Introduce Yourself : Happy IYW! How has Creativity Helped You Survive? by Leonardo Ramirez

Leonardo Ramirez

Happy IYW! How has Creativity Helped You Survive?

Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend!

I’m Leonardo Ramirez, and I tell stories that explore what it means to be human—always with a thread of hope running through them. Sci-fi and fantasy are my favorite playgrounds, mostly because I love building the worlds where those stories unfold. I’m also a moderator for Stage 32 in the screenwriting and authoring lounges.

When COVID first hit, I was bedridden for six weeks. My body shut down, but my mind didn’t. An online group suggested I write a screenplay — so I did. I’ve been writing screenplays ever since.

I believe creativity does more than entertain. Sometimes it helps us survive. When I felt a little lost, writing "The Jupiter Chronicles" reminded me that worth and purpose can exist long before we see them in ourselves.

What about you?

How has creativity shown up for you when you needed it most?

Maurice Vaughan

Hey, Leonardo Ramirez. Happy Introduce Yourself Weeken! Hope you're having a great week! I really like the artwork! My writings helped me through rough times.

Leonardo Ramirez

We all go through them Maurice Vaughan but having creativity as an outlet is a huge help!

Meriem Bouziani

Hello, Leonardo Ramirez

happy IYW.

I agree with you—storytelling is not only about entertainment. It does so much to us as creators, and also to viewers and readers. It can teach, it can heal, and it can leave a long-term impact that goes deeper than any educational book or course.

For me, my creative journey has become my best friend. I develop characters and worlds and live with them. I may seem quiet and silent on the outside, but inside my head I’m living across entirely different timelines.

Leonardo Ramirez

Beautifully said, Meriem Bouziani. You are so right in that it can heal and leave a long-term impact that runs deep. I love it that you refer to the journey as your best friend. My journey has taught me so much. We forget how much growth our creative side can bring us. Thank you Meriem.

Meriem Bouziani

You’re welcome. Have a great creative week and a wonderful year. Leonardo Ramirez

Richard "RB" Botto

Love this post, Leonardo Ramirez. I think for those who aren't artists, they can't understand how we look at the world. How we see creativity and art in everything. It's the air we breathe, the blood that courses through our veins.

Leonardo Ramirez

It sure is Richard "RB" Botto. We forget how powerful words are. Thanks so much!

Adam Spencer

You’re an inspiration, Leonardo Ramirez.I appreciate your steadfastness, sir.

Leonardo Ramirez

That is the kindest encouragement I've received in a while Adam Spencer. Thank you so very much. Hope you're having an amazing, creative weekend.

Suzanne Bronson

I love this post Leonardo Ramirez Creativity is everywhere. It is so awesome that when you were bedridden, instead of going down the rabbit hole of negative thoughts, you chose to use your imagination instead. To answer your question, I used my creativity to get through my traumatic childhood. Creating stories with my stuffed animals, writing poetry and short stories. As a young adult when I go somewhere alone, I would invent a character to play. Change my name, pretend to be from somewhere else, even if only in my head. Actually, I think I should bring that back. Ha. It's fun to do a bars or any public place. Now, I go on mindful walks. Observe nature, the people on the trail, the smells in the air, etc.

Leonardo Ramirez

Suzanne Bronson. I absolutely hate it that you walked through a traumatic childhood but today, you truly shine. The playtime reminds me of when I would play with my daughter on the beach with her Justice League action figures. We'd make up adventures in the sand. So, if bringing it back results in more stories, bring it on! Thank you for sharing your story friend.

Lauren Hackney

Sorry to hear about your journey through Covid @Leonardo that sounds awful! I never caught Covid as bad as you but I did lose my aviation career and had to sell my house :( However out of that I created stories with my young boys at the time. We wrote, illustrated and published our family bedtime tale 'The Lolly Shop' and those moments saved me at a time that broke my heart. Little did I know.... those moments launched my publishing career that brought me here. :) Thank you for asking in your post!

Leonardo Ramirez

Holy smokes that's massive Lauren Hackney. You and your family showed remarkable strength in the face of such a devastating fire, and I am truly sorry for both of your losses. What you’ve shared feels like a real beauty-from-ashes story—where love and unity carried you all through the fire as one. Thank you for sharing this. It’s a powerful testament to your family’s resilience and endurance.

Lauren Hackney

Thank you - I think you are equally as incredible to come as far as you have! And only more will unfold for you in 2026 Leonardo Ramirez

Sebastian Tudores

Leonardo Ramirez few better gifts to start 2026 with than to know I'll get to learn so much from working with you - thank you my friend :)

Leonardo Ramirez

You are very kind Lauren Hackney. May your 2026 bring all of your hopes to fruition.

Leonardo Ramirez

Sebastian Tudores The honor is mine my friend. SO looking forward to working with you!

Leonardo Ramirez

Thanks so much Darrell Pennington. Hope you’re having an awesome weekend!

Marie Hatten

What incredible creative journeys you have both had Leonardo Ramirez Lauren Hackney . I think what's meant for us finds it's way to us.

Lauren Hackney

Thank you Marie Hatten I need to hear that sometimes. I also need to remind myself that everything works in its time. Happy IYW to you!

Morgan Aitken

Leonardo, really glad you posted this. That six-weeks-bedridden stretch is brutal, and it says a lot that you turned that stuck-in-place time into forward motion on the page.

Also, sci-fi/fantasy as the playground for “what it means to be human” is the exact right paradox: build a world that doesn’t exist so you can tell the truth about the one that does.

And you’re dead right about creativity not just being entertainment. Sometimes it’s a lifeline with better handwriting.

As for your question: for me it’s shown up most when everything felt stalled, and the only controllable thing was making something today, even if it was small. That tiny act of authorship is weirdly powerful.

Leonardo Ramirez

Love how you put that Marie Hatten. It really does. Thank you so much.

Leonardo Ramirez

Hey Morgan Aitken - love this so much “build a world that doesn’t exist so you can tell the truth about the one that does.” I may have to use that moving forward. Tons of truth in how you put it. Totally agree in moving even a little bit at a time. Over time, the small things amount to a lot - a powerful lot! I also love seeing your adventures on the high seas. Stay safe, my friend.

Juliana Philippi

Leonardo Ramirez Your story is really inspiring to me. But you already know that:) The thread of bring human, that touches the indescribable, the ethereal, the beauty of being human, is the thing that we find when we are on the brink of nothingness. But one day, that same state of being…will be our everyday. Thanks to stories like yours.

Leonardo Ramirez

That means a ton coming from you Juliana Philippi. What a beautiful way to put it. We do strive to find the words to describe the indescribable when all we need to do is rest and the words come. Thank you so much my friend - Mi hermana.

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