Meet David Rucker

We recently connected with David Rucker and have shared our conversation below.

David , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

When you’re the only one, there’s an unspoken pressure to overperform just to be seen as equal. I turned that pressure into fuel by being overprepared, by knowing my subject matter, and by speaking with clarity and purpose. I’ve also learned that representation isn’t just about being in the room—it’s about having a voice in the room. I don’t shy away from offering ideas or asking hard questions, especially when I know they bring value.

I’ve also learned the power of building relationships—finding allies, mentors, and sponsors who may not look like me, but who respect my work, understand my challenges, and are willing to advocate on my behalf when I’m not in the room.

Most importantly, I stay grounded in who I am. I bring my full self—my background, my perspective, my experiences—because that’s where my strength lies. Being the only one doesn’t make me less capable; it reminds me that I have something unique to offer.

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?

At Decimation Studios, storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. We’re an independent creative studio focused on developing bold, immersive, and thought-provoking content that spans genres—from neo-noir vigilante sagas to cosmic horror thrillers. Our work blends cinematic influences with socially resonant themes, giving audiences stories that are both entertaining and deeply reflective.

What excites me most is the ability to build complex worlds that mirror the real one, flawed, raw, and full of tension. Whether it’s a war veteran-turned-vigilante battling systemic corruption in a decaying city or a doomed space mission unraveling the fabric of reality, our stories aim to challenge assumptions, explore the human condition, and shine a light on truths that are often overlooked.

What sets our brand apart is our commitment to authenticity and depth. We don’t just create characters—we explore their trauma, their motivations, and their moral dilemmas. Every script, every arc, every scene is layered with intention. We draw inspiration from works like The Wire, Daredevil, and Event Horizon, while grounding our narratives in real-world themes such as justice, identity, power, and resilience.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have had the most impact on my journey: resilience, storytelling craft, and strategic thinking.

1. Resilience
There will always be rejection, self-doubt, and moments when the vision feels too heavy. What carried me through was the ability to keep showing up—on the good days and the hard ones. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about moving forward with purpose, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Advice: Learn to take “no” as feedback, not failure. Build habits that ground you—whether it’s journaling, training your mind and body, or leaning on a mentor. Protect your passion, because not everyone will see it until it’s realized.

2. Storytelling Craft
Ideas are powerful, but execution is everything. I learned that if I wanted my work to stand out, I had to master the craft: structure, dialogue, pacing, tone, and world-building. That’s what turns a cool idea into a compelling experience.

Advice: Study the greats. Read scripts. Watch films not just for entertainment, but to understand why certain scenes work. Write every day, even when it’s rough. Your voice gets sharper the more you use it.

3. Strategic Thinking
Creativity needs direction. Whether it’s planning a launch, pitching a project, or building a brand, thinking two or three steps ahead has been crucial. Knowing what you want is one thing—knowing how to get there is the game-changer.

Advice: Set clear goals, even if they evolve. Break big dreams into small, achievable steps. Surround yourself with people who think differently than you—people who challenge your vision and help you refine it.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that played a significant role in my development is Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff.

It resonated with me not just as a reader, but as a creator. The book blends supernatural horror with the real-life horrors of racism in Jim Crow America, and that fusion of genre storytelling with social commentary was deeply inspiring. It showed me that you can tell a story that entertains and provokes thought, that you can use monsters and magic to explore very real, very human truths.

What struck me most was the way Ruff used pulp-style horror—a genre traditionally hostile to Black characters and perspectives—and reclaimed it. He flipped the narrative. He turned the very tools of exclusion into weapons of empowerment. That opened my eyes to the creative potential of genre fiction as a form of resistance, of reclamation, and of truth-telling.

Lovecraft Country gave me permission to be bold. To lean into stories that blend realism with the surreal. To use genre not as an escape from reality, but as a lens to confront it. And in many ways, that mindset has shaped how I approach the stories I write today—dark, layered, unapologetically rooted in truth.

It reminded me: horror isn’t just about what lurks in the shadows—it’s also about what lives in plain sight.

Contact Info:

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