Growing up in a family that didn't view a career in the arts as feasible, Kathryn Burnett pursued writing with determination, transitioning from magazine articles to professional screenwriting. She faced numerous challenges, particularly in a competitive industry that often overlooks middle-aged women. Post-menopause, Kathryn experienced a personal transformation, embracing her true self and taking greater creative risks. This shift led to a focus on complex, authentic female protagonists, inspired by real-life experiences and conversations. Her writing now champions strong, relatable women, pushing back against clichéd portrayals. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of defining personal success, trusting oneself, and not fearing failure. In addition to her creative work, she shares her insights through coaching writing and her book, 'The Productive Writer Guidebook.' Kathryn continues to explore new projects, driven by her passion for storytelling and commitment to depicting multifaceted female characters.

What You Will Hear in This Episode:

2:15 - Kathryn's Background and Journey

6:45 - Turning Point in Kathryn's Career

10:05 - Challenges in the Screenwriting Industry

15:30 - Defining Success

20:10 - Kathryn's Post-Menopause Transformation

25:00 - Impact on Writing

30:20 - The Power of Female Protagonists

35:55 - Inspiration Behind Kathryn's Play

40:15 - The Writer's Journey and Coaching

45:25 - Current and Future Projects

50:50 - Advice for Aspiring Writers

Quotes

“There's always going to be someone with an opinion of you.”

“There's making a living and then there's making a great living.”

“The world doesn't fall over if you fail or get it wrong.”

“I think loads of creatives will tell you the same. It's just never a smooth journey. I mean, life never is.”

Mentioned:

www.kathryn-burnett.com

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