Comedian Suzy Soro is author of Celebrity sTalker which is now available on Amazon.com and other internet sites and bookstores. Her funny “memoir” is getting rave reviews from readers and is climbing the charts.
1. How did you come up with the name for your book, Celebrity sTalker?
The title popped into my head after HumorOutcasts asked me if I had an idea for a book. A lot of my punch lines also pop into my head. It’s a relief that I don’t have to think too hard about the answers to some things but also worrisome because who the hell am I channeling? And where were they when I was taking the SAT’s?
2. You seem to have a lot of encounters with stars.
You call them encounters; the police call them violating parole.
3. This is your first book. How would you describe the writing process that went into it?
When it’s time to write, I sit down and write. It’s hard work. And not for the weak. Which is probably why you don’t see a lot of books written by two year olds. I don’t believe in writing every day unless you’re approaching a deadline. I think that gives people writer’s block. Sometimes it’s better not to write and let your mind wander. Mine often wanders over to Ryan Gosling’s house.
4. Your book is getting rave reviews and readers are asking for a second one. Is this in your future?
Yes, I’m currently working on it.
5. How would you describe your relationship with Hollywood?
Bitter and contentious. Like everyone else in this town.
6. What inspires your comedy?
One day I watched Bob Hope host the Academy Awards, which he did nineteen times over the course of his career, more than any other host, and my Dad told me Bob also went overseas and performed for the troops. I told Dad I wanted to do that so he asked what my talent was. My talent? There were so many to choose from: sneaking out at night to meet boys, forging my parents’ signatures on report cards, stealing Mars bars from People’s Drugstore.
I eventually wrote, starred in, directed, and produced my first sketch comedy show at the age of 14. It was about toilet paper. It was the beginning of my need to be funny in front of people. Later I would revise that to “My need to be funny in front of people who paid me.” And I eventually went overseas numerous times to entertain the troops, just like Bob Hope.
7. You are very well known in social media where you have a large fan base. Has social media made comedy more accessible for people and has it been a positive for comedians in general?
Social media has been a positive for artists all over the world. Youtube has changed everything, with an assist from Facebook and Twitter. Now comedians sell their CDs on their websites, bypassing a record company entirely, lowering their prices for their fans and still making a bundle of money. Prince started this trend over fifteen years ago and now all musicians and comedians do it. A musician used to make 1 dollar off a CD that was selling for 18. Now he can sell it for 8 and both the fans and the artist win.
8. Were there any stories you were nervous about including?
Just one: the story of the murder-suicide of Brynn and her former SNL cast member husband Phil Hartman and my involvement with The National Enquirer because of it. But ultimately, 99% of the people whose opinions I valued told me to include it.
9. Toughest part about writing the book?
The worst part was trying to sleep at night. I’d turn over, think of a line change and spend five minutes re-writing it in my head. Then I’d worry that I’d forget it so I’d get up and write it down in the dark. Then I’d go back to bed and worry that I wouldn’t be able to read my handwriting in the morning. So then I’d get up, walk to the computer, which is a lot further away at night when you’re sleepy than it is in the morning after a pot of coffee, and open up the file. Then I’d have to find the chapter and location I needed to put it in and begin typing.
Recently I came across a quote from author Saul Bellow, “You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.”
10. Best part about writing the book?
Typing ‘The End.’