Amanda Montell

When did you decide you wanted to publish your own book?

I'd always loved writing and wanted to pursue a creative career path but it wasn't really until my creative writing classes at NYU when I became overcome with the calling/plague (depending on how you look at it haha) to want to write and publish books.

What was your inspiration for the book?
The book was based on my studies in language and gender as a college linguistics major, which I found endlessly fascinating (and so did non-linguists when I'd talk to them about it). I was shocked there wasn't already a book out there that brought feminist sociolinguistics from the pedastal of academia to the masses and was both intimiated and honored that I got to be the one to do it. As far as the style of the book goes, I was hugely inspired by the humorous pop science writer Mary Roach.

What is the most exciting news you received?
To my shock and delight, I am now developing Wordslut for television with Pamela Adlon at FX! I'm currently in the process of writing a pilot for a show about a complicated young language genius who uses her linguistic powers to access and dethrone powerful people.

When you were struggling how did you find yourself getting out of a rut?
Haha I still feel like I am always, always struggling. Writing is hard. But video-chatting with other author friends who can commiserate, validate, and inspire me tends to help get me out of my head. Shout out Camille Perri and Koa Beck!

New York or LA?

Has to be LA.

Favorite hobby to relax?

Reading a snappy novel with a glass of wine in hand, a record on, and my pets cuddling next to me.

Favorite skin care product

Right now the only beauty product I am truly passionate about is my Nala Care Bergamot and Sandalwood Deodorant.

How do you strive to be the best role model for other women?

This sounds simple and corny, but I just try to make myself really human and accessible to other people. I want to make sure other women and non-binary folks know they can come to me (whether it's sliding into my DMs with a question or attending one of my live books events) and know that I am there to connect with them, champion them, and share the little knowledge I have with them, so we can all support each other and succeed together.

Pets?

3 rescues: my cats, Claire and David, and my Border Collie-Lab mix, Fiddle. Meow woof.

How did you find your passion?

I've been a creative person with a bunch of artsy fartsy hobbies since I was a kid. I wasn't good at all of them (you do not want to hear me play the violin or see me paint haha), but perfection is the enemy of both passion and productivity.
First thing you do after waking up in the morning
Squeeze whatever feline is inevitably splayed across my torso.

Dream vacation?

Italy will always be my happy place.

Goals for the future?

Right now all I can think about is the novel I want to publish. I wrote the first two pages of it today!

Go-to binge watching show

Top Chef.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My dearly departed Paw Paw. For his generosity, intellect, and joie de vivre.

All Candles

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Amanda Montell

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