March 15, 2011

Great Dame: Maggie Serota

Maggie Serota is a 31-year-old freelance writer who lives in Brooklyn, New York. She’s written for the likes of Philadelphia Weekly, The Onion A.V. Club, Radar, NY Press, Venuszine.com, CMJ New Music Monthly, Bite TV, and last month, The Huffington Post gave an online high-five to her Daily Urban Legend blog (which is one of the best ways to lose several hours on the internet). Here are Maggie’s answers to our questions:

When did you know that writing was a big part of who you are?

I knew in the second grade when I was selected to represent my class and write for my school newspaper. It’s something that has always come easy to me. 

What is it about comedy writing that appeals to you?

I like to write jokes, but I’ve never been the kind of person that enjoys being on a stage in front of people the way stand-up comedians perform. So comedy writing was always a way for me to perform in front of an audience that I never have to see. 

How did the Daily Urban Legend blog begin?

It began as a hashtag I wanted to start trending on twitter. I essentially made up a fake fact and then paired it with the hashtag #UrbanLegendIJustMadeUp. Then, I thought it would funnier to pair a more fleshed out fake fact with a picture, so I went over to the tumblr account I had pretty much abandoned and started a new blog. The idea to make up urban legends came to me while I was either in the shower or bored at my day job. Those two places are where I get most of my ideas. 

How have you grown most as a writer since you began?

Hmmm…that’s a good question. I guess one way I’ve grown is that I’ve become less bashful about promoting my work and “putting myself out there” so to speak. Another way is that I’ve developed a thicker skin when it comes to taking criticism. Anyone who has written for a website with a comments section should pretty much develop a thick skin from the get-go.

What is it about New York that inspires you?

New York inspires me because almost everyone I’ve met has come to this city with a mission. No one I know has moved here just to hang out - they’ve pretty much come here because they’ve wanted to accomplish something big, whether its with music, art, writing or whatever. Also, New York is one of those rare places where you can find yourself having a beer with a comedian or musician you’ve grown up admiring - like on a Monday night and its no big deal. You really never know who you’re going to cross paths with here.

Great Dames Q & A:

Who is your greatest dame - living, fictional, celeb or otherwise?

My greatest dame is the character “Turtle Wexler” from the novel The Westing Game I read back in the 6th grade. She was this precocious 13-year-old who played the stock market and kicked people in the shins if they touched her signature braid. Even though she was kind of bratty, I loved her because she was clever and didn’t let anyone push her around. Anyway, she ends up being the true winner of the game mentioned in the book’s title and she grows up to be very successful and sophisticated. I remember trying to figure out ways I could adopt the nickname “Turtle.” 

If you could go back and give your 16-year-old self one bit of advice, what would it be?

I’d give my 16-year old self this advice: feel sorry for anyone who tells you that the high school years are the best time of your life. 

What’s the finest song that’s ever floated into your delicate lady ears?

“She” by The Misfits. It’s just about a minute long and it’s about Patty Hearst. It’s one of those songs that will take up residency in my head for weeks at a time. I grew up on punk rock, so most of those songs don’t so much float but kick me right in the eardrum.

What’s your most famed rant?

My most famed rant is against people who think it is okay to tell strangers to smile. I suspect this happens to women way more often than men and it is beyond demeaning.

Where are you happiest?

I am the happiest when I’m in bed and I wake up in the middle of the night and realize that I get to go back to sleep. It’s a boring answer, but I’m usually running on an obscene sleep deficit and appreciate any sleep I can get. 

*Photo credit: Mindy Tucker

(Source: greatdames.co.uk)

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    THESE PEOPLE DO NOT LIE!
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