There’s a distinct kind of magic that happens when an author decides to stop waiting for the story they want to read and simply writes it themselves. For over a decade, USA Today bestselling and international award-winning author Jessica Cage has been doing exactly that. Over the past 15 years, she’s built an empire in the self-publishing world and rewrote the rules of speculative fiction.
Since launching her career in 2010, Cage has authored over 35 novels and numerous short stories. But her impact goes far beyond her prolific word count. Dedicated to bringing roots, resilience and representation to the page, Cage writes powerful urban fantasy and speculative fiction. Her books feature characters of color, ensuring that marginalized communities see themselves reflected in magical landscapes.
Cage’s latest release is the perfect distillation of that signature charm: a sparkling, inclusive and high-stakes magical rom-com with strong LGBTQ+ vibes.
Her Latest Release: I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch
Who has time for crazy ex-girlfriends and witches from new worlds when you’re trying to build an empire?
Enter Shontae Carter. She has built her fitness sanctuary from the ground up, armed with protein bars, sass and zero tolerance for diet culture nonsense. Shontae isn’t just helping women lift weights; she’s helping them lift each other up. With a major TV spot lined up to drum up new business, everything is right on track. This is until a mysterious (and absurdly gorgeous) new client walks through the door.
Likosa isn’t your typical gym-goer. She’s a witch from a shadowy realm known as The Bane with killer cheekbones and an energy that crackles, literally. Likosa’s plan is simple: cozy up to Shontae, tap into the strange power hidden in her aura and use it to break open a portal home. But nothing in her ancient practices prepared her for protein smoothies, cardio class or the devastatingly cute way Shontae blushes when she flirts with her.
As the two women team up for “personal training” (emphasis on personal), sparks fly, spells misfire and hearts get caught in the crossfire. With demons from The Bane tracking Likosa’s every move and Shontae discovering secrets about her own power, they’ll have to decide. Should they fight for their separate homes or build one together?
Spicy, snarky, and full of heart, I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch is a magical rom-com for anyone who believes strength comes in all sizes and that love might just be the strongest magic of all.
From The South Side to Success: The Journey of Jessica Cage
Like many writers, Jessica Cage’s path to becoming an indie powerhouse didn’t follow a straight line. Born and raised in the South Side of Chicago (and later relocating to Atlanta), she grew up in a tight-knit, matriarchal family. While she was a lifelong lover of sci-fi, fantasy and magical realism, she constantly noticed a lack of characters who looked like her.
Despite her passion, the world offered the usual practical warnings. For years, Cage was told “there is no money in writing,” so she avoided it. The turning point came at age 22. High-risk and pregnant, Cage faced a moment of profound clarity. She realized she couldn’t authentically tell her unborn son to chase his dreams if she didn’t have the courage to chase her own. Holding fast to that resolution, she published her very first book when her son was just five months old.
Channeling Worlds & Rejecting Tropes
Today, Cage’s writing philosophy is as unique as her journey. She often describes herself not as an inventor of stories, but as a “recorder” or “channeler” of worlds. She has a unique ability to let her characters stay true to who they are without forcing them into traditional molds. Above all, Cage heavily rejects the “damsel in distress” archetype, prioritizing female empowerment, autonomy and resilience.
For Cage, success isn’t a solo endeavor. True to her roots, she is a passionate indie author mentor. In 2021, she launched the Caged Writers Group to guide new authors through the complex, often daunting intricacies of self-publishing. Between mentoring the next generation of indie voices and delivering unputdownable stories, she continues to prove that when you build your own kingdom, you get to write the rules. She also makes time to connect with her fiercely loyal fan base through Caged Readers book club.
I Accidentally Locked Down a Witch was released on May 26, 2026, and is on sale now. You can check her out online at JessicaCage.com. You may also enjoy some of her previous books, including I Accidentally Hooked up with a Vampire, Siren’s Call and I Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend. Stay tuned for more li Voices features right here!
