"Let's Pretend This Never Happened" by Jenny Lawson
Jeff Glor talks to Jenny Lawson about "Let's Pretend This Never Happened."
Jeff Glor: What inspired you to write the book?
Jenny Lawson: I wanted to write a love letter to my family explaining that all of the ridiculous, mortifying moments I wanted to pretend never happened were the very moments that made me who I am today. I hope that one day my daughter will read it when she's a teenager and realize that I'm mortifying her on purpose. With love.
JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?
JL: I was surprised at how lonely writing is. I was used to the fast-paced world of blog posting, where you get immediate feedback and can post whatever you want with no editing. I had no idea how complicated and solitary it could be to write a simple book. Or maybe it's just me.
I was also surprised at how the people mentioned in the book viewed the stories. My parents enjoyed the book, but I think they still don't understand why people think it's so funny, simply because living it gives you a much different perspective than reading about it. Not everyone grew up with a dad who was semi-famous for armadillo racing.
JG: What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?
JL: Hard drugs, probably. Writing is my therapy. In addition to my real therapy. God knows where I'd be without it. I'd probably still be at my last job, working in HR at a religious organization. I was horribly miscast.
JG: What else are you reading right now?
JL: I've been reading "House of Leaves" off and on for weeks now. It scares the crap out of me, and I end up hiding it in the freezer at night. I'm also rereading Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" series. Those are my comfort books. Like old pajamas.
JG: What's next for you?
JL: I go on tour for a bit, and then I start book two. Then I remember how hard it is to write. Then I cry a lot. My family is not looking forward to this process.
For more on "Let's Pretend This Never Happened," visit the Penguin Group website.
