Patron Spotlight: Laura Ellie (Patreon)

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This month, we turn the Patron spotlight on Laura Ellie!

Laura describers herself as an actress by day, a writer by night, and a cosplayer on the weekends. "I've been writing basically since I could hold a pencil," she says, "but I've only been cosplaying for 6, 7 months."

While some writers may focus on a single story at any given time, Laura has her fingers in many pies. Right now, she's working on a sci-fi adventure called Under Eden, a romance called Felix & Aiden, an anthology of Legend of Zelda fanfiction, and a comic called Light Amidst Shadow.

"I usually work on whatever story I'm feeling at the moment, or if I have an idea for one I'll go on a writing spree," she explains. "My different projects focus on different themes and ideas, each one centering around a different genre/social commentary that interests me."

I asked Laura about the best writing advice she's ever received. "Make every word count," she says. "In a story, every sentence has a purpose. Everything you write needs to work towards building a clear picture for your reader."

What really drew Laura to cosplay was the community. "A few friends convinced me to try cosplay out," she says. "I just love everyone I've met through cosplay so far." She describes herself as "a big weeb and video game nerd," with Link from Breath of the Wild topping the list as her dream cosplay.

Her other favorite cosplay (and arguable the one she's best known for) is Lily Evans from Harry Potter. "I have such a stupid soft spot for Harry Potter, and Lily is a character I really connect with on a deep level. She was also my first cosplay!"

Laura also plays Lily Evans in the upcoming Marauders fan film "The Gathering Storm." She saw the casting call on Tumblr and sent in a video audition.

"My director likes to brag that the moment they saw my video, they knew I was Lily," she says. "I always think of that when I doubt myself."

The project has faced some delays and obstacles during post-production, but Laura is confident that it will be worth it. "I cannot emphasize enough how passionate everyone who works/worked on this project is," she says. "I feel so, so lucky to have been a part of TGS and I can't wait for the film to be finally finished so everyone can see what we all worked so hard on!"

When I asked about her next project, Laura said she's tackling her dream cosplay of Breath of the Wild Link. "I've never made foam armor before, so I'm deeply terrified," she says, "but I'm more excited than nervous!"

If you want to see that costume take shape (and keep up with Laura's other projects!) make sure to follow her on social media.

Follow Laura Ellie!