the mighty pens

November 30 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Gold

themightypens Volunteer Spotlight mightiest of volunteers, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, writing, writing community 0

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.

Last volunteer on my list this year is… myself! I am the person on the other side of the keyboard posting many of the blog posts you see here. For more about my writing journey (or sometimes not-writing journey), you can follow me on Instagram!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: This year has been an absolute roller-coaster for me! I’m back to working in person in a new position at my local zoo (I’m in events and it’s SO much fun!), but I’m also still working my side gig as a marketing writer. I also got married this year and am in the process of buying a house! So, it should come as no surprise that my NaNo has not gone great and I’m totally burnt out and ready for this year to be over 😅

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: My cat is trying to kill me. His name is Toulouse (yes, he’s orange, for those who have seen Aristocats 😉) and I love him to death, but man, is this little devil vocal at the worst times of the day.

Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?

A: Reading has been tough lately (for the reasons stated above), but I’m currently reading All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman. My last true five-star read was Redemtor (the sequel to Raybearer) by Jordan Ifueko.

My spouse and I have been doing a full MCU rewatch lately and loving all the shows, too. We are also obsessed with Ted Lasso.

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Mostly a plotter! I don’t really sit down to start without a very detailed plan, but I do like to pants a few scenes right at the very beginning of building an idea.

Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?

A: No favorites, but I’m a coffee, tea, and wine drinker. But there is always, always, always water on my desk. Stay hydrated, folks!

Q: What’s in your ears while you write?

A: I make playlists for all my major WIPs, so I’m usually listening to those or similar vibe-y playlists. My Spotify is kind of a mess, but you’re more than welcome to check out some of my playlists here. All the Devils is this year’s NaNo and Witch on Fire is last year’s.

Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?

A: Yes! I started in 2017 and won every year since. We’ll have to see about this year, though. It’s definitely been tough.

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: Fantasy! Mostly YA, but some of my WIPs are a bit more NA. I’m kind of working on two different projects right now. One is a fourth draft that I am still slugging through (I made a huge plot change this year and revisions are slow going). My NaNo novel is kind of a SIX OF CROWS x ACE OF SHADES type of story.

Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?

A: Don’t push yourself past your limits. I’ve had some really great NaNo years before, but this year is teaching me a lot more about taking care of myself first.

Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

A: Vet! This is my second year as a volunteer! It’s so much fun to get to interact with everyone and see the hard work that Kat and Sooz put in come to fruition.

Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?

A: Is t cliche to say the community? Seriously, though, it’s why we’re all here and keep coming back.

Q: Do you have a special connection to WeForest? Or just like raising money for a good cause?

A: I hadn’t heard of them before this, but they’re the perfect kind of organization to support right now!

Thanks, everyone for coming on this journey with me this year! I hope next year goes a lot smoother. 😅

November 28 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Asteria Gonzalez

themightypens Volunteer Spotlight mightiest of volunteers, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, writing, writing community 0

Up next is Asteria Gonzalez (she/her)! She’s always down to chat about writing and share nerdy memes, so if you want more A+ content, you can follow Asteria on Twitter @SNAGonzalez.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: When I’m not in class or working my way through assignments for my grad program, I am–you guessed it—writing. I love taking an idea and turning it into something far more complex through words alone. Outside of writing, I enjoy cooking and playing video games.

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: I have an ancient cat, who loves to sit on my laptop keyboard and generally be a fluffy nuisance.

Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?

A: At this moment, I’m rereading the Something Strange & Deadly trilogy by Susan Dennard. It’s by far one of my favorite autumn-time reads. As the weather turns cold, I like to curl up in a chair with a cup of spice tea and read SS&D.

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Well, a bit of both. I tend to have a general plotted outline, but I leave minor points up to whimsy/intuition guided by where the characters are in their own arcs.

Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?

A: Tea, hands down. A nice cup of hot black tea.

Q: What’s in your ears while you write?

A: Recently, there hasn’t been music since I steal time to write before classes.

Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?

A: I have participated in NaNoWriMo every year that the Mighty Pens have been active and plan to participate again this year.

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: For the most part, I write high fantasy, some suited for YA, others for an adult audience. This year’s NaNo, I am undertaking the task of revisions on a story you all might remember as IN THE DARK, highlighted during a Mighty Pens interview in 2018.

Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?

