I've only read two David Sedaris books: Me Talk Pretty One Day recommended by my sister and, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim recommended by a girl at my new job, who invited me to join her monthly book club. ( Yes, you read it right! I was invited to join a book club!) Both times I was quickly sucked in by Sedaris' self-deprecating wit and both times he re-kindled my interest on my own family stories.When I read Sedaris, my immediate train of thought was: "Couldn't I also exploit my family's crazy quirks and hilariously unique anecdotes and get paid $$$$$$$$$$ to do so?"
So many times, after hanging out with any one of my many family members, I've opened up that blank word document, fingers poised on my ergonomic keyboard anxiously waiting for the words to flow. I sit there as the glowing screen taunts me, challenging me to write something reader-worthy. It is a staring contest that can go on for hours, until my eyes blur over and I am the first to blink, leaving my victory for another day.
Then I ask myself, does everyone think their family is worth writing about?
Why do only some share their stories with the world?
Is it just that some are writers and some are readers or is it actually that David Sedaris' life is more interesting than mine?
With two foreign parents and four older siblings (the youngest, only 8 years older than me), you'd think that my writing would be overflowing with exciting and embarrassing stories. But even if inspiration hits, as soon as I open up that word doc. my creativity shuts down and I am left staring in frustration; grasping at the disappearing wisps of revelation. But I will not lose faith.
With two foreign parents and four older siblings (the youngest, only 8 years older than me), you'd think that my writing would be overflowing with exciting and embarrassing stories. But even if inspiration hits, as soon as I open up that word doc. my creativity shuts down and I am left staring in frustration; grasping at the disappearing wisps of revelation. But I will not lose faith.
Maybe I can put this on my list of New Year's resolutions for 2010. So far, I've got:
1. Write on my blog more often - if not everyday, at least every other day.
And now...
2. Write a least one story about one of my family members each month.
(Two working titles are: The Year of the Pineapples* and Brunch.)
Wish me luck!
Sedaris writes for the New Yorker...you should check it out.
ReplyDeletePS. I enjoy that I am "only 8 years" older than you, I like the only part :)
PPS. It is really hard to put into words the hilarity that is your family...I'm thinking a comedy short would be better.