Elisa Stilson Magagna (born February 2, 1983), known by the pen name EC Stilson, is an American writer, editor, and publisher. She has also published blog posts under the name Elisabeth Hirsch. She is one of the founders of Wayman Publishing and Literati Publications. Stilson is also known for her memoirs, and personal appearances speaking across the United States.
EC Stilson | |
|---|---|
 Stilson in 2014 | |
| Born | Elisa Stilson February 2, 1983 |
| Occupation(s) | Novelist; editor, publisher |
| Spouse | Cade Hirsch Morris (divorced)Michael Magagna (m. 2015) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Phil Stilson, Ruby Stilson |
Biography
editStilson attended Brighton High School. After graduating from high school two trimesters early, Stilson traveled to Hawaii and became a homeless violinist with guitar player Cade Hirsch Morris. Months later they returned to Utah, married, and had children. In 2001, her father was diagnosed with colon cancer. In 2003 her second child, a boy, died of birth defects after living 2½ months, and her marriage started failing. It was during 2001–2003 that Stilson wrote her first memoir, The Golden Sky.[1]
In 2005, in an effort to cope with stressful situations, Stilson went back to school and received her associate degree from Western International University. In the following decade, Stilson wrote seven more novels under the pen name EC Stilson and also earned her bachelor's degree from Western Governors University.
In 2015 Stilson married Michael Magagna, former host of Utah After Hours (KWCR).[2] The two moved to Idaho where Stilson was diagnosed with melanoma stage 2B in 2018. In 2020 this progressed to stage 4 melanoma, and doctors projected Stilson would only live two years following this diagnosis.[3]
While battling cancer, Stilson began blogging again, and her blog, "Crazy Life of a Writing Mom," hit one million views.[4] She and her family have begun checking things off of her bucket list together. Some of these items have included skydiving, visiting Italy, and even singing the "Star-Spangled Banner" at a semi-pro baseball game.[5]
Business
editIn 2011, Stilson started a blog called Crazy Life of a Writing Mom, which would be categorized under Mommyblogs.[6] The blog was initially published under the pen name Elisabeth Hirsch,[7] with her stated goal to "write one hilarious, embarrassing, or otherwise outrageous moment each day for 365 days straight."
In 2011 Stilson founded Wayman Publishing. Five of its books became Amazon bestsellers in 2012, many of them in large categories such as women's memoir.[8] Wayman Publishing went out of business in the fall of 2014.
From 2011 to 2013, several of Stilson's books were published, including The Sword of Senack, How to Lose a Tooth, and three memoirs in The Golden Sky series.
In 2020-2021, Stilson began fighting melanoma[9] and wrote two memoirs about those experiences: Two More Years and Ring the Bell.
Bibliography
edit- (2011) How to Lose a Tooth, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN 1466473185
- (2011) One Wing in the Fire (The Golden Sky), Wayman Publishing, Independently published, Literati Publications, ISBN 1460961978
- (2012) The Sword of Senack, Wayman Publishing, ISBN 1461180694
- (2012) Bible Girl & the Bad Boy, Wayman Publishing, ISBN 1463653654
- (2012) The Best of ECWrites (Crazy Life of a Writing Mom, Book 1), Kindle Edition, Wayman Publishing, ASIN:B008AK75X2
- (2012) Homeless in Hawaii, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, ASIN:B00F3ZMZGO
- (2013) How to Avoid Having Sex, Wayman Publishing/CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN 1482095262
- (2017) A Stranger's Kindness, Literati Publications/CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN 1622537815
- (2022) Two More Years, Evolved Publishing ISBN 1622537815
- (2023) Ring the Bell, Independently published, Literati Publishing ISBN 9798854651738
Additional publication credits
edit- (2011) Christmas Lites I, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN 146796204X
- (2012) Christmas Lites II, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN 1480275042
- (2012) Open Doors: An Anthology, Wayman Publishing, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN 1477455132
- (2012) Open Doors: Fractured Fairy Tales, Wayman Publishing, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, ISBN 148015718X
- (2012) My Funny Major Medical, Bauu Institute ISBN 1936955105
Podcast
edit- Tips to Happiness with EC Stilson, October 2, 2023 – Present, Global One Media Inc.[10]
References
edit- ^ "Infant Loss". Archived from the original on April 14, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
- ^ Utah After Hours Podcast, Episode 1, Jan 10, 2012.
- ^ Paras, Julian (March 5, 2021). "Local author reflects on dealing with stage-4 melanoma and how it's changed her life". KPVI. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
- ^ Blog Hits One Million Views
- ^ "EC Stilson Sings at Baseball Game". Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- ^ "EC Stilson's blog". Archived from the original on March 8, 2013. Retrieved March 2, 2013.
- ^ EC Stilson's blog from 2011 published as Elisabeth Hirsch.
- ^ "Memoir: "The Golden Sky" and Women's Memoir". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2013.
- ^ "Stilson Fights Terminal Melanoma". Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
- ^ Tips to Happiness with EC Stilson, October 2, 2023 - Present, Global One Media Inc. Archived June 15, 2024, at the Wayback Machine.