Author and Filmmaker Gary Robinson talks Storytelling and the Importance of Centering the Indigenous Voice

Daybreak Star Radio’s Aiyana got the chance to sit down with Author and Filmmaker Gary Robinson of the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations and discuss his newest young adult series, his inspirations, and his advice for new writers.

Though Gary Robinson is known for his careers in film and publishing, his first introduction to storytelling was actually radio. His father worked in radio and would bring him to the station when he was younger where he was able to listen and take in the music and stories his father curated for the airwaves. When he started his time in college he originally was focused on anthropology, wanting to deepen his knowledge on Indigenous cultures and peoples. However, after seeing the films made for the classes, it clicked that he would rather create those films himself and ended up switching to a television and film major.

Because he started out in film, the way Gary Robinson writes his books is heavily influenced by classic film writing. He writes his books similarly to how he would write a movie, the pacing and story allowing for a smooth and quick read.

It was early in his career that Gary made the conscious decision to center Indigenous peoples and cultures in his stories. No matter what genre he is writing, from children’s books, to teen fantasy, to an upcoming adult comic, Gary always focuses on Indigenous Peoples. It is important for people to understand that native peoples and cultures are not one monolithic thing, there is a lot of diversity and differences between different nations. That understanding along with the constant idea that one person can have a positive impact on their community or an issue is the main focus of many of his books.

Even though he has been a writer and storyteller for a long time, Gary admits that at least one bout of writers block his him every book. When this happens, he has learned to trust his own mind and simply walk away from the project for a bit. Letting the story percalate in his subconscious and relaxing to let the ideas flow is how he gets past staring at a blank page.

When it comes to advice for young people who want to tell their own stories, Gary states that you have to be disciplined enough to make time for it. To become a writer you have to write and make it a part of your routine.

Gary Robinson just finished the third book in his Thunderchild Prophecy series and is currently working on a new project, check out his website and keep up to date with all his releases!