A: Take it slow, take it a day at a time. Don’t worry about word count and don’t feel bad if you don’t “win” NaNoWriMo. What matters is that you work on something creative, whether that be a novel draft, revisions, short stories, poetry, however you are telling a story this year.

Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

A: Mighty Pens vet from the very first year. I want to give back as much as I can because Kat and Sooz have done so much for me over the years, and I just love the community here.

Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?

A: The Mighty Pens community is wonderful and unmatched. It is home to the most generous people you’ll ever meet.

Q: Do you have a special connection to WeForest? Or just like raising money for a good cause?

A: Raising money for a good cause!

Thanks for all you do, Asteria! Good luck with revisions 🙂

November 27 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Fer de Ávila

themightypens Volunteer Spotlight mightiest of volunteers, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, writing, writing community 0

Today’s celebration is for Fer de Ávila (she/her)! You can follow along with her writing journey on Instagram and Twitter.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I’m a TA for author Nina LaCour and an ad rater for Telus International

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: I have two dogs! Their names are Lucian and Zena because my partner is obsessed with League of Legends 🙃

Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?

A: I’m rewatching Gilmore Girls for the thousandth time, reading How Moon Fuentez Fell In Love With The Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, and my last 5 star read was The Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green.

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: I’m mostly a pantser with some headlights tendencies

Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?

A: I love tea for writing in the afternoons, especially chai and English Breakfast

Q: What’s in your ears while you write?

A: Right now I’m a fan of the Autumn Cozy channel on YT. So soothing!

Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?

A: I’ve participated three times now, and won every time! I’m not participating this year ’cause I’m in the midst of revision.

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: I write YA contemporary. Currently making my way through a sisters story set in Guadalajara that I drafted last year during NaNo

Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?

A: Make it nice for yourself! There’s plenty of delight and pleasure to be had when you set aside some time for writing this month. Make a warm drink, put on your favorite playlist and your softest pajamas, and remember that you’re just telling a story. You tell stories every day! You can do this! 💪🏽

Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

A: Newcomer! I knew the Mighty Pens existed but thought it was just for people participating in NaNo. Turns out, you can also help from behind the scenes!

Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?

A: I love that your writing is impacting the world in a positive way RIGHT NOW. No matter the shape of your story or if anyone ever reads it, your words are making a difference.

Q: Do you have a special connection to WeForest? Or just like raising money for a good cause?

A: Not WeForest specifically, but I want to help the Earth cool down in any way I can, even if it’s small.

Thanks, Fer! We’re so happy you decided to join us this year! 🙂

November 25 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Katie

themightypens Volunteer Spotlight mightiest of volunteers, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, writing, writing community 0

A huge welcome to Katie (she/her) in her first year as a Mighty Pens volunteer! We’re so lucky to have you! If you want to follow along with Katie’s writing journey, you can find her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: After growing up in the middle of nowhere Wyoming, Kaite currently lives in DC. In order to balance out the nitty-gritty of policy jargon, she flings herself joyfully into each new creative endeavor that makes her heart sing. You can find her cheerfully devouring books, with ink-stained fingers and at least one cup of tea within arms reach. Otherwise, she is figuring out how to run off on the next adventure, and hoping that this time she’ll finally get to meet a dragon.

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: Dream pet would be a tiny dragon that traveled everywhere with me!

Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?

A: Currently Reading: The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers
Last 5 Star Read: Small Favors by Erin Craig

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Plantser

Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?

A: Tea! Always have a cup or a cold half of a cup somewhere in my orbit.

Q: What’s in your ears while you write?

A: Normally a playlist I make for the story or one of Susan Dennard’s writing playlists! I actually really love to make playlists for my pieces and for books that inspire me, you can check out my Witchlands themed playlists or my Starless Sea playlist on my Spotify.

Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?

A: I’ve participated for the last five years, but I’ve never technically “won”. I plan on participating this year even if I don’t reach 50,000!

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: Fantasy, anything with magic, portal fantasies. Right now I’m working on a fanfiction story that I started last NaNo.

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 jump into the community, the Discord especially is a great place to find like-minded kind humans who want you to succeed in your goals!

Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

A: Mighty Pen vet, but a new volunteer! I loved the organization and what it does so much that I wanted to find ways to help out.

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: Just like Raising Money for a Good Cause

Welcome again Katie and thanks for all you do! We’re definitely going to have to check out those playlists. They are so cool!

