Local Author Scott Morro on his new book Cooped Up and the AI Cover Art Question

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Scott Morro brings Bethlehem into a story of growing up, making mistakes and finding a way forward with Cooped Up. Scheduled for release October 30, 2026, exclusively on Amazon, the young adult novel follows 13-year-old Cooper Grieve, whose Halloween weekend takes an unexpected turn when he is sent to stay with his grandmother at an assisted living community.

The book is Morro’s eighth and his first venture into self-publishing. His decision to use ChatGPT for its cover also raises questions about AI artwork, creative control, publishing costs and opportunities for local authors and artists to work together.

AI cover art and the cost of self-publishing

Morro says the novel’s writing, characters, development and themes are his own. He explains that his previous publisher suggested self-publishing after indicating it might take a couple of years to bring Cooped Up to readers.

For earlier books, Morro worked with artists and illustrators through his publisher, contributing ideas while relying on their visual skills. With Cooped Up, he chose ChatGPT for the cover. The practical questions include the cost of commissioning artwork, alternatives such as hiring a local artist, and how collaborations could make financial sense for both writers and illustrators.

Cooper, Charlie and second chances

Cooper is a seventh grader juggling school, sports, friendships and changes at home. Morro describes a character who sometimes does the wrong things for the right reasons, with consequences that force him to reconsider his choices.

At the assisted living community, Charlie Cunningham becomes a friend and mentor. Their relationship helps shape a story about loss, forgiveness, learning from older generations and making the best of a difficult situation. Morro also says he is working on a sequel that builds on their friendship.

Lehigh Valley roots and a teacher’s ear for dialogue

A Nazareth native and Moravian College graduate, Morro draws on more than 30 years of teaching experience. He credits current and former students with helping him write dialogue that feels natural to young readers.

His earlier novels, The Washington Pursuit and The Albrecht Society, use historic Bethlehem settings, including the Sun Inn and Moravian’s South Campus. Morro recalls book promotions that brought readers on walking tours through places connected to those stories, including spaces beneath South Campus.

Where to find Scott Morro’s Cooped Up

• Release date: October 30, 2026
• Formats: Paperback and ebook
• Availability: Exclusively on Amazon
• Author website: scottmorro.com

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