Iris Yamashita is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter for the movie Letters from Iwo Jima. She has been working in Hollywood for fifteen years developing material for both film and streaming, has taught screenwriting at UCLA, and is an advocate of women and diversity in the entertainment industry. Iris joined me on Uncorking a Story to talk about her career and latest novel, Village in the Dark. Key Themes Exploration of different points of view and empathy in writing. Overcoming self-doubt and believing in oneself as a writer. Handling rejection and the importance of perseverance in the writing field. Financial challenges and the practicalities of making a living as a writer, including the suggestion to keep one's day job. The instability and challenges of certain writing careers, such as screenwriting. The importance of marketing and promoting one's work through various channels, such as indie bookstores and online platforms. Buy Village in the Dark Amazon: https://amzn.to/47On4rj Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593336700 Connect with Iris Website: https://www.irisyamashita.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/IrisYamashita Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisYamashitaAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/ Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisyamashita/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrisYamashitaAuthor If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.