Story & Lesson Highlights with Diane Dresback of Surprise

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Diane Dresback. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Diane, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Three things.

First, being on a film set with all the moving parts and people everywhere doing their jobs, all to accomplish the same goal.

Second, sitting at a coffee shop with a hot chai tea, headphones on playing music, and laptop open, completely immersed in creating a story — either script or novel. I can literally sit there for six hours straight without getting up!

Third, being around water. It can be the ocean, lake, stream, pool, or fountain. There is something about the water that’s soothing and at the same time generating.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Diane Dresback. I’m an independent filmmaker and author based in Arizona.

I enjoy telling stories both onscreen and in novels that spur people to think and feel. Getting people to engage in conversation after they have read or watched one of my projects is the best!

For example, one of my fiction novels and short films presents the idea of parents having the option to cryonically preserve their newborns for medical or convenience reasons. The visuals and story are intentional in bringing discussions to the table.

I tend to write fast-paced, character-driven narratives, many times with a medical, sci-fi, or mystery focus to them. I have also written two adoption stories based on the true events of my brother’s and my own adoptions.

At this time, I’m working on another feature-length screenplay, developing a short film idea, and writing my eleventh book.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
An unexpected experience when I was maybe 13 years old gave me that feeling. I didn’t even recognize the path it would send me down.

A friend of the group of us kids who lived on one particular block in southern California invited us over to a house he was watching. The family had gone on vacation, and this kid was responsible for feeding the animals and keeping an eye on things while they were away.

Unbeknownst to the family, our friend invited us all over to the house. We were good kids, so no one stole or broke anything; it was just cool to be in someone else’s home without them knowing.

I can’t recall how it started, but somehow we started performing an impromptu play with me directing. I created the story, directed my friends in their actions, and informed them what to say.

As the “story” unfolded and the acting came together, I remember feeling this immense satisfaction. That feeling stuck with me through the years with things like leading the high school drill team, coordinating numerous employee events, writing and directing a stage play that dropped into my head within one hour, and directing over 35 short films. It’s the same feeling as back in seventh grade.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I did give up creative writing for a long time (decades, actually) based upon a freshman college professor’s advice not to waste my time writing because I wasn’t any good.

Looking back, I definitely had things to learn (always do), but isn’t that why you go to school — to learn and improve?

My innocence in believing his words likely prevented me from generating numerous projects…but who really knows?

After many years of experience with business writing and course creation, I eventually found my way back to creative writing through screenplays and novels. For that, I am grateful.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no.

Yes, in that I am who I am, and I don’t try to hide that. What you see is what you get. Flaws and all.

No, in that I don’t typically share a lot of personal stuff on social media.

If you are around me for any time, you’ll discover that I love “talking shop,” as they say, whether it be about filmmaking or authoring. I’ll share what I know, things I’ve learned along the way, and encourage people to follow their passions.

Even though it’s important for me to create as best I can, going for perfection can halt a project, so sometimes I accept a little imperfection, keep learning, and move forward.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
I put on my tap shoes most mornings.

It goes without saying that there are tasks I dislike or get frustrated with, but for the most part, I look forward to what I have the opportunity to do.

When I was in corporate America, I enjoyed many of those experiences as well, just like with my creative work.

My most rewarding days involve coordinating something with a million pieces, and having people come together to make it happen. Filmmaking may have some solitary tasks, but for the most part, it’s a team sport. Same with authoring. I create stories and write on my own, but others help with editing, cover design, and marketing.

My biggest joy is seeing individuals work together and all of us being proud of the result. Resilience and tenacity are just part of the landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindclover.com/ and https://www.dianedresback.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianem.dresback/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-m-dresback-b0b5708/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianedresback.author
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyYRZoqAK_dIJ0CTydvl6Hw
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00PMCRWGG