Performed by Carina Cojeen
Get to know the writer:
1. What is your story about?
This story is a small piece of my own life story. I was married for 8 years and it was an extremely difficult road filled with rejection, disappointment and a lot of grief. This story of “Ruth” and her unrequited love tells the story of disappointment and rejection, but it also tells about the growth that comes with such an experience and the potential it has to bring healing and renewed hope and a better understanding of what true love does look like.
2. What genres would you say this story is in?
non-fiction/faith
3. How would you describe this story in two words?
transparent, hopeful.
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
I would say “Milo & Otis” only because a little girl I used to babysit years ago was obsessed with it and we would watch it over and over and over and over and over every day, all day. At least it was a cute movie!
5. What is your favorite song?
There’s a lot of songs I love, but one of my most recent favorites is “It is Well,” performed by Kristene DiMarco (It Is Well – Kristene DiMarco & Bethel Music – You Make Me Brave …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI )
(Or, what song have you listened to the
most times in your life?)
6. Do you have an all-time favorite novel?
I LOVE “Anne of Green Gables”
7. What motivated you to write this story?
It was actually a way for me to sort out what I was feeling, to express it, and try to piece together how I got to that point in my life. If I can’t figure out where I went wrong, then I am in danger of repeating the same mistakes. I decided to share the story, because I know I’m not alone in experiencing such a grief as that. Also, in hearing other people’s story of failed relationships, the biggest approach to it I’ve seen is allowing oneself to continue to be defeated and feel like a victim. I think it is so crucial to not just acknowledge where someone has hurt us, but it’s imperative that we also to take a look in the mirror, let God search our hearts to see what needs to change in us. When we do that we come out stronger and our feet are more apt to be set on solid ground onto a better and happier path.
8. If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
Well, I think I would pick an alive person, because that would be really gross to eat dinner with a dead person. LOL! Okay, seriously, I think Joni Eareckson Tada. She is an incredible lady and what a ministry she has!
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I’ve a heart for vulnerable adults, whether they’re battling a disability or illness, homelessness, or they’re simply up in years. The vulnerable adults are often overlooked in society and of all people, these are the ones who have a story to tell. They need to know someone cares and they also need to know that despite what circumstances may look like, there is a God who loves them and He’s got them in His hand.
Aside from that, I love animals and I love to follow different pet therapy groups and see the work they do such as taking dogs and cats to hospitals and nursing homes or equine therapy organizations that help kids and adults with disabilities through interaction with the horses. I love music. I play a flute and I’m actually learning to play bagpipes and I love it! I love to be outdoors and just see all that God has made for us.
10. What influenced you to enter your story to get performed?
Honestly, when I wrote the story, I never thought I would ever submit it someplace to be performed, but when I found out about such an opportunity, I thought it would be an incredible opportunity to reach out to even more and bring them a sense of comfort and hope. I hope it does just that.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Really, the only thing I can think of is something I’ve heard so much. Write about what you know. When we write about what we know – not just simply head knowledge, but our life experiences, our disappointments, our hopes, our faith; it let’s others know they are not alone. It doesn’t matter the genre you pick to deliver the story, when you write from your heart, your message shines through and reaches the people it was meant to reach and it can make someone’s world that much brighter.
Heidi Rhonehouse
https://heidisstorycorner.weebly.com
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Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Director: Kierston Drier
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
Camera Operator: Mary Cox
Novel Writing Festival 