I never meant to be an author.
Writing books - particularly those presented in novel-type form - was not my intention. Sitting down and banging out 400 pages wasn't something I'd considered. I preferred to write short essays, composing my thoughts in quick bursts.
I grew up idolizing columnists like Art Buchwald and Andy Rooney and Dave Barry. I loved how they could take one tiny event and make it epic and heroic and hilarious. I wanted to write like they did. I wanted to see my words displayed in neat columns. I wanted to keep folks company over their morning coffee. I wanted them to read my little stories on the train, clipping their favorites and posting them on their office bulletin board. (And, let's be honest, I wanted to see my picture in the newspaper.)
So I started to write a blog in the hopes that someday I'd have my own small column somewhere. When I shared this goal with my brother, he told me it would never happen. He said if I ever wanted a column in the newspaper, I'd have to start out as a stringer, covering zoning board meetings and junior high school volleyball games. I'd have to pay my dues for years, my blood and sweat pouring into the newsprint on the off-chance that maybe someday someone would notice me.
Of course, me being me, I responded to his plan by saying, "That sucks. I think I'd rather just start at the top."
I kept writing, hoping for my big break. I wrote so much, I had enough material for a book, so I became an author. And then I worked tirelessly and wrote another book. I continued to buckle down and I wrote a third book and that one landed on the New York Times Best Seller list for ten weeks. Then then I wrote another and it hit the list, too. And then I wrote a yet-to-be-released fifth book and sold a sixth.
I never stopped writing.
Turns out that if you write enough books, you don't have to cover zoning board meetings and junior high school volleyball games.
Turns out that if you work really hard, the Chicago Tribune will notice you and they'll syndicate your work to newspapers all over the country.
Turns out my brother was wrong.
Turns out that sometimes - and if you're very, very lucky - you really can start right at the top.
CHICAGO, Feb. 25/PRNewswire/ -- For something completely new on the humor scene, TMS introduces guaranteed entertainment from four talented writers in its new content package, Humor Hotel. Hotel "guests" include actress Diane Farr, comedian/writer/director Michael Showalter, columnist and talk-show host Mark Bazer and best-selling humor author Jen Lancaster.
Each week, TMS' Humor Hotel plays host to one of these talked-about writers. Their 600-word columns will rotate through the package, covering pop culture, social networking, current events, relationships, the workplace, personal narratives and some out-the-blue takes on contemporary society. They'll make a four-star connection with readers navigating the vagaries and absurdities of day-to-day life.
Check out ...
Diane Farr: Best known for her appearances on TV's "Californication," "Numb3rs" and "Rescue Me," Farr is also the author of the best-seller "The Girl Code" and writes for many national magazines, including Mademoiselle, Marie Claire and GQ.
Michael Showalter: Multitalented Showalter has made a mark on cutting-edge TV shows for MTV, CBS and Comedy Central. His comedy and writing can also be seen in feature films "The Baxter" and "Wet Hot American Summer."
Mark Bazer: A nationally syndicated columnist who examines cultural trends, politics and the eccentricities of family life with a dry wit and unexpected perspective, Bazer also hosts Chicago's popular live "The Interview Show" and guest hosts on WGN radio.
Jen Lancaster: Creator of the highly trafficked blog www.jennsylvania.com, Lancaster is the author of serial best-selling memoirs, including "Bitter is the New Black," "Pretty in Plaid" and the forthcoming "My Fair Lazy," from NAL in May.
"Never before has there been such a collection of talent in the humor category in one content package," said Mary Elson, managing editor of TMS. "These four writers, spanning the publishing, broadcast and film worlds, offer unique and entertaining commentary at a time in America when almost everyone could use a good laugh."
About Tribune Media Services
Tribune Media Services (TMS), a subsidiary of Tribune Company, is a leading provider of information and entertainment products for print, electronic and on-air media in the United Statesand abroad. It distributes TV and movie listings and related editorial content under the TMS and Zap2it brands; syndicates comics, editorial cartoons, features and opinion columns; creates and distributes a variety of online information products; licenses editorial content from national periodicals; and manages national advertising networks. TMS also markets news, features, information graphics and multimedia content to media clients around the world through the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information, visit www.tmsfeatures.com.
Tune in tomorrow to learn how you can get Humor Hotel in your local newspaper and win an autographed advance copy of My Fair Lazy!
