the migty pens

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.

First up we have a very recognizable mushroom! Melissa (she/her), or @wildfaeriecaps as we’re sure you’re familiar with if you’ve been hanging around on Discord, can be found with that same username on Twitter and Instagram.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: Keeper of four boys (one of whom masquerades as a husband), four cats, countless books, and an embarrassing horde of coffee beans. Currently working on publishing an epic fantasy romance duology and reading every regency romance she can get her hands on. Has never broken a bone, yet is not in possession of all her internal organs. Afraid of the dark and in love with monsters.

Q: Tell us about your pets! Or dream pet, if you don’t have one.

A: Down to four cats: Faustus, Surreal, Throgmorten, and Goblin. They are unholy terrors, as all cats should be.

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

A: I tend to read a book a day, so there’s no way this will be accurate. Next up on my TBR is I Love You, I Hate You by our very own Elizabeth Davis (which I’ve actually already read an ARC of and, spoiler, gave it 5 stars).

I tend to only read five star books? What’s the point otherwise, right? I finished Bloodflower by K.J. Harrowick last night (er.. at 3am) and it was *FABULOUS* and everyone should read it.

In the evenings B and I are watching the BBC’s The Musketeers and *loving* it.

Q: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A: Somewhere in between. I bullet-point plot and deviate entirely within 30k of drafting.

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

A: Coffee. Ice water. Iced tea.

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

A: I make playlists for each book I write, but tend to listen to video game soundtracks during NaNo. Vampyr is among my favorites.

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

A: Yes. Yes. Yes!

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 fantasy in a variety of flavors. This NaNo I’m writing a magical, queer retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher (I’ve never written a retelling before so this ought to be entertaining).

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

A: Take it easy, enjoy the ride. By showing up, you’ve won. Don’t stress about word counts or goals. Enjoy the people and the community–they make it all worthwhile.

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

A: This is my third year with the Mighty Pens. I became a volunteer because.. apparently I’m addicted to sprinting and I may as well put that out there for others to utilize? Because I haunt the Might Pens discord like a very lonely, comma-confused poltergeist?

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

A: The community. Hands down. You’re my people and I’m so happy I’ve found you all.

You’re our people, too, Melissa! Thank you for all your hard work and for being so involved in our community. Here’s to many more sprints and brainstorming sessions this year.