I started writing as self-imposed therapy about 20 years ago and it blossomed into a stage play. I worked on it off and on over the years – mostly off and eventually put it away in a folder on my computer. At some point in the past year or so, I revisited it and decided that it had some merit.

After a polishing I sent it to a director friend who liked it well enough to want to produce it as a staged reading. He just wanted it beefed up a bit in the second act. With a possible performance date in December of 2017, I set to work to see if I could find the right place to add a scene or two.

The pressure of a possible performance date did the trick and my play “Silkworms” was performed for two nights in December 2017 by the La Jolla Theater Ensemble.

The director, John Tessmer put together the perfect cast. Three rehearsals later, they brought the story to life to delighted audiences filled with theater enthusiasts.

In a nutshell, SILKWORMS is a semi-autobiographical play set a Christmas about three generations of American women, the oldest of whom emigrated from Italy in 1905 when she was a young girl. It is a story of personal growth, reconciliation, deepening understanding, and new beginnings.

Several director/producer friends came to the show and have encouraged me to continue to pursue perfecting (never possible with writing) the play and start entering it into competitions. One director friend met with me to share his thoughts after reading it. He prefaced the meeting with a thought. “People want three things in life – food, sex and to rewrite your play.” He helped me look at some options for the polishing touches.

Interesting how creative pursuits inspire more creativity. Since pulling out this play again, I have started taking art classes and even joined a singing group.  The creative juices are having a positive impact on my regular work too. Finding new meaning in the words I read for my clients. As a corporate scriptwriter as well, the more I write, the easier it is to find the best words to solve the client’s problem. And if those words aren’t right, then the inspiration and ability to find more best words.

Even if you don’t think you have the time to do it, find something creative to do. If nothing else, just doodle. Get some blank drawing paper and a pencil or pen and just doodle. Let your creative energy guide the tip and take you on an inspiring side trip.