Meet Drew Dotson | Writer & Improv Guru

We had the good fortune of connecting with Drew Dotson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Drew, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Life is about connecting with others, and what better way to do that than through creative expression. I’ve been drawn to art throughout my life. As a child, I wrote and illustrated stories, designed greeting cards, and even crafted and sold handmade jewelry to other kids in the neighborhood. I enjoyed creating, and I especially loved the joy it brought to other people. Now, as an adult, I view art as more valuable than ever. It’s easy to find reasons to disagree, but ultimately we’re all just humans who thrive when we connect with others — and art is a great avenue for that.

I hope to bring people together by writing about the shared human experience. No matter our differences, we’re very much alike.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write about real-world experiences from a place of vulnerability and humor. Though I’m not great at singing my own praises, many of my readers comment on the fact that my writing makes them feel things — often resulting in a crying + laughing combo. I was born with a genetic disease called cystic fibrosis, which meant that I shouldn’t live to see adulthood. I turned to humor as a way to cope with my fears of a shortened life.

After defying the odds, beginning my improv career, and meeting and marrying a wonderful man, life took another turn when my husband, Ramón, was diagnosed with cancer. I’d spent a lifetime fearing my own death, then became a widow at 34 years old. Although my life has had its challenges, it’s given me plenty to write about — and, boy, have I written.

I’ve been fortunate, too, because after about 10 years in professional marketing/communications roles, became self-employed as a freelance writer. This has given me more control over my own schedule, giving me more time to devote to my personal writing. As someone who is self-employed, my biggest struggle has been setting boundaries because I don’t have a set income or paid time off. I’ve gotten better about setting time aside for myself so I don’t let my own passions gather too much dust.

I want people to know that, no matter what’s happened in your life up to this point, there’s beauty to be found in the present moment. It’s never too late to start rewriting your story. This is the guiding mindset behind my posts at www.drewdotson.com.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta has so many amazing spots and, despite being a native, I feel like I’ve only seen a fraction of what Atlanta has to offer.

I live in Kirkwood, so I’d love to plan the trip in conjunction with the Kirkwood Wine Stroll, which is my favorite event each year. There’s no gas station dance party quite like the one at the Kirkwood Valero.

There are so many great breweries now, so we’d have to check out some of those, like Sceptre in Oakhurst, Three Taverns in Decatur, or New Realm along the beltline.

I’m a big coffee fan, too, and enjoy introducing people to Refuge Coffee in Clarkston. I love what Refuge is about, and they often have some awesome local art. Another favorite place for local art is Garage Door Studio in Avondale Estates.

With such an awesome performing arts scene in Atlanta, we’d have to check out some live shows, like improv at Whole World, or an Oakhurst Jazz Night if the timing was right.

I’m also a big Atlanta sports fan, so I’d love to catch a Braves or Falcons game in person or on a patio somewhere.

I don’t even know where to start when it comes to food. I used to live near Buford Highway, which is a mecca of amazing cuisine that illustrates Atlanta’s diverse community. The experience at Ponce City Market is always fun, too, and has something for everyone. Downtown Decatur has a lot of great spots like Brick Store Pub and LEON’s Full Service. My nearby favorites are Sun in My Belly for breakfast and Mezcalito’s for some patio and margarita time.

Oh, and we’d have to go up to Lawrenceville to see the bridge named after my late husband and grab a bite at McCray’s on the square.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to give a shout-out to Fran Stewart (www.franstewart.com). Several years ago, in 2019, I learned that Fran was teaching a memoir-writing class through the public library. I signed up on a whim, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. Fran taught me the value of sharing my story, and she has continued to mentor me as I work to get my memoir published. So, for anyone who’s interested in writing their story, find someone like Fran to encourage you!

Second, I want to thank Whole World Improv Theatre (www.wholeworldtheatre.com) for introducing me to one of the loves of my life, improv. Back in the day (2008), I registered to take an improv class. I thought it would be fun, but it was so much more. I learned how to be my most authentic self, and I discovered the value of living in the present moment. I spent almost a decade at Whole World, and improv propelled me to embrace who I am — a skill that has further enhanced my ability to write from a raw, honest place.

Website: www.drewdotson.com

Instagram: drewdled

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewdotson/

Twitter: drewdotson