Billy Ray on Writing Hope in Dark Times, and Building Future Worlds

Billy Ray on Writing Hope in Dark Times, and Building Future Worlds

Author: Jeff Utecht & Tricia Friedman March 23, 2026 Duration: 15:32

What does it take to write a story that faces darkness without surrendering to it?

In this episode, Tricia speaks with acclaimed screenwriter Billy Ray about his move into YA fiction with Burn the Water, a future-set story shaped by Shakespeare, political urgency, and a deep belief in young people's capacity to lead us forward. Their conversation explores community, imagination, hope, and the discipline of creating when the world feels bleak. Billy also offers a sharp look at his writing process, including what changed when he moved from screenwriting to novel writing, and why he sees writing less as inspiration and more as problem-solving.

In this conversation, you'll hear:

  • Why Billy Ray believes community is at the core of everything he writes
  • How Romeo and Juliet and The Hunger Games helped shape Burn the Water
  • Why setting a story 400 years in the future opened up new creative possibilities
  • What it means to write for teens living through uncertainty and disenfranchisement
  • Why hope is not passive, but something we practice
  • How writing can help us process emotion, perspective, and possibility
  • What surprised Billy most about shifting from screenwriting to novel writing
  • Why he approaches writing like a mechanic, not a mystic
  • How structure, routine, and problem-solving power his creative process

Memorable ideas from the episode:
Billy Ray reflects on the role of story in helping us imagine better futures, even when the present feels unstable. He talks about art as a way to tell the truth through invention, and about the importance of refusing hopelessness. He also shares a compelling view of young people, not as passive inheritors of crisis, but as the very people who may lead us through it.

Episode takeaway
This is a conversation about craft, courage, and the necessity of hope. For writers, readers, and anyone thinking seriously about the futures we are building, this episode offers both creative insight and moral clarity.

Join Tricia for a free Futures Literacy session:

https://triciafriedman.com/futureoffun/

 


Ever feel like the conversation around education moves faster than a school day? Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators is here to slow things down just enough for a meaningful dialogue. Hosted by practicing educators Jeff Utecht and Tricia Friedman, this podcast creates a necessary space for teachers and administrators to dig into the real work of modern teaching. Instead of just theory, you’ll hear from fellow practitioners and thought leaders who are navigating the same challenges you face daily. The discussions move beyond surface-level trends to unpack practical strategies and tools that can be adapted for your own classroom or school. Whether it’s rethinking assessment, integrating technology with purpose, or fostering a more inclusive learning environment, each episode is grounded in the shared goal of improving outcomes for every student. Tuning in feels less like another professional development requirement and more like a candid staff room conversation with colleagues who get it. This is where the abstract ideas about educational change meet the concrete reality of the K-12 world, offering actionable insights for anyone committed to the craft of teaching. Find Shifting Schools wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts for a regular dose of perspective and practical ideas.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators
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