PHOTO: Dianne Burckhardt: Author, storyteller, and podcast host who transforms challenges into compelling stories that captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
A Journey of Overcoming Challenges, Writing Westerns, and Embracing Life
Dianne Burckhardt shares her inspiring journey of writing western novellas, overcoming challenges from brain surgeries, embracing creativity, and crafting an authentic voice through storytelling, resilience, and unwavering determination.
The journey and achievements of Dianne Burckhardt are nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Wichita, Kansas, Dianne’s passion for storytelling emerged at a tender age and has beautifully evolved into a prolific career spanning multiple creative and professional roles. From her early days as a contributor to local publications to becoming an acclaimed author, designer, audiobook narrator, and podcast host, Dianne embodies resilience, creativity, and an indomitable spirit.
Writing under the pen name “Stephen Burckhardt,” she has brought the essence of the old west to life, inspired by her own love for westerns and deep personal connections, such as the cherished influence of her grandmother. Her storytelling is steeped in authenticity and infused with ingenuity, captivating audiences through serialised narratives rich in suspense and character. Her western novellas, alongside her creative endeavours, stand as a testament to her remarkable talent and adaptability.
Dianne’s life journey, encompassing challenges such as multiple brain surgeries and the rediscovery of her creative voice, serves as an inspiring narrative in itself. These experiences have not only shaped her writing but redefined her approach to life with unwavering determination. Her upcoming autobiography, Free Bad Haircut with Each Craniotomy, is certain to resonate profoundly with readers, offering both raw honesty and hope as she shares her transformative path.
It is a privilege to feature Dianne Burckhardt in this issue of Reader’s House magazine. Her stories, both on the page and in life, remind us that creativity and perseverance can flourish even amidst adversity. She is a beacon of inspiration to authors, creators, and dreamers worldwide. We invite you to immerse yourself in her words and works, celebrating the artistry of a truly remarkable storyteller.
Dianne Burckhardt is a remarkable storyteller whose resilience, creativity, and passion for her craft inspire readers and writers alike.
What inspired you to start writing western novellas, and how did you develop your unique approach to serial storytelling?
I’ve always love writing. I remember crafting stories in early grade school. My love of westerns comes from old movies and TV shows, but I never considered writing one until I accepted a western novella ghostwriting assignment. It was fun to write. I loved the Lone Ranger as a kid, I found the cliff-hangers thrilling. That’s what influenced me to do that in my own series. My Granny also influenced me, she loved reading westerns. I wrote my western for her. Sadly, she passed away six months before I published the first book, on what would have been her 100th birthday.
How did your experience with multiple brain surgeries and recovery influence your writing process and creativity?
I have short-term memory issues so I have learned to keep detailed notes so I can easily check facts to keep continuity in my books. I also use my friends and family to get around other memory issues. I have a real problem remembering new names, even ones I make up for my own characters. Many of my friends and family who are in my long-term memory let me use their names for characters so I can remember them.
“I loved the Lone Ranger as a kid; I found the cliff-hangers thrilling.” – Dianne Burckhardt
What challenges have you faced in balancing your roles as an author, designer, audiobook narrator, and podcast host?
I have no real concept of time, so I have loads of reminders and alarms to make sure I do things on time. I have Google calendars on my computer to keep track of everything, but I also have a planner. I found the act of writing things down helps me remember better than typing it into the computer. It’s odd but it’s easier for me to focus on several things at once. When I just have one task to try to accomplish, I tend to put it off or I find my mind wandering to other things. When I have several things to juggle, it helps me focus on each thing as I jump from project to project for short periods.
Can you share more about the process of writing under the pen name Stephen Burckhardt and how it has shaped your career?
When I decided to self-publish my own work, I worried my brain damage could still be a problem. As a ghostwriter I had gatekeepers, if my client thought my writing was subpar, they wouldn’t buy it. I decided to use a pen name. If my work was bad, I could walk away, and no one would know it was mine. So, I created Stephen Burckhardt. The author photo is my dad at my age when I wrote the first book. It worked great until my book won an award and people wanted to interview me. I suddenly realized how difficult it was going to be to market “Stephen’s” books. It forced me to eventually come out as the author. While I’m keeping “Stephen Burckhardt” for my westerns, I will not create another male pen name.
How has your Cherokee heritage influenced your storytelling, particularly in your western-themed books?
Honestly, I didn’t even know I was Cherokee until I was a teenager when my paternal grandfather passed away. He had forbidden the family to claim Native heritage because he had always been afraid of his children being taken away and put in a “Indian” boarding school. I have tried over the years to connect to my Cherokee heritage, but I have not had much luck. I’m still trying.
What can readers expect from your upcoming autobiography, Free Bad Haircut with Each Craniotomy, and how do you hope it will inspire others?
I am giving a raw account of what it was like to go through the whole ordeal. I often refer to 2004 as my year in hell. However, when people say they wish I hadn’t gone through my ordeal, I tell them I am thankful I did. I am not the same person I was before my accident, obviously. That’s bad in some ways, but very good in others. I was extremely OCD and occasionally neurotic, but once you’ve died and come back, suddenly little things don’t bother you so much anymore.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author, and what are your future goals for your writing career?
Just proving to myself I can do it. Proving the accident didn’t take everything from me. I can still achieve my dreams even if takes me twice as long as “normal” people, it’s all still doable. I just have to find MY WAY to do it.
