Introduce Yourself : Reintroducing Myself: Still Writing, Still Building by Charmane Wedderburn

"Every person carries a story. Sometimes the most powerful stories aren’t sitting on our laptops waiting to be written. They’re sitting right across from us, waiting to be heard."

Very nicely put.

I am working on a drama about two people who reconnect a decade after their romance.

Thank you so much, Michael. I really appreciate that. Your drama sounds very interesting too — reconnecting after a decade gives you so much emotional history to work with: what changed, what didn’t, and whether two people can ever truly return to who they were together. I’d love to hear more about what brings them back into each other’s lives.

Great perspective, Charmane. Some of the most interesting stories really do come from simply listening to people and their experiences. It sounds like you’ve been busy even if you’ve been quieter here. Looking forward to hearing more about what you’re developing.

Thank you so much, Zoltan. I really appreciate that. Listening has become an even bigger part of how I think about storytelling lately — sometimes one conversation can reveal more than hours spent trying to force an idea onto the page. I’ve been developing a few projects behind the scenes, and I’m looking forward to sharing more as they take shape. Great to reconnect with you here.

That is nice may you keep it up madam

Thanks for this

Charmane Wedderburn

So happy to see you reintroducing yourself! It’s always lovely when familiar voices step back into the Lounges, especially with the depth of reflection you brought to this post.

Your observation that every person carries a story (and that sometimes the most powerful stories aren’t sitting on our laptops but sitting right across from us waiting to be heard) is genuinely one of the most beautiful reframes I’ve read in a while. There’s something so grounding about it, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time thinking about story on the page. Your time with the elderly residents at the care center sounds like the kind of experience that quietly shapes a writer for years to come. Those decades of memories, challenges, laughter, loss, and love that you’re witnessing are literally the raw material of the human condition, and I have no doubt they’re subtly enriching every project you’re building behind the scenes.

My creative focus outside of Stage 32 has been continuing to steadily build my fantasy novel.

So happy to have you here for IYW, Charmane! Rooting for everything the creative kitchen is cooking up, and for the beautiful quiet work you’re doing with the residents at the care center.

Ashley, thank you so much for this deeply thoughtful and encouraging comment. Your words truly touched me. Spending time with the elderly residents has reminded me that storytelling begins with listening—and that a lifetime can live inside the smallest memory, gesture, or conversation.

I’m so happy to hear that you’re continuing to build your fantasy novel. “Steadily” is such an important word in any creative journey—every page brings the world closer to life. I’m rooting for you and looking forward to hearing more about it as it develops.

Thank you again for welcoming me back so warmly and for always supporting the creative kitchen.

Hi, Charmane Wedderburn. Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! The creative kitchen. I like that! Congratulations on the progress with your projects! It's great that you volunteer with elderly residents at a local care center! You're right. Every person carries a story.

Thank you, Charmane Wedderburn! “Steadily” really is the word (and some weeks steadier than others!), but I love that we’re both making the space we can for the work that matters to us.

Maurice, thank you so much. I’m glad “the creative kitchen” made you smile. And yes, volunteering has been such a meaningful reminder that sometimes the best storytelling lessons come simply from listening. I really appreciate your kind words.

Ashley, exactly — some weeks are steadier than others, but making space for the work is what keeps it moving

Thompson, thank you so much. I really appreciate that. Spending time with the residents has definitely deepened the way I think about character, memory, and the stories people carry with them. Wishing you continued creativity too.

You're welcome, Charmane Wedderburn. I'm writing the first draft of a Faith-based Sports Action feature. I'm also outlining a Faith-based Crime Action feature. Looking forward to hearing more about the projects you're working on!

Welcome back, and the reminder that every person carries a story is a valuable one, especially when you're spending time with people who have decades of perspective. What's the most unexpected story you've heard from one of the residents that you think might find its way into a project someday?

Maurice, both projects sound interesting, especially the Faith-based Crime Action feature — that’s a combination you don’t hear every day. Wishing you a strong first draft and outline. I’ll definitely be sharing more about what I’m developing too.

Samantha, that’s such a thoughtful question. What has stayed with me most isn’t one dramatic story, but how often the smallest memories carry the most weight — a person someone loved, a place they once called home, a choice they still think about decades later.

Thanks, @Charmane. I think the unique genre combination will help when I pitch my script. Have a great and creative week!