We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stacey Russell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stacey below.
Hi Stacey, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Truthfully, I don’t think you really ever “overcome” imposter syndrome. I think having a healthy amount of delulu is important for everyone, but especially folks in the film industry. You have to believe that you’re going to be that 1% of people that actually makes it. But I think the rest of the 99% has to be gratitude and humility. You don’t have to go around thinking your stuff is the worst thing ever written; it doesn’t do anyone any good to be self-deprecating all the time. For me, I’ve always known this was where I wanted to be and this was where I was going to end up. Since I was five I was delusional enough to believe I was going to be in Hollywood in some way. Drive, and the willingness to understand that you literally can’t do anything else with your life and be satisfied, is a powerful antivenom to imposter syndrome. As artists I think it’s part of the process to doubt and to have ups and downs in your belief in yourself, but you have to bounce back with praise. Did you write a page today? Great. A couple sentences? Great. Be proud of those things.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a screenwriter based out of Nashville, TN, and I mainly write dramas and dramedies with a genre bend. I like to focus on stories about outsiders and misfits overcoming societal expectations, and believe in inclusive storytelling. My son Sam has Down syndrome, so disability representation is very important to me and that is largely shown in my work. I myself was also a late in life diagnosis of AuDHD. If it wasn’t for advocating for Sam I probably wouldn’t have learned to advocate for myself. My work has been recognized by Austin Film Festival, Stowe Story Labs, Atlanta Film Festival, The Black List, The Writer’s Lab, and the annual Women’s List.
Right now I am super focused on finding financing for my indie coming-of-age dramedy THE OPEN AIR which was one of six finalists for the drama feature screenplay award at Austin Film Festival this year. The story follows a young man with Down syndrome and his younger sister as they search for agency and independence, and is inspired by both my children.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say drive, compassion, and my love of storytelling. I’ve been writing as long as I can remember, before I could even hold a pencil my parents have videos of me putting on plays with my stuffed animals and My Little Ponies. I would rewatch them and catch where I could have made them better (true story, I was type-A from day one). When I got older and started writing heavier, a lot of my work centered around raising awareness for things – mental health, addiction, abuse; I wanted to help people, not just entertain. And that continues now with my screenwriting. As for advice to those just starting out: read. Read a LOT. Don’t just read pros, read your peers. And find the common thread in things you like to write about (and that you like to watch). I think figuring out what your “brand” is very early will only benefit you as a creator. And don’t chase trends or the market. Always write what’s meaningful and impactful to you.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Ageism. It’s hard for women in general, but especially for women over 40 and especially in entertainment. I think the best way to combat this is to just straight up not participate in ageist language or fall for any stereotypes about yourself. Write compelling, lead characters over 40. Search for companies and collaborators that are inclusive. And embrace your experiences; your life and your unique perspectives are an asset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.staceyrussell.net
- Instagram: stacewritesthings
- Twitter: staceycrussell
Image Credits
Headshot photo by Jennifer Percy, Looking Glass Photography
Lake photos by Kailey Mays, Kay Media Productions
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
