Inspiration and ideas come into our lives in various forms. Experiences, conversations, and the media in our lives can all act as guides to refreshing thoughts. I believe in the concept of recycling, but at times we need to be willing for the trial and error approach.

After conversing with many colleagues and mentors, I found empowerment with announcing concepts running through my mind. At first I found myself afraid of bad ideas, but once I spoke up I realized my ideas were not so horrible.

Talking Wisconsin Life

Last Monday, I sat down with Erika Janik, producer of Wisconsin Life to discuss possible involvement in the program, recording a segment of my own. Of course Janik was interested in my participation, but was I? Honestly, I hate listening to the sound of my own voice, let alone allowing thousands of listeners to tune in or listen online, but if I said no, I’d be depriving myself an opportunity for a platform. Janik and I discussed ideas for pieces, whether I should use the medium of spoken work or write a narrative. In the end, I expressed that spoken word would be the medium for performing my words I am most comfortable with and I have already began writing the piece. I don’t want to give too much away, but I hope to share it online soon.

Discovering The Ideas Network

For the first time in my entire fellowship, I actually contributed an idea for The Ideas Network and the producers liked it. Usually in the course of the meetings I’ve shadowed I follow the conversation attentively and when the hosts or producers of a particular show ask if I have an idea I sit in awkward silence. “Not to put you on the spot or anything,” they would say. I had nothing to say. This summer I wanted to make a contribution. Instead of entering a meeting without one thought, I’d read the news in the morning. I found out news and events I paid attention to mattered. For example, Matthew Braunginn, a Facebook friend, invited me to an event hosted by Young, Gifted, and Black. Producers of Central Time crafted that idea into the 4:00 p.m. segment this past Monday. Needless to say, there was no reason for me to be afraid of my own ideas.

http://www.wpr.org/young-gifted-and-black-marks-4-months-tony-robinson-was-killed

Writing On-Air Promos

I have never thought about marketing or writing promotions in my life, but why not give it a try? After meeting with Jeffery Potter, the Marketing Director and Judith Heise Kovalic, the Marketing Manager, I was encourage to try to write 30-Second promos for community events, by 30 seconds, I mean 24 seconds or under. Did I succeed? Not yet. The first draft of promos I wrote for Madison’s Central Park Sessions and Four Seasons Theatre were not a hit, but with the direction of Potter they’ll get there. Creativity and inspiration play a huge part in promotions. In a world, where we are bombarded by advertising it is difficult to get someone to tune in. I might not have mastered the art of writing on-air promotions quite yet, but I am trying.

Never be afraid to accept new tasks. Learning comes from failing and trying again. Who knows? You might succeed at the first try, but I know from this point forward I’ll have the confidence to attempt new projects. I only have two weeks of my summer internship left, so maybe I will accomplish something great.