We had the good fortune of connecting with KATHLEEN LACCINOLE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KATHLEEN, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I am a creative. It’s how my brain works. I like challenge of attacking goals from a more artistic angle – thinking outside the box. And I love to partner with young writers and creatives in finding solutions to those issues that might blocking them or making them feel stuck in their craft or project. It’s fun!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a screenwriter and script consultant for over 20 years and have worked with some of the industry’s top producers, directors, awards, and festivals. What I’ve gleaned from all of this is that being a screenwriter is no easy feat! It takes lots of hard work, perseverance, resilience – and a little bit of luck.

Three years ago, I found myself searching for more purpose and meaning in my life, and got my certification as a life coach. Now, I work with new and seasoned screenwriters, partnering with them in finding solutions to those things that are blocking them or making them feel stuck. Further, I am able to give creative guidance on all aspects of script writing – from dialogue, to structure, to plot, to character.

I am a self-taught writer who walked away from a career in the music business to pursue my dream of writing for film. I was lucky enough to option my first script to Billy Crystal, via a producer I met at a party. Ergo, my number one bit of advice for new writers is to network, network, network. You just never know…

Now, in this phase of my life, I find myself on the other side of the computer, and happy to be here. I love working with writers, cheering them on, and watching their ideas evolve into something exciting, inspiring, and sellable.

I have the best job in the world!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is easy. First off, I would take my friend surfing in Malibu. People who have never been on a board, let alone in the water, are empowered after a surf lesson. They feel as if they are a true Californian, and can take on the world. After surfing, we’d do a bit of shopping at Cross Creek, before dinner at Ollo or The Farm.

The next day would be breakfast at Superba in Venice, then some walking about on Abbot Kinney – or if they are so inclined, some wandering around on the Strand.

One day would require a hike at Fryman Canyon to see life on the “other side of the hill” (Runyon is too crowded). And on another day, a hike at Will Rogers for the view, topped off by lunch at good ol’ Patrick’s Roadhouse.

We’d definitely have to drive up to Ventura, with a stop at Brophy Bros. for clams and a Bloody Mary. And maybe a road trip down to Encinitas for a night at the Surf House, with some true, laid back, Southern California flavor.

Another day would be window shopping on Montana, and out and about in Santa Monica – with drinks at Casa del Mar for the sunset, followed by a walk to the neon-lit Pier.

As for museums, a visit to the Hammer with lunch at Lulu is always nice. And let’s not forget an evening at the Baked Potato for some stellar music, with a stop at Casa Vega for margaritas and celebrity shopping.

I could go on and on! LA is a great place to visit and an even better place to live.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a screenwriter, almost everything I am today I owe to what I learned from my mentor, Joe Bratcher, and his Twin Bridges Screenwriting salon – a writers’ group that meets once a week to hold readings and notes exchanges. Without his wisdom, love and support, as well as the feedback and cheerleading from my fellow writers, I’m not sure I would have been able to slog through the trenches of writing and rewriting for the TV/Film industry. Joe and the group gave me the confidence to actually call myself a “writer.”

Instagram: Katilacc

Linkedin: Kathleen Laccinole

Facebook: Kathleen Laccinole

Other: ReaderWriterCoach.com

Image Credits
Photo by Maxx & Me Photography (first two photos)

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