Survivor Stories Series: What I Learned About Voice From Working with Matthew McConaughey with Ginger T. Rex

This month on Voice Lessons, I’m doing a special series where every week we’ll have a new episode sharing the voices and stories of survivors who have experienced sexual trauma. 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ginger T-Rex, a writer and SAG-AFTRA actress from the Four Corners region of New Mexico. As an Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) facilitator, Ginger leads writing workshops for survivors of violence and those navigating loss and grief, providing a supportive space for connection, creative expression, and healing. 

Throughout our conversation, Ginger emphasized the therapeutic power of writing and the importance of accessing one's senses to enrich the storytelling process. As evidenced in her poem ‘The Curse’ from her book ‘A Way Out,’ Ginger expertly integrates all 5 senses in her writing, giving it texture so you can truly immerse yourself in her writing as if you’re there with her.

Ginger also discusses her acting career and gives a sneak peek into some of her upcoming projects, including her role in 'The Lost Bus' with Matthew McConaughey and 'Jesus in the Passover' where she plays Mary, the mother of Jesus. This episode gives a deeper look into the intersections between acting, writing, and how expressive arts are a gateway for healing from past trauma.

Key Topics:

• The unique healing that came from writing as part of the AWA community
• When Ginger first started to consider herself a writer
• Sharing the affection and grit of New Mexico through Ginger’s poem, ‘The Curse’
• Bringing all 5 senses into writing to give it more depth and texture
• What Ginger learned about voice and storytelling through being an actor
• Ginger’s experience with sexual assault eventually led her to pursue acting as a career
• Understanding the hero’s journey in screenplay writing
• Bringing yourself into every character you play or write
• What Ginger learned about authenticity from working with Matthew McConaughey 
• Admitting your biases when you’re giving advice, or writing characters
• Asking yourself — and your characters — what’s best for the story 

Connect with Ginger online:

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1690509/

Instagram: @gingert.rex

We’ve Got Some Things to Say: https://amherstwriters.org/bookstore/

Find more from Jill:

Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com

Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/

Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching

Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info

Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!