Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine MK Mitchell.
Hi Katherine MK, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a young gymnastic star in a communist country I escaped to the USA; without speaking a word of English, I started as a dishwasher in a hospital laboratory in the Midwest; how I went to Hollywood where I was a talent agent, a screenwriter and story analyst; now living outside of Orlando I am a novelist. Website: www.katherinemitchellauthor.com and my latest book, my memoir FROM BUDAPEST TO HOLLYWOOD, is a true story although it reads easy like a novel.
Details are many and full of “tears and laughter,” disappointments in career efforts, abused refugee by men and by employers; #MeToo by the more powerful, infidelity of actor-husband; the wonders of parenthood, climbing the professional ladder by constant education, enjoying the fruits of being a well-versed, exciting female to this day!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The escape from communism through the snow-filled night with a full moon was the end of my childhood and beginning of being the adult. Being a refugee was no fun; learning a language and going to school was essential. In high school my biggest problem was that my wallet was stolen. In the New York garment industry jobs a girl would get raped and would have to go back to work as if nothing had happened.
Falling in love with a gorgeous actor was the most romantic time of my life. I was so happy I never thought he would be sleeping around. I didn’t know about life, about lies, I spoke very little English but in spite of my tears and ignorance I was the happiest mother of a fantastic new baby! But I had to work because my husband “the actor” refused to hold a job and pay the bills. He was “waiting for the next acting job.” You simply must read the memoir FROM BUDAPEST TO HOLLYWOOD to see the hell I had lived through holding two jobs to make ends meet while he and his parents spoiled my methods of raising a child and turned her against me. I did not know about such things. How do I work 18-hour days and try to have energy to be a parent? My struggles never ended but by taking college night courses I managed to elevate our lives. Education and determination are the ONLY answers for a better future.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart from all others is my work ethic, my fierce need to achieve and do whatever it takes to be the best. In Hollywood I worked in a public relations office where I learned the basics of that creative industry and I was a natural in it. I should never have left it but my deep love for my actor husband motivated me to becoming his agent and that of other actors. It was very hard, I was an odd duck in that world. Then I studied screenwriting and discovered that to be my true calling. On the road to finding contacts as a writer while also raising a child, I inadvertently dropped into law. I studied paralegal and business law and spent nearly twenty years as assistant to a top litigation attorney in a Beverly Hills entertainment law firm. I was dedicated and respected. In the meantime, I was also writing and able to pursue my main career interests with escalating success – but not the BIG success.
Following a major earthquake, I left California and moved to South Florida. I had an easy time finding good jobs but crossed the paths of some angry legal secretaries who did not appreciate that my work ethic and work product made them look bad to their attorney bosses. No one knew me really so I was in control of all my connections. I stopped worrying about who liked me or who didn’t like me. I liked me. I was at peace. I still do, I still am.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Self-confidence comes from continuous education and application of that education. The playing field is huge. Learning the requirements different people expect of me is the first key. I catch on to the overall situations rapidly and move right in. Of course, these are the times when “I wish I had been this smart earlier in my life.” Finding a parent, a relative, a caring teacher “mentor” is the next key. Listening to and learning from them can save a lot of time in climbing the ladder of success. But everything begins with “thinking” and “listening.” That is the other key of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katherinemitchellauthor.com
- Facebook: Katherine MK Mitchell
Image Credits
Candace Carson (red suit photos)
