We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Giraldo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Throughout my career as a writer, I have had the privileged opportunity to create several significant projects for me. I have written two children’s books titled “My Little Piggy” and “My Little Piggy: The Dragon’s Treasure”. These books have been used as educational material in various schools in my country, and witnessing the interaction and enjoyment of children with these stories has been a truly heartwarming experience.
However, undoubtedly one of the projects I have focused on for several years and is extremely meaningful to me is “The Shadow of Kaia”, a young adult fantasy story. I have great trust in this project, as it is a narrative that deeply impassions me. I wanted to test if readers would be as excited about it as I am, so, together with Isaac Rubio, an artist and animator, we joined forces to bring this story to life and began developing it as a webcomic. We published the story on digital platforms such as Webtoon, and the results have been satisfying. Reading the feedback from the target audience has been rewarding for us, motivating us to begin developing the animated series.
Additionally, I am immersed in a project titled “The Devil’s Bedtime Stories”. This ambitious endeavor encompasses a compilation of short stories, accompanied by evocative illustrations, that explore the inherent complexities of human nature. Both “The Shadow of Kaia” and “The Devil’s Bedtime Stories” are stories that we are planning to adapt for film and television.
I am also directing my animated short film “Anchors,” which metaphorically narrates the constant struggle to find stability amidst life’s challenges.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into the world of storytelling began at an early age, fueled by my love for crafting imaginary worlds. Since then, I have dedicated my life to delving into the depths of narrative, constantly seeking ways to transport readers to places beyond their imagination.
My creative endeavors extend beyond mere books; I aim to elevate my stories to new heights by adapting them for film and television. I am committed to creating visually striking cinematic universes. Every project I undertake seeks to tackle the challenge of bringing words from the page to the screen in an authentic manner.
I aspire for those who engage with my works to find inspiration to create their own stories and pursue their dreams. I am dedicated to excellence, diversity, and human connection through my narratives, and I hope to share this exciting journey with all who choose to accompany me.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
As a writer, my creative journey is driven by a clear and passionate mission: to inspire, entertain, and provoke meaningful reflections in my readers.
In my stories, I aim to explore universal themes, confront human dilemmas, and offer unique perspectives that invite reflection. With every story I write, I strive to capture the complexity of the human experience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I believe that art has the power to deeply and meaningfully connect people, and as a creator, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be part of that process. Every time a reader shares with me how one of my stories has inspired them, or simply brought them joy and entertainment, I feel a profound sense of satisfaction and gratitude.
Moreover, the creative process itself is immensely gratifying. From the seed of an idea to the crafting of the world and characters, and finally seeing everything come to life on the page, each step of the process is exciting and enriching. The act of creation is a deeply personal and fulfilling experience that allows me to express who I am and share my unique vision with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iranimation1.wixsite.com/michellegiraldo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miichellegiraldo7/