Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amelia Dutch Player. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amelia Dutch, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
The dreaded “writer’s block.” When you cannot muster the motivation to accomplish anything creative, let alone a marketable piece of work.
The fear of this villain haunted me. Could it truly suck from me all semblance of passion, leaving me to waste away with half-baked short stories and poems without endings? I never wanted to have to face this beast. But, as I entered the writing field, I realized I had already experienced writer’s block, and do, often. Most importantly, I learned it can be defeated.
Through trial and error, I have found a method of pulling myself loose and inspired. Like any artist’s process, these are techniques that have worked for me, but certainly not everyone.
The first thing I do when all motivation has left my body is “give in.” I take a walk, stare at my ceiling fan for 40 minutes, or watch a candle burn to completion. The important thing about “giving in” is not to replace writing with anything stimulating; no doom scrolling allowed. I have to let my mind wander.
Once I am good and bored, I move on to “getting out of my space.” I take a notebook and paper, no electronics, or I will get distracted, and remove myself from my writing space. Relocating to a park or cemetery is my usual, as it puts me in nature. But I still feel the irrational obligation to the strangers passing by to be writing. What I write during these moments is nothing clever; it is the rambles of a bored and frustrated woman. But as the words spill out, I am there, working, and that is certainly better than not.
The last thing I do is “ambiance.” I return to my space, knowing my mind and hands still work. I make tea, light my candles, and cultivate a music playlist that reflects the mood I’d like my story to emulate. With all of this, I can finally work. Although my words may be lacking in spirit or originality, it is a starting point, a reminder that writer’s block is ever-present, but it can always be rectified.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently entering my Senior year at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I am earning my BFA in Dramatic Writing with a minor in Film and Television. My concentration is writing for the screen and the stage. My other works include: performance art films, sculpture, poetry, and prose. My performance films and sculptures can be found on my YouTube and Instagram accounts under amelia_dutch.
Through SCAD, I have had the opportunity to share my writing with professionals and showcase my sculptures and performance exhibitions to audiences. Post graduation, my goal is to enter the entertainment industry as a writer, while still cultivating my portfolio. As of now, I am working on a book of poetry and a book of short stories.
Although my pieces range in medium, thematically they tend to be connected, exploring topics of femininity, tragedy, and history. My constant intent is for my art to cultivate community and conversation around these polarizing and vulnerable subject matters. For instance, my screenplay A Conversation in the Courtyard (presented in the Women’s Independent Film & Television Festival) reflects the often damaging effects that religion can have on women and their bodies. As someone who has witnessed these struggles firsthand, it was immensely rewarding to have my script connect with those audience members who shared similar experiences. Further, in recent months, I have published news stories in The Borgen Project Magazine. In writing these stories, I was able to learn about global poverty and its solutions. In doing so, I have built relationships with communities and individuals reporting on global crises.
I have also had a short story, My Father’s Pony, published in Johns Hopkins Art Magazine, Tendon. The story was inspired by my grandfather’s childhood, living in the southwestern mountains of the United States. This piece helped me connect with my family history as well as my southwestern upbringing. This story shows the beauty of the region’s landscape and its refreshingly simple values while questioning the harsh violence and toxic masculinity ingrained in southwestern culture.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me, the three most important qualities in starting an artistic career are: perseverance, a willingness to improve, and consistency in creation.
Perseverance has become the most important and difficult trait to acquire as a beginning artist. It is crushing to face a pile of rejection letters telling you your work is not good enough. It often feels more like a declaration that YOU are not good enough. And when that one acceptance letter or publication agreement comes through, it may be encouraging, but more often than not, it feels like a fluke. This kind of thinking is easy to fall into and can appear more grounded than staying optimistic. Yet, wallowing in rejection is unhelpful and unreasonable. You are just beginning; validation takes time. To persevere is to prove to those in your field, and more importantly to yourself, that you can take a hit and try again. Not only will you gain confidence and knowledge in your abilities, but you will become a recognizable force of nature.
Being able to persevere falls hand in hand with my next most valued quality, having a willingness to improve. You should want and seek out helpful criticism, even though it hurts. I’m not suggesting that you show your work to your sassiest friend and ask them to pick it apart with cruelty, but being open and accepting of valid critique is the only way to get better. There are things in your work you will inevitably get attached to; things that make it hard to be objective in the quality and impact of what you create. By allowing yourself to listen to differing opinions on your work, you can better understand your piece and yourself as an artist. You should always be looking to grow, and learning your shortcomings will ultimately lead to your betterment.
The third quality I have found to be most helpful is consistency. Being consistent in the amount of time and energy you put into your art may not sound fun, but it will turn your beloved hobby into a real, passionate career. Without taking time each day to work on your craft, it will inevitably fall onto the back burner. This means working through your burnout moments and writer’s block to stay committed. In consistency comes proliferation. Your portfolio and your capability will grow, resulting in confidence and stability. Always having work to show and work in progress is how you make a living in art.
All of these qualities are ones I am continually working on. They are not innate. I have to think about and consciously apply them to my approach to art and life.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
As artists themselves, my parents made sure that our home was full of lively conversation and art. Nothing was off the table when it came to the creative.
When we were children, my sister and I were encouraged to explore our every interest and whim. Whether we were designing fashion shows for our Barbies, making up dances in the living room, or writing our own fairy tales, our parents were there cheering us on.
As we got older and solidified our interests, my sister in dance and choreography and I in martial arts and filmmaking, our parents spent time and resources providing us with lessons and communities that could foster our passions. As my aspirations changed, I never felt judged. Change was a part of life, and my folks would support whatever path I found myself on.
To this day, they proofread my writings, take notes on my articles, and diligently watch all my performance films. They provide me with valid critiques on my work so that I can improve. In their critiques, they maintain a clear love and understanding towards me and what I am doing, even in my most absurd creations.
I would not be the person I am today without their constant respect and friendship, let alone have the desire and the commitment to succeed as an artist. For them, I am eternally grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelia_dutch?igsh=djVrOGxneTM2OHRo&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-dutch-player-81880531b
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@amelia_dutch?si=76EExhfM99dS-PgD
