Meet Reese Anderson | Writer

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

Hi Reese, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am the epitome of a risk-taker. You know all the Hollywood stories we read about people who pack their lives up and move to a major city with no plan? I am that kind of risk-taker. After college, I moved to NYC with no job or real plan. Just a savings account and a friend who let me stay with them for a few months. Some people call it stupidity. That is, until it works. Then they call it a risk. I don’t mind calling it a risk because a risk that bets on myself is one I am always willing to take. Betting on myself is what led me to leave companies that didn’t value me, for better opportunities. Betting on myself encouraged me to apply for roles I wasn’t qualified for but knew I could perform. Betting on myself led me to leave a company I worked for almost six years to become a full-time writer. Taking risks is the sole reason I have obtained the success I have and continue to challenge myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe the ‘things’ that separate my art from other creatives is my passion, and want to restore emotion in reading and storytelling. As I watch or read a story, I want to feel something. I want to laugh, cry, get angry, or sad. A story that can spark emotion is important. So many times, we watch or read something just to fill a void. I have watched plenty of shows, movies, or read books that didn’t make me do so much as crack a smile. My hope is my works can restore those feelings. Obtaining success isn’t easy. If it were easy, everyone would be successful. My passion is what keeps me focused. The level of passion for anything is important. Passion is what keeps you going and performing at a high level. I recently parted ways from my full-time job to give my passion for writing the same focus and attention I was giving someone else’s passion. I am happy I made that decision.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Because I am a foodie, most of my favorite places around Atlanta have food involved. I particularly love to grab a bite at Rotisserie Shoppe, Blue Moon Pizza, Busy Bee Cafe, and This Is It! BBQ. If a friend is in town, it’s only right we hit the nearest Waffle House. Just for good luck! I also love the weekend brunch menu at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern! Everyone loves unlimited mimosas! If I am looking for a good time, The Battery is an excellent area to hang out with friends during the day. I think Auburn Ave and Edgewood have a better night scene though. If I am looking to people watch, Lenox Square Mall is usually a bag of fun. Those are all great places to hang.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have met so many people along my path who have helped shape who I am today. The most influential person in my life is my mother who has provided plenty of support, mentorship, love and encouragement. One of the most important lessons focuses on readjusting and redirecting when necessary. There’s a level of resilience required in working to achieve success. Whenever adversity faces you, you have to be able to readjust as necessary. My mother has readjusted her whole life, including relocations to different regions, career changes, etc. Because I continuously saw success despite challenges, conflict resolution comes easily for me. In owning a business, plenty of issues will arise, and it’s comforting knowing thanks to her I am equipped with the skill to combat those problems.

Website: https://www.reeseanderson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeseandersondotcom/
Other: Email: reese@reeseanderson.com

Image Credits
Diamond Christine of MINT Creative Co., Devin Carter of Koach Carter Films