The other part is all about hands-on creative project development. My approach is best described as “Going Beyond Entertainment.” The goal is always the kind of story that wakes us up to life through a genuine exploration of both the light and the dark side of being human, while staying clear of simplification, naivety and cynicism. 

 

Entertainment gives us a respite from the pressures of our lives, which is an honourable function. In moderation, it provides comfort and a sense of easy connection to the world and other people. Made and consumed without awareness, entertainemnt can become an opiate that keeps us sleepwalking through our own lives. Skilful storytelling has always been used to both keep us asleep and wake us up. 

 

To support the quality of penetrating truth, authenticity, depth perception, and clear vision that great stories bring, I initially focus more on the creatives themselves than the story. Examining their actual life experience, beliefs, assumptions, and openness to uncertainty and not-knowing leads us to a deeper source of creativity. It steers the creative process away from derivative ideas and echoing the stories that are already in circulation.

 

Combining imagination with direct experience of reality - be it one’s own or one acquired through immersive research - gives power and authenticity to the story.

 

I work one-on-one, in writers’ rooms, in workshops, and intensive creative retreats that I lead. In recent years my explorations of contemplative traditions have informed and deepened my way of working.