How does an optimist write about her husband's suicide and find purpose in the pain? Author, developmental editor, and former dance critic Kathryn Craft joins Dara Levan for a profound conversation on transforming personal tragedy into powerful fiction. Discover how Kathryn's journey through loss led to her novels The Art of Falling and The Far End of Happy, learn why she waited eight years to tell her most difficult story, and explore her unique concept of "story as energy" from her new craft book. This episode offers key takeaways on resilience, the subjectivity of artistic reception, and setting healthy family boundaries. If you're interested in writing craft, mental health narratives, or finding the silver lining in life's darkest moments, this story is for you.
0:00 - Intro
1:36 - Writing about a husband's suicide
3:41 - The call from a literary agent
7:35 - Why her first novel came first
10:44 - Titling The Far End of Happy
15:39 - Changing agents and integrity
18:31 - Remaining an optimist through tragedy
22:46 - The subjectivity of rejection
27:06 - Writing from three points of view
31:36 - New craft book: Story as Energy
35:33 - Finding voice through dance
44:12 - The power of unanswered questions
47:55 - Where to find Kathryn Craft
49:05 - Outro
RESOURCES:
Kathryn Craft:
• Instagram: @kathryncraft
• Website: kathryncraft.com
Dara Levan / Every Soul Has a Story:
• https://www.instagram.com/dara.levan/
• Website: daralevan.com
