Pen & Key Strokes with Kathryn Thompson
For years I have enjoyed taking writing classes at the Visual Arts Center as a way to connect with other writers and have a place to nurture my talent. My career has primarily consisted of grant and communications writing and I really value having an organization with a variety of creative classes.
Magnet Poem by Kathryn Thompson
I love journals and Ink Joy gel pens! This is my favorite method to use for writing anything. Writing in journals enables me to flip back through the pages and rediscover my poetry, short fiction or thoughts. I used bullet journaling one year as a form of mindfulness. It was my favorite Sunday afternoon activity and I still enjoy watching YouTube tutorials on different monthly layouts. While writing in a very nice bullet or lined journal is my preference, screenwriting requires special software that properly formats screenplays and I’ve embraced keyboards and digital formats as a first draft option.
In 2020 during COVID I was looking for a writing class at VISARTS just to have interaction with others and to also cope with so many lifestyle changes during that time. I had been wanting to take memoir writing, but the class was full. Every writing class was full, except screenwriting. I had never given any thought to writing screenplays and was off to a slow start with this class. I have written 55 pages into my first novel and you must have very good details and descriptions. I write lots of poetry and that also needs details, feelings and descriptions. I remember being very confused about Ariana critiquing my work at the beginning of the class. Then it clicked, she just wants an outline with dialogue. Well maybe a little more, but once I understood, I was off to writing my first short film, The Return To Me. This experience was literally lifechanging. I wrote, produced and acted in my first film and it made it into three film festivals. It premiered in 2021 at the Afrikana Film Festival and later screened at the San Diego Black Film Festival and the S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase in Los Angeles. I was able to attend the festival in Los Angeles and meet Black filmmakers from all over the world.
It gets even bigger!
In 2022 I was enrolled at VISARTS in Roscoe Burnems poetry class and one of the students was a playwright. He was also an amazing poet. He mentioned a fellowship opportunity and I went home and submitted my application. We are now both fellows in the Cadence Pipeline New Works Fellowship. I am currently writing my first TV pilot and am hoping to film the series in 2023 with the actors from my short film. Twelve pages has brought a windfall of change into my life!
In my current role with CultureWorks, I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting artists and staff at local organizations. I have really enjoyed attending local theater venues and am looking forward to the upcoming Afrikana Film Festival. I hope to become more connected with the local film community and experience other great opportunities. Dream big you never know what will happen!