MIGHTY PEN: Asteria Gonzalez

It is not even November 20 and we already have a MIGHTY PEN. That’s right, folks. Our resident beast of a sprinter, Asteria Gonzalez, has won NaNoWriMo. I am so stinking impressed right now, I can’t even. (Although not surprised. Like I said, she’s an awesome writerly beast.) If you missed her excerpt when she hit Silver Pen, check it out! And read more about her below.

Congratulations Asteria! Super, crazy awesome.

Interview with a Mighty Pen: Asteria

What’s one thing that changed in your expectations for your project from November 1st to now?
One of my projects was initially going to be a 10k novelette. I wrote a draft that fulfilled that expectation, and then I saw a few threads that could lead into a longer work. Now I have another novel on my hands, which is perfectly fine by me.

What moment in NaNoWriMo18 stands out the most to you?
As usual, the interaction between participants of The Mighty Pens has been a highlight. They’re a wonderful group of dedicated writers who support and cheer each other on, and I love being a part of it.

What’s something you’ve learned, or that you’re proud of, from this year’s NaNo?
The other project, the one that is not the novelette-turned-novel, is the third book of my YA fantasy series. As such, there are a number of threads that reappear, and keeping track of them all has been an experience. Between papers covering my desk and notes on the whiteboard, I think I have everything mapped out.

Any advice for yourself or other’s for next year’s NaNo, if you’re able to participate again?
Be proud of what you’ve written. Whether it’s 5k or 25k or 50k, you’ve created characters and worlds and stories, and that is something to be proud of.