Volunteer Spotlight: Casey
Welcome to the Mighty Pens 2021! This year we have so many wonderful volunteers standing behind us and we want to make sure everyone gets 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.
Today we are introducing Casey (she/her)! Not that she needs an introduction. You’ve probably seen her a time or two on the Discord since she’s always up for sprinting and talking about all things story. You can keep up with Casey on Twitter @niee87 and Instagram @cacrocks1.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I’m from upstate New York, I have one older brother, I now live with my two best friends both originally met online in my teens
Q: Tell us about your pets!
A: I cohabitate with 4 birds and 1 dog, all of whom are my roommate’s but I get to dote on. The puppo is 14.5, the birds range from 5 years old to unknown.
Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?
A: Just binged Loki. I’m too exhausted currently to read anything. I am listening to the last Magnus Chase book. but my last five star read was audio: Blackout by six amazing authors and book-wise Beneath the Shadow Dark by the Mighty Pen’s very own Melissa Polk
Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A: Mostly a pantser but usually after things have sat in the back of my brain for a while.
Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?
A: Tea or hot cider. I don’t really have a favorite writing snack
Q: What’s in your ears while you write?
A: Depends but usually movie or video game soundtracks. A lot of Star Wars. Recently a bunch of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?
A: I have! I’ve participated every year since 2003 (eek!) except one. I have won most of those. I’m being a rebel this year. Working on something I’ve already started and not expecting to get to 50k but last year I came way closer than expected due to the Mighty Pens Discord sprints
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: Mostly low fantasy set in a world of my own making (and a lot of Star Wars fanfics). The story I’m working on for NaNo is a culmination of many years of world and character building. A giant clash of all the plot lines I’ve set up over half a dozen full novels and many, many short stories (and AUs)
Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?
A: Don’t be afraid to join in the community. The years I’ve failed NaNo are the years I didn’t get involved enough in the community. You can ‘compete’ against others but really it’s just good for the encouragement and seeing others trying the same insane thing you are.
Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?
A: I am a Mighty Pens vet. I’ve been an ML various years, including starting two Regions, and my parents always encouraged my brother and I to volunteer so it’s in my blood at this point.
Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?
A: The community!!
Q: Do you have a special connection to WeForest? Or just like raising money for a good cause?
A: I do not. I hadn’t heard of it until it was chosen as this year’s charity, but I grew up in the New York Adirondacks, climbing mountains and exploring the woods, and I love nothing more than getting back into nature so it’s the perfect cause.
Thanks for always being there to cheer us on, Casey! Always looking forward to more sprinting and fun on Discord.
