Interview with Dan Hirshberg
Book Promoter
May 20, 2020
Sitting with Laverne H. Bardy, author of the humor collection, Driving Backwards on a One-Way Street: A Savvy Senior’s Map to Finding Humor in Everything, it’s easy to see why her nationally syndicated humor column, Laverne’s View, appeals to so many in the aged-like-fine-wine demographic and beyond. Coming at a time when we could all use a few laughs, her newest book compiles 71 of her favorite columns, which explore aging in America with a delightfully irreverent humor and wit. In writing – and in conversation – she holds little back, exploring topics from technology to body image and a myriad of topics both timely and timeless:
So, are there any topics you consider off limits?
I don’t like anything that includes vulgarity, abusiveness to people or animals, and bathroom humor. And, I will not denigrate, belittle, or embarrass anyone for the sake of a laugh. Other than those self-imposed barriers, anything goes.
Such as?
I could write endlessly about everyday incidents and occurrences that most people see and hear, but don’t pay attention to: The sign I read on a country road that read “Heavy Deer Area.” The elderly woman standing in line in a restaurant, holding onto her walker and dancing, high-kicking Rockette style, to the background music.
How long have you been chronicling life’s little events?
I never consciously thought about writing a column; I just knew I enjoyed writing. It was a wonderful release. The first time I was officially responsible for writing something that involved a deadline was when I was asked to edit and write the Hot Line, a newsletter for the PTA …. All my life, I’ve been told that I am funny. It was early on … and I was sitting with a group of friends around my kitchen table, that I realized each of the stories we were relating were similar. And, they were funny – worthy of embellishing – and perfect to print in the Hot Line.
What’s your favorite story you’ve written over all these years?
Hmmm. This is tough. I fall in love with most of my columns. One does come to mind immediately, though: “Battle of the Bulge,” which details my struggle to remove a sopping wet, one-piece bathing suit while in a Mexican resort restroom. You can read it in Driving Backwards on a One-Way Street.
Do you ever plan to retire from writing?
I can’t imagine ever starting a day without paying a visit to my office, sitting in front of my computer, and writing something. Often, until I see it on my computer screen, I have no real sense of what I’m feeling.
Tell us something your readers don’t already know.
My readers may not know that I have little to no memory. It’s something I’ve struggled with my entire life. I have eluded to it in my writing, always with humor, when I write about the sticky notes I have everywhere. Keeping diaries is helpful. Each time I sit down to read segments of them, I feel as though I’m reading about someone else’s life because it’s all unfamiliar to me.
Interview with Sam Kimberle,
Creator and Founder of CREATIVE LIFE SCHOLARS.
View it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oJnN9BZKKQg