Lindsay Ruck on the power of words and storytelling
Lindsay Ruck is all in
Writing has always been my therapy. Putting words on a page is how I process emotions, organize thoughts, and bring calm to at times a hectic life.
I was never fully capable of talking about race and feelings of belonging, or estrangement — until I started putting it down on paper.
I wrote a poem called Black and White in elementary school, inspired after seeing the late, great, Maxine Tynes at a poetry reading in Dartmouth, N.S. My mother, a now-retired school teacher, was especially excited about my poem. She shared it with her class, made photocopies and put it up around the school. My thoughts about racism and discrimination were being validated. That's when I realized just how powerful my pen could be.
Looking back, I could never properly express myself verbally in a number of situations. Like when someone would make a rude remark about the colour of my skin, mock the volume and texture of my hair because it didn't flow and sit like the hair of my predominantly white friends, or tell my young mixed-race self to either pick a side or tick the "other" box when filling out a standard medical form.
But when I sat down to write, it all came out. Not always as poetically as I would like, but it flowed from the heart and was the release I so desperately needed. I took the emotions that came from the words that cut me down and turned them into words to build myself back up again.
Being "all in" is the perfect way to describe my relationship with writing. I hold my own pen so I can write my own narrative. The East Coast is abundant with masterful wordsmiths who, like Maxine Tynes, are using the art of writing to eloquently challenge the status quo. In my own Halifax community, Andre Fenton is beautifully telling stories of mixed-race young adults who are just trying to figure out life. Guyleigh Johnson is turning issues of race and belonging into rhythmic gems that people crave to read again and again. There is a community of writers who are all in, and you can feel it with every word.
As a mom of two young children, I now have the amazing privilege of teaching them the power of words and of storytelling. What a gift it is to see their eyes light up when they discover a new book that draws them in and they ask me to read it on repeat. Many of these books are written and/or illustrated by individuals who also call the East Coast home. From songwriting and spoken word to children's picture books and the great Canadian novel, there is no doubt that the East Coast has a way with words. And there is room for every story.
Get to know Lindsay
Who or what inspires you and why?
My children. I do everything with them in mind.
What do you enjoy most about living on the East Coast?
The ocean.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
At risk of sounding repetitive, my children.
What is your motto?
Just keep writing.
Who are your favourite writers?
Maxine Tynes and Sheree Fitch.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Sarcasm.
I recently acted as editor on a book called, The ABC's of North Preston, which was published by the Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute. It was written and illustrated by children of the North Preston community. Their creativity and honesty blew me away. I was collaborating with some real changemakers.
What advice would you give your future self?
Take time to rest and celebrate the victories, both big and small.
Where can people connect with you?
@L_Ruck1 on Twitter
lindsay_ruck on Instagram
lindsayruck.ca website
Lindsay's Picks
WATCH: Willie - This documentary on CBC Gem explores the life of Willie O'Ree who changed hockey forever on Jan. 18, 1958 when he became the first black player to skate in a National Hockey League game.
LISTEN: Classic Soul (CBC Music Playlist) - Motown to Muscle Shoals, gospel to girl groups, the best of classic soul. Timeless classics from Marvin Gaye & Aretha Franklin; newer soul sounds of Sharon Jones & Mayer Hawthorne. Hear: Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones and more!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
