Meet Essie Odom (she/her)

In 2015, I packed up my entire life into a Subaru and moved to the Pacific Northwest. When people asked why, I’d say, “I was looking to escape the Midwest and loved that Portland seemed like a good match.” But that only hit the surface: I had just come out as a lesbian, and my life as I knew it was in complete shambles.

Since then, I’ve fully immersed myself in this city and all it has to offer: nature so picturesque it sometimes feels unreal, a creative energy that hums through its people, and, most importantly, a vibrant queer culture that has allowed me to step into my most authentic self.

There’s something deeply transformative about a true sense of belonging. While I’m always in a state of self-discovery, being supported as I evolve into the person I’m meant to be and witnessing those in my community do the same has been a profoundly moving experience. Yet, I’ve come to realize belonging shouldn’t feel extraordinary; it’s a fundamental human need. This understanding drives my passion to collaborate with others who share a common vision: to create stories and art that connect with people, reflecting their lives while inspiring hope and possibility. These works help individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in a world and time where representation matters most.

When working for you…

At the heart of what I do is a commitment to quality work. I believe artistic expression and storytelling are most effective and impactful when fully realized and refined. My goal is to capture your unique voice at its highest potential. Whether it’s helping you brainstorm, edit your manuscript, or create captivating visuals, I am committed to supporting you in creating work that reaches its fullest potential.

Come along for the ride…

I’m currently working on creating a Sapphic publishing house that centers voices, stories, and experiences of queer women and non-binary people. My goal is to cultivate a space where creativity, authenticity, and inclusivity can thrive. If this vision excites you and you’d like to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you have connections, ideas, or simply want to be a part of this project—let’s make it happen. The Sapphic literary community is already here, and they’re hungry for stories that reflect their lives and experiences. It’s time for the literary world to recognize this audience not just as underserved, but as a passionate fanbase eagerly waiting for the content they deserve.