How to write a Kurt Cobain Biography

with Kelly Catlin

Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide and the death of Kurt Cobain. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or calling a suicide prevention hotline in your area. You’re not alone.

How to write a Kurt Cobain Biography

In this episode, I talk with author Kelly Catlin, whose journey into writing began with a personal loss. That experience sparked a desire to explore deeper stories—and led her to write Kurt Cobain: Forever in Bloom. We discuss what drew her to Cobain’s story, how long the process took, and what it really means to commit to writing a book in ‘How to write a Kurt Cobain Biography‘.

The Challenges of Writing Without Repeating Yourself

Kelly shares how she structured the book to avoid repetition—especially when dealing with well-known events and timelines. Writing about someone as iconic as Cobain meant striking a balance between known facts and new insight. We also talk about handling feedback and criticism, especially with such a sensitive subject.

Interviewing with Empathy: Digging into the Personal

What makes a biography meaningful? According to Kelly, it’s how you handle the interviews. We dive into her approach to interviewing friends, family, and experts—always with care and respect.

What Would Kurt Think of Today’s World?

We end with a reflective look at what Cobain might think of social media, fame in 2025, and how he’s remembered now. Kelly also shares which Nirvana song means the most to her, and the one question she wishes she could ask Kurt himself. If you’re considering writing a biography or telling someone’s real-life story, this episode is full of powerful insights and hard-earned advice.

Whether you’re a Nirvana fan, an aspiring biographer, or just curious about the creative process, this episode is full of honest, heartfelt insights.

Check out Kellys book: Kurt Cobain – Forever in Bloom

Listen to another published author

Interested in finding out more about publishing a book? Check out my interview with Bev Sandford in How to be a published Author