This week, we're excited to highlight SoCreate Member Trendy Rozelle, a passionate screenwriter with a Master's in Creative Writing! Inspired by K-dramas and a love for multicultural storytelling, she's currently revisiting her long-time script, Things Left Unsaid, with fresh ideas.
SoCreate has played a key role in her creative process, allowing her to visualize her characters and scenes in an immersive way.
Her advice to fellow writers is to never give up on your dream. No matter the obstacles, your characters count on you to tell their story!
Read the full interview below to learn more about Trendy's creative routines, writing journey, and advice for fellow screenwriters!
- What first inspired you to start screenwriting, and how has your journey evolved over time?
I have always been interested in writing, to the point that I have a Master's Degree in Creative Writing. I took a screenwriting course and fell in love with the technique so much that I wanted to continue writing a televised script of my own.
- What project are you currently working on? What excites you most about it?
I have been working on "Things Left Unsaid," a script for years. I don't have many episodes due to the university's priorities of getting my teaching career off the ground. However, I am excited to finally have time to start this script again because I have new ideas.
- Do you have a favorite story you've written? If so, why?
So far, this is the only script I have worked hard on.
- Has SoCreate shaped the way you write?
SoCreate has shaped my way of writing by letting me visually see what the scenery and the characters look like.
- Do you have any specific routines, rituals, or habits that help you stay creative?
What helps me stay creative are the shows I watch. I watch a lot of Asian dramas, and I wanted to create my own with an American twist. (It's more adult, nothing like XO, Kitty.)
- What does your typical writing process look like, from concept to final draft?
My usual writing process is to have music in the background with a pencil and paper. I have a horrible habit of writing instead of typing right away. I must write it out before I can type to ensure I can see everything happening in the dialogue.
- How do you handle writer’s block or moments when inspiration is hard to find?
When I have writer's block, I must go back and start editing; sometimes, that gives me an idea of where my scene should continue. When it is hard to find inspiration, I start watching the shows that got me into K-dramas in the first place, like "Something in the Rain," "Gangnam Beauty," and the one that started this journey, "Uncontrollably Fond."
- What has been the most challenging part of your writing journey, and how did you overcome it?
The most difficult part is finding the time to write. I have been putting my love for writing aside to complete two master's degrees, and luckily for me, I haven't forgotten about the characters I wanted to write about. Now that I have finished my degree, finishing and trying to get this script on television will be my next goal.
- What do you love about SoCreate?
I came across SoCreate while looking for a new tool to replace Celtx. I still have Celtx; however, I use SoCreate as my final platform to see how my episodes look. I love SoCreate because of the different features you can't get from other applications. I like how we can see the character next to the dialogue, view the scenery of the next scene, and watch the How-To videos that help me navigate my work quickly. I plan to try the Feedback Request, for it is scary because I am scared of someone stealing my work, but I need to have more eyes on it than I am. Again, I am not sure someone will understand what I am going for in my work.
- Have you received any awards or accolades for your screenwriting?
I have not received any awards, but I did pass a screenwriting course, and my professor liked the work I submitted. Haha
- Is there a specific milestone in your screenwriting career that you’re particularly proud of?
I am particularly pleased to go back to this script after many years. I know my structure is not the best, but I am pleased to continue, and I hope to finish and publish somewhere.
- What is your ultimate goal as a screenwriter?
My ultimate goal as a screenwriter is to finish what I've started. And to share what I'm proud of without any fear. I know sharing my work with outsiders who don't understand my vision is scary. However, I do want my work to go further than on paper. I want my work to be seen on screen, so I aim to bring in an outsider to help with my vision and see how we can get this promoted on screen.
- What advice would you give to other screenwriters looking to connect with a platform or community like SoCreate?
You should go for your dream and not give up. No matter what others say or what may have to become a priority in your life, don't forget what you have started and the characters relying on you to give them an ending.
- What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped your work?
The good old classic "Write Drunk, Edit Sober" has always been helpful to me. I have the habit of trying to edit while I write, and doing so slows me down and gives me writer's block.
- Can you share a little about how you grew up and where you came from?
I am from the San Fernando Valley and have always been interested in writing. Words fascinate me. I don't know why or how to explain it, but it is interesting how words can form particular visions in people's minds or be interpreted differently.
- How has your personal background or experience influenced the kinds of stories you tell?
My background influenced these kinds of stories, as they feature multicultural characters that I would like to see more of on television, and the structure of K-dramas has always been refreshing with the build-up of a romance story. That is what I want to create with this story.
Thank you, Trendy, for being this week's SoCreate Member Spotlight!