Volunteer Spotlight: Amy Ripley
The Mighty Pens would be nothing without our volunteers. We wanted to make sure everyone got the recognition they deserve. Each week, we’ll be spotlighting one or more of our volunteers and they can tell you in their own words a little bit about them and why they are a part of the Mighty Pens team.
Up next this week is Amy Ripley (she/her)! Check out her Twitter or Instagram for more updates on how her NaNo is going so far!
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I live in the Los Angeles area and work a day job as a Content Manager for a children’s website. I have a screenwriting degree from USC film school, but have been working on novels for the past few years.
Q: Tell us about your pets! Or dream pet, if you don’t have one.
A: My boyfriend and I have two cats, an orange tabby and a black longhair. They resent each other and fight like siblings. Hopefully when we move into a bigger place we can get a dog.
Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?
A: Watching: Just finished The Haunting of Bly Manor and started the new season of The Mandalorian.
Reading: I’m rereading an old comfort read, Mossflower by Brian Jacques, as well as Love and Gelato, Magic Lessons, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, and Oathbringer (why so many? why am I like this???). My last 5 star read was The Wonder by Emma Donahue.
Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A: Definite plotter. Structure saves me. Though, I do not outline every scene in detail. More like I plan out the major signposts.
Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?
A: I usually write in the early morning before work, so COFFEE. Cookies are always great too.
Q: What’s in your ears while you write?
A: I love sad music, even if what I’m writing isn’t sad.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about writing? Least favorite?
A: Favorite: that moment something clicks and for at least for a few minutes I don’t feel like an utter failure/imposter. Least favorite: the rest of the time.
Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?
A: I’ve done NaNo and Camp NaNo a few times. I’ve never “won” but I’ve always had a great time!
Q: What do you write? And if you can, tell us what you are working on now or will be working on for NaNo.
A: This year I am revising my third novel, which I drafted earlier this year. It’s a YA contemporary romance inspired by the film Before Sunrise.
Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?
A: Try to relax. I promise nothing bad will happen if you don’t hit 50k. And come join our discord! I want to be friends!
Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?
A: I participated in the Mighty Pens in 2017 and volunteered in 2018. Returning volunteer because I just love it so so much.
Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?
A: The community of amazing people, all raising money for a great cause.
Q: Do you have a special connection to Every Mother Counts? Or just like raising money for a good cause?
A: No special connection, but very excited to support them this year!
