When we are on our journey of pursuing our creative goals, we must be open to how we arrive at the destination of our dreams.

You never know who will see your work, you never know who will connect you to more clarity, and you definitely don’t know when someone in power will see your gifts and call you to the front of the line.

Dayna Lynne North decided at a young age to launch her career as a writer and producer. After many years working as a writer in television, when given the opportunity to work on Emmy Nominated Show Insecure on HBO, Dayna gave a resounding YES. This is the true meaning of being in position and being ready when it’s “your turn.”

I asked Dayna to share some of her wisdom for us creatives today and I’m thrilled that she said yes. Be sure to show this blog some love by sharing, liking and commenting your favorite moments down below.

Let’s dive into this

Her Back Story:

You've done incredible work throughout your career, from freelance writing for critically acclaimed Lifetime Drama Any Day Now, to your work in Soul Food for its fifth season, and now you’ve been able to add Writer/Executive Producer for the hit show Insecure. I'm curious, as someone who has accomplished so much, what does success look like to you?

My answer to this question has evolved, as I’ve been working in the business. There was a time when it meant, “having and maintaining a career as a professional writer/producer.” But now, I would say, it looks like: prioritizing joy, peace, rest and balance, regardless of the highs or lows going on with my career.

How did you get started working on Insecure? What was that experience like?

Like almost every Black woman who breathes, I was a huge fan of Awkward Black Girl – which inspired Insecure. Issa and I had met a few times. We knew each other from ‘around the way’, as Black Women working in Hollywood. But then, when my good friend Prentice Penny came on as her show running partner for the pilot, he reached out to me after the pilot got picked up and asked if I wanted to join the writing staff. I tried to play it cool and not scream thirstily into the phone, hahaha. But, needless to say, I was excited. And being on the show was truly a gift. It was beautiful, and life changing. To be telling authentic, layered, funny stories that centered Black Women…AND, to be doing it with so many brilliant women -- and Women of Color…? Whoooo –what a blessing. We supported each other, inspired each other, teased the hell out of each other, and lifted each other up. Some of the best memories of my life.

You're an incredible writer, storyteller and you also play a huge role in the show Insecure. How do you balance working on your own material such as your course Write Away AND working on other projects for other people? What do you do in your personal life to stay inspired and filled to create for both types of projects?

To clarify, I am now officially an Insecure alumni. I was there for seasons 1 through 3, and treasured every moment. But then, I decided to take the leap into developing fulltime. But whether I’m working on a writing staff or more in development mode, there is always the challenge of balancing my own stories with other stories I’ve been hired to write/co-write/shepherd, etc. It comes down to remembering why I got into the business in the first place. What do I have to say, as a writer, and an artist? I continually check in with myself and ask – am I making the kind of art that inspires me, and can inspire others? It’s a tough question, but an important one. If I’m not finding time to do that, and to tell my stories, then… am I living in my purpose?

With the state of our nation being what it is, as a black woman, what do you hope to see change in Hollywood or the Entertainment Industry in general?

My hope -- and the goal that I am constantly working toward – is a shift in the paradigm in how Black stories and Black storytellers are seen and valued.

I'd love to know what has navigating this pandemic been like for you personally and for your career?

It’s definitely been a roller-coaster, but I’ve made a conscious choice to stay as zoomed out as possible on both the pandemic and the revolution that we’re currently living in. There is still joy to be found, and there is much work to be done. I work on staying centered, rested, and focused on the work I want to do, both personally and professionally.

With everything going on, what advice could you give to millennial writers and creatives that are feeling defeated right now in the midst of this pandemic and racial unrest? What should their focus be on?

Keep this in mind: There is no more important time to be an artist than right now.

Quarantine is an emotional roller-coaster – no doubt. But it’s also a time we can use to create new work and hone our craft. I think keeping the focus on work helps to take the stress off of things we can’t control. It’s also a great time to study and reinforce your skills with formal training. Whether you take my online course Write Away, or – whatever you’re drawn to, it’s a great way to challenge yourself to stay connected to the work.

You mentioned in an interview through HBO that "it takes a village to raise a television show. “As a creative and visionary, why do you think it's so important to have a village around you personally? What are some of those benefits?

When it comes to the arts of Film and Television, I believe the best product comes from true collaboration, from people relying on each other’s gifts, and trusting the process enough to let the best ideas win, instead of needing to be the winner of the “best idea!” award. When true collaboration happens, it’s transformative, and everybody wins, especially the audience.

You recently launched your first masterclass (congrats). You mentioned that in the course, they will be able to hone in on their voices. Practically speaking, how can one hone in on their most authentic voice as a writer or creative in general?

That is what I delve into in detail in my online course. The bottom line is, you’ve gotta be willing to take some personal risks, be honest with yourself, and do some serious self-exploration. As I say in the course, you’ve gotta be a, “creative detective.”

Your voice has been shared both through your writing and also using your voice through speaking opportunities like Share The Mic Now. What are your plans for the next year? What do you hope to work on or release next?

I’m super excited about launching my social-impact driven company Loud Sis, where I’ll be collaborating with women I adore, and centering the voices of Black women, and others whose stories are often ignored. Unfortunately, I can’t speak publicly on most of the work I’m developing just yet. But as soon as I can, I’ll be shouting from the rooftops.

You mentioned in an interview that one of your favorite moments in Insecure was when Tiffany and the girls go to take a picture in the museum, and they all walk away on the second “silly” photo that was suggested by Tiffany. Is there another favorite moment you would like to highlight from season three of Insecure?

Too many to count. I love “Mirror Issa,” who made her debut in season 3. And I especially love how she evolved in season 4. I love the endless, tiny callbacks and funny unresolved arguments that longtime friends have, like Issa and Molly’s “you broke my vase,” argument. There’s so much to love.

One of my favorite moments from this blog:

“I believe the best product comes from true collaboration, from people relying on each other’s gifts, and trusting the process enough to let the best ideas win, instead of a need to be the “winner of the best idea award.” When true collaboration happens, it’s transformative, and everybody wins, especially the audience.”

Whew, so good!

What are some of your favorite quotes from Dayna? Drop them down below.

Thank you again Dayna for being so generous with your time. We look forward to seeing all of the incredible things you work on next!