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How long have you been writing and what made you want to write in the first place?
I have always had a passion for movies and television because I grew up around the entertainment industry. However, I began writing in 2009 when I was having very detailed dreams about a story that was loosely based on my life. One day, I had the epiphany that the dreams/story would make a great movie. Ironically, I began having those dreams around the same time I was laid off from my job. So I bought scriptwriting software and a book on how to write a screenplay with my last check. Three years later, my first script provided me with a full-tuition scholarship to film school. Once I entered film school, I knew I found my calling in life. Film school helped me become a better writer and taught me to be strong enough to take constructive criticism but wise enough to know when to follow your instincts as a writer.
What genre do you prefer to write in? What draws you to that genre?
I prefer dramas, specifically urban dramas. Urban dramas reflect the lives of under-resourced communities and give a voice to the voiceless, which is why I prefer this important genre. We do not see enough urban dramas that truly focus on some of the issues that have plagued the urban community. Perhaps it is due to the fact that some feel that these topics are too uncomfortable to see on screen. However, in my opinion, urban dramas are what the world needs to evoke thoughts and promote change/empathy with healthy conversations. I write stories that push people to understand the unknown and make disturbing topics more comfortable to discuss.
Tell us three things you're currently digging (TV show, book, podcast, food).
I LOVEEEEEEEE the show "Snowfall". I grew up in the Los Angeles area and I am very familiar with South Central Los Angeles and the crack epidemic. This show resonates with my childhood. Snowfall is the best urban drama since “The Wire”!
I am a major foodie. Right now, I cannot get enough of Habesha food! I am all for authentic ethnic cuisines. I'm a YouTube fanatic. I can watch/listen to any channel that gives reviews on television shows and/or movies. YouTube is pure entertainment!
What interested you about the Roadmap Diversity Initiative?
Being an African-American woman, I know how difficult it is to obtain writing jobs within the industry. I am a writer who loves to tell diverse stories that will reach wider audiences to spark conversations, educate and create outreach. Thus, I wanted to find a program that can teach me how to enhance my pitching and marketing skills. Furthermore, I feel the Roadmap Diversity Initiative is innovative because it shows that Roadmap is not afraid to address the lack of diversity within the writing industry. Any company willing to help minority writers is a program/company I would love to have on my resume.
Where can we find you?
My IG handle is @WriteStuffKrys
I have always had a passion for movies and television because I grew up around the entertainment industry. However, I began writing in 2009 when I was having very detailed dreams about a story that was loosely based on my life. One day, I had the epiphany that the dreams/story would make a great movie. Ironically, I began having those dreams around the same time I was laid off from my job. So I bought scriptwriting software and a book on how to write a screenplay with my last check. Three years later, my first script provided me with a full-tuition scholarship to film school. Once I entered film school, I knew I found my calling in life. Film school helped me become a better writer and taught me to be strong enough to take constructive criticism but wise enough to know when to follow your instincts as a writer.
What genre do you prefer to write in? What draws you to that genre?
I prefer dramas, specifically urban dramas. Urban dramas reflect the lives of under-resourced communities and give a voice to the voiceless, which is why I prefer this important genre. We do not see enough urban dramas that truly focus on some of the issues that have plagued the urban community. Perhaps it is due to the fact that some feel that these topics are too uncomfortable to see on screen. However, in my opinion, urban dramas are what the world needs to evoke thoughts and promote change/empathy with healthy conversations. I write stories that push people to understand the unknown and make disturbing topics more comfortable to discuss.
Tell us three things you're currently digging (TV show, book, podcast, food).
I LOVEEEEEEEE the show "Snowfall". I grew up in the Los Angeles area and I am very familiar with South Central Los Angeles and the crack epidemic. This show resonates with my childhood. Snowfall is the best urban drama since “The Wire”!
I am a major foodie. Right now, I cannot get enough of Habesha food! I am all for authentic ethnic cuisines. I'm a YouTube fanatic. I can watch/listen to any channel that gives reviews on television shows and/or movies. YouTube is pure entertainment!
What interested you about the Roadmap Diversity Initiative?
Being an African-American woman, I know how difficult it is to obtain writing jobs within the industry. I am a writer who loves to tell diverse stories that will reach wider audiences to spark conversations, educate and create outreach. Thus, I wanted to find a program that can teach me how to enhance my pitching and marketing skills. Furthermore, I feel the Roadmap Diversity Initiative is innovative because it shows that Roadmap is not afraid to address the lack of diversity within the writing industry. Any company willing to help minority writers is a program/company I would love to have on my resume.
Where can we find you?
My IG handle is @WriteStuffKrys