Hi! I’m Tessa.
Author • Storyteller • Jesus-lover • Encourager of young hearts
Here’s a little about who I am and my story…
Since the beginning of my writing journey, readers knew me as Tessa Emily Hall, an author who wrote fiction + non-fiction for teen girls.
After getting married in 2025 and feeling led to expand my writing into children’s books, I decided to take my husband’s last name as part of my author name as well.
I am stepping into a new season as Tessa Emily Osborn, but my heart is still the same:
to create stories + resources that remind young readers they are seen, loved, & never alone.
Why I Write ...
Stories help us make sense of the world.
Especially when you’re young—in a season of life that feels confusing & overwhelming…
you long for connection. You want to belong. You want reassurance that you’re not the only one feeling this way.
And sometimes, you just need a place to escape.
Books can be that place.
They create a safe distance while still illustrating the truth.
They offer a bigger-picture lens… one that gently reminds you this moment is only a chapter, not the whole story.
That what you’re walking through can still be stitched into something good.
And that hope has a way of finding you, even here.
So, whether I’m writing a devotional for a teenage girl learning how to walk with Jesus, or a whimsical story for a child discovering their place in the world, I write with one purpose:
to create stories where young readers feel seen, less alone, & reminded that their lives matter.
And that perhaps God is present in the middle of it all.
Curious to learn about how my writing journey began when I was 16 years old?
Feel free to check out my old blog archive by clicking here!
these are a few of my favorite things...…
Spending time in God’s Word.
Autumn.
The mountains.
The ocean.
Antique stores.
Old books.
Dark chocolate.
Worship music.
Mentoring young writers.
Editing books.
Franklin, TN.
Bookstores.
Fitness (specifically barre, kickboxing, and pilates).
Books by my favorite authors, Karen Kingsbury, Rachel Hauck, and Francine Rivers.
Music from some of my favorite artists: Jon Mclaughlin, Needtobreathe, Josh Garrels, Ben Rector, & Mat Kearney.
Country music.
Christian young adult fiction.
Time travel and/or time split fiction.
Reading classic Christian literature (Andrew Murray, Thomas Kempis, Brother Lawrence, etc.)
Reading motivational books, specifically by John Maxwell.
Collecting coffee mugs.
Creating art journals and mixed media artwork.
Starbucks.
Peanut butter.
Art exhibits.
My imperial Shih-tzu named Brewer.
Spending time with family.
Breakfast.
History.
Drinking herbal tea in the evenings.
Sunrises.
Inspirational films.
Musicals.
Painting my nails.
Wearing rings.
Paris.
Lavender essential oil.
Learning new things.
Giving gifts.
Staying updated on current events and social issues.
Card games.
Photography.
Healthy food.
Traveling.
Views from an airplane.
Meeting new people.
Writing in my prayer journal.
Conversations at coffee shops.
here’s my bio
Tessa Emily Osborn is an award-winning author who wrote her first novel at sixteen and hasn’t stopped writing for young people since. Now a multi-published author of both fiction and nonfiction, her latest book, INFLUENCER, invites young women to discover their God-given potential and use their gifts for His glory. A firm believer in the power of story to plant truth in young hearts, Tessa’s ultimate hope is that God will use her books to inspire the next generation to pursue a relationship with Jesus from an early age.
Her work has received recognition in numerous contests, including the Moonbeam and Selah Awards, and her articles for teens have appeared in various magazines. Tessa enjoys speaking to young people at schools and churches, as well as teaching at writing conferences across the country.
Formerly a YA/MG acquisitions editor and literary agent, she gained a front-row seat to the publishing world—experience she now channels into helping other writers bring their stories to life through editing, coaching, and copywriting.
Tessa lives on the coast of South Carolina, where you’ll often find her reading on the beach while her husband surfs, sipping iced coffee, walking under the Spanish moss, or wandering through local art galleries for inspiration. Her favorite form of “productive procrastination” is connecting with readers on social media (@tessaemilyosborn) and through her newsletter. Visit her online home at TessaEmilyOsborn.com.