"Old women are so much more than this. So much more. They are still complete human beings."

Purple hats, knitting needles and gnarled hands - this is how older women are usually portrayed and thought of. The pervading narrative is that they are no longer interesting. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

In her debut book Cat Brushing, Jane Campbell disrupts the stereotypes about older women. Through a collection of short stories she explores the lives of thirteen unforgettable characters, in a range of fierce, sensual and vivid narratives.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. Older people are still complete human beings, with rich lives full of experiences.
2. How to use your writing to flip the prevailing narrative.
3. The idea that everyone has an "unlived life," and how that can be used in character development.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

Lessons In Chemistry: Bonnie Garmus

The Flames: Sophie Haydock

Chronic Illness: Natasha Lipman

Find out more about Jane here.

Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood.

Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here.

You can view the full transcript here.

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