November 23 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Shawnee Bysh

themightypens Volunteer Spotlight mightiest of volunteers, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, writing, writing community 0

Today is Shawnee Bysh’s day! Always down to talk about writing, you can check her out on her blog, on Twitter @StarQuillQuilter, and on Instagram @wittywonderwriter.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I love to crochet, Writing.. can’t forget the writing, Cooking/baking, I love cozy mysteries, mysteries. Even that I was born smack dab in the middle of summer/August. I have a strong aversion to summer. I prefer the autumn chill and winter.

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: Used to have a crazy cat named Yoda. I still laugh about her first Christmas with us. We miss her still. Currently we are unable to have a cat.

Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?

A: Not reading (as much as I’d like too.) Watching not really anything particular.

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Plantser

Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?

A: None (I just want to write)

Q: What’s in your ears while you write?

A: I do have headphones on. But I don’t listen to music. Actually can’t stand it. I do listen to old-time radio comedies or dramas.

Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?

A: I have several times but only got through one year as a winner.

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: Mystery, paranormal, adventure Fantasy, Scifi

Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?

A: Don’t get stressed out if you don’t make a goal. Just enjoy the company and the writing ride.

Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

A: I have been on mighty pens a while.

Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?

A: The people. Who are awesome! Getting to do something for the world.

Q: Do you have a special connection to WeForest? Or just like raising money for a good cause?

A: I just like helping where I can make a difference

Thanks for everything you do over here, Shawnee! We’re always looking forward to more talks on Discord 🙂

November 21 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Samantha Tan

themightypens Volunteer Spotlight mightiest of volunteers, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, writing, writing community 0

This shoutout goes to Samantha Tan (she/her) for being way cooler than us! Hop on to Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok to get more content from @samanthaistan.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I love designing clothes and sewing, playing the piano/guitar/ukulele, singing along to broadway cast recordings, watching kdramas, and listening to the entire BTS discography. (RM is my bias and Jimin is my bias wrecker!) I also live down the road from the President! Yes, Delaware is *that* small.

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: I have a chihuahua-pug mix named Lara Jean, but I (lovingly) call her Lady Goofus McPoopus, Goof for short.

Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?

A: Currently reading COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS by Alexandria Bellefleur! Currently watching Hometown Cha Cha Cha! Last 5 star read was I LOVE YOU, I HATE YOU by Elizabeth Davis!

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Plotter, but I deviate from my outline. I’m human, after all!

Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?

A: Popcorn and wine.

Q: What’s in your ears while you write?

A: Any movie score, but usually the Pride and Prejudice (2005) score.

Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?

A: I’ve participated for the past four years! While I’ve never won, I usually reach my personal goal of 25k words. And yes, I’m participating this year! I love suffering!

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: I write YA/Adult fantasy and romance! I’m currently revising my Fantasy PI book and will start either my Marriage of Convenience WIP or my Gritty romance WIP. And yes, I am plotting a romance novel with Gritty, the mascot for the Philadelphia Flyers! No, I do not know how I got here!

Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?

A: Give yourself some grace. Some people are fast drafters, while other people, like yours truly, are not. Everyone has their own journey! It doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to get words on the page, so long as you actually write those words! Go forth and write like the wind! Or a light breeze!

Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

A: I’ve participated every year the Mighty Pens has existed! I decided to volunteer this year because I believe in this group of writers and the cause. I want to do my part in helping things run smoothly.

Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?

A: The community! They kept me from throwing my WIP in the trash, and I’m forever grateful for their belief in me.

Q: Do you have a special connection to WeForest? Or just like raising money for a good cause?

A: I just like supporting good causes!

Thanks for being awesome Samantha and good luck with your revisions and, may we say, very inventive new WIP.

November 20 2021

Mighty Pens: Checkpoint

themightypens News fundraising, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, WeForest, word count, writing, writing community 0

We are over halfway through the month and I seriously cannot find the lost time. How are you doing? Are you making it? Do you feel STELLAR? We have some killer writers this year, but I hope there’s at least one person out there who, like me, is just barely hanging onto NaNo. This year is tough, man.

Okay, okay, no need to get all in the feels. Because there is so much awesome stuff happening this year! So many checkpoints and achievements and leveling up. You did it. You made it here. And you can keep going.

