Filmmaking / Directing : Creative Growth Check-In: Soaking Up The Sun by Ashley Renée Smith

Hi Ashley,

Lately, I’ve been trying small creative experiments in both writing and acting—like approaching a scene from a totally new angle or digging deeper into a character’s emotions. It’s amazing how these little shifts can spark new ideas and growth.

Curious to hear how others are challenging themselves—even in small ways—these days!

Ashley Renée Smith As I work from home, I deal with the same exact thing about stepping outside. This week, it's been about the high-pollen count outside. The air has been filled with so much pollen that I can't go for my usual midday walk. So this week, I'm doing more on the treadmill. Creatively, I'm writing a blog post for Stage 32 in the midst of the work chaos. But I love being here and being creative in whatever capacity so I'm enjoying the process. I'm glad you have a backyard!!!

Ashley Renée Smith Love my porch swing also! Although, I can’t write while I’m on it because I get motion sickness lol. I have prioritized family time by working less hours at my salon and I am loving every minute of it. Taking a step back was scary but it’s been the best thing for me physically and emotionally. Plus, it gives me more time to write, which is a much added bonus!

Hi Ashley, I really relate to what you described about stepping outside and intentionally slowing down at the end of the day.

For me, I’ve been going on walks a lot lately. I’m currently balancing two jobs while also building my own company, and on top of that I have more creative ideas than I can realistically act on at once. I also recently finished my first feature screenplay (Go Live), which I’m now in the process of revising and tightening.

Because my days can get quite full and screen-heavy, I’ve started to build small intentional pauses into my routine. Things like going for a walk without my phone, doing skincare slowly instead of rushing it, listening to music with no multitasking, or just sitting still and breathing for a few minutes.

Reading your post made me realize it’s the same kind of shift: it’s not about adding more productivity, but about creating space where your mind can actually land again. Those moments outside or away from screens almost feel like a reset button for creativity.

I did a rather major round of soul-searching/self-therapy this time, think I figured out why I naturally default to my characters not having a lot of agency and driving the plot forward, basically doing everything differently from the accepted formula. Nonetheless I'm not going to change my style because doing so defeats the entire purpose of having a creative voice.

Ashley Renée Smith I am pushing myself to study screenwriting structure (wow, that's a lot of alliteration) and not just focus on characterization, which is so tempting for me because it's my strong point.

Hi Ashley, I love the sound of your backyard. This week, I’m challenging myself to finish the third feature script in a series I’m calling The Ghost of Sherlock Holmes. I conceived it as a trilogy to showcase the franchise potential of a fun, budget-conscious murder-mystery comedy. The story follows the ghost of the world’s most famous detective as he returns to mentor an inexperienced young woman—an aspiring detective inspector who hears voices in her head. The series is designed to be set in any small village in Great Britain, Europe, or Canada, keeping production flexible and cost-effective. My manager is currently pitching the first two 90-minute installments. Cheers, Tom

I love this reminder that creative growth doesn’t always come from doing more, but sometimes from allowing space to think and breathe. Lately, I’ve been challenging myself to stay consistent with my writing process, showing up daily even when progress feels small. I’m currently developing several screen projects while preparing an upcoming short film, and I’ve realized that steady, focused steps often lead to the biggest creative breakthroughs. Sometimes the quiet moments help the ideas connect.

Ashley Renée Smith Smart move, and great advice. It is a scientific fact that the brain has limited capacity for any one task -- even the ones we love. This is why Samurai cultivated something in the gentle arts. Calligraphy. Flower Arranging. Music. They knew it couldn't be martial arts all the time. Another example was given to us by baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. who pleaded with parents to put their children in as many sports as possible. He had seen too many one-sport prodigies burn out by their early teens. And they all said the same thing. That they no longer felt the joy of the game. So absolutely. Unplug. Take in nature. Listen to your favorite music. Eat an entire bag of chips. Do something just for the joy of doing it. Your purposeful work won't go anywhere, and you'll find yourself returning to it refreshed, energized, and ready to go.

Great advice! I've been taking more social media breaks lately and spending more time playing with my cats, writing, boxing and dancing to music. I also find that when I go outside and just live life, I get more inspiration for writing comedy.

Roxane Yoman (and Ashley too)

I love how you unplug, leave the screens, escape outside to thrive in nature, to breathe and listen to music without multitasking "creating space where your mind can reset for creativity." This is so important! My quality of life matters too.

Imagine that you are literally steps from ocean beaches stretching miles from one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world (Waikiki).

Where I make it a point to rewind, to walk a mile to the nearest health food store when it's invariably sunny and warm.

I have found the best tropical guides to lead me in everything.

