Cruznotes Newsletter by Jaime Alejandro | 11.21 Recap
Big episodes. Big changes. Forward motion.
Behold!
The November recap is here! How in the world are we wrapping up the year already? Lots of Creative Drive, not so much on the other podcasts, but a strong mixed bag of inspiration coming your way nonetheless! I did take a break during Thanksgiving week, but I think we got enough stuff done regardless. Check out this heap of creativity!
Arts Calling Podcast
On this episode, I’m joined by L. Nicol Cabe! Nicol and I collaborated in Seattle a while back and it was such a blast catching up with this forward-thinking theatre-maker. We talk about crafting one-person shows, the future of theatre, and so much more. Check it out, you won’t want to miss this one!
In the second episode of the month, I had an inspiring conversation with filmmaker Oscar Moreno. We met on Twitter thanks to fellow screenwriter Ash Lazer, and got to work on an online writer’s room project where we developed a short script! We had an awesome time! Stop by to listen to his inspiring perspective!
Creative Drive Podcast
CD67: Poetry by Januário Esteves (Portugal)
CD68: Poetry by Beauty In Words (I don’t even know, it’s a mystery tbh)
CD70: Poetry by Sunday T. Saheed (Nigeria)
The Writing Record
November brought some sad news. I am putting The Writing Record on hold. It pains me to do this. It pains me to let go of projects I enjoy doing so much, but oftentimes, life requires us to accommodate new tasks and a decision had to be made. I’m cutting down on a few creative endeavors to make sure I can deliver awesome episodes of Arts Calling and Creative Drive! I’ll still be sharing behind-the-scenes updates and observations on craft, I’ll figure it out. In the meantime, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to listen. You really are quite awesome.
New Cruz & Jonez!
Dust and I found some studio time this November and finalized our latest single, “See It Through.” Dust is such a tremendous musician that getting to sing and write lyrics for him is a gift every single time. And the next track is coming soon too! We are slowly making our way to an album… Someday!! (or listen wherever you stream music!)
Late Month Poetry
Descheveler: An Act of Sound.
I have found my approach for this project. Each story tells me what it needs and I try to investigate until I fumble my way to an answer. Since I downloaded the WriterDuet app on my phone, I’ve been able to jot down notes on the go and write in the evenings no matter where I am. This project is not beholden to my desk. I don’t have to be in the basement on my editing computer until the late hours. I can be on the couch, lounging, yet chipping away at this deeply personal story. Writing about religious trauma is hard, and finding a way to talk about it in an interesting way is an added challenge. If I want to vent about this stuff, I would journal. This is different. This is a wild, pressure-cooker journey with themes of trauma and healing. I gingerly proceed and even so, I retrace my steps to new directions. Here’s my weekly short update on this project, which I have appropriately called, The Disheveled Journal. New video coming this Friday! More updates on this project available here: cruzfolio.com/descheveler.
An ode to social media.
The end of November led me to TikTok. I think it’s time to start using it. Not sure how. I’ve deliberated about it plenty. I’ve made lists of pros and cons too. It makes me feel old, yet it makes me feel like the sky is the limit. Yet I also find that it poisons my brainstem. I have no clue how to feel about it. The optimist in me is winning out and I hope I can use TikTok as a tool to connect and find a good way to express myself on the app. We’ll see though. Here’s a poem about social media.
December is rolling in. I can’t wait to finish the year on a good note. No matter how you’re paying the bills or where you come from, you deserve to nourish your creativity. If you have this calling, don’t forget to listen to your artistic self. Check in and make time for your expression. I know you’ll do amazing things this month. Go forth with empathy and kindness. Go find your people. Go find joy in the world through story, and share it fiercely. Make art, much love,
j
Keep me posted at cruzendeavors at gmail.com. All the best.