Fundraising Tally

Way to go, everyone! There is still a ton of time left to hit up your friends, family, neighbors, random strangers for a few extra dollars. I mean, Thanksgiving is next week, so surely everyone will be in a giving mood. Right? Right. (Don’t forget that you’re allowed to donate to your own campaign if you haven’t already 😉)

$901 for WeForest

If you make it to 50k words this year, be sure to brag about it all over social media so your friends and family see how cool you are and feel obligated to celebrate. We can’t wait to see where we end up on the 30th, but for now, we are so excited for all the work that everyone is putting into raising money for this wonderful cause!

Word Count Tally

Wow! Everyone is seriously killing the game this year. You understood the assignment.

Over 506,000 Words Written

Every time you update that word count, this number goes up a little more. That is insane. Here’s where you can really tell that every word matters. And the fact that we’re all doing this together… Well, let’s just say I am super honored to be here with you this year.

We’ll do another round-up at the end of the month and I want to be blown away by the jump in these numbers. So get to work! We’ll see you on the other side of the war.

Go forth and keep writing!

Megan

November 14 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Amy Ripley

themightypens Volunteer Spotlight mightiest of volunteers, mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, the mighty pens 2021, writing, writing community 0

Today we’re celebrating Amy Ripley (she/her) for being a behind-the-scenes champion! You can follow along with her journey @amyripley on Twitter and Instagram.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: Fun fact: my tweet once ended up on a Taco Bell billboard and it was the greatest day of my life

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: I am a proud stepmother to my fiance’s cat Monster, a giant orange sweet tabby boy. Every day I dream of moving out of this tiny apartment so we can get a dog!

Q: What are you currently reading/watching? What was your last 5 star read?

A: Currently watching Maid and Midnight Mass. Last 5 star read was Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Plotter

Q: What’s your favorite writing snack or beverage?

A: coffee/wine (depending on time of day) and chocolate!

Q: What’s in your ears while you write?

A: Lately, it’s been a lot of “ambience” videos on youtube (mainly rain and fireplace sounds) paired with classical piano. This is not my usual, but what this book seems to need!

Q: Have you participated in NaNoWriMo before? Have you won? Are you participating this year?

A: Yes! I’ve participated several times. I never win, but I always get a lot more written than I would have otherwise, and that’s what’s important to me.

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: I write YA. Sometimes SFF, sometimes contemporary. Currently working on a YA contemporary romance that takes place over 24 hours.

Q: Any advice for someone who is joining the Mighty Pens or NaNoWriMo for the first time this year?

A: Relax and have fun! You really don’t need to hit 50k to be successful. You define your own goals and your own success. Be kind to yourself!

Q: Are you a Mighty Pens vet or a newcomer? Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

A: I am a vet from the first year of MP, and I can’t help but keep coming back! I remember seeing the announcement and call for volunteers and I didn’t even think before I put my name in. Such an amazing idea, and I thought my organizational admin skills could be of use, especially in those early days.

Q: What’s your favorite part about the Mighty Pens?

A: It’s such an amazing community. I love hanging out on discord and cheering each other on. Combining NaNo with philanthropic endeavors was a brilliant idea by Kat and Sooz. It’s great seeing how much we raise every year. So proud of everyone!

Q: Do you have a special connection to WeForest? Or just like raising money for a good cause?

A: No special connection, but love that we chose climate activism this year!

A huge thank you for everything you do, Amy! And we love your outlook on NaNo. Writing 50k isn’t for everyone and it shouldn’t have to be! Every single word is success in our book 😉

November 8 2021

Monday Motivation: One Week Down

themightypens Motivation mighty pens, mighty pens 2021, monday motivation, Motivational Monday, nanowrimo, nanowrimo 2021, national novel writing month, the mighty pens, the mighty pens 2021, writing, writing community 0

Happy Motivation Monday and congratulations on surviving the first week of National Novel Writing Month from the Mighty Pens! Whether you’re crushing your word count goals, or need that extra bit of motivation to write each day, the Mighty Pens have you covered with sprints each day and other events throughout the week. In addition to the pressure of NaNo, it can be hard to readjust the Monday after Daylight Savings Time ends in the United States, so I encourage you to practice some extra self-care today. Make sure you have your favorite beverage on hand as you turn to your NaNo project! Stay hydrated and make sure you’re getting enough rest at night.

No matter how you’re feeling coming out of NaNo week one and the clocks change, you should feel proud of committing to working on your project this month. That first week is done—here’s to heading into the next 3 going strong!

YOU CAN FIND SASHA ON TWITTER AND TUMBLR @SASHAKIELMAN

November 6 2021

Volunteer Spotlight: Casey

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.