The women here (men too of course) tend to be among the best to just people watch.

I mix music to play outdoors on my boombox. I download new remixes of classics in rock and electronic music rediscovered by YouTube influencers.

Always nice in paradise.

The Aloha Spirit after two decades of me here beckons other filmmakers to follow!

Hi Ashley, ’ve been working on getting to the universal core of a story without overcomplicating it—keeping it simple and honest so it can speak louder and clearer. I’ve also been taking time in nature, reminding myself that growth doesn’t need to be forced—like an acorn, it unfolds into what it’s meant to become with gentle nurturing. Opening up to feedback that feedback is like nutrient-rich soil that can spark new growth. Giving it a new day, it's really about opening to the sun, a new day, new perspective, new ideas and beautiful energy from other creatives.

Trying to get the query machine cranking again for my latest novel. I'm shooting for a traditional publisher (big five) Screenplay for it already finished, shopping it around. Havent sent any queries in over a month!

The snow is still melting where I live, and Spring is definitely in the air. It'll be 20+ degrees (celsius) in the day, and below freezing at night. Still, there is something waking up inside me.

I've been trying to force myself into some sort of routine to take advantage of the weather and get some vitamin D. Walking, yard work, starting projects (like fencing) I've been waiting all winter to do. It's more than just regular chores though. For me it's therapy. I'm trying to recover from a work-related (ER nurse) mental health issue and forcing myself to wake up, go for a walk in the sun, spend time outside, etc is a real battle. I still just want to disassociate.

This relates to creativity because if I gave in to the easy way out, I'd be drunk playing puzzle games all day. Instead I go to bed on time, wake up on time, try to get exercise, and so on, in order to have mental energy to write and do school work, (creative arts degree online.) Without writing, it would be very easy to give in to unhealthy habits.

Thank you for starting this discussion, Ashley. As a screenwriter from Pakistan, I challenge myself by writing stories that focus on courage, justice, and standing up against injustice. Right now I’m pushing myself to develop stronger characters and more emotionally powerful scenes so my stories can connect with audiences around the world. Every day I try to learn something new about storytelling and improve my craft, even in small ways.

I am sure to take a walk each day, mainly by prioritizing walking and stairs during the week, and then longer walks on the weekends. I am always pondering in that fresh air.

Such a great reminder Ashley Renée Smith ! I also find myself locked into my home office before realizing that the day has passed. I'm going to walk to the mailbox for the first time in 3 days. Thanks for the inspiration!

@Ana, I love this perspective because so much creative growth really does come from those small experiments and intentional shifts in approach. It sounds like you’re doing exactly what so many creatives need to do more often, staying curious and challenging your own instincts.

@Leonardo, I completely understand, the pollen here in Texas has been brutal lately. It affects Jordan more than me and I feel so bad for him. Good on you for adapting and finding another way to keep moving!

@Kendall, I love hearing this, and honestly, good for you for making that choice for yourself!!

Taking a step back from work, especially when you’re used to constantly pushing forward, can feel incredibly scary at first. But protecting your physical and emotional well-being is so important, and it sounds like creating that extra space in your life has already brought so much positive change!

Roxane Yoman first of all, congratulations on finishing your first feature screenplay, that is such a huge accomplishment, and getting to the revision stage is an exciting place to be. What you shared here resonates deeply because it sounds like you’re navigating a season that so many creatives find themselves in, balancing multiple responsibilities while also trying to nurture your own long-term dreams. The fact that you’re intentionally building in those quiet pauses for yourself shows such a healthy awareness of what your mind and creativity need.

Bana, this is actually a really thoughtful realization, and I think that kind of self-awareness can be incredibly valuable as a writer. And I love what you said about not wanting to abandon your style just to fit an accepted formula. There is absolutely something to be said for protecting your creative voice and not sanding off the edges of what makes your storytelling uniquely yours. Rooting for you!

Jenn, first of all, I love the accidental alliteration there!!

And honestly, this is such a smart way to challenge yourself as a writer. It can be so tempting to stay in the areas where we naturally feel strongest but real growth often happens when we intentionally lean into the parts of the craft that feel less instinctive. If you’re looking for help diving deeper into structure, I highly recommend reaching out to our Education Team at edu@stage32.com. If you let them know that screenwriting structure is the area you’re hoping to strengthen, they can suggest some great Stage 32 education resources and offerings that best fit your goals.

Tom, first of all, this sounds like such a fun concept, and I love how thoughtfully you’re approaching it! Also, huge congratulations on having your manager actively pitching the first two installments while you finish the third. That is incredibly exciting momentum. Have you always envisioned this as a trilogy, or did the world/story naturally expand into that as you developed it?

