Patricia Paola Fernández Silanes, better known as Nona Fernández, is a prominent Chilean actress, author, screenwriter, and feminist. Born on June 23, 1971, in Santiago, Chile, she has established herself as a powerful voice in contemporary Latin American literature.

Fernández grew up as an only child of a single mother in a neighborhood near the Bíobío Persian Market along Matta Avenue. As an actress, she co-founded the theatre company Merri Melodys and has participated in numerous theatrical productions. Her acting excellence was recognized when she won the best actress award at a contest held by the Chilean-American Cultural Center.

Her literary career began with her stories being featured in various anthology competitions, and her first book of short stories, titled El cielo, was published in the year 2000. Following this, she published her award-winning novel Mapocho in 2002. Over the years, Fernández has received multiple accolades, including the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Prize and the Altazor Prize, demonstrating her mark on both literary and performing arts.