#my second favourite kind of rain is the one is mystery and horror media

[wullu]

Detective Park Doo-Man: Did you see his face? What did he look like?

Schoolgirl: Well... kind of plain.

Detective Park Doo-Man: In what way?

Schoolgirl: Just... ordinary

Memories of Murder by Bong Joon Ho (2003)

[thepermanentrainpress]

THE PERMANENT RAIN PRESS INTERVIEW WITH ESABELLA STRICKLAND

Esabella Strickland is a young achiever. Aside from being a Vancouver-based actress, the artist is an author, scriptwriter, media host, and learning disabilities advocate. Her new novel Then And There, Here And Where (GenZ Publishing) was released earlier this month, the debut of a saga “filled with mystery, magic and knowledge.” 

Congratulations on the release of Then And There, Here And Where! You collaborated on this novel with your father Michael. Tell us about the inspiration behind Orabella, her gift, and adventures.

Well growing up my parents would read to me because I had a hard time reading because of my dyslexia and ADHD. However, when they read to me, I could see the images clearly in my head like a movie. My mom would read Nancy Drew to me, and my dad would tell me scary stories when we went camping together. When I changed schools (a private school for dyslexia, ADHD) my confidence grew because I was socially alienated and bullied at my old school for learning differently. So, I came up with this idea with my dad to create Orabella who also has ADHD, dyslexia and social anxiety but learns to overcome her fears and become a heroine. I also wanted readers to learn about history so there is fiction/non-fiction edu-entertainment so you’re learning while having fun.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

I want to inspire girls, especially girls who are bullied or socially alienated because they feel different, to find their super power within, ask for help and follow your passion even if it’s music, art, dance, acting... keep doing it no matter how many setbacks you have... follow your dreams! 

Can we assume that Orabella’s story will continue with future novels?

Yes, we are halfway through our second novel, our plan is to write as many books as possible. With each book Orabella is a year older so she grows with you, like a friend. There is mystery, magic and personal growth.

Outside of being an author, you are also a screenwriter. You’re currently the GenZ Script Consultant for Graisland Entertainment. How has this experience been?

It has been really cool, I first reached out to Michael Grais on LinkedIn asking if he wanted to collaborate on a horror movie together, which caught him by surprise considering I am only 15. He sent 2 scripts he finished and asked me what I thought, so I read through each of them and gave him my honest feedback, it was then he gave me the green light to write Death Noise - an Urban Legend Horror. I have gone through so many edits and re-writes but I was prepared because I went through the same thing with our book. Mr. Grais is really cool, he is honest and supportive. I am working on a second urban legend horror for him so we will see. I love storytelling from writing, drawing, painting, and playing music.

You have been growing your skills as a media host, having hosted for EveRIAthing, and at Geektopia and the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon. What has been the most rewarding event for you to be apart of, so far?

Oh by far the Variety Telethon because it is helping kids like me, to improve their lives. Variety BC helped me with tuition so I can stay at my present school, which is for kids with learning challenges. I love sharing their stories. I have gotten a lot of hosting mentoring and training from EveRIAthing, which carried over to me hosting the Variety Telethon for the 3rd year in a row. I love hosting because I love hearing and sharing stories. I also hosted Geektopia to raise money for the Amanda Todd Foundation. I also helped host Meowfest to raise money for the Langley Animal Hospital and the regional Animal Protection Society.

What advice would you share with aspiring hosts and media personalities?

Oh find a mentor or teacher to train you and find a cause that you believe in and approach them to see if you could help promote them. I started by having a YouTube channel and my first interview was with George Takei, which was really cool. So don’t be afraid to try new things.

You are a learning disabilities advocate, as you live with anxiety, ADHD and dyslexia. You are a true figure of empowerment! Why is it important to you to ‘lift as you rise’ and build this awareness?

Yes because I was bullied and socially alienated when I was younger, I do not want anybody to feel this way, so as I succeed I want others to succeed with me. It’s so easy to feel alone and sad no matter what age you are so its important to know that somebody is there for you. So, if you have a goal or a dream then I want to be here to support you with that. Also never be afraid to ask, and if the answer is no, then keep asking until you get a yes. We were turned down by so many literary agents because our book was not the right fit or the right timing, but we did not give up and we kept asking until we found GenZ Publishing.

Tell us about how attending Kenneth Gordon Maplewood has helped you? What other resources have you used over the years?

OMG in so many ways, they teach you based on your learning style; also there are small class sizes with more teachers so you can get the support you need. Also being around kids like me helps as we all have been bullied at previous schools, so we understand each other. I also see a counsellor who helps with my anxiety and gives me tools to work on like meditation, tapping and self care time (without feeling guilty about it).

You’re quite active on social media! You’ve received support from a lot of other filmmakers, media personalities, and artists, specifically Bif Naked. What has that support and encouragement meant to you?

This is a huge encouragement because they are doing what I am doing – lifting as you rise. It is also important to find mentors to help build you up too. Those are the ones who struggled to get to the top and know how hard it is; so like Bif Naked, she reaches down and helps you up.

Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to share?

I am booked for a role on a feature film, which I can’t talk about as of yet, and also Michael Grais and I are close to getting financing on our feature film urban legend horror Death Noise. It is so scary and cool, it’s set in the late 70’s [and is] like Close Encounters of the Third Kind meets Stranger Things.

You love cats! You have Meeko and Daisy Mae at home; tell us about your love for them.

Oh Meeko just passed away he was 16 years old, and he was my best friend, it was really hard letting him go. When you said ‘I love you’ to him, he would wink at you or he would coo like a bird when he knew I was anxious. Meeko would also put his paw on my lap if I was sad or snuggle next to me. Daisy Mae is my 2-year-old Holland Lop. I love her but I also want another cat soon.

Who are a couple of musical artists you are listening to on your playlist?

Hmm I am more into songs than artists so I like Frank Sinatra, 70’s classic rock, AJR, Of Monsters and Men, and SALES.

If you could be any ice cream flavour, which would you be and why?

Oh Neapolitan ice cream because I like a blend of flavours - 3 of my favourite flavours together, oooh and also lime/lemon sorbet!

Follow Esabella’s upcoming projects at https://www.esabellakarena.com/ and Orabella’s adventures at https://www.orabellatheoracle.com/.