The Duo
Gabriella Anita Mestman
Gabriella graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science and Human Rights and is an alumna of the Rosemary’s House writing residency. When she isn’t on a three-hour-long book call with Valeria, she is writing her first solo novel and working as a vintage clothing reseller. She recently wrote and directed her first short film, Names We Lose, and is producing a feature film in 2027. Gabriella is based in Queens, New York.
Valeria Kristina De Choudens
Valeria studied Communications at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She is an avid reader, drawn to stories surrounding love and identity. Outside of her co-writing with Gabriella, she is passionate about the editorial side of storytelling and works as a freelance developmental editor. She is passionate about health and wellness and works as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. Valeria is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Why we work
From empty page to full-length manuscript, we develop our stories in tight tandem and approach our shared writing as a true partnership, combining our distinct strengths in character, story, and prose.
Our process is deeply iterative. Every draft is crafted through shared vision and constant dialogue (i.e. hours-long calls), resulting in a narrative voice that feels cohesive and singular.
Before becoming co-authors, we spent a year working together on a books-based podcast, which both solidified and demonstrated to us the strength of our professional relationship. When the thought emerged about joining forces to write a book together, we had zero doubts as to whether it would work. One year later, we had a 77k word manuscript.
As Anita Kristina, we have so many more ideas for future projects and plan on writing as many stories together for as long as we can. As we begin to search for a home for our debut work, we will continue development on our sophomore novel.
“Gabby is a master on the keys, both in writing beautiful prose and in serenading me on the piano.”
“There are no first eyes I trust more than Valeria’s. When she tells me she doesn’t like something, she’s usually right.”