Own your story

As the second to last day of the French writing retreat dawned, anticipation buzzed in the air. It was my turn to pitch my project to a group of Hollywood and British screenwriters, producers, and agents. This was my first deep dive into the movie business, and my writing group had been encouraging me to experiment with creative freedom, transforming my memoir into a screenplay.

Throughout the retreat, I had been reserved, absorbing the basics of screenwriting while ensuring I remained healthy and focused. My mind worked quietly behind the scenes, crafting the best way to convey my story. As I mentioned in last week’s post, I had no preconceived notions about the retreat, remaining open to whatever the universe brought my way.

I didn't arrive with a rehearsed pitch; I was going with the flow. Yet, after engaging with my writing group, I realized I could amplify the dramatic elements of my story to fit the big screen. I crafted a gripping pitch, practiced it privately, and then shared it with my group, receiving enthusiastic feedback.

As a professional speaker, I am comfortable with public speaking. On the day of my pitch, I felt ready and excited to share my personality with the group.

“I’m Jenn Todling, and I’m thrilled to present my project, Dancing on My Own Two Feet, a feature film romantic drama set in the present day. Inspired by my memoir, it’s a blend of Eat Pray Love and Shall We Dance.”

I launched into my pitch with confidence.

“The story begins with thirty-year-old Jenn making a harrowing escape from her abusive marriage. Her hands tremble, her heart races, and her eyes blur as she navigates the freeway, cars zooming past, her phone buzzing with desperate messages from her husband. After five years of caring for him through a mysterious illness, enduring escalating trauma, she knows there’s no turning back.”

I saw the fear in the group's eyes, hooked by the dramatic flair and urgency.

“Our story takes a poignant turn,” my voice cracked.

“As Jenn bravely moves across the country to NYC,” tears welled up.

In that moment, my body became completely overwhelmed with emotion. From my feet to my core to my head, I can’t resist the heat rising through my being, threatening to take over.

“It’s there that she reconnects with her first love—dance—which becomes key to her transformation.” Tears are flowing now, and my voice is shaking. This was not like rehearsal.

“Each step transcends the physicality of the movement, reconnecting her with pieces of her soul lost during her marriage.”

I tried my best to regain my composure to finish the pitch.

“But when she meets Gable, a potential suitor, she wonders: Is she better off alone, or could Gable be the partner and love she’s been longing for?”

Applause erupted, followed by a Q&A session where I mostly maintained my confidence. Yet, as I sat back, I felt vulnerable and a bit embarrassed that my emotions got the best of me. I’m nearly fifteen years removed from that day of escape, and the power of my story no longer holds the same grip. But in that moment, owning my narrative was a raw, emotional experience.

I allowed myself to sit with the discomfort until the final day, where I was able to fully embodied my journey’s essence. At our final cabaret show, I danced two numbers: a sassy merengue/samba and an Argentine tango with a fellow writer. On the dance floor, my true self emerged, showcasing the transformative magic dance has had on my physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.

As the song I chose portrayed, I feel better when I’m dancing. In this new life journey, actively creating my chosen path, I’m learning to dance on my own two feet again. And I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

I’m excited for the next eight months as my book, Dancing on My Own Two Feet: A New Life One Step at a Time, prepares to launch. And I’m thrilled to announce it’s now available for pre-order at all major retailers.

Here’s a link to my author page with Simon and Schuster if you want to be among the first to sign up.

I can’t wait to share more of my journey in the coming months and I’m sure the emotions will be right next to me as I birth this book into the world.

Remember, your story matters—the good, the challenging, the vulnerable parts. Writing a book is not for the faint of heart, especially when it’s about your life. Cheers to those who are brave enough to share their stories with the world.

How can you own your story this week?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For the world needs who we were made to be.