Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Driskell.
Ariel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Writing has always been at the core of who I am. Even as a child, I would write short stories, mainly about my family and friends. The summer after I graduated from college, I came up with a book idea but didn’t get serious about finishing it until I found myself unemployed at the end of 2011. I was working at a job that wasn’t a great fit for me, so it truly was a blessing in disguise when that chapter of my life came to an end. In October 2012, I left Florida for Atlanta, Georgia to pursue my writing and a career in film. In 2013, I completed and published my first novel, “A Life Less Interrupted,” which is available for purchase on Amazon. It follows the journey of three women, Sharice, Nicole, and Tracy as they navigate through life, overcoming the challenges that they face when trying to balance love and friendship. And in April of 2017, I wrote and produced my first short film, “Angela’s Awakening,” a riveting short film directed by Tay M. Johnson and produced by me. Talented actress Tamika Shannon (Build a Boo) stars opposite the dynamic Anthony Dalton (Barbershop: The Next Cut, The Paynes, Saints & Sinners) to portray Angela’s battle with depression.
As a mental health advocate, it was important for me to tell this particular story due to my own battle with depression. “Angela’s Awakening” was designed as a conversation piece to promote awareness and elevate our community’s consciousness around issues related to mental health.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first moved to Atlanta, I was unemployed and staying with friends. But to avoid being a starving artist for more than a year, I rejoined corporate America in 2013 to continue to fuel my passion projects. Thankfully, I have an amazing support system that keeps me going even when my projects are put on hold because it can be challenging to fund projects as an indie filmmaker.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have been a writer for as long as I can remember. However, it was my interest in both how the mind works and my ability to easily connect with people from all walks of life, that led me to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where I studied psychology. And over the years, I’ve used my degree and understanding of human nature to create funny, complex, and relatable characters, allowing me to master the art of storytelling.
My passion for storytelling, coupled with my experience of working in higher education where I assisted adults with achieving their goals, gives me an edge when it comes to coaching aspiring writers. There are so many powerful stories that need to be told, and it’s my goal to help make the world better, one story at the time. I’ve learned that even strangers are connected through common experiences and that sharing one’s story makes everyone feel a little less alone in the world.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great place to break into the film industry by partnering with other up and coming creatives. The entrepreneurial and creative person can definitely thrive here if they are willing to put in the time and effort. Like Issa Rae once said in an interview about her experience breaking into the film industry, one should always be open to networking across and building something great with their peers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justaskariel.com
- Phone: (678)665-6248
- Email: aedriskell@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justaskariel/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/justaskariel/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/justaskariel
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