Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Gray.
Hi Janelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a writer since I wrote my first poem at the age of 11. I grew up in theater audiences, watching my mom and sister perform, and in social justice and political arenas, watching my father speak. I’m the daughter of storytellers and academics, and people who work toward social justice. They are how I got to where I am today.
Thanks to them, I’m a creative scholar and social justice worker.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No roads are smooth, but they can certainly be interesting. There have been many struggles along the way, but by far, the biggest struggle is imposter syndrome. In both the academic and creative world, I have a lot of self-doubt, but I’ve learned to do things even when I’m scared and unsure. At least then, I’m still doing something!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What do I do? This is always a funny question to me because I never know how to answer. I am equal parts creative and scholar. It just depends on what day you catch me.
As a creative, I write, produce, and act as a creative writing consultant. Working and publishing under my company All A Gray Area, to date I have published four books, written and produced a CD, and built a portfolio of plays, short stories, a novel, multiple TV series, and feature films. I just love storytelling, world-building, and experience-sharing, and I love to do it in all formats.
As an academic, I teach and am a doctoral candidate. My interdisciplinary methodology explores the connections between creative works, history, and actions toward justice and equity in creative and academic spaces.
Asking me what I’m most proud of is like asking me to identify a favorite, and I’m not sure I’m prepared to do that. But what I am most recently proud of are the productions of my plays “RAGE” and “#voiced”. The relationships I built with the directors Tiana Kaye Blair and Tinamarie Ivey, respectively, are very cherished. Having the honor of working with these brilliant women pushed me to be a better artist, and I believe it was because of them that we had such strong and talented cast and creative teams. I will always be proud of any opportunity I have to work with other creatives to make beautiful art that impacts the world in positive ways.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During the pandemic, I learned that stillness is okay, gratitude is necessary, and community and fellowship are precious.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JanelleGray.com
- Instagram: @writer_janelle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janelle.gray.1460
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-gray
- Twitter: @writer_janelle
- Other: www.allagrayarea.com
Image Credits
Andrea Palaia
