Viola Davis on Writing, Acting, and Embracing Discomfort

Viola Davis has spent her career defying expectations and pushing boundaries as an actress. Now, she's taking on a new challenge: writing. In her first novel, 'Judge Stone,' co-authored with James Patterson, Davis brings her unique perspective to the page. In an extended interview with Tracy Smith, Davis discusses the process of writing, the importance of embracing discomfort, and how her experiences as an actress have informed her approach to storytelling.

For Davis, writing is a natural extension of her acting work. 'I've always been a storyteller,' she says. 'As an actress, I've had the privilege of bringing characters to life, and now I'm excited to take on the challenge of creating my own characters and stories.' Davis notes that her experiences as an actress have given her a unique understanding of the power of storytelling and the importance of authenticity. 'As an actress, I've learned that the most compelling stories are the ones that are true to the human experience,' she says. 'And that's what I'm trying to do with my writing – to create stories that are honest and relatable.'

One of the themes that emerges in Davis's writing is the importance of embracing discomfort. 'Discomfort is where the magic happens,' she says. 'It's where we make the greatest discoveries in life.' Davis notes that this is particularly true for creatives, who often have to push themselves outside of their comfort zones in order to produce their best work. 'As an actress, I've had to be willing to take risks and try new things in order to grow and learn,' she says. 'And that's what I'm trying to do with my writing – to be brave and take risks in order to create something truly original.'

Davis's approach to writing is also informed by her experiences as a black woman in a predominantly white industry. 'As a black woman, I've always felt like I'm on the outside looking in,' she says. 'But I've learned to use that to my advantage. I've learned to be a fly on the wall, to observe and listen, and to use that to inform my writing.' Davis notes that this approach has allowed her to create characters and stories that are authentic and relatable, even in a world that often seems designed to exclude her.

Ultimately, Davis's goal with her writing is to create stories that inspire and uplift. 'I want my writing to be a source of hope and joy,' she says. 'I want it to be a reminder that we are all connected, and that we all have the power to create positive change in the world.' Davis notes that this is particularly important in today's world, where division and negativity often seem to dominate the headlines. 'We need more stories that inspire and uplift us,' she says. 'We need more stories that remind us of our shared humanity.'

Davis's novel, 'Judge Stone,' is a powerful exploration of these themes. Through the eyes of her protagonist, a young black woman navigating the complexities of the justice system, Davis offers a nuanced and thought-provoking look at the ways in which our society is structured to disadvantage certain groups. The novel is a call to action, a reminder that we all have the power to create positive change in the world. And it's a testament to Davis's skill as a writer that she's able to convey this message in a way that's both accessible and impactful.

In the end, Davis's writing is a reflection of her own experiences and perspectives. It's a reflection of her growth and learning as an actress, and of her desire to use her platform to create positive change in the world. And it's a reminder that, no matter who we are or where we come from, we all have the power to create something truly original and meaningful.