Q&A with Dani Alpert

 

 

Dani Alpert is the author of the new essay collection Hello? Who Is This? Margaret?. She also has written the memoir The Girlfriend Mom. 

 

Q: Over how long a period did you write the essays in your new collection?

 

A: I’d say about three years. Some variation of a couple of the essays was published elsewhere, but they’ve since gone through extensive rewriting.

 

Q: The actor Mark Lonow said of the book, “From the West Coast to the East Coast to Prague, the essays take us on a journey best described as a report from a woman living as a modern-day member of the Lost Generation.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I would accept and love any description from Mark. He’s one of the founders of the World Famous Improv! And he’s smart, and I trust him and his taste.

 

I think it’s an accurate assessment. I write about disillusionment, alienation, and a rejection of traditional values. But instead of reacting to WWI, like the original Lost Generation, my disillusionment and feelings of alienation are reactions to my pursuit of a career in the entertainment business. Also, my search for meaning in a messy world permeates the essays.

Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: The title went through several incarnations. I wanted a title that could mean different things to different people, or no meaning at all—maybe the woman on the cover says it all.

 

It started as Hello? Who is This? because no one knows who I am. I hoped that after someone read the book, they’d know more about me than they ever wanted to know. It’s also an homage to Judy Blume. And the name Margaret alone is a funny name to me.

 

Q: What impact did it have on you to write the book, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

 

A: I hope readers will find it to be a much-needed break from the chaos in the world and can have a laugh or two. I wanted to be in show business because I wanted to entertain people. And I kept this in mind while I wrote the book.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m writing a one-person show. It may or may not be loosely based on my first book, The Girlfriend Mom. It’s time to get back on stage.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: As Casey Kasem said, “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!” And if you know who Casey Kasem is, you’re going to love Hello? Who Is This? Margaret?.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Dani Alpert.