The Art of Storytelling and Resilience in Hollywood

Guest: Kay Oliver

• Background: Kay Oliver is a dynamic storyteller with degrees in radio, TV, and film from California State University Fullerton, and an MBA in business. With three decades in the entertainment industry, Kay has produced, written, and directed films, spending much of her career in Hollywood. She’s recently been recognized in Marquis Who’s Who in America in 2024.

Introduction:

• Host: Dr. Allen Lycka introduces Kay Oliver, highlighting her extensive experience in Hollywood and her current work as a novelist. Kay’s journey from the entertainment industry to becoming a celebrated author is discussed, along with her ability to overcome challenges with humor and empathy.

Early Career and Hollywood Experience:

• Beginnings: Kay shares her early passion for storytelling, starting with a sixth-grade speech writing contest. She pursued a degree in Radio TV Film at Cal State Fullerton, which led to a successful career in Hollywood.
• Hollywood Career: Kay worked for notable figures like Lew Wasserman and companies like DreamWorks. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, she produced strong female-centered films and battled breast cancer during her time in Hollywood.

Transition to Writing Novels:

• Shift to Novel Writing: After surviving breast cancer, Kay decided to pursue her passion for writing novels. Her first novel won four awards, and she has since published nine books, each focusing on strong female characters and real-life challenges.
• Highlighted Works:
• Dr. Callie Werther Series: Begins with "Disturbed Tombs," exploring why ancient mummies are unearthed while modern graveyards are considered sacred.
• The Road to Illicium: A story of personal loss and redemption, involving a man who mentors a young boy amidst life’s challenges. This book has won nine awards and is in consideration for a movie adaptation.

Challenges of Being a Female Creator in Hollywood:

• Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Kay discusses the difficulties she faced as a woman in Hollywood, from pay disparities to dealing with inappropriate behavior. Despite these challenges, she continued to create powerful stories with strong female leads.
• Evolution in Hollywood: The conversation touches on the slow but evident shift in Hollywood towards recognizing female talent and stories, with references to films like "Frozen" and the ongoing fight for equal pay.

Marketing and Writing Insights:

• Marketing as a Writer: Kay emphasizes the importance of marketing one’s work, noting that writing the book is just the beginning. She shares tips on how to effectively market a book and the effort required to succeed in the industry.
• Writing Tips: Kay encourages writers to write with passion and to focus on the editing process. She provides resources and writing tips on her website for aspiring authors.

BIO:

Kay A. Oliver is a dynamic storyteller with degrees in Radio/TV/Film from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA in Business. With over three decades in entertainment, she has produced, written, and directed films, championing women's resilience in her novels. Notable works include the "Dr. Kaili Worthy" series and "Road to Elysium," exploring life's challenges with humor and empathy. Honored in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America 2024, her legacy as a legendary storyteller is cemented.

Social Media:

Website: https://KayAOliver.com

Twitter: @amazinglyOliveTikTok: Hollywood_Gal

Instagram: The_Hollywood_Gal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkayaoliver

Amazon Author Central: https://tinyurl.com/4zkamn6s