Hello, Dreamer!
Growing up, I was captivated by epic novels like Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Chronicles of Narnia, and the Legend Series. Animated films like Treasure Planet, Spirited Away, and Mulan fueled my love for storytelling. I admired tales that combined meaningful journeys with thrilling stakes and adventure.
But somewhere along the way into adulthood, the stories I lived became broken, shadowed by losses and seasons of darkness. And yet, the starry-eyed dreamer inside never truly vanished. I still longed for stories that carried the same sense of magic and beauty. Stories that were exciting, yet kind enough to hold both wonder and wounds. Stories that offered comfort without pretending the darkness wasn’t there…so, I began writing those stories.
When I’m writing fiction, my pages live in the realms of sci-fi and fantasy, sprinkled with wholesome romance and humor, then led by diverse characters. I write about loveable misfits, strange artists, extraordinary warriors, and flawed fantastic beings. My stories feature broken things in repair—mostly robots, oftentimes human hearts.
In the same vein, my creative non-fiction navigates the highs and lows of existence. I write to reflect on the lived experiences of pain, grief, and mental health struggles, while recounting the long—yet hopeful—journey toward healing.
My goal is to write stories that can entertain and inspire; stories that are unafraid to explore hardships and heartache, while inspiring the reader like stars in the darkness. (The idea of galaxies comforted me during difficult seasons, reminding me to keep dreaming).
If I’m not writing about whimsical worlds, I’m working as a pediatric speech pathologist. I’m passionate about advocating for people with disabilities. It’s a job close to my heart and calling. Aside from my day job, I’m a staff writer at One Voice Magazine, an Academic Teaching Assistant at the Young Writer’s Workshop, and a member of SEA LIT.
My short stories have won semi-finalist standings in competitions like the The Kinsman Quarterly’s Iridescence Award and the Story Embers Short Story Contest. My first published story was included in the Lawless sci-fi anthology, which became a #1 Amazon Best Seller.
I live in the Philippines where the shores touch beautiful blues, and where cities are known for savory food.
You can find my writing portfolio here. Feel free to contact me through social media or sign up for my newsletter to get free stories and exclusive updates on my writing journey.
See you around as you stargaze in this space!
Here’s a collection of stories I’ve cherished across the years.
You might like my writing if you resonate with any of them. 🙂












































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Professional Bio
Nicole Gusto writes YA sci-fi and fantasy. Her stories feature whimsical worlds and diverse characters navigating the highs and lows of existence. She also writes creative non-fiction informed by lived experiences of heartache, mental health challenges, and the hopeful work of healing. When she’s not writing, she works as a speech pathologist who teaches children to share their own stories, too. She’d love to connect with friends in Instagram at @nicolegusto or through her newsletter at www.nicolegusto.com.


