Picture a visionary weaving queer magic into young adult fantasy—meet A.R. Capetta! Known for groundbreaking retellings like Once & Future and heartfelt tales like The Lost Coast, Capetta crafts worlds where diverse identities shine. From their cozy Vermont home, they’re redefining YA literature with bold narratives and inclusive characters that captivate readers.
With a knack for blending sci-fi, fantasy, and social commentary, Capetta’s stories resonate with teens and adults alike. Their commitment to authentic representation has made them a beloved figure in modern YA fiction, inspiring a new generation to embrace their truths through the power of storytelling.
The Making of A.R. Capetta
A.R. Capetta, who uses all pronouns, grew up with a story-obsessed heart, diving into books and writing from a young age. After earning a BA in Theater Arts from the University of California at Santa Cruz, they pursued an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. This creative foundation, paired with a love for mind-bending science and eclectic music, shaped their unique voice. Capetta’s journey into publishing began with their debut novel, Entangled, a sci-fi adventure that hinted at the diverse, imaginative worlds to come.
A.R. Capetta’s Unforgettable Stories
Capetta’s bibliography is a treasure trove of queer, fantastical narratives. Once & Future, co-authored with their spouse Cory McCarthy, reimagines King Arthur as Ari Helix, a queer female immigrant wielding Excalibur in a sci-fi universe. This duology, a finalist for the New England Book Award, blends witty banter, spaceships, and resistance against oppressive regimes. The Brilliant Death transports readers to Vinalia, where Teodora, a gender-fluid mafia princess, uses magic to transform enemies into objects, weaving a tale of family, love, and identity.
Echo After Echo, a queer love story wrapped in a Broadway murder mystery, showcases Capetta’s versatility with its lyrical prose and suspenseful pacing. The Lost Coast enchants with its coven of queer witches in California’s redwoods, exploring friendship and self-discovery through lush, nonlinear storytelling. Capetta’s style—poetic, inclusive, and genre-blending—creates immersive worlds where marginalized voices take center stage.
Their upcoming works, like The Heartbreak Bakery, promise more magic, with an agender teen baker navigating love and enchanted brownies. Capetta’s ability to fuse emotional depth with fantastical elements keeps readers hooked, earning accolades like Junior Library Guild selections and spots on the ALA Rainbow List.
Why A.R. Capetta Matters
A.R. Capetta’s impact on YA literature is profound, particularly in championing queer and diverse representation. By centering characters who are queer, gender-fluid, or culturally marginalized, they offer mirrors for readers who rarely see themselves in fantasy. Their co-founding of Rainbow Boxes, which sent inclusive fiction to shelters across the U.S., and the Rainbow Writers Workshop, the first LGBTQIAP YA retreat, underscore their dedication to community and representation.
Capetta’s stories don’t just entertain—they challenge norms and spark conversations about identity, resistance, and belonging. Their work inspires young readers to embrace their authentic selves and writers to push creative boundaries, cementing their legacy as a trailblazer in YA fantasy.
- Key Works: Once & Future, The Brilliant Death, The Lost Coast, Echo After Echo
- Education: MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts
- Home: Lives in Vermont with partner Cory McCarthy and their son
- Notable: Co-founded Rainbow Boxes and Rainbow Writers Workshop
About A.R. Capetta
Ready to dive into a world of queer magic and epic adventures? Snag Once & Future or The Lost Coast and let A.R. Capetta’s enchanting stories sweep you away!