Home / Arts and Entertainment / From Rejection to Red Carpet: Lynn Painter's Hollywood Breakout
From Rejection to Red Carpet: Lynn Painter's Hollywood Breakout
29 Sep
Summary
- Author's YA novels are being adapted for Sony films.
- Fifteen years of rejections preceded this major success.
- Adaptations are actively in production and casting.
- The author collaborates closely with filmmakers on adaptations.

Lynn Painter's career has transformed dramatically after fifteen years of facing rejection from literary agents. Her breakout YA novel, 'Better Than the Movies,' is now being adapted by Sony Pictures, with production underway. The casting for the adaptation of her novel 'Fake Skating' has also been announced, featuring Amélie Hoeferle and Graham Campbell. Painter has visited the set of 'Better Than the Movies,' describing the experience as surreal.
Painter emphasizes the collaborative relationship she shares with the filmmakers, noting their respect for her original vision. Producers have kept her involved in the adaptation process, ensuring key emotional elements, like Liz's coming-of-age arc, are preserved. She highlights that changes made for the script primarily serve to streamline sequences while maintaining the story's emotional core.
Reflecting on her long journey, Painter's current success feels earned after years of trying to get published. She remains grounded, focusing on the joy of writing romance stories, particularly her signature "Are they gonna kiss" narratives. Her latest book, 'Trust Fall,' set in New York, explores themes of coming-of-age and enemies-to-lovers dynamics, a genre she frequently revisits. She also has 'Cowboy Like Me' releasing next spring.