Recently, I caught up with Renika McQueen! She is a filmmaker, writer, author, producer, and director. When it comes to film, she knows how to bring riveting stories to life! When it comes to her pen game, you can expect to see the stunning results play out on our screens! You can watch some of her amazing films like “Deceitful Passions”, “Cain and Abel”, and more on Tubi, Amazon Prime, Roku TV, and more! Recently, I received the opportunity to interview her! Check it out below!

Where are you from?
I am from Detroit, Michigan. Born and raised. 

When did you begin to develop a passion for writing that led you into filmmaking? 

My passion for writing actually started when I was a little girl. I wrote short stories, poetry, raps, songs, and whatever else came to mind. My passion for filmmaking did not develop until much later in life, when I attended a movie premiere for an independent filmmaker in my city. I loved what I saw, and the event just awakened something in me. 

Recently, I watched some of your movies! Wow! Amazing! I watched “Cain and Abel” and “Deceitful Passions”. First, thank you for bringing these stories to life. For those who may not have seen the movies yet, what was the inspiration behind making these movies, and what are they about? 

First, thank you so much for watching and supporting. I really appreciate that. The inspiration behind Deceitful Passions came from a hurtful time that I was going through in my life. Although it is not a true story, the infidelity was something that I had experienced. I decided to put my pain on paper, but I had to give it some spice. That’s where all of the extra stuff came in, which was NOT real or true. Cain and Abel was actually a book that I had started with intentions to publish but never got around to. After deciding to turn it into a movie and changing the ending, I changed the name. The original name was ‘My Brother’s Keeper.’ Deceitful Passions was a book at first as well. 

When it comes to transforming a book into a movie, what are the rewards and challenges?

The rewards of turning a book into a movie is seeing your words go from paper to movie and television screens. It’s like giving birth to a new baby. I remember when I first went to watch Deceitful Passions before its premiere, and I was so full of joy. I couldn’t believe that my book was now something that people all over the world would be able to watch. I was so excited but nervous at the same time. The challenge for me was learning how to turn a book into a script. It’s a different technique of writing that I had to learn because I’d never even thought of writing a script before. My husband purchased the final draft for me, and I taught myself. Everything worked out for me. I’m so thankful. 

I understand that you worked in corrections for 17 years prior. So many of us have dreams and want to pursue those dreams fully. Sometimes it requires us to take a chance and walk away from our full-time careers. What was it like for you to walk away from your career and dive into your passions? 

Walking away from corrections was extremely scary. I was leaving a secure and stable career that offered me Blue Cross and Blue Shield, dental and vision plans, a 401K, and so many other benefits to take a chance on something that was a newfound passion. When I finally quit and it hit me that I was now basically on my own, I cried. Corrections was such a huge part of my life. I grew up there. I matured there. I learned my leadership skills there. I realized things about myself there, as I grew. My friends were there. I spent so much time at work. It took a while to get used to the fact that I was able to move how I wanted to move and that no one else had control over my time with my family. For a while, I missed it so much, but I felt bad that I was missing something that God had blessed me enough to walk away from. I had to change my perspective and work on my faith. It was scary, but it has been very rewarding. 

When you’re not busy, how are you practicing self-care?

I practice self-care by taking naps. I love a good nap. I love quietness. I take myself out to lunch or dinner. I say no without feeling guilty. I leave people on hold, and I don’t answer my phone if I don’t want to. I do all of the girly things that make me feel pretty and pampered. I also set boundaries that I no longer allow people to cross. 

Share your websites and any social media handles. 

My social media handles are IG: _hey_queen and chase_and_conner_productions, Facebook is RenikaMcQueen, X is Hey_Queen. 

Before you go, drop a gem or some great advice for our readers out there. Feel free to say whatever compels you. I like to call this section UnpackingHer Thoughts. Let them know, Queen!

My gem that I’d like to drop is ENJOY LIFE ON YOUR LEVEL. Don’t allow what you see on social media to make you feel like you’re not doing enough. Do the things you love the way that you can, and as you level up, level the things you love in your life up. SET BOUNDARIES AND DON’T LET ANYONE CROSS THEM. SAY NO AND DON’T FEEL BAD ABOUT IT. DON’T WAIT ON OTHER PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN YOU OR TO BE PROUD OF YOU. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. BE PROUD OF YOURSELF. Go where the love is. Be a good person. 

Thank you so much, Renika!