More Than A Story
Why putting on a costume sometimes makes us more ourselves
Cosplay is often dismissed as costume and fandom. But for many people it becomes something deeper — a space where identity is explored, confidence is rebuilt, grief is processed, and belonging is discovered.More Than a Story explores how stepping into a character can help people reconnect with themselves and experiment with who they are becoming.
This book is not about costume.
It’s about identity.
Part of the Cosplay Therapy Project
More Than a Story grew out of the Cosplay Therapy Project, an exploration of how story, identity, and fandom intersect.
While cosplay is not therapy, the ways people use story, character, and embodiment can mirror many of the same processes that help people grow and heal.
By gathering real experiences from cosplayers, the project seeks to better understand how characters, costumes, and community help people navigate identity and belonging.
Who This Book is For?
• Adult cosplayers navigating identity shifts
• Therapists curious about fandom culture
• Creators exploring embodiment and meaning
• Anyone who has ever felt more themselves in story
Current Status:
The manuscript is currently in final development. The book grows out of interviews, personal experience, and years of observing how story communities create space for identity exploration and belonging. Release details will be announced soon.
Hello from MegaCon Orlando 2026
If we met at a convention, welcome.
Many of the ideas in this book grew out of conversations in cosplay halls, fan panels, and late-night discussions about the characters that shape us.
If you're curious about the project, you can follow along as it develops.