Charmane Wedderburn It sounds like you’re in a really exciting season right now balancing multiple screen projects while preparing for a short film, and I have no doubt that kind of dedication will serve you well as those ideas continue to develop.

Dan Aronson You make such a great point that burnout often happens when we convince ourselves we need to stay in one mode constantly, even when it is something we love! And honestly, “eat an entire bag of chips” may be the most relatable advice in this thread.

Haley Mary It sounds like you’re finding a rhythm that is helping both your well-being and your creativity thrive. Out of curiosity, what kinds of real-life moments tend to inspire your comedy most, awkward interactions, observations of people, personal experiences, or something else entirely?

Thank you for sharing this, Corey Hood! And with a setting like that, I have to ask, has living in Hawaii influenced your filmmaking or storytelling style in any noticeable way over the years?

That's great! I recently started to do the same. Something that I added was a meditation corner outside with a small fountain and a meditation bench. Even if you're not into meditating, it can serve as a nice tranquil spot for you to sit and reflect. Doing that once a day can really make a difference.

Amy Wilhelm I absolutely love your analogy about growth unfolding like an acorn. And if you ever want help finding additional guidance, tools, or resources to support that growth, I highly recommend reaching out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. They’re wonderful at helping members identify the Stage 32 resources, opportunities, and next steps that best align with where they are in their creative journey.

H. Romero-Gomez, first of all, huge congratulations on having both the novel and screenplay versions of your story completed, that is no small accomplishment and speaks to a serious level of dedication! It sounds like you’re in a really exciting phase right now. If you ever want guidance on navigating those next career steps or figuring out which Stage 32 resources may best support your publishing/screenwriting goals, I highly recommend reaching out to our Success Team at Success@Stage32.com. They’re fantastic at helping members identify opportunities and resources tailored to where they are in their journey.

Adam Delmonico thank you so much for sharing this so openly. What you’re describing takes an incredible amount of strength, and I want to acknowledge that the discipline it takes to keep showing up for yourself in those small daily ways, especially when your mind is pulling you in the opposite direction, is no small thing. I also really admire your honesty in recognizing the habits that would be easier to fall into versus the ones that are helping you build toward the life and mindset you want. That kind of self-awareness is powerful.

Komal Basra, thank you so much for sharing this, and for contributing such a thoughtful perspective to the conversation. When you’re building emotionally powerful scenes, do you tend to start with the character’s emotion first, or with the plot moment/conflict and build emotion around it?

Michael Dzurak I love that you described yourself as always pondering out there, because I think many creatives can relate to that feeling of the mind opening up differently when we step away from our desks and into motion. I know I can!

Debbie Seagle I’m so glad the post gave you that little nudge of inspiration, and I hope the fresh air does you some good!!

Michael Teisan Thank you for sharing this suggestion, I think it may inspire others in this thread to create their own little reset spaces. Do you have a particular time of day you like to use that space most, mornings, evenings, or just whenever you need it?

Ashley Renée Smith I only take the time during the day. I find it more comforting during that time.

Ashley Renée Smith asks, has living in Hawaii influenced your filmmaking or storytelling style in any noticeable way over the years?

I tell the stories untold in modern times of the Ascended Masters here with no limits. No fear. No writer's block. I think what they are thinking as they are thinking it via automatic writing. I ask anything, get immediate answers. No need to meditate first (I am always 'on' for channeling). Immense I.P. on tap!

I'll invite the A.M.s of the Pacific into this discussion for a quick note to answer, themselves. Let's see what they would wish to reply to the question of how any of us can equally access them, whether in Honolulu or anywhere else (especially bordering the Pacific), even without say my half a century of channeling experience. It is not that hard...

You have to approach us with respect, with a dignity that borders on reverence.

No one even thinks about us in anything.

We provide the Aloha to all without complaining.

Thank you, Ashley Renée Smith~ I know not everyone likes my style and that's perfectly fine; my voice is most authentic when my stories are about playing the hand you're dealt rather than winning against the world on your own terms. That's why Finding Elpis isn't a story about working your way up to massive success, it's about what you do when you succeeded WAY bigger than you thought possible. Why Lunar Window isn't about actively pursuing nunhood, it's about what you do when the perfect man finds you and will stop at next to nothing to win you over. Hell, it's also why Marisol and Mezzaluna isn't about suppressing yourself to act normal as it is about what you do if your imaginary friend is real and determined to emotionally return you to your younger self. And also why Glass Waltz isn't about moving on from a death or choosing new love so much as it's about how a love triangle will always be doomed and that's okay. I could go on but you get the picture lol

Basically I learned via soul-searching that my anxiety colours my style rather inseparably and as such total agency doesn't really exist for my characters; it's too open-ended and chaotic. It's much more natural to always have the world be bigger than the character, to throw them things they might not even really be able to overcome. It's also why I keep coming back to Christianity in particular, or more broadly higher powers, in my works; life is just more comforting as a believer rather than as an atheist and I happen to like that a lot. Even if to some people that's a huge cop-out :p

All this to say that my voice, my area of interest, isn’t about getting working towards a bigger goal for the sake of it; it’s about hypothetical “I got this thing that I may or may not have asked for, now how do I deal with it?” Because I daresay anyone can tell the former story but most won’t even entertain the latter so why not me? :)

I too work from home and most mornings, I walk along the local beach barefoot. My walk normally happens for about 45 minutes sometime between 6 am - 8 am. I find it a fantastic way to start and plan my day. I agree Ashley Renee Smith spending time in nature is a daily habit worth cultivating.

Ashley Renée Smith this is another good one I couldn’t wait to dive into but had to head out to work. What intentional changes have I made to challenge myself to grow creatively? For me it’s been:

Engaging in the Stage32 discussions you host or present a call to action too. Especially the 24hr QA forum engaging us with directors, producers, filmmakers etc.

During these threads I’m able to pick up gems of real world application of screenwriting and navigating the industry as an emerging scriptwriter.

Engagement is often a challenge for me because of my schedule and work/life balance but some how seem to make it work through my ambiversion.

Through thread engagement and introverted-style webinars I was able to address known and unknown challenges with loglines, structuring my pilot, and discovering brand identity.

The creative growth and the impact Stage32 l Netflix is creating was evident this week.

So I said all this to say being in the community is like a breath of fresh air given the “world” I currently reside in. It’s good to be apart of the network and I look forward to the journey that unfolds.

Ashley Renée Smith Love this—such a simple habit but so powerful. It’s easy to forget how much stepping away actually fuels creativity instead of slowing it down.

For me, I’ve been trying to do something similar in a different way—giving myself a little space away from the script to just observe and think. Sometimes the best ideas don’t come when I’m forcing them, but when I’m just sitting with the story and letting it breathe.

That reset really helps in seeing things more clearly and bringing more honesty into the writing.

Love this! I try to sit in the sun several times a day to take deep breaths. We need it so. I’ve been laying in bed until I’m ready to get up, letting my husband take over morning duties with the kiddos. It allows me to calm and soothe before the often chaotic day ensues, lol.

I'm trying to write a short based on a true story. Most of the story conveys the character's emotions as he travels to his destination. It's very difficult to get inside another person's head. I start writing at 4 AM, and I'm outdoors a lot, so that's not an issue for me.

Ashley Renée Smith I think that's beautiful. Being able to unwind and breathe, especially on a porch swing with that rhythmic motion is so good for you. That's why they say going for walks is good to do when stumped with a scene. I think that's also good for the soul.

Whitney Davis Do you think when sit outside, does that also help your creativity?

Jim Ramsay Do you feel that writing so early is different and gives you an extra boost than if you wrote at night?

Abhijeet Aade What are some of the ways that makes you not force the writing?

Christopher, I'm an early riser, and no one calls before 8 AM, so it's quiet time, and I can get on with my day without feeling guilty. Then, when I'm searching for some writing solutions, I head out for a hike. Vigorous exercise releases endorphins, which always brings on a creative wave that most often gives me the solutions I need. I take a voice recorder with me, then transcribe my thoughts when I return home. Does walking do the same for you? jim

To grow creatively, professionally, or personally, I’ve started realizing that consistency matters far more than motivation. No matter how often people talk about it, very few actually live by it.

What matters even more is the mindset you carry while doing something—whether it’s for your health, your work, or your relationships. Every small step, no matter how insignificant it feels in the moment, moves you closer to where you want to be.

I’ll be honest—I’m a lazy person. A really lazy one. But sooner or later, you realize there’s no escaping responsibility. So I sit down at my table and write. Not always something great. Sometimes just a page. Sometimes just an idea. Sometimes I go out for a jog or play something just to move.

Even when I don’t feel like it. Because I’m starting to understand that on the hardest days, it’s not motivation that carries you forward—it’s the mindset that you keep showing up anyway. And maybe that’s enough. Because even the smallest effort, repeated over time, can take you miles closer to your goal.

Emmanuel, you are so right, but it is a battle to stay consistent. jim

Yes it is. The right way to do something is always the hardest.

I love this Ashley Renée Smith. I have been doing something similar each morning (since I sometimes don't even see the sun until the afternoon, haha). I take my little neck pillow into the living room and relax in the sunshine for at least 5 minutes. It's amazing how sometimes we don't even give ourselves 5 minutes!