Hi, I’m Astera.
It’s tough finding new stories to read: ones that explore difficult topics in an appropriate way, and ones that don’t drain hope for my own struggles.
And after nine years of chronic illness and experiencing miraculous healing, I’ve learned—true hope makes evil tremble. So I write gripping, honest stories that expose darkness while offering hope to readers after they finish the last page.
I wrote my first novella over ten years ago at age thirteen, and now I’m a student at The Author Conservatory, an intensive mentorship program where I’ve had the chance to learn from professional editors and career authors.
When I’m not writing or traveling, you can find me learning to surf at the Shark Bite Capital of the World, devouring my favorite sci-fi series again, doodling “Jesus Freak” on my arm with eyeliner, or singing until the walls reverberate.
How It all Began
I grew up reading books my mother chose that expanded my world and helped me understand others better, that explored difficult topics in an age-appropriate way while offering hope and adventure. But when I’m choosing my own new stories to read, I struggle to find ones that will do the same, without draining hope for my own struggles or exposing me to mental images I can’t un-see.
I want to read—and for my siblings to read—books that will encourage us to think deeply, that will sweep us on an adventure from the first to last page, and will resonate with us and bring us hope long after finishing the final page. So, as C. S. Lewis said, “If they won't write the kind of books we like to read, we shall have to write them ourselves.”
The Creds
WRITING EXPERIENCE
Publishing a short story in the Voices of the Future student anthology with The Author Conservatory in 2027
Two novellas (mystery/espionage and historical fiction genres.)
Three short stories (sci-fi and contemporary.)
Four pieces of flash fiction (fantasy, comedy, contemporary.)
One full-length novel (action/adventure) and received professional feedback.
Currently drafting a full-length novel (fantasy)
WRITING TRAINING
Student in The Author Conservatory, an intensive three-year mentorship program that teaches crafting a marketable concept, arc, synopsis, and outline of a novel; drafting, self editing, and implementing professional feedback; querying and pitching to agents; and creating a comprehensive plan for a sustainable writing career. Intensive training and coaching from professional editors and authors, including Amy Williams, Jennifer Lindsay, Katie Williams, Haylie Hanson, and Lauren Hildebrand
BUSINESS TRAINING
Intensive training from business owners, consultants, coaches, and entrepreneurs, including Becky Kopitzke, Jason Kempson, Chad Kopitzke, Margaret McGriff, Audrey Wilkerson, and Tara Lee Felix
Experience in marketing (social media, in person, email,) networking (former business was a business partner with the local board of realtors,) and entrepreneurship (creating a business, budgeting, working with vendors, execution of an excellent product, customer satisfaction.)
Extensive training and experience in public speaking, including teaching elementary school public speaking and competing at the state level in high school.
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