romance, and edited anthologies.

Zoraida Córdova's journey into writing began during her teenage years, influenced by fantasy novels she encountered in high school. The success of authors like Amelia Atwater Rhodes, who was published at a young age, served as a significant motivator. Córdova actively sought opportunities to hone her craft, participating in writing camps and conferences. She developed a habit of writing numerous unfinished stories in college, often completing only the initial parts. Her dedication culminated in finishing her first complete novel at the age of 19. Following her academic pursuits, she gained industry experience through an internship, which proved instrumental in connecting her with her future literary agent.

Córdova's work often explores themes of identity, family, and magic, with a particular focus on inclusivity. Her "Brooklyn Brujas" series, for instance, reimagines witchcraft through a Latinx lens, incorporating elements inspired by various Latin American cultures to create a unique pantheon of gods. This approach allowed her to explore themes of belonging and heritage while centering characters of color. The "Vicious Deep" series, on the other hand, is rooted in a childhood fascination with the sea and mermaids, a passion sparked by a VHS tape of "The Little Mermaid" gifted by her grandmother. This series, which began with her debut novel, reflects her early connection to her Ecuadorian roots.

Beyond her original series, Córdova has made significant contributions to the "Star Wars" franchise. She has penned short stories, such as "You Owe Me a Ride" and "The Lost Nightsister," featured in official collections. Her involvement extends to novels within the "Star Wars" canon, including "A Crash of Fate." Additionally, Córdova writes romance novels under the pen name Zoey Castile. Her work as Castile notably includes the "Happy Endings" series, which draws inspiration from "Magic Mike" and focuses on romantic relationships within the male stripper community. She has also co-edited anthologies, collaborating with other authors to curate collections of speculative fiction.