Finding myself in the role of docu journalism was not something I would have articulated a handful of years ago for myself.

And yet,

not surprising.

As a sign language interpreter, I was trained to know a little about a lot. Always factor in prep work for an assignment and always arrive early and prepared. This aspect of my training put me in the headspace to be curious and open. Always looking for what I may not be understanding fully and ready to hear what is being said. Not just through the overt but also the subliminal.

Shifting into writing, I found myself writing interviews, first on my own blog, then for a multi-media platform I co-founded, then onto our platforms short film and then for a local film and television associations newsletter. I interviewed professionals in the media industry, artists, academics, industry leaders, business owners, friends and sometimes family.

All of this was a training ground.

I have been privileged so far to have found mentors and colleagues who have not only given me opportunities to grow but also encouraged me into the skills and capabilities that have always been there.

Reflecting on the women I have looked up to and revered over the years, I am amused at the apparent nature and theme.

Lisa Ling, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Brene Brown, Sarah Polley, Elizabeth Gilbert and Shonda Rhimes.

Writers.
Storytellers.
Researchers.
Journalists.

The common theme I come back to again and again, and the lesson each of these pillars of their industries has taught me,

is the value of holding space for the fullness of themselves, which allows them to cultivate and hold space for the fullness of others.

And this is a value I work to hold for myself.

That I honour and push for the fullness within me so that I can deeply see and meet the fullness and wholeness of another.

I have been reflecting a lot lately on the beginnings of words, storytelling and creation in me.

It is not the beginning as far as when I became a storyteller per se, which I believe is an embedded truth in my DNA and life.
It is more how I have developed over the past decade.

Leaving one career.
And exploring another.

In my early twenties, I experienced a truly devastating situation. One that I have been brought back to again and again in my journey of healing. I am reminded of the damage that humanity can inflict on one another when not taking the greatest of care. Myself included.

This was the turning point for me.

I had a choice to make.

Either I let this take me out emotionally, spiritually, physically etc., or I take back my voice.

The Chronicles of the Dramatics Society has many moments where I look back and think of all the things I would change with the experience I have now.

And yet, it still has the heart and the soul of me embedded into it.

Doing this one small show was my first vital lesson that creativity and storytelling are about showing up with a vision, executing it to the best of my ability, and finding joy in the process.

Writing and producing this hour-long play, I found forgiveness for myself and others, space and grace for what is hard to explain and a deep desire to pursue this new side of myself—the side with a voice and a vision.

So albeit I wouldn’t claim this as high art or anything that is incredibly skilled, but that I am proud of it, its raw, vulnerable nature…

and that if I had chosen to stay silent in my pain, I would not be where I am today.

Last month was the last week in John Yorke's Storytelling for Screenwriters Workshop through Media Xchange (and for me, also through Screen Nova Scotia). The week focused on characters and their development.

Takeaways

The most relatable and memorable characters are three-dimensional and, therefore, a true reflection of humanity's complexities.

Characters are innately as simple as they are complex.

Understanding the background and fundamentals of psychology can help us better understand why characters do what they do and what their next action may naturally be due to their coping mechanisms in both healthy and unhealthy ways.

Characters deserve to have us as writers, take the time to understand them better to deliver a holistic view of humanity.

Characters are and should be in constant movement towards a change, whatever that change may be.

What I am Revved Up About

A sincere desire to take the characters I develop, be them fictional or based on someone, (e.g. a current project on my paternal grandmother.) and give them the time and depth of understanding they deserve.

Often I focus on making sure I have the wholeness of a story down, but the gaps in the story or the parts that do not flow are resolved once the character themself are brought into the place they are going and need to be. It would seem that both character and story structure are equally as essential and feed each other.

A recognition that discussing characters with other writers and storytellers gives the insight and springboard I need to press on with the work.

At the end of this two-week journey, I feel more comfortable in story creation, inspired and left feeling connected to storytellers on a global scale. One does not have to live in the same country or time zone to share ideas, gain insight and find the gold in a character or the story itself.