Kathy Charles

Author

Kathy Charles is the author of the novel Hollywood Ending, a startling and timely tale of teenagers obsessed with dead celebrities.

Where were you born?

I grew up on the mean streets of St. Kilda and remember playing hopscotch on the Esplanade as transvestites rolled home from a night out.

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve worked in the film industry for the past ten years as a publicist and marketing specialist for such brands as Disney, Nickelodeon, Disney Pixar and Warner Bros, as well as Film Victoria, the state government film funding body. I now work in the Australian film and television industry as a sound post production supervisor.

What themes are recurring in your work?

My work explores the effect pop culture has on our lives and how it contributes to our understanding of the world and who we are.

What have been the highlights of your career?

In 2010 I was the only writer to be shortlisted for two NSW Premier’s Literary Awards: the Ethel Turner Prize for Young Adult Fiction and the UTS Glenda Adams Award for Best New Writing. That same year I was also nominated for Cosmopolitan magazine’s Fun Fearless Female of the Year Award!

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about teaching teens to embrace who they are without fear, and channel their own passions into fulfilling, creative careers. I am also passionate about sharing my experiences as a publicist and marketing professional, and giving people the tools they need to manage their public profile effectively and to great success.

Haven’t I seen you before?

During an appearance on 9am with David and Kim, all the lights went off as I was talking about the ghost of James Dean. Everybody freaked out!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I may or may not have a Star Wars tattoo.