Q&A With Spells of the Sea Author/Actor Gwenny Govea
Q&A WITH GUINEVERE GOVEA
Getting to know Guinevere “Gwenny” Govea.
Co-producer Megan Ann Rasmussen asked Gwenny about imagination, inspiration, advice for young writers, creativity, and more. Read her inspiring responses here.
Recently a young person asked you “how did you come up with this story when you couldn't go anywhere?” (Gwenny started writing Spells of the Sea during the pandemic.) You said, “I live in my imagination.” Can you describe what it's like to live in your imagination?
Sure! Growing up, I was really inspired by a lot of whimsical places that characters would travel to in movies and books. I loved watching the Banks children in Mary Poppins hop into sidewalk chalk drawings and I would always dream about visiting imaginary places like Neverland in Peter Pan. I think that drawing inspiration from the world around you is really important as a writer, but it’s always fun for me to create places that don’t exist, because those are the ones that really filled me with wonder and joy as a kid.
If you could give advice to aspiring young writers about finding their voice through writing, what advice would you give them?
I’m just starting out myself, but if I could give any piece of advice to young writers about finding their voice through writing, I’d say write what you know and always be true to you. Write about things that make you happy, or things that you’re passionate about, and the rest will follow! Say the things that you think are important, fun, silly, and everything in between. You are what makes your work special. Own it, and be confident in that!
How is playwriting and songwriting a creative outlet for you?
Whenever I feel something strongly, writing a song or writing a story about it can help me get through those feelings. That initial spark of creativity can sometimes become a part of a larger story (like a musical). I also love world building and creating both relevant and completely irrelevant facts and backstories for the shows I’m work on—it’s like building my own little house. It’s a place I can live in for a while, and when it’s done, I can invite people in.
Sometimes there is a misconception that being an artist, actor, or songwriter requires being more extroverted. Do you think this is true? Can someone be more introverted and still be an artist?
Oh, for sure! As an introvert myself, I definitely think artists can be introverted. I was always the quiet kid in theatre class growing up and started out only doing mime work. Eventually, I was able to find my voice acting in plays, singing songs, and later writing plays. I also think that if you’re introverted, or just someone that likes to observe and listen, you can learn a lot about the world around you and really understand people and how they interact, which I think is super important as a writer. Whenever I meet another introverted artist, it’s always fun because I notice them observing and nodding off into their own thoughts in a room full of people, and I’m like, “Oh! They’re like me."
What would you say to encourage young people about finding their unique voice?
You can do it! Everything you need is already inside you, and the more you grow into yourself, the more unique and true to you your voice will become! Don’t be afraid to be different. If we were all the same, our art would be pretty boring. You are special, you are enough, and you can do more than you think you can. Also—it’s important to listen to the people around you that want to help you grow, but don’t ever let anyone bully you or make fun of the art that you create. You are important, and the things you have to